How to Use A Piping Bag (+ the 5 Common Piping Techniques You Should Know!)

Mesmerized by TikTok cake decorating videos, but fear if you tried, your dessert would look like a total Pinterest fail? Yea, us too. But Sur La Table’s new line of cake decorating and piping tools makes it easier than ever to master the basics. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro looking to refine your skills, this guide covers everything from filling a piping bag to creating stunning borders and flourishes.

Hungry for more? From piping bags and tips to mixing bowls, measuring spoons, digital scales and more, our selection of Baking Tools has everything you need to unleash your inner Star Baker!

Shop Our Baking Tools Collection!

HOW TO FILL AND HOLD A PIPING BAG

Mastering a piping bag takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be a pro in no time.

1. Choose the Right Bag
   Use a reusable or disposable piping bag depending on your preference.
2. Prepare the Bag
   Before filling the piping bag, be sure to place the piping tip down in the bottom of the piping bag first. If you’re using a new piping bag, snip off the tip of the piping bag and wiggle the tip into place. Be careful not to cut so much that the tip slips through.
3. Filling the Bag
   To fill the bag, hold the bag in the middle and fold the top half down over your hand to open it up. With a spoon or spatula, scoop the filling and place it the bottom of the piping bag. Scrape any excess filling off the spoon or spatula against the side of the bag before withdrawing it. Only fill the bag about 2/3 to 3/4 of the way up. You can also place the bag inside a tall glass, fold the top over the rim, and spoon frosting into the bag that way.
4. Secure and Hold
   Twist the top of the bag once and gently “burp” the bag by adding a bit of pressure to eliminate any air bubbles that may have gotten trapped before piping.

HOW TO USE A COUPLER

A coupler is a small but mighty tool that makes cake decorating a breeze by allowing you to switch piping tips without having to change bags. Not all couplers are created equal. Whichever brand you choose, look for a coupler with a well-fitted ring and a smooth base to avoid cutting through disposable piping bags. If you want to create multiple designs with the same icing color, a coupler is a must.

1. Insert the Coupler Base
   Place the base of the coupler inside your piping bag and push it to the tip.
2. Attach the Piping Tip
   Select your desired tip and place it over the coupler base.
3. Secure with the Coupler Ring
   Screw the outer ring onto the coupler base to hold the tip in place.
4. Switch Tips with Ease
   Unscrew the ring, swap the tip, and reattach to keep decorating seamlessly.

HOW TO USE A FLOWER NAIL

A flower nail is a rotating platform that allows you to pipe intricate buttercream flowers with precision.

1. Prepare the Nail
   Place a small dab of frosting on the nail head to secure a parchment square.
2. Pipe Your Flower
   Hold the piping bag at a 45-degree angle and rotate the nail as you pipe petals.
3. Transfer to Cake
   Gently lift the parchment square and place your flower onto the cake.

5 MOST COMMON PIPING TECHNIQUES

Piping tips come in dozens of shapes and sizes, each designed for specific decorating tasks. The tip used to write a message on a cake isn’t the same one you’d use to create a swirl of frosting on a cupcake.

• Small piping tips are best for intricate details on cakes, cookies, and pastries. The most common types—round, star, petal, and leaf tips—allow you to pipe dots, lines, messages, ruffles, and more. Some small tips are also used to inject fillings into pastries like éclairs.
• Large piping tips are ideal for filling pastries, layering cakes, and frosting cupcakes. Round and star tips cover most needs, while larger tips are also used for shaping cookies like meringues and macarons, as well as pâte à choux.

Now that you know the basics, here are five classic piping techniques to try:

1. Shell Border: A timeless way to finish cake edges. Hold the piping bag at a 45-degree angle, squeeze, then release as you pull away to create uniform shells.
2. Leaves: A delicate accent for floral designs. Use a leaf tip and vary pressure as you pipe short, pointed strokes for natural-looking leaves.
3. Ruffles: Great for elegant, feminine cakes. Use a petal tip and move the bag back and forth while applying even pressure.
4. Stars: The best way to add texture and dimension. Pipe directly onto the surface, releasing pressure to create a well-defined star.
5. Swirl Drop Flower: The easiest way to create florals. Pipe a swirl with a star tip and release slightly to form soft, petal-like edges.

Hungry for more? From piping bags and tips to mixing bowls, measuring spoons, digital scales and more, our selection of Baking Tools has everything you need to unleash your inner Star Baker!

Shop Our Baking Tools Collection!