Best Side Hustles for Cake Decorating

Whether it’s a special birthday, wedding, or festive occasion, Canadians are constantly seeking customized cakes. If you’re passionate about cake decorating, you can turn your talent into a lucrative side hustle. Here’s a guide to the best cake decorating side hustles in Canada, including descriptions, income potential, tools, and resources.

Custom Celebration Cakes

Create bespoke cakes for birthdays, anniversaries, and special events. Custom cakes allow you to showcase your creativity while catering to unique client preferences.

Income Potential:

• Part-Time: $500–$1,500/month
• Full-Time: $3,000–$5,000/month or more

Tools and Resources:

• Cake turntable
• Piping bags and tips
• Fondant tools and cutters
• Airbrushing kit (optional)
• Business cards or a simple website
• Social media profiles to showcase your portfolio

How to Get Started:

• Wilton Canada (Tools and Resources)
• Cake Central (Design Inspiration)

Wedding Cake Specialist

Offer high-end wedding cake designs tailored to bridal themes. This niche can yield higher profits as wedding cakes are often priced at a premium.

Income Potential:

• Per Wedding Cake: $500–$5,000 depending on size and complexity

Tools and Resources:

• High-quality cake pans and molds
• Edible gold leaf and intricate stencils
• Cake dowels and supports for tiered cakes
• Client consultation forms
• Photography equipment to capture your creations

How to Get Started:

• Sweetapolita (Decorating Tips and Supplies)

Cake Decorating Workshops

Teach others how to decorate cakes through in-person or online workshops. Many Canadians are eager to learn cake decorating as a hobby or side hustle.

Income Potential:

• Workshops: $50–$200 per participant
• Online Courses: $500–$2,000/month

Tools and Resources:

• Workshop materials (tools for participants)
• Video recording equipment for online classes
• Platforms like Zoom or Skillshare for online teaching
• Templates and guides for students

How to Get Started:

• Udemy Canada (Set up online courses)
• Eventbrite (Host local workshops)

Cupcake Decorating Services

Specialize in decorating cupcakes for parties, corporate events, and fundraisers. Cupcakes are a cost-effective option for clients and easier to produce in bulk.

Income Potential:

• Per Dozen: $30–$75
• Monthly Earnings: $500–$2,000

Tools and Resources:

• Cupcake tins and liners
• Specialized piping tips for intricate designs
• Edible glitter, toppers, and food coloring
• Branded packaging for cupcakes

How to Get Started:

• Amazon Canada (Affordable tools and supplies)

Cake Topper Business

Create and sell edible or non-edible cake toppers. These can be made from fondant, chocolate, or acrylic materials and sold online or locally.

Income Potential:

• Per Topper: $10–$50
• Monthly Earnings: $500–$1,500

Tools and Resources:

• Fondant and molding tools
• 3D printers or laser cutters for acrylic toppers
• E-commerce platform (e.g., Etsy, Shopify)
• Packaging and shipping materials

How to Get Started:

• Etsy Canada (Sell your toppers)
• Shopify (Create your online store)

Cake Decorating Influencer

Share your cake decorating journey through social media or YouTube. Build an audience by posting tutorials, time-lapse videos, and unique designs.

Income Potential:

• Social Media Sponsorships: $500–$3,000/month
• YouTube Ad Revenue: $100–$2,000/month (depending on views)

Tools and Resources:

• High-quality camera and lighting setup
• Video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro)
• Aesthetic backdrops for photography
• Consistent posting schedule

How to Get Started:

• Canva (Create thumbnails and graphics)
• YouTube Creator Academy (Learn monetization strategies)

Conclusion

Cake decorating is a versatile side hustle in Canada, with opportunities ranging from custom cakes to workshops and even content creation. By investing in the right tools, showcasing your talent online, and connecting with your local community, you can turn your passion for cake decorating into a sustainable source of income.