Cutting a decorated sheet cake is the focus of complex, ongoing mathematics research. It might appear “simple as pie,” however, compared with the challenges of cutting a decorated pie.

Once you learn how to decorate a cake, you'll be whipping up celebratory treats in no time. Use all of our favorite tips and tricks to create a professional layered cake right at home.

This rectangle cake was minimally decorated — which was totally fine, in my opinion — with white icing, ribbons of blue icing, some blue and white sprinkles, and a fake flower dotting each corner.

For bakers looking to try their hand at an elaborate sheet cake, Holmes says a good cake board is key, and the trend is in bakers’ favour. “They’re so simple to cut and serve, and can be decorated as ...