The Contemporary Buttercream Bible

The best book for anyone who wants to specialize in buttercream. Valeri Valeriano and Christina Ong founded Queen of Hearts Couture Cakes and became the world’s leading instructors of buttercream techniques. Their first book hit number one in cake decorating on Amazon within days of release, and it earned that spot by showing what buttercream can do when you move beyond simple swirls.

Why Start Here

Most decorating books treat buttercream as the basic option you use before graduating to fondant. Valeriano and Ong flip that thinking entirely. They demonstrate over 50 techniques that turn buttercream into an art medium: ruffles, rosettes, ombre effects, lace patterns, watercolor finishes, and flowers that rival sugar paste work. The results look like fondant but taste far better.

The book starts with perfecting a basic buttercream recipe, then moves through textures and patterns before reaching the floral techniques that made the authors famous. Each technique is taught through step-by-step photographic tutorials, and the 40 cake designs range from simple cupcakes to three-tiered showpieces. The progression is gentle enough that a beginner can follow along, but the advanced designs will challenge experienced decorators.

What sets this apart from other buttercream books is the modern aesthetic. These are not your grandmother’s rosette cakes. The designs look contemporary and elegant, which is why the book became so popular with home bakers and professionals alike.

What to Expect

A focused guide at 160 pages dedicated entirely to buttercream decorating. You will learn textures, patterns, borders, flowers, and complete cake designs. The photography is clear and the instructions are detailed. If you already know you prefer working with buttercream over fondant, or if you want cakes that look stunning and actually taste good, this is your book.