Cake frosting is an art anyone can learn.

With just a few simple tools you can learn the art of cake frosting. The best thing about this art form is if you mess up, you can eat the mistake and start over. What other art form offers you that!

You can cover 95% of your frosting needs with four basic tools:

• Spatula - Used to spread the frosting
• Pastry Bag with Tips - Pipe lines, create waves or stars to fill areas.
• Metal Spatula
• Plastic Broad Knife (to get super smooth frosting)

Here are some basic tips to help you frost your cakes like a pro:

You can see examples of the Miscellaneous shapes below.

Cake Frosting Tips

Pay a little attention to detail on your cake frosting and you will be rewarded with a result that rivals many cakes that you buy.

A cake turntable will make things easier but you can get a pretty darn good job with just a plain cake stand. I have been doing this for 20 years at home and don't have a lazy susan. I just use my cake stand and turn it on the counter.

Let's take a look at the basics:

Place a dab of frosting on the center of the cake stand to help anchor your cake to the stand.

Put the first layer of the cake on the stand. Slip some parchment paper under the edges of the cake to cover the edge of the cake stand. Helps keep things clean and makes your cake frosting job look more finished.

Make sure the top of the first layer is clean of any really large crumbs and then put around one cup of frosting in the center of the layer. Spread this outwards with the offset spatula I mentioned above. If you don't want to spring for a dedicated frosting spatula for cake frosting you can use a rubber spatula.

Put your second layer on top. Make sure the layers are properly aligned then brush away large crumbs off the second layer. This is just to ensure your frosting job stays clean. Put about one cup of cake frosting on the top of the second layer and spread out to the edge.

For the edges you will use your offset spatula (or rubber spatula) and put a few tablespoons on the tip. Spread this on the edge of the cake gently so you don't pull crumbs off the side. Clean off every so often (no licking) and repeat the process all the way around the side of the cake until completely covered.

Finish up by paying attention to the joint at the top edge. Run the spatula around the edge to "finish" it off.

Pull out the parchment paper and you are done! Simple huh!

Misc Shapes

Each Picture will take you to a larger image.