If you’re searching for a cupcake decorating class in Adelaide, South Australia, or wondering whether Cupcakes by Sarah is worth booking, this review walks you through exactly what the experience feels like.
This hands-on cupcake decorating workshop in Adelaide blends creativity, calm pacing, and small-group learning in a way most classes simply don’t.
I recently attended the Cupcakes by Sarah cupcake decorating class, where you learn to create beautiful floral designs at a slow pace, taking you out of the rush of most ‘how-to’ classes. This sensory-friendly decorating class was the perfect mix of a wonderful evening out, a date night, and an exciting experience. Whilst it was still the most calming, quiet and relaxing event I’ve participated in.
In this Cupcakes by Sarah review, I’ll share what the workshop was like, what you can expect, and why it’s great for those looking for a creative night out in Adelaide.
Cupcakes by Sarah Cupcake Decorating Class in Adelaide – Quick Info
| Detail | Info |
| Location | Adelaide, South Australia |
| Duration | Approx. 2.5 hours |
| Price | $170 per person (prices vary depending on experience) |
| Skill Level | Beginner friendly |
| Group Size | Small group workshop |
| Sensory Notes | Calm pace, music, guided instruction |
What Is Cupcakes by Sarah?
Unlike larger workshops in Adelaide, Cupcakes by Sarah decorating class is kept super small, with only 4-6 people. This is to emulate the experience she used to have on a Saturday morning with her family and great aunts in their kitchen. Every Saturday, the whole family would get together and enjoy freshly baked goods, there would be a pot of tea on, and they would really connect with each other.
Stopping and reflecting on what it means to just sit and be, letting the rest of the world melt away, grounded me. It was more than just sitting there having fun decorating cupcakes, it was about really slowing down and sharing what it means to create.
Sarah makes cupcakes in Adelaide for weddings, bridal showers, parties, the lot, and her floral designs are divine! Stalking her Instagram was like stepping into The Land of Sweets in the Nutcracker! I adore flowers, but I was quite surprised that she could make replicas of more flowers than I even knew the names of!
Cupcakes by Sarah is firstly a floral cupcake decorating workshop, but it never felt like I was at a class. It just felt like I was sitting around the kitchen table (a perfectly organised one) with my friends.
It’s hard to describe the femininity in the room — even my husband would have enjoyed it, yet it somehow felt sacred, like women’s business.
I attribute this gentle feminine energy to all the care that Sarah puts into her cupcake decorating class. There is fine china, amazing supper, and the extra details like doilies and unlimited piping bags.
I cannot stress enough how peaceful it felt, I think partially due to the low light, soft music and pretty environment, but mostly, I think it was the pace. My mum who accompanied me, mentioned that she used to do art classes and would leave frazzled because they would always go so fast. As someone who grew up with dyslexia, dyscalculics, and undiagnosed neurodiversity, I too know the stress of completely missing what is going on because I was still processing the last bit of information. This workshop was the first time I think… ever, I haven’t felt rushed in a workshop.
What to Expect at the Cupcake Decorating Workshop
- A slow pace
- Clear explanations
- At least four different decorating techniques
- An environment safe to ask questions in
- Plenty of practical tips and tricks
A sensory-safe space
So, what actually happens? I was attending a Buttercream and Bubbles Bridgerton evening because it was at the release of the new season, but Sarah runs various workshops and class experiences depending on the season. She has the perfect pastels of Easter, the romantic reds of Valentine’s, and the bright greens of Christmas, each event matched perfectly to the colour palette of the buttercream you work with, the music, vibe and atmosphere.
You enter and meet her, and the other people attending the class. With the small class size, it’s an amazing space to learn and connect with others.
Floral Cupcake Techniques for Beginners
The cupcake decorating workshop is a very creative class experience, we learnt how to make four stunning floral designs and then were given free rein with the rest of our cupcakes. The free rein startled me because I’m better at copying than inventing. Even then, Sarah was accommodating, showing me something new to experiment with so I didn’t repeat a pattern or attempt a messy invention myself. It felt less like a lesson, and more like a floral cupcake decorating class where creativity and comfort were equally important.
There was a bit of a prodigy in our midst who took her free time to create the most perfect cupcakes; I contemplated tripping her on the way out, but she was nice, so I let her have her perfect buttercream flowers! It doesn’t matter your skill level though, mum made a bit of a melted mess, and it was still fun!
Relaxed and Inclusive Workshop Environment
Sarah often said, ‘there are no mistakes,’ which was extra funny when she gracefully scraped icing from my disastrous creation back into the bowl. There was never any judgement though, always support, and lots of laughter.
The hands-on cupcake decorating was broken up with lots of time between instructions. We were encouraged to get up and help ourselves to bubbles, elderflower sparkling water, tea, macaroons, and hot and cold supper foods at any time.
Sarah would often demonstrate something, ensuring everyone could see, coming round to us, or just being the kind of person who you felt comfortable coming up closer to see her if you needed, and she really explained things well.
Explained a Hundred Ways
Everything came with three versions of the same information. At one point I complimented her on it, and she said, ‘I have two very different children’ with a bit of a giggle.
It made sense though. She would say ‘use the flat butterknife to scoop out 100 grams of the icing into the piping bag, that’s about 7 tablespoons, or half a cup.” Every instruction came like this, said in one way, and then another, and another, all with visual aids to back it up.
What I also appreciated was that she explained ‘why’ for everything. So many teachers get you to follow along but you don’t fully learn because you don’t see the point in it.
