Frosting a cake to perfection can feel like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a bakery-quality finish right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, these step-by-step instructions will guide you through the process of creating a smooth buttercream cake with sharp edges and flawless sides. Let’s dive in!`
Step 1: Frost the Top of the Cake
Start with a chilled, crumb-coated cake placed on a turntable. Use an angled spatula to add a few generous scoops of buttercream to the top of the cake. Rotate the turntable as you smooth the buttercream flat, holding your spatula parallel to the cake surface. This helps create an even, level layer.
As you smooth the buttercream, let it extend slightly over the cake’s edges. Don’t worry about making the top perfect just yet; you’ll refine it in later steps. The key here is ensuring the frosting is level and ready for the next stage. If needed, add more buttercream during this process, but avoid overworking it at this stage.
Step 2: Frost the Sides of the Cake
Next, apply about a ¼-inch layer of buttercream to the sides of the cake using your angled spatula. It’s best to start at the bottom and work your way to the top. Once the sides are fully covered, hold an icing smoother at a 90-degree angle to the cake and gently rotate the turntable to smooth out the frosting.
If you notice gaps or air pockets, simply add more buttercream to those areas and continue smoothing. A helpful trick is to gently warm your icing smoother (if it’s stainless steel) by running it under hot water, drying it completely, and letting it cool slightly. This acts like an iron, helping to eliminate wrinkles in the frosting.
For best results, complete a full 360-degree rotation of the cake to ensure even smoothing. Don’t stress if the sides aren’t flawless yet; the following steps will help you achieve a polished look.
Step 3: Create Sharp Edges
Step 2 will likely leave you with a buttercream crown around the top edge of the cake. This is intentional and critical for creating sharp, clean edges. Using your angled spatula, gently swipe the outer edge of the crown inward toward the center of the cake. Keep the spatula level to avoid uneven edges.
Take your time working around the entire top of the cake until the edges are sharp and smooth. This step will give your cake a professional finish, elevating its overall appearance.
Step 4 (Optional): Chill and Refine
If you’re still not completely satisfied with the smoothness of your cake, refrigerate it for about 20 minutes to let the frosting firm up. This makes it easier to apply a final, super-thin layer of buttercream. After chilling, repeat Steps 1 through 3, focusing on filling in any gaps or imperfections.
The chilled buttercream layer underneath provides a stable base, allowing you to apply more pressure for a flawless finish. Once you’re happy with the smoothness, you can proceed to decorate your cake further, such as adding sprinkles or intricate piping.
- Use a Turntable: This makes smoothing frosting much easier and helps you achieve even layers.
- Keep Tools Clean: Wipe your spatula and icing smoother frequently to avoid transferring crumbs or uneven streaks.
- Don’t Overwork the Frosting: Over-smoothing can lead to air pockets or a too-thin layer.
With practice and patience, frosting a cake with smooth buttercream will become second nature. Remember, the process is as rewarding as the result, and your beautifully frosted cake will surely impress everyone who sees (and tastes!) it. 🎂✨
