Whether you're an aspiring baker or looking for inspiration for your own birthday cake, these must-see decorating ideas give the dessert an extra special look.

The cake I chose to wish her a happy birthday is Le Brantôme from her book “From Julia Child’s Kitchen” (Knopf, 1975). It is a delicate layer cake made with ground walnuts, eggs, sugar and ...

Because the cake decorating class had over 30 students, it was easy for my eyes to wander to other cakes and compare my work. Feeling discouraged, however, is unhelpful in learning.