I finally learned how to put icing in the piping bag without it getting everywhere. I understood double-bagging, why it’s necessary, and how to cut the bag tip without causing a buttercream massacre.
Neurodivergent people are often context-driven; we need to understand the big picture. Otherwise, it’s just an isolated ‘follow along’ with no meaning, and without meaning, there is no memory! Cupcakes by Sarah decorating class actually explained the why, and now I feel confident in the things I learnt.
Neurodivergent-Friendly Cupcake Decorating Workshop
Sarah’s class is the most sensory-friendly class experience I have ever encountered. The pace and small group size meant no one was ever left behind and there was this natural ebb and flow between instructions and you actually doing the activities. The world outside could have been on fire, and I wouldn’t have even noticed. That immersion while trying something new is impressive.
This activity was perfect for neurodivergent people in Adelaide who want to be out and interacting with people, but without the hype, social pressures, noise or excitement. It is entirely inclusive, I rocked up in a regency ballgown inspired by Bridgerton, whilst the other ladies looked lovely in their summer dresses.
The lighting was low, the background music was soft, the food was even all on separate plates. Only having a few people meant that there was never any rush or competition to get Sarah’s attention. You could all go silent and be concentrating, or chatting with others at the table.
My biggest annoyance was my ADHD mum spreading out across the table like she was detonating some buttercream bomb. I ended up paranoid I was going to knock something into one of her magnificent creations! But provided you bring someone who doesn’t stress out your system through their bad benchtop habits, you’ll be fine. Granted, this would have also been an Adelaide event I could have gone alone to and made friends at.
The aftermath:
I can totally see it as a ‘friend-date’ activity where Sarah could run small groups where the idea is to come alone and talk to strangers. The environment being active, yet soft and gentle would allow conversation without the pressure of networking or doing some speed-dating-like experience.
Who is Cupcakes by Sarah’s Class For?
I had so much fun with my mum, and the other two there were also mother and daughter. However, I think that even a livelier bigger group like a hen’s party would still be exceptional with Sarah. The designs she teaches are really impressive, but being in a bigger group wouldn’t disadvantage you to the point it became difficult or stressful.
It is certainly a beginner cupcake decorating class. I had decorated before, but the protégée in the room hadn’t and she was brilliant, and mum certainly hadn’t – and although I make fun, her flowers were still really good. We were also there on an exceptionally hot day, so the icing was fighting the heat, and I’ll blame her hot hands for any melty bits she made.
I think this event could be adapted to so many things. Date nights, girls’ nights, even kids’ parties! It is certainly perfect for female-led events like bridal showers, hens’ nights and high tea vibes, but I would love to see Cupcakes by Sarah at people’s homes. They could host the party, and she could bring the experience! It would make the perfect creative thing to do in Adelaide on a cool day.
Cupcakes by Sarah Cupcake Decorating Class Review
Well, I can’t recommend Cupcakes by Sarah class highly enough. I was a bit sceptical at first, I have been to classes where I have felt overwhelmed and rushed, leaving feeling worse at the skill than I started, but this was just perfect.
I can’t imagine a better Adelaide cupcake decorating class!
How to attend in Adelaide?
If you’re looking to book a cupcake decorating class in Adelaide, Cupcakes by Sarah regularly releases small-group workshop dates, so it’s worth checking availability early. However, if you were thinking of a group at home, I would message her on Facebook or Instagram.
The price is currently $170 per person for those small group settings; however, each experience varies. I thought the price would be the hardest part to get around, but when you consider the supper, the venue, all the preparation put into it, her skill and the amount of time and space she creates for you to really learn and feel supported there – it is well worth the investment. It is a night you won’t forget and you will also go home with enough stunning cupcakes to impress your friends, family or colleagues!
It’s certainly not something you have to over plan for either, from the temperature of the room to access to drinking water, everything was handled perfectly. The only thing you might need to be mindful of is if you are attending at her Goodwood location, parking is a nightmare, so ensure you leave some buffer time for parking! You don’t want to arrive hot and bothered or your hands will melt the buttercream.
FAQ: Cupcakes by Sarah Cupcake Decorating Class in Adelaide
- Is Cupcakes by Sarah beginner friendly?
Absolutely, my mum had never touched a piping bag and she still made fantastic designs.
- How long is the cupcake decorating class in Adelaide?
The cupcake decorating class runs for about 2.5 hours at Sarah’s Goodwood Adelaide location.
- What do you learn at a cupcake decorating workshop?
Learn floral designs using different piping tips to create stunning edible flower cupcakes.
- Is this class sensory-friendly?
It is perfect for a low-stimulation experience. It is learning without the stress or rush, and creating without the pressure of artistic abilities.
- How much does Cupcakes by Sarah cupcake decorating class in Adelaide cost?
Each experience varies, but the one I attended was $170 per person which includes personalised coaching, supper, bubbles, materials, and cupcakes to take home.
- Where are Cupcakes by Sarah classes held in Adelaide?
Cupcakes by Sarah hosts her cupcake decorating workshops at selected Adelaide locations (including Goodwood), depending on the event; creating intimate, welcoming spaces suited to small-group experiences.
Contact Cupcakes by Sarah on Instagram or Facebook
Final Sensory-Friendly Verdict
Cupcakes by Sarah cupcake decorating class in Adelaide was a memorable creative experience that offered fun hands-on learning, artistic freedom, and a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere. If you’re looking for a creative activity in Adelaide or a beginners’ cupcake decorating workshop, this class is a wonderful choice.
For more sensory-friendly Adelaide experiences, find out everything you need to know about a delightful day out at the Barossa Chateau here.