How to ice a cake with buttercream
Skill level
Easy
Equipment you will need for this technique
Cake turntable (optional, but very useful)
Palette knife
Cake scraper
Finish your cake with a smooth coat of buttercream.
The first layer of buttercream is called a ‘crumb coat’. This is applied to seal in any crumbs and to help smooth the surface of the cake. The second layer is then applied for a smooth finish.
-Dollop a large spoonful of buttercream onto the cake and then smooth it over the top of the cake to create a flat surface. Using a ruler, slowly scrape the surface to make sure it is smooth and flat.
-Spread the icing around the sides of the cake and use a cake scraper or palette knife to make sure it is smooth. This layer doesn't need to be too thick, just enough to seal in all the crumbs.
-Chill the cake in the fridge for 30 minutes; then repeat with another, thicker layer of icing. Chill in the fridge for an hour or until ready to serve..