If you're seeing this, this page is under construction. It's being placed here for the purpose of having a demonstratable technical writing proficiency.
This guide was created using Ingles Markets policies and procedures circa 2017. Though entitled the Ultimate Cake Guide, it is not necessarily suitable for all applications, public or private, and should be reviewed before being put to use.
A piping bag is a piece of layered plastic, typically in a triangle shape with the small end open. They often come in rolls, and may come in various sizes. Make sure for most applications, unless otherwise noted, to use the largest size. If sourcing your own piping bags, make certain to get them sturdy enough to survive for longer than three minutes; not all piping bags are created equally.
Piping bag tips come in a variety of shapes. The three most important ones are the Base Icing Tip, the Cupcake Star Tip, and the Coupler Tip. The base icing tip and cupcake star tips are usually metal, and the coupler tip is usually plastic. There are also smaller metal tips designed for use with the coupler tip, and small rings to screw them on with.
The smaller tips usually have numbers printed on them corresponding to the shape and size. Most of them are easy to tell apart at a glance, but knowing the number may be useful if any become damaged or lost and need to be reordered.
The smallest writing tip, for the finest details.
A mid-sized writing tip, for general use in writing and fine lines.
A good-sized writing tip, for bold letters visible in a display or on a larger product.
A moderately sized wide-mouth tip, for smooth edges on daisies, spots, and balloons, or very bold writing.
A good wide-mouth tip for smooth edges on large areas or balloons.
Sometimes called a petal tip, these little oblong shapes are perfect for roses, ribbons, and other fancy flowers.
These come in different sizes, and create a star or a shell pattern.
Often mistaken for a star tip, these are a quick way to make a simple flower and save a little time. The difference is that flower tips are connected in the middle, and star tips are not.
This is a smaller version of the Base Icing Tip and can be used to create basket weave effects.