Top 5 Tempera Cakes Every Art Teacher Recommends
Bring color to the classroom with the top 5 tempera cakes teachers recommend—bright, durable, and student-friendly. Shop the best sets now.

Tempera cakes are a win for almost every teacher because they provide vibrant color, safe ingredients, and easy clean-up. These five teacher-approved brands deliver strength, brightness, and no-nonsense design for everyday art class.
What Are Tempera Cakes And Why Do Classrooms Need Them?
Tempera cakes are solid, water-soluble paints that need a little chunk of wet brush to activate and use bright, opaque color with ease - ideal for younger children as well as advanced art students.
Versatile and Easy to Use
Each cake is instantly re-wettable with water and snaps into a smooth, creamy version of itself. Teachers love that students can begin painting in seconds, with no need to pump, pour, or even mix.
Safe for All Ages
The tempera paint cakes are non-toxic and washable, so they will not harm skin, making them safe for even little users.
Long-Lasting and Economical
Tempera cakes do not dry out or spill like bottled paint; they can be used over and over again. One tray is good for many projects, so it's a great value. Makes one of the most budget-friendly and fun crafts.
Why Tempera Paint Cakes Are Perfect for Students and Teachers?
They streamline lessons and ensure teaching stays consistent, as your colors always remain the same, mix after mix. This convenience combines with practical creativity that every teacher can appreciate.
Clean, Efficient Classrooms
Tempera paint cakes are sold in compact trays, and there’s no waste or mess to clean up. Students are able to concentrate on painting rather than wiping up spills, which helps teachers make the most of their time.
Bright and Consistent Color
Every color remains vibrant after multiple reactivations. Educators like the way they mix cleanly without frustration for students learning to mix colors.
Top 5 Tempera Cakes You can Try
1. Richeson Tempera Cakes
Richeson Tempera Cakes are specially formulated for clean, easy painting and come in a case of 6.
- Rich, vibrant colors: Each cake features a high opacity load and full-spectrum colors.
- Sturdy trays: Our thick, washable storage trays are constructed out of sturdy plastic that resists cracking for long-term use in a daycare, preschool, and kindergarten classroom.
- Safe and convenient: Non-toxic formula is perfect for young artists.
- Classroom favorite: Due to their durability and reliability, school teachers use these in the classroom.
2. Blick Tempera Cakes
Blick Tempera Cakes class set offers excellent, affordable tempera that will serve you well in the classroom.
- Uniform results: consistent color and even application throughout all refills.
- Small profile makes it easy to store and work with, even in a cramped art room.
- Refillable trays: Refill single color instead of the whole set to reduce waste.
- Teacher approved: An affordable, green choice with reliable classroom performance.
3. Richeson Semi-Moist Tempera Cakes
Richeson Semi-Moist Tempera Paint Cakes. Perfect for art teachers who require quality, economy, and convenience! These rich colors are equally brilliant on paper or fabric.
- Square shape: Perfect for classroom racks and storage tables.
- Fast activation: with just a few drops of water, colors come alive.
- Smooth, creamy texture: The soft(tight consistency) is easy to blend and perfect for shading.
- Long-lasting formula: keeps its color wash after wash on classroom materials.
4. Prang Dry Tempera Cakes
Easier to use than brush & liquid tempera for young artists. The dry powder paint is more concentrated.
- All in one set: Paints, brush, and palette all fitted into a sturdy tray.
- Fast setup: Prep and cleanup with this game is almost non-existent for teachers.
- Washable paints: Wash from skin and most washable clothing.
- Sturdy casing: Prevents cakes from moving or being damaged while on the go.
5. Alphacolor Biggies
Big, bright, no-mess crayons that won’t get lost.
- 2-Inch cakes: Perfect size for murals, posters, and group painting activities.
- Smooth, opaque color: Covers large areas in no time.
- Crack-resistant formula stands up to heavy use and repeated washings.
- Ideal for working together: Fosters cooperation and creativity through team projects.
How to select the right Tempera Cakes Class Set?
Choosing the best set is contingent on classroom size, grade level, and storage space.
Match the Set to the Lesson
For younger students, smaller trays and pre-selected color groups work best. Upper-level classes might like the refillable racks---in warm and cool palettes for color theory.
Focus on Durability
Search for thick trays and refills that can withstand multiple washings. Sturdy tray for break resistance and longevity of product use.
Keep Safety and Cleanliness First
Be sure to always check that products are AP-certified, non-toxic, and washable. Trays air dry completely between uses in order to maintain a hygienic environment.
Where to Buy Tempera Paint Cakes?
You can buy tempera paint cakes from:
- Blick Art Materials has some good school and studio sets.
- Amazon — good for quick delivery and refill choices.
Only purchase directly from a reliable seller's shop to guarantee an authentic quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can kids use tempera cakes?
Yes. The majority of them are made from AP-certified, non-toxic materials that have been tested and meet the children’s product safety standards for use in schools with children of all ages.
How long do tempera cakes stay good for?
With proper maintenance, a set will last for months and may serve you well through an entire school year.
How are these cakes different from liquid tempera paint?
Tempera cakes are solid and are used with water, whereas liquid tempera simply needs some stirring.
Do you put them on canvas or wood?
Yes. For best results, use on primed surfaces that are oil-free, such as gessoed canvas or sanded wood panels..
Final Thoughts
The best art supplies for children help encourage creative play, rather than discouraging it with messy cleanup. This set of five tempera cakes combines color, safe classroom use, and longevity. Whether restocking a small studio or managing a complete art program, the Tempera cake set is just what you’re looking for, enabling painting with ease and confidence that your students can count on.