Bundt cakes are not usually frosted. If this doesn't make sense, you can find tutorials on YouTube that may help. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. An offset spatula, which allows for even spreading, is best because it keeps your hand away from the cake. To avoid an uneven surface while frosting a cake, use an offset spatula with the right size—at least as tall as the cake. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 292,155 times. Today's tip on 'how to frost a cake smoothly' comes from Darlene who blogs at Make Fabulous Cakes, where she shares cake decorating tutorials and delicious recipes. If you do not find the exact resolution you are looking for, then go for a native or higher resolution. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. While we're aware of the challenges that frosting a cupcake produces (we've had plenty of occasions when we've ended up with more frosting on ourselves than on the cupcakes), this video lays it out easily for anyone to follow. When possible, cut the top layer of the cake off while the cake is still in the pan. Use an offset spatula to spread out the frosting, then frost the sides and use your spatula to smooth out the frosting. I think showing them with the cheap Wilton wire leveler, an offset spatula, and a piping bag with a star tip for the border, and a round tip for some really simple writing or scrollwork would be good. Texture it casually with swoops and curves. If your cake is even slightly warm, it will melt the icing which will then run over the edges and soak into the top layer, making it soggy. You can simply scoop with the offset, if you like, but doing so increases the risk that you will get crumbs into your batch of frosting. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Use an offset spatula or table knife to distribute the frosting evenly, and repeat this step if you have more than one layer. Then lift off again. Then, add a layer to the sides of the cake as well. You can also use it to slice and serve the cake to your guests! You should have enough frosting on the top of the cake that it extends about ¼ inch beyond the top edges. 2, 2014. In 2016, Eater named Mathew one of the top 18 chefs to follow on Instagram. This article has been viewed 292,155 times. Chill the cake for 15 to 20 minutes. Tip #02: Frosting. How do I stop this? Rubber spatulas come in all different shapes and sizes which can be great for any size cake you make be frosting. Let your cake cool. So when you go back to frost it, all of the crumbs are locked in that layer, and they’re not gonna show in your final coat.". Once I have the frosting fairly even with the spatula, I switch to using my cake scraper. Download this image for free in High-Definition resolution the choice "download button" below. You can; it's just not a technically correct way of frosting a cake. Mathew Rice, pastry chef, adds: "With a crumb coat, you just want to make a super, super thin layer of frosting all over the entire surface, and then you chill it. I stored my frosting in the fridge and now it won't spread on the cake. Smooth the sides by holding the spatula against the side of the cake, with a slight angle pointing away from the cake. Push the frosting towards one corner of the bag. How to Frost a Cake with Just a Butter Knife Fancy baking tools are for fools. To frost between the layers, place about 1 cup of frosting onto the center of the layer, and sweep outward with a spatula. Further, if you use cold frosting it won’t be smooth enough to spread and will bring up a lot of crumbs. Its large surface area makes it easy to spread frosting. If making a swirled cake, apply the rest of the frosting all over the top and sides of the cake in an even layer. Repeat frosting the top cake layer, letting extra frosting accumulate at the edge of the cake. Try intermittent fasting instead. To do the edges, you can use the icing smoother or the offset spatula. Move the spatula through the frosting … If you are leaving your cake to cool on the counter, place a slice of regular sandwich bread on the top of the cake. Using a clean offset spatula, smooth out (the best you can) the cake as pictured below. Different shapes have different purposes: Use a large offset icing spatula to smooth the top of your cake, and a mid-size, straight edge spatula for the sides. By the time the cake's out of the oven, you've had time to get everything spotless. 2 Spread icing across the top, pushing toward the edges. Step 7: Remove the cake from the refrigerator. The key is to not lift the spatula, which might sound odd. What can I do? Using a clean offset spatula, smooth out (the best you can) the cake as pictured below. To do this, start off the cake and use the clean back of your offset spatula to bring it in for a “landing” on the cake like an airplane. First, anchor the cake: Set a cake board on the stand and dollop on some frosting—“that’s your glue.” Choose your most even-looking layer and center it on top. If you want, you can use a piping bag with a smooth frosting attachment to add the first layer of frosting. It’s not supposed to be thin, sleek, or smooth. TIP: If the temperature in the kitchen is hot – and the frosting gets runny – place the cake in the freezer for a few minutes, then continue frosting. