How to Frost Very Smooth With Buttercream

A large palette knife can be used to create a smooth finish with buttercream frosting.

A cake with a smooth buttercream finish creates a professional look without the time and practice required for techniques like rolled fondant (also known as sugarpaste). Once you master how to frost a cake smoothly with buttercream, you can create an ideal surface for piping borders, flowers and other decorations.

Things You'll Need

• 8-inch round, leveled cakes, 2
• 12-inch round cake board
• Cake turntable
• Metal spatula or large palette knife
• 5 cups buttercream frosting
• Straight-edged icing scraper
• Icing smoother
• Untextured paper towel

Instructions

1. Center the cake board on the top of the icing turntable. Place one cake layer onto the cake board. Use the palette knife or spatula to apply a generous layer of buttercream to the top of the cake. Place the second layer on top. Allow the filled cake to set for an hour.

2. Use the palette knife or spatula to apply a thin layer of buttercream frosting to the sides and top of the cake as you slowly rotate the turntable. This creates a seal that keeps cake crumbs out of the final top layer of frosting. Allow the cake to set for 15 minutes.

3. Liberally spread buttercream frosting across the top and sides of the cake with the palette knife or spatula. Rotate the turntable as you use the straight-edged icing scraper along the sides and top of the cake to create a smooth finish. Stop as needed to scrape surplus frosting back into your frosting bowl. You can use the extra frosting for piping decorations or to fill another cake. Allow the cake to set for 20 minutes.

4. Place the untextured paper towel on top of the cake. Gently press down and move the icing smoother in circular motions to smooth out any remaining ripples in the frosting. Repeat the process along the sides of the cake.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have an icing smoother, you can also gently brush your flattened palm over the surface of the paper towel to smooth the frosting beneath.

• Some professional cake decorators prefer to use a 6-inch high-density foam roller to smooth frosting. Place the roller directly on the cake or place greaseproof paper or an untextured towel on the cake. Gently roll over the frosting with long strokes.

• Always allow cakes to cool completely before you level them and attempt to frost. Otherwise, they are likely to crack and the frosting will slide off.

• If your frosting becomes stiff in between steps, add a few drops of water and mix well.

• If you use a meringue-based buttercream, do not add water to soften frosting. Dip your spatula or palette knife into hot water. Shake off the excess water before placing the knife or spatula back into the frosting.

• If the frosting lifts up and sticks to the paper towel, let it dry longer. Once stiffer, it should be easy to smooth.

References

• "Colette's Cakes: The Art of Cake Decorating"; Colette Peters; 1991
• "Cakes for Romantic Occasions"; May Clee-Cadman; 2010
• "Best-Ever Cake Decorating; Angela Nilsen and Sarah Maxwell; 2002
• Cake Central: Quick and Easy Smooth Icing Using a Roller
• That Really Frosts Me; Smooth Buttercream Frosting; April 2010

Resources

• Make Fabulous Cakes: Icing a Cake Smoothly