Icing a Cake

ICING THE CAKE:

There are two ways to ice a cake. Using a Cake Icer Tip or by using a spatula only.

Using Cake Icer Tip:

Cut the bottom of a disposable 16" cake decorating bag to fit tip 789 (Wilton Cake Icer Tip). Please note that a coupler is not needed.



Fill bag with icing.

Starting on top of the cake, place the serrated side of tip to surface of the center of the cake and squeeze the icing in a continous spiral motion to cover the top.



For the sides of the cake, place the tip close to the cake and squeeze icing while rotating the the cake. Do this several times until you cover the cake.



Using your spatula, place the edge of the spatula over the iced side and rotate the cake to smooth it. Do not lift spatula. Make sure that the spatula only touches the icing and not the cake to prevent from lifting crumbs. Excess icing can be returned to the bowl with icing.

Smooth the top last by placing the spatula against the icing and rotating the cake. Return the excess of the icing to the bowl.



Repeat the procedure to make sure all sides are smoothed. You can apply icing to the cake as necessary.

TIP: If you used meringue powder in your icing, wait 5 minutes until the icing dries. Cut a large piece of wax paper and place it on top of the iced cake and smooth it with your hands by sliding your hand on top of the wax paper. Do the same for the sides of the cake. This will make your cake look smooth.





Using the spatula only:

Using a spatula place a large amount of icing on the top center of the cake.

Spread across the top pushing the icing to the sides of the cake. Use short strokes with the spatula to cover the top

Use more icing if needed to cover the sides of the cake. Place the edge of the spatula over the iced side and rotate the cake to smooth it. Do not lift the spatula, keep a steady hand. Make sure that the spatula only touches the icing and not the cake to prevent from lifting crumbs. Excess icing can be returned to the bowl with icing.

Repeat the procedure to make sure all sides are smoothed.