Which of the following is not an element of a decorated cake?

The concept of a decorated cake typically comprises various visual and aesthetic elements that enhance its appearance. Among these, the bottom border, central decoration, and top border are all traditional components integral to cake decoration.

The bottom border serves as a foundational design element that provides a finished look to the bottom of the cake, often helping to frame the cake and elevate its presentation. The central decoration is usually the focal point of the cake, drawing the eye and adding a theme or design that reflects the occasion for which the cake is made. The top border similarly adds to the overall finish and can be used to tie the entire cake together visually.

While color schemes are vitally important in cake decoration, they do not constitute a specific physical element or structure within the cake itself. Color is an abstract concept that influences how each of the actual decorative components is rendered—each border, decoration, and design can utilize various colors. Therefore, the color scheme is a guiding principle rather than a definitive element of the cake decoration.