Smoothing Buttercream

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Permalink Reply by Rima on May 11, 2012 at 11:38pm

I use a metal spatula and hot water in a pitcher.  Always go back to the cake with a clean, warm spatula for every stroke. I start with the top and then do the sides and then clean the top edge by working excess back in toward the top center. Another key is to not have any low spots when you begin the smoothing process. If you have low spots after the first pass accross just fill it in and start over. It's easier to take the frosting off as you smooth that way.

It just takes practice. I've tried the paper towel method, and I've tried the wedding tulle method, but this technique my dad taught me has served me very well. Good luck! 

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Permalink Reply by Katy Nott on May 12, 2012 at 6:37am

Yep, me too Rima.  My Mum always smoothed her icing this way and made a darn good job of it.  I have a plastic ruler that I use for larger cakes, so I can go across the top in one stroke.  As Rima says, Kelly, it is important to take all the icing off your spatula, ruler whatever after every stroke.  Then dip your utensil in the hot water (which I put in a deep container - jug, tall glass), shake the excess off and go again.  Good luck.

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Permalink Reply by Linda Wolff on May 12, 2012 at 4:05pm

I use the paper towel method using a fondant smoothing tool with the paper towel. First, I use my medium sized spatula and fill in all the sides where layers meet with icing, and then I use the large spatula to go over them again to ice the whole cake, and also on the top. A turn table is a must so that while you are holding the spatula straight up and down, you keep that wheel turning. Once I am satisfied with it and figure it's as smooth as it's going to get this way, then I let it crust over for a few minutes and then use a Viva paper towel. Place it right on top, and use a fondant smoother over the paper towel, just like you are ironing a shirt. Then, Hold it on the side of the cake and press it in gently, then smooth all around, moving the paper towel as you go! Works every time for me!

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Permalink Reply by Katy Nott on May 13, 2012 at 10:28am

I've never heard of this way before Linda, sounds very clever.  So the paper towel doesn't stick to the buttercream?

Linda Wolff said:

I use the paper towel method using a fondant smoothing tool with the paper towel. First, I use my medium sized spatula and fill in all the sides where layers meet with icing, and then I use the large spatula to go over them again to ice the whole cake, and also on the top. A turn table is a must so that while you are holding the spatula straight up and down, you keep that wheel turning. Once I am satisfied with it and figure it's as smooth as it's going to get this way, then I let it crust over for a few minutes and then use a Viva paper towel. Place it right on top, and use a fondant smoother over the paper towel, just like you are ironing a shirt. Then, Hold it on the side of the cake and press it in gently, then smooth all around, moving the paper towel as you go! Works every time for me!

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Permalink Reply by Linda Wolff on May 13, 2012 at 10:48am

Not once it has slightly crusted over a little bit. It will if your butter cream is way too soft, though.

Katy Nott said:

I've never heard of this way before Linda, sounds very clever.  So the paper towel doesn't stick to the buttercream?

Linda Wolff said:

I use the paper towel method using a fondant smoothing tool with the paper towel. First, I use my medium sized spatula and fill in all the sides where layers meet with icing, and then I use the large spatula to go over them again to ice the whole cake, and also on the top. A turn table is a must so that while you are holding the spatula straight up and down, you keep that wheel turning. Once I am satisfied with it and figure it's as smooth as it's going to get this way, then I let it crust over for a few minutes and then use a Viva paper towel. Place it right on top, and use a fondant smoother over the paper towel, just like you are ironing a shirt. Then, Hold it on the side of the cake and press it in gently, then smooth all around, moving the paper towel as you go! Works every time for me!

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Permalink Reply by Christie Ray on May 14, 2012 at 2:39am

Hi Kelly I found this link very helpful.

http://designmeacake.com/id48.html

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Permalink Reply by Katy Nott on May 14, 2012 at 6:30am

Hi Christie.  Thanks for posting this link.  She has some really good tutorials on there, I have bookmarked her page!

Christie Ray said:

Hi Kelly I found this link very helpful.

http://designmeacake.com/id48.html

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Permalink Reply by Rima on May 14, 2012 at 8:46am

Edna is also a member of CWB.

Katy Nott said:

Hi Christie.  Thