Techniques
9 courses in this category

The Rough Draft Cake
In this class, we’re tackling the rough draft stage of every cake—the crumb coat! Learn how to stack, level, fill, and seal your cake for a smooth, sturdy foundation. I’ll walk you through every step so your cake stays straight, stable, and ready for decorating. Remember, this stage isn’t about perfection—it’s about structure and confidence. 💪 Need support or want to share your progress? Join our Facebook community, The Piped Peony Academy, and meet fellow cake-lovers who get it. Every masterpiece starts with a rough draft—let’s build yours! 💛

Acrylic Discs - The Secret Agents of Sharp Edges and Smooth Finishes!
Uncover the magic of achieving sharp buttercream edges and a smooth buttercream finish with our acrylic discs class! Dara will be there with you every step of the way, guiding you to master the art of the smooth buttercream finish. Grab your acrylics and bench scraper, and let's go!

Basic Cake Decorating Tools
Let’s learn cake decorating basics – how to smooth the outer coat, create sharp or rustic edges, add lace, and everything in between.

Leveling, Daming, Filling & Crumbcoating
Learn basic techniques for making a crumb coating and filling, as well as including leveling and how to dam the filling.

Making Cake Lace
Let’s learn how to make, dry, and apply cake lace without it cracking.

Special Spackle: Placing Buttercream Flowers on Cake Sides
Unlock the secret to beautifully placing buttercream flowers on the sides of your cakes and ensuring they stay perfectly in place for hours! In this exclusive class, Dara walks you through her super-secret technique, guiding you step by step. You’ll learn how to achieve flawless results, creating stunning designs that defy gravity. This class will transform the way you decorate your cakes. Get ready to elevate your skills to the next level with Dara's expert guidance!

The Heart Cake
Love is always in the air! Learn how to make a heart-shaped cake with the perfect buttercream coating. Accompanying PDF Downloads: 6 in Cake Layer Template 7 in Cake Layer Template 8 in Cake Layer Template 9 in Cake Layer Template 10 in Cake Layer Template

The Pumpkin Cake
Let’s get festive with a pumpkin cake! Learn how to shape the cake with knives and your essential tools.

The Pumpkin Stem
Finish your pumpkin cake off with a farm-fresh-looking stem.