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Hi, can someone give me a few tips on attaching ribbon around the base of an irregular shaped cake, such as a number cake. I have tried dampening the surface of the icing and also using royal icing but the ribbon showed moisture marks which spoilt the finish. Any suggestions please as being an odd shape the ribbon needs to stick well as it doesn’t have the same tension as a round/square cake to keep it smooth.

Hi ozcake

I use a little piping gel to make the icing tacky so the ribbon can adhere. If you use too much it will mark in the same way as royal icing does. You could also use a little edible glue made up with tylose and water. Make a small amount by adding quarter teaspoon of tylose powder to approx 50ml water, leave to combine until it forms a clear glue. Overnight for best results. Use sparingly to prevent marking the ribbon. I always secure the ribbon with a dress makers pin until the ribbon adheres. If using this method don’t forget to remove the pin.