Using Ribbon on the Cake

• A fabric ribbon can be applied directly around a frosted or fondant-covered cake. Measure the length of ribbon that you need to go around the cake. Overlap slightly so there is not an open space on any side of the cake. Keep the ribbon on the cake by securing with a piece of double-sided tape or a small amount of frosting between the two pieces.

  Depending on the cake and the ribbon, you may want to align the ribbon on the bottom of the cake or you can string it in the middle to break up the color of the frosting and/or fondant. Experiment with where you like the ribbon on the cake. If you can't decide, try several different strands of ribbon placed intermittently around the cake for a unique yet sophisticated look. To add more flair, you can complement colors in the ribbons by adding a few flowers on top of each layer.

Decorating with Ribbon Around the Cake

• If you don't want to put the fabric ribbon directly on the cake, you can always just use it as a decorative element around the cake. For instance, you can put lengths of ribbon under the cake so the ribbon sticks out a few inches and gives the display a bit more color and style. Another option is to buy or create a bow with long streamers at the ends. Top the cake with the bow and then allow the long streamers to cascade gently down the sides of the cake. Ribbons can be brightly colored to add instant style and sophistication.

Creating Edible Ribbon for Your Cake

• If you like the idea of ribbon on your cake but want it to be edible, think about making ribbons out of fondant. Fondant is used to decorate many cakes and is a sugary substance that is pliable like Play Doh and can be shaped into just about anything, including a ribbon, and then applied to the cake. You can dye the fondant any color and get the look you are going for while having it be edible. You can often buy fondant at your local baking supply shop or you can make it, as many cookbooks contain recipes for a basic fondant.