How To Frost A Cake
Easy To Learn Steps To Ice A Cake

First before you learn how to frost a cake, you will need to prepare your Icing Recipe. These instructions are a no-fail technique that I have used since I started decorating cakes. It is very easy to learn, and gives your cakes a nice smooth look.

How To Frost A Cake: The Cake Decorator's Secret

First, I always ice my cakes while they are frozen. Yes, I know it sounds strange. This is a little-known cake decorators trick. The one question I always get about my cakes is "How do you get your cakes so moist?" Well, this is how!

Learn The Cake Decorator's Secret. Then come back and learn how to frost your cake.

Before you can frost your cake you will need to prep your cake. If you have a rectangle cake such as this one you will need to trim the edges off.

First you will learn to fill your cake layers then apply a crumb coat. A crumb coat doesn't look "neat" it is more to seal the crumbs before you start decorating. You'll learn all about that below.

How To Frost A Cake: The Crumb Coat

We want to start by applying what is called a crumb coat to the cake. Basically, this is just a thin layer of icing on the cake. The reason we do this is that this thin layer will pick up any crumbs right off. This way when we apply our second layer, we will not be able to see any crumbs at all in our icing.

You will want to use an angled metal spatula. The size of the spatula is up to you. I prefer to use a smaller angled spatula, however, a larger one may work better for you. Try both and see which one works best for you.

1. Place a good sized amount of frosting in the center of your cake.

   

2. Spread icing across the top of your cake from the middle out.


3. As you reach the edge of the cake, push any excess icing over the edge and down the sides of the cake.



4. Holding your spatula upright, you want to go around the sides of the cake to smooth out icing and make sure all areas are covered.
   



5. Remember, this is just a crumb coat. Therefore, the icing should be thin on the cake.


6. We want our crumb coat to air dry for a little bit. Set it aside for about an hour or so.

Video Tutorial- How to Frost a Cake

How To Frost A Cake: Our Final Frosting Layer

Now that we have applied our crumb coat and let our cake air dry for a bit, it is time to apply the final layer of icing and smooth it.

First, we are going to get some water heated up to smooth our cake. We can put this in the microwave now and it will be ready by the time we need it. Grab a large microwave safe cup (a bowl will work if you don't have one). Fill it with water and put it in the microwave for about 6 minutes.

1. In the same way as before, place a large amount of icing in the center of your cake.
   


2. Spread the icing across the top of the cake. You want the icing to be pretty thick. You may have to add more icing as you go, especially if you are icing a larger cake.



3. As you reach the edge of the cake, push any excess icing over the edge and down the side of your cake.
   


4. Use the excess icing to cover the sides of the cake. Again, we want a pretty thick layer of icing. Add extra icing to the sides if needed.



5. Hold your spatula upright to go around the sides of the cake to apply your layer of icing.
   


6. Make sure you have a good thick layer of icing covering the entire cake.
   

How To Frost A Cake: Smooth Icing

Right now our icing looks wavy and uneven. We want to give it a nice smooth look. Remember your water in the microwave? We are going to use it now.

1. We are going to start by smoothing the sides of the cake first.
   
   
2. Dip your metal spatula in the hot water. Instead of holding your spatula upright, this time hold it sideways.



3. Run your spatula from the bottom of the cake up the side, over the edge, and slightly over the top.



4. Dip spatula in hot water again and repeat this process all the way around the sides of your cake.



5. Once the sides are smooth, we'll do the top of your cake.



6. Dip your spatula in the hot water and start at the edge of your cake going toward the center.



7. Be sure to use the edge of your spatula and a light touch. Go in one direction toward the center, not back and forth.



8. You may pick up some icing on your spatula. If you do, simply wipe it on the edge of your cup or bowl. Do not put it back on the cake.



9. Repeat until the top of the cake is smooth. Be sure to dip your spatula each time before you go from the edge in.



10. The center of your cake is probably still a little wavy looking. Dip your spatula in the hot water and sweep it across the middle in one direction to smooth it.

This may take a little practice to get it just right. Try not to get frustrated. Remember also that you will be putting decorations on the cake. If there are areas that look funny you can always cover them up with some decoration!