The Lambeth Cake Decorating Method Is The Vintage Style You Should Know

Whether it is a wedding, birthday, or another formal celebration, having a well-decorated cake is almost as important as having a delicious one. A multi-tiered cake decorated in frosting filigree is the pinnacle of decorative decadence. For delicate yet complex frosting work that proves baking truly is an art, a Lambeth cake is the way to go.

Just like the way beans on toast became an English breakfast staple, the Lambeth cake decorating method is a centuries-old  mainstay of the English baking scene. Named after Joseph Lambeth, author of a 1934 book titled "The Lambeth Method of Cake Decoration & Practical Pastries," this piping technique is characterized by intricate, clean, and beautiful designs created with multiple layers of royal icing.

While buttercream icing will result in a charming, vintage look, many argue that the design of a Lambeth cake made this way will not be as crisp as it would be with royal icing. After all, royal icing is known for its ability to preserve detailed work with a smooth finish. Frostings can be colored to create a themed cake, too; a pastel color palette would further lean into the vintage vibes, but any colors can be used to create a dreamy Lambeth cake.

Whether it is on a store-bought red velvet cake or a classic vanilla cake made from scratch, the Lambeth piping technique (also known as over piping) can be used on whatever variety strikes your fancy. While this technique may seem intimidating at first, with patience and practice even a beginner can create a stunning Lambeth cake. Still, attention to detail at all levels is key. With this decorating method, some of the most common mistakes everyone makes when baking, like ensuring all layers of cake are leveled before frosting, become even more important.

Every Lambeth cake begins with a smooth and sturdy base, usually of fondant, for the first layer of royal icing to be applied to. After that first icing has settled a bit, foundational layers of scrolls and garlands are added. These initial layers will guide the finer details and designs that come next. By layering designs onto each other, the cake itself becomes a piece of art.

The detail of a Lambeth cake is accomplished by piping tips of a variety of shapes and sizes, from large leaf tips to small star ones. The different shapes and sizes help create a cake filled with ruffles, garlands, swirls, and small floral details. The piping work can be further complemented by sprinkles and sugar pearls for festive, yet regal, decorative elements.