Cake Decorating Classes and Schools in Minnesota

Have you always wanted to learn how to decorate a cake? Instead of buying a tacky grocery store cake for your next celebration, why not pick up the skills to decorate your own cake? Several cake decorating classes are available in Minnesota, for beginners and old pros. Even if you've been decorating cakes for years but never learned how to make gumpaste flowers, there's a cake decorating class in Minnesota for you!

Joann Fabrics Cake Decorating Classes in Minnesota: Joann's has locations throughout Minnesota, with most of the stores offering the Wilton Method Cake Decorating classes. These are the classes in which I am currently enrolled, and I am very pleased with how I am progressing. Three classes are available: Decorating Basics, Gum Paste and Fondant, and Cake Design and Flowers. Joann's also offers a Wilton Tall Cakes class, and a one-session cake decorating class for kids. Decorating Basics is $27. The other classes are about $45-$50. The price does not include the student kit or any required supplies. Don't worry though; Joann's gives you a coupon when registering for a discount on your supplies. Each class has four, two-hour sessions and meet once per week. Classes typically begin at the beginning of each month. You also must take Decorating Basics before advancing on to the other Wilton classes.

Michael's Cake Decorating Classes in Minnesota: Michael's teaches the Wilton Method classes as well, and a kids class. Though, I don't believe they offer the "Tall Cakes" class. The cost is basically the same as Joann's.

Whole Foods Cake Decorating 101: The Minneapolis Whole Foods store (located in Uptown) offers a one-hour cake decorating class for $18. This is an extremely basic class, where you'll learn how to properly frost a cake, work with cake layers and learn the foundations of piping. The class is hands-on, but because it's only an hour long, you probably won't walk out of the class feeling like you could frost a cake that could be displayed at a grocery store. For $18, you're probably better off taking the Wilton classes ($27) and getting more bang for your buck. Then again, if you're pressed on time, this might be an good alternative.

Lynn's Cake and Candy Supplies:
Located in Fridley, this is the only store in the Twin Cities area solely dedicated to cake and candy supplies. This store offers a variety of cake, cupcake and candy-making classes for all levels. Some of the classes offered include Topsy Turvey Cakes, Beginning Rolled Fondant, Ornament Cupcakes and Gumpaste Flowers. Only private classes are available during the summer months. Check the website for a class schedule. Registrations are taken over the phone or in-person.

Le Courdon Blue Culinary School
This is a technical college offing a two-year program. While you will learn cake decorating skills, it's only a small portion of your curriculum.