A few weekends ago I went along to a Primrose Bakery Cupcake Decorating Masterclass. My boyfriend bought me a voucher for the class as part of my birthday present - he knows how much I love baking!
So one Sunday afternoon I pottered along to the Primrose Bakery store in Covent Garden. As you can see above, everything is pretty and pastel, and let's be honest, really easy to photograph!
During the class, the Head Chef teaches you how to make really good icing that is exactly the right consistency (the key is in beating the butter and sugar for a good 10-15 minutes - don't give up before then, which is what I usually do), how to do the Primrose signature swirl design, how to decorate cupcakes, and also how to ice a big layer cake.
When you go in, to start with you'll be given two big and two mini vanilla cupcakes, a selection of coloured vanilla icing and an array of colourful toppings. After the Head Chef has shown you how to do the signature swirl (it's much tricker that it sounds!) you'll then practice this on your own. You're given as many hot drinks as you want during the class, and encouraged to ask whatever questions you have about baking.
Once you've mastered the swirl, you'll then be taught about the flat top design, which is best when you want to then ice with a name and put sprinkles around the edge.
And here are the finished products!
(Just look at that swirl!)
I think they came out pretty well - and you get to take them home with you afterwards. Needless to say, they didn't last long in my house.
All in all, I thought it was a really nice thing to do, and an especially good present idea for people that love baking. It's relaxing, really satisfying, obviously delicious, and I learnt some new skills and met some really nice people too!