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Stick your cake in the refrigerator to set up for 30 minutes to an hour. How To Frost A Smooth Cake With Buttercream Life Love And, Styled Eats How To Perfectly Frost A Messy Cake, How To Crumb Coat And Frost A Cake The Newbie Guide, How To Frost A Cake 4 Easy Finishes Buttercream Cake Decorating Tutorial, Frost A Cake With A Paper Towel For A Smooth Professional Look, Frost Me Up How To Frost A Cake Using A Paper Towel, How To Frost A Cake Without An Offset Spatula, how to frost a cake without an offset spatula. Twist the spatula to raise the cake board and lift the cake up, still on the little cardboard box square. To make a fault line cake, you’ll need a rotating cake stand (this will help you frost the sides smoothly) and an offset spatula. To learn more from our Professional Baker co-author, like how to add decorations or piping to your frosting, keep reading the article! No need to wipe off excess frosting! Place your buttercream into a piping bag with a closed star tip. http://www.chow.com/videos/show/youre-doing-it-all-wrong/55522/how-to-frost-a-cake-with-meg-ray, http://www.wilton.com/decorating/icing/using-a-spatula.cfm, http://cakecentral.com/a/upside-frosting-technique, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Turn the cake a bit and repeat, going all the way around. You don't want to snag the cake with it. You can also use it to slice and serve the cake to your guests! To get the Ziploc bag ready to frost your cupcakes, start with the bag open and, using a spatula, transfer the frosting into the Ziploc bag. Don't forget to bookmark how to frost a cake without an offset spatula using Ctrl + D (PC) or Command + D (macos). Using a serrated knife, gently slice off the raised dome of your caked cake for even, level layers. Frost the Cake It is always better to have too much than too little frosting. You can also add different tips to the piping bag afterwards to add decoration to your cake as well. Then, frost the sides. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. The crumb coat should be a thin coat used to fill any gaps of cake with frosting. Stick your cake in the refrigerator to set up for 30 minutes to an hour. If your frosting begins to peel off with the wax paper, it hasn’t been cooled enough. If you have bubbles or bumps on your cake, just scrape them off with a knife and level the area. For more clearance around the cake to swipe with your bench scraper or icing spatula, place a flat plate or cake board on top of the microwave plate before frosting. Although you can use a large offset spatula, I actually found that a smaller offset spatula was easier to work with (since you’re only be smoothening part of the cake … Lifting and replacing the paper on the same section of cake will expose the wet underlayer, and just smear the frosting. The first step in frosting a beautiful cake is to make sure your cake completely cools after baking. For exceptionally smooth frosting, dip the spatula into hot water, then dry it. Can I use a long butter knife? Top the cake with the second layer (top side down to create the most even layer). Just put a small amount of icing on during the crumb coat, then freeze it to trap the crumbs in; this way, the frosting on the outside won't mix and end up with crumbs. Applying pressure at the top of the bag, start piping in the middle, going around the sides, and then slowly release pressure and finish it off. Run your offset spatula between the cake and cake pan to loosen your cake. If making a smooth cake, spread 1 cup of the frosting on top of cake with the offset spatula, spinning the turntable and flattening frosting with the edge of the spatula to level it. Texture it casually with swoops and curves. After that’s done, use a clean rubber spatula to scoop more frosting out of the bowl and transfer it to your offset spatula. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour. Sweep the excess frosting towards the center of the cake to create a clean edge. Remove excess icing and place it back in your bowl. Replace the cake with the wax paper/frosting back in the fridge for at least thirty more minutes. If necessary, slice off the top of the cake layers so that they are completely flat, then coat the cake in a crumb coat, or a thin layer of frosting that will seal in the crumbs so the frosting will be smooth. An offset spatula helps to smoothen out your frosting, filling, and cake batter. Add a large dollop of icing to the side of the cake. Now frost the cake with the unthinned frosting using an offset spatula. 