Easy Way To Smooth Out Icing

by Bryan
(Deux-Sevres , France)

What is an easy way to smooth out the icing on the side of a wedding cake, can you use a warm spatula?? Any ideas please

How to apply wedding cake icing and marzipan

Simple wedding cake decorations

Ask the expert

Answer:

Depending on the icing you are using to cover your cake there are various methods and tools that work best.

Here are some quick guidelines to help you out. All of these techniques should be used whilst you are applying your icing.

Crumb layer or butter cream - a spatula or a palette knife

Marzipan - smooth over with a palette knife that has been dipped in boiling water

Fondant or sugar paste icing - you will need a flat surface that applies even pressure, for this a spatula is not the best choice. A fondant smoother will work best. They are fairly inexpensive and can be picked up at your local cake shop supply store or online. For a glossy finish dust your hands with corn starch and gently rub in circular movements.

Royal icing - a straight-edge tool, a metal ruler or a palette knife that is longer than the diameter of the cake to apply and then use a steel scraper to smooth out the edges.

If you are trying to smooth out fondant icing that has already dried, then do not use water on fondant as this will dissolve the sugar. To repair cracks on dried fondant try rubbing a little of the same fondant or solid vegetable shortening over the crack in a circular motion, then using a smother or your hands to rub it in.

 

If you have wrinkles or more serious repairs there is little that can be done other than to try using Royal icing to smooth out the cake. However you then run into a problem with making your icing the same colour as your fondant and may end up with a more noticeable error. It may be better to try hiding the imperfection with flowers, decorations or ribbon. Or make sure the imperfections are atthe back of the cake and locate it against a wall or in a corner.

Hope that helps.