ACADA & International Cake Show Australia
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Wedding Cake Design, Textures
​& Trending Finishes
"Includes Airbrushed Cocoa Butter & Chocolate Finish "

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TEACHER: CHEF KEN TIAN
K CAKE AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

Book Here
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Private Workshop Area

International Cake Show Australia
Exhibition Hall 2, 
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC)

Merivale Street
South Brisbane (Southbank) Qld 4101

Workshop Duration: 2 DAYS 

Class Option 1
Thursday 10th April & Friday 11th April 

Class Option 2
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th April 

Time:                 
8.00am - 4.00pm each day

Note: Note: Class finish times are approximate.

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​Experience Level:
  Intermediate & Above
           
This workshop is being taught step by step, however it's not designed for decorators with no experience. To get the best from this class you should have already mastered the basics such as layering and ganaching cakes. 

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Cost:                 
ACADA Members - $820
General Public    -  $850
*Includes a complimentary 3 day ticket to International Cake Show Australia valued at $75​​
Workshop Description:
​
This two-day wedding cake design workshop is suitable for those with intermediate cake decorating skills and above. You will be using real cake, not dummies. Chef Ken Tian will be teaching you the innovative skills and techniques he has developed throughout his career and uses in his own bakery every day. Many of the skills taught in this workshop are new to the Australian cake decorating industry, however are used extensively by trend setting professional pastry chefs and culinary masters. Ken has adapted the skills he has learned as a professional pastry chef and taken them to an entirely new level. 

You won't be using fondant in this class. You'll be covering your three tier cake with Swiss meringue buttercream then be taught how to airbrush using cocoa butter and chocolate to create a beautiful trendsetting texture.  The techniques Ken will teach you, will give your cakes a stylish, modern, polished look that will make your cakes pop. After this workshop your mind will be open to a whole new level of creativity and possibilities.


Techniques and Skills You Will Learn: 

  • How to mask cakes with Swiss meringue buttercream to achieve a super sharp finish
  • Assembling and stacking a three-tier wedding cake, including board preparation and correct doweling for easy and secure transport
  • Spraying the cake with cocoa butter and chocolate to achieve a flawless finish, adding an extra layer of texture, and add colour to the cake effortlessly
  • Creating large, abstract rice paper petals for a wavy flower look
  • Creating a couple's initials for wedding cakes using stencils and modelling chocolate
  • Learn about varieties and possibilities when it comes to adding names and patterns on your cakes
  • Learn how to attach large garnishes onto the cake and place them correctly. 
  • How to store cakes and the best methods to use for shipping or transporting cakes 

​Prerequisite:  This workshop is suitable for those who have mastered the basics. It's intermediate level and above. 
​

Book Here
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About Your Teacher:

Wow what can we say, this is one inspirational man. Ken commenced his career as a small home based cake decorating business and is now living the dream. He's a super busy qualified pastry chef and master cake maker who has grown his business to the level it's one of New Zealand's most popular cake shops and bakeries, and his social media pages are followed by cake enthusiasts and professional pastry chefs world wide. 

Stylish modern and polished is how they roll at K Cake. Based in Grafton Auckland, they specialise in cakes for all occassions. From dainty flower-draped single-tier beauties to giant geometric skyscrapers with flying chocolate bubbles. Ken is reknown for developing his own signature cutting edge techniques. His styles are unique, he's innovative and best described as an industry leader, who is committed to continually developing his own new ideas, rather than being focusing on trends set by others. What we love about Ken is that he remains humble, hardworking and that he's passionate about sharing his skills. If you'd like to learn about a typical day in Ken's life this article by Uptown On the Rise is a MUST read.

WORKSHOP FAQ

Limited Student Numbers & Class Timing:

This workshop has limited student numbers to ensure the very best tuition possible. The times given are guidelines. We understand all students work at different speeds, however in a workshop situation it's important you try to keep up. If you do, you'll go home with a finished project. If not, you will have learned the required skills and have some homework to complete. As with all workshops class times are approximate. We cannot guarantee all classes will finish on time.

What You'll Take Home:

At the end of your workshop we'll provide you with a box to safely transport your project home. Be super proud, we'd love to be there to see the expression on your friends' and family's faces. What you'll be making in this workshop is guaranteed to "WOW"!  

​Workshop Ticket Inclusions: 

Your workshop ticket includes a 3 day International Cake Show Australia pass valued at $75.
You DO NOT need to buy a separate show entry ticket.  Your workshop ticket gives you access to all areas of the show other than the paid areas such as workshops, mini classes, paid demonstration area and VIP lounge. These are separate ticketed items.

Your workshop ticket includes express show entry, access to all stages, more than 100 free demonstrations, all the huge sugar features including the new walk through House of Horror,  competition display, cookie zone, bridal zone, sweet street, to all the shops and lots more. It gives you show access for all three days (Friday, Saturday & Sunday). 

Everything you need to complete your class is provided. All tools and equipment provided are for use during your workshop only. These can't be taken home. They need to be left at the end of your workshop, as they are needed for the following classes. If you wish to purchase any of the tools or equipment used, they will be available at various vendor stands at the show. Many of the vendors will be selling at highly discounted prices, so you'll be able to pick up lots of bargains. Your teacher will explain what you need and how you can improvise where possible, however they'll also tell you the best places to source any items you may need to purchase, if you want to recreate your project again at home.

Tea, coffee and cake (of course) is provided. 

What You Need to Bring: 

You need to bring an apron, a bottle of water if needed, a light lunch and a smile. Every workshop is packed full of invaluable skills, techniques and tips you'll use for many years to come, they're also lots of fun. Why not consider inviting your bestie to come share in your funfilled learning experience. 

What if I book a class then see something else I prefer, can I transfer? 

Yes of course you can, providing there are places available and your new class is of a similar value. If not you'll need to pay the difference. You are able to swap classes up until 14 days prior to the show. 

What if I can't make it, or the class is cancelled, will I get a refund?

In the event there aren't sufficient student numbers to make the class economically viable, or the teacher is unable to make it due to being unwell we will provide you with as much notice as possible and provide you with the choice of an immediate 100% refund or option to transfer into another workshop, the choice is yours! In the event you aren't able to make it you are welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else. We begin preparations for the workshops months before the show, therefore refunds unfortuantely aren't available. If you need to transfer your ticket to someone else, please ensure you contact us to let us know, so we can welcome them. ​                           

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  • Home
  • ACADA Membership
    • Join ACADA
    • ACADA Insurance
    • Membership Benefits
    • Retail Partner Discounts
    • Why is ACADA different to other Cake Networks or Associations
    • ACADA Code of Conduct & Accreditation
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    • ACADA Hall of Fame
  • 2025 ACADA & ICSA Team