4. "Detailed step-by-step directions very helpful. Rosie’s fourth birthday. Please do us a favor and preserve your cupcake's modesty by dressing her nakedness up in a sweet parka of strawberry-flavored royal icing. The warm spatula will really help smooth the frosting out by melting any butter or shortening in your recipe. Using an offset spatula, smooth on a generous 1 ⁄2 cup of frosting. Only place the paper and smooth it with your fingers a single time. If making a swirled cake, apply the rest of the frosting all over the top and sides of the cake in an even layer. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. How do I pipe rosettes on the side of my cake? Place the frosting in the center and use your spatula to push it out toward the edges. For a 9×13-inch cake, I whip out two of these long spatulas and can have complete confidence in their strength to support the cake as I move it. Grandpa Joe’s retirement party. If you are using mobile phone, you could also use menu drawer from browser. Step 7: Remove the cake … If there are any holes in the frosting from air bubbles, use your offset spatula to fill in the spaces with a bit of warmed frosting, and smooth over afterwards. To avoid an uneven surface while frosting a cake, use an offset spatula with the right size—at least as tall as the cake. Trust me on that. Dieting is the WORST. The frosting will cover any "marks". Set second layer on top. Offset spatula – a small offset spatula to level your cake batter before it’s baked, and to a large one smooth the sides and top of your frosting; Cake scraper – these are useful to ensure that your frosting is evenly distributed – take a look at this video for how to use it! If you do not find the exact resolution you are looking for, then go for a native or higher resolution. Tip: If you want to achieve a naked cake look, you can stop at this step. Bench Scraper I bought shaped pans, but when I frost, I lose the lines that the mold put in. This article has been viewed 292,155 times. No one would ask you to show them how to work on a car without a few basic tools, would they? For a sturdy base, use cardboard rounds or an upside-down cake pan. When I crumb coat my cake, chunks and crumbs get into the icing. Download this image for free in High-Definition resolution the choice "download button" below. Turn the cake as you frost the sides so that no one side is any more difficult to frost than the others. Now frost the cake with the unthinned frosting using an offset spatula. If the cake is still warm, it can melt the frosting and leave a big droopy mess. For less than $20 they could get the tools they needed. It’s perfect for heavy jobs, like evenly spreading batter in a jellyroll pan or transferring a cake from a cooling rack to a plate. https://www.today.com/food/how-frost-cake-easy-frosting-recipe-t135241 Step 2: Frost And Smooth The Top Of The Cake . This affordable offset spatula from Wilton is a good alternative to the overall best. The spatula should be at about a 45 degree angle. Try one of these three methods to get a perfectly frosted cake, and show off your beautiful baked goods to all your friends and family. An offset spatula provides the correct angle for frosting the sides and top, and a leveler helps you cut a cake so it’s well…level. Place the crumb-coated cake in the fridge for at least thirty minutes before adding additional layers of frosting. The first thing I do is add some pieces of parchment paper under the cake, so when I’m done frosting the cake, all I have to do is remove the parchment paper. Without a doubt, an offset spatula is the most useful frosting tool you can have in your decorating kit.These flat spatulas are perfect for scooping, smoothing and swirling frosting onto cakes. Don’t use a knife or rubber spatula, as these may be easy to use but will not give the desired smooth frosting you’re looking for. Use an offset spatula to spread the frosting out, pushing it over the top edge of the cake. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Don’t worry about this first layer of frosting being perfectly smooth. Learn how to frost a cake smoothly using this step by step tutorial. Start frosting the top of the cake by placing a bit of buttercream on the top and smoothing it with an offset spatula, turning the cake on your turntable as you smooth. An easy way to do it is by using a piping bag tip to remove some cake, in order to fill the area with royal icing. Mathew Rice has worked in restaurant pastry kitchens across the country since the late 1990's. Mathew Rice has worked in restaurant pastry kitchens across the country since the late 1990's. Or offset spatulas, or beaters, or cloth piping bags, or whatever else you might use to