Do you have any tips on frosting a cake?!
Any help would be appreciated. :)
Answers: I love to bake but I make a huge mess with the frosting part. Sometimes it doesn't go on smoothly either and little crumbs get mixed in. >.<
Any help would be appreciated. :)
1. Prepare the Cake
It's generally advisable to slice the two baked layers of an eight- or ten-inch cake into four layers. Make sure the cake is completely cool before slicing.
To do so, put one of the layers on a turntable or cardboard round and gently hold it in place with the palm of your hand.
Turn the cake against the edge of a serrated knife, making a small sawing motion with the knife. When the cake is cut all around about an inch in toward the center, repeat until the cake is cut through.
Support these thin layers with a cardboard round or a rimless baking sheet--never with your hands--when you lift them. Repeat with the other layer, so that you end up with four thin layers.
If a layer is domed, use the serrated knife to level it.
2. Use the Right Amount of Frosting
Too much frosting will overwhelm the cake and too little is disappointing.
Three to four cups of frosting generally is more than enough for an eight- or ten-inch layer cake.
The frosting should be at room temperature when you spread it on the cake, unless it's whipped cream, which should be chilled.
The exceptions to these rules are the new pourable frostings on the market now. When you don't have time or energy to make your own, these microwavable frostings are great and are designed to pour over warm cakes. In a hurry? Problem solved!
3. Begin with the Filling
Secure a cake layer to the turntable, cardboard round, or platter with a dab of frosting.
Spread the filling over the first layer and top with the next layer. Continue until all layers are stacked. You'll need about a half cup of frosting per layer.
When the cake is filled and stacked, refrigerate it for 15 to 30 minutes for the filling to set.
4. Apply a Crumb Coat
It's important to cover the cake with a thin layer of frosting called a crumb coat. This holds in the crumbs and makes it easier to apply the final coat.
Remove the filled cake from the refrigerator and brush away any loose crumbs from the top and sides of the cake.
Frost the sides of the cake first. Scoop up a generous dab of frosting onto a flat metal spatula and hold the spatula against the cake, perpendicular to the turntable. Move the spatula down and away from you without lifting it from the cake as you frost only a few inches.
Wipe excess crumbs and frosting from the spatula between applications of frosting. Scoop up another dab of frosting and continue around the cake.
When the sides are covered, spread an even layer of frosting over the top of the cake.
This initial layer of frosting should cover the sides and top of the cake, but does not have to look perfect.
At this point, refrigerate the cake for at least 20 minutes. This will give the frosting time to harden a little so that you can apply the final layer of frosting with ease.
5. Finish the Cake
Repeat this same procedure a second time, beginning with the sides and ending with the top of the cake.
You will be amazed at how easy it is to apply the second coat of frosting on top of a firm crumb coat. Always wipe the spatula clean every time you lift it from the cake.
Now is the time to make swirls and whirls with the frosting, or spread the frosting smoothly into a satiny sheath.
To spread buttercream frosting to its most silken smoothness, dip the spatula in hot water, wipe it dry, and run it lightly over the frosting. The warm metal will melt the frosting just enough to smooth it out.
For an especially luscious looking cake, apply three coats of frosting. If you do so, be sure to make more frosting than usual.
Cool your cakes and then place them in the freezer for about an hour till they are quite cool and firm. Then crumb coat them and return them to the freezer for at least a half an hour. Then complete your final frosting. You'll need at least two packages of store bought frosting to do this. I make my own frosting and make a half a recipe extra for the crumb coating step. The chilling makes all the difference as does the crumb coating and extra chilling. You'll have no crumbs in your finished cake. You can also bake the cake up to a month a head of time before you crumb coat and frost it. Just be sure it is completely cool before freezing it and wrap it very tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. I place it plastic wrapped on a board and then cover it with foil and it can be stored on it's side.
The above answers are correct. When you get the icing on the cake use a spatula dipped in warm water to smooth the icing. You can also use a spray bottle with water and mist the icing once it is on the cake before smoothing the icing.