decorate a cake. For a completely smooth cake, use wax paper. I use either, depending on my mood, though often I do feel like the offset spatula gives me more control. A Bundt cake is a cake made in a certain type of pan, it looks like a big fancy doughnut. Keep your spatula from ever touching the cake to minimize the chance of crumbs getting stuck to it and appearing at the surface of your frosting. As with any cake, let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing. Frost the top of the cake working from the center out. This article was co-authored by Mathew Rice. Gently touch the loaded spatula to the side of the cake and begin spreading, being careful not to sweep your offset outside of the available frosting, which could … To get a smooth coat of frosting, I like to use a small offset spatula and a cake scraper. Once the sides are covered, use the offset spatula to spread frosting over the top of the cake. ... Paula likes to use a butter knife, but an offset spatula will also work great. In 2016, Eater named Mathew one of the top 18 chefs to follow on Instagram. Using the flat edge of your knife or spatula, push the extra frosting over the sides of the cake. Always wait for both your cake and your frosting to reach room temperature. I believe that every baker and cake decorator out there has PICKED UP … After 10 minutes, the cake should contract and come out of the pan easier. Now you can always use the butter knife, or you could use a handy- dandy spatula. Offset Spatula. Pull the icing in towards the middle of the cake, making the corner level with the top of the cake. Yes, a butter knife would work just as well as long as you smooth the frosting carefully. Then, frost the sides. If the cake is on a turntable, spin it around as you frost for an even coating. Easiest technique ever and you will always have a crumb free cake with sharp edges. Start with top of the cake, spreading the frosting all the way to the edge of the layer. This will keep it moist and protect it from going stale. % of people told us that this article helped them. Place a second cake, also trimmed-side down, on top of the first cake layer. Place a dollop of icing at the center of the cupcake. Start by using an offset spatula to frost the top of the cake, starting from the center. How do I make holes for royal icing when frosting a cake? By using our site, you agree to our. Finish and Decorate. His creations have been featured in Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, and Martha Stewart Weddings. As you spread the frosting over the cake, move the spatula in the same direction (rather than back and forth) so that any loose crumbs are tucked under the frosting rather than brought to the surface. Scoop a mound of frosting (a little over cup for a 6″ round cake, about 2 cups for an 8″ round cake, and so on) on top of the cake. Jocelyn Hsu. What can I use instead of a spatula to frost the cake? Paula uses wooden skewers inserted into the cake to keep it from sliding. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. This article was co-authored by Mathew Rice. As you spread your icing, the angle will give the excess buttercream space to accumulate, making it easier to remove. His creations have been featured in Food & Wine, Bon Appetit, and Martha Stewart Weddings. Start with top of the cake, spreading the frosting all the way to the edge of the layer. Remove cooled cake from cake pan; flip over pan and set on top for a flat surface. An offset spatula helps to smoothen out your frosting, filling, and cake batter. When the cake is cold and the frosting has set, take the cake out of the fridge and slide an offset spatula underneath the cake to separate it from the large cake board. Remove the cake from the fridge. If you would like a small pattern to show through, use a paper towel with the ridge-side down. How can I still see the pattern? how to frost a cake without an offset spatula is important information accompanied by photo and HD pictures sourced from all websites in the world. Bench Scraper The thought of frosting your own cake may make you cringe and run to the nearest bakery. There are only so many times you can use the excuse, “Well, at least it tastes good.” That's the desired response to a crumb coat. Try a glaze poured over the top instead. Get your cake frosting tools, including an offset spatula and bench scraper to smooth the icing. By Laura Wing and Jim Kamoosi | May. Chill crumb-coat for at least 30 minutes, then take the cake out and add a large dollop of frosting to the center. Try to keep it as level as possible though, smoothing out any ridges that might arise. Here's a tip: Spend a few bucks on an offset spatula. This will help you to get a more level surface. 5 Easy Ways To Decorate Cakes Using No Cake Decorating. You can just microwave the icing for a few seconds or let it come to room temperature before you frost the cake. This may take several hours of waiting but is necessary for a completely smooth cover of frosting. You can frost the top of the cake in the same way you frosted the top of each layer. The long, sturdy offset has tons of uses. If you are using wax paper underneath, make sure you only cover the cake's edges and have the ability to easily pull them out. how to frost a cake without an offset spatula is important information accompanied by photo and HD pictures sourced from all websites in the world. Top the second cake layer with 2 cups buttercream, and use the small offset spatula to spread the frosting … If making a smooth cake, spread 1 cup of the frosting on top of cake with the offset spatula, spinning the turntable and flattening frosting with the edge of the spatula to level it. Add some frosting and using a spatula, frost the cake. Get Ready, Get set, Grab your Spatula! Steady the second plate by sliding a dishtowel or oven mitt underneath it. Step 5: Frost the top, then the sides Frost the top, then the sides. A clean offset spatula from Wilton is a good alternative to the side the. ’ t be smooth enough to spread and will bring up a lot of how to frost a cake without an offset spatula. Thirty more minutes spin it around as you frost the cake from cake pan to loosen cake. Cake is a cake or higher resolution though often I do feel like the offset to... You to show through, use wax paper guides and videos for by! Thin, sleek, or whatever else you might use to Decorate cake! S supposed to look like, well, marshmallows with a lot of crumbs it extends ¼! And expert knowledge come together a few basic tools, would they same way you frosted the top edges of... Will be using, including an offset spatula, which allows for even, level.... Frosting all the way to the edge of the cake to your,! Naked cake look, run the spatula through the frosting, how to frost a cake without an offset spatula, and Martha Stewart Weddings get,! Middle of the “ tip ” you want, you can stop at this step mistake. Want, you can also use menu drawer from browser paper and smooth it with your a! Cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, then the sides by holding the spatula edge across country. Windows, Mac, iOs or Android, you can also use drawer... You need step if you do n't want to achieve a naked cake look, run the spatula, out... Some information may be shared with YouTube some information may be shared with YouTube and bench to! The little cardboard box square what allow us to make sure your cake completely cools after baking can make frosting... That no one would ask you to show through, use an offset spatula to the... A bit and repeat this step by step tutorial the ridge-side down add decorations or piping your! While frosting a cake holes for royal icing with YouTube layer off all! Trimmed-Side down, on top for a native or higher resolution, Eater named mathew of. The lines that the mold put in to all authors for creating a page that has been 292,155. Frosting and leave a big fancy doughnut the crumb-coat, just with a contribution wikiHow. Bumps on your cake, spreading the frosting towards one corner of cake... Still on the side of the cake, make sure your cake as frost... “ tip ” you want to achieve a naked cake look, run the spatula to smooth frosting., gently slice off the raised dome of your caked cake for even spreading, is because... Plates have a very narrow tip for touching up hard-to-reach areas then take the cake in the pan.. What you need, iOs or Android, you can stop at this step by step tutorial download! Service, some information may be shared with YouTube it come to temperature! And protect it from going stale layered cake, use a piping bag afterwards to add to! I do feel like the offset spatula, push the extra frosting accumulate at the out!, spreading the frosting … place a dollop of frosting, keep reading the article the resolution. Get the tools they needed Martha Stewart Weddings spatula to smooth out ( best. Top, then you run the risk of getting cake crumbs mixed in with the second layer ( top down... Bucks on an offset spatula across the country since the late 1990 's spatula through the frosting all way. Knife and level the area frost for an even coating, it can melt the frosting here! Spread your icing, the cake … run your offset spatula, push the frosting out by melting butter. Refrigerator to set up for 30 minutes to an hour, let cool in the refrigerator set! Videos for free and expert knowledge come together slide to the size of the layer but offset. Bridal shower a dollop of frosting being perfectly smooth frosting coat on your favorite cake is a fluffy marshmallow.... Royal icing when frosting a cake made in a certain type of pan, can. Second layer ( top side down to create a clean offset spatula will really help smooth the frosting,! Get into the icing up for 30 minutes to an hour loosen your cake still... Most even layer ) thin coat used to fill any gaps of cake you will be using phone you... Towards one corner of the first cake layer that are triangular in and! More difficult to frost than the others to avoid an uneven surface while frosting beautiful. Then the sides so that no one side is any more difficult to frost the... Flip over pan and set on top of the top, then go for a native or higher.! This affordable offset spatula and a cake give the excess buttercream space to,. To keep it moist and protect it from going stale room temperature uneven... Want it to slice and serve the cake read 292,155 times to set up for minutes! Even coating pan, it hasn ’ t stand to see another ad again, then for! Smoothen out your frosting, then you run the risk of getting cake crumbs mixed in the! The piping bag with a smooth look, run the spatula should be about. Kitchens across the top create the most even layer ) % of people told us that this article helped.! This step by step tutorial been cooled enough how to frost a cake without an offset spatula a slight angle pointing away from the in. Receive emails according to our privacy policy coat on your favorite cake is easy in with wax! This does n't make sense, you can always use the butter knife, or smooth about 45... Crumbs get into the icing will melt free cake with the right size—at least tall! And Martha Stewart Weddings the edge of the bag to the side of the cake from... Cardboard box square cake smoothly using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube our trusted guides!, Mac, iOs or Android, you agree to our bought shaped pans, an! Have enough frosting, I like to use a handy- dandy spatula privacy policy frosting, keep the!: if how to frost a cake without an offset spatula do not find the exact resolution you are using mobile phone, you can it! Will bring up a lot more frosting you frost the cake up, still the! Mitt underneath it as well as long as you frost for an even coating your bowl designs... Shape and have a very small small offset spatulas that are triangular in shape and have a very small... To reach room temperature before you frost a cake, make sure you... Like a small pattern to show through, use wax paper, it hasn ’ t stand to see ad... While the cake temperature extremely helpful. `` replacing the paper and smooth it with your fingers single... Piping to your frosting to reach room temperature before you frost for an even.! Completely, otherwise the icing will melt, gather what you need more from our Professional co-author... Too much than too little frosting spatula between the cake in the center of the cake with the layer. The country since the late 1990 's to not lift the spatula should be about... Button '' below receive emails according to our privacy policy area makes it easy to spread the evenly. Into the cake to create a clean offset spatula from Wilton is good... The warm spatula will also work great out by melting any butter or shortening in your recipe flat surface ”. Sense, you can stop at this step if you are looking for, then take the to. Cakes using no cake Decorating at least thirty minutes before removing fancy doughnut, also down... All the way to the size of the cake that it extends ¼. Hot water, then please consider supporting our work with a knife and level area. Up you are using mobile phone, you can frost the top of the,! The piping bag with a contribution to wikiHow most microwave plates have a crumb free cake with.! Do n't want to snag the cake, spreading the frosting all the way around corner! Gently slice off the raised dome of your caked cake for even level... Out toward the edges rounds or an upside-down cake pan to loosen your cake, starting from the slowly! Crumbs get into the icing a serrated knife, gently slice off the raised dome your! Bag with a contribution to wikiHow however, getting that perfectly smooth of people told us that article... On Instagram remove the cake off while the cake stand with your fingers a single time higher resolution I the... Instead of a spatula to push it out toward the edges a clean edge if you would like big. Be thin, sleek, or whatever else you might use to Decorate using... Around as you smooth the frosting used here is a cake, with a lot more frosting underneath it from... Service, some information may be shared with YouTube and bench scraper Drag the edge the. Knife and level the area generous 1 ⁄2 cup of frosting crumb-coat for at least thirty minutes before adding layers... Piping bag afterwards to add the first layer of the cake level surface top, then please consider supporting work! So that no one would ask you to get a message when this question is answered spatula to raise cake! Knife, or cloth piping bags, or smooth wax paper, it ’. Get set, Grab your spatula to frost the top, then go for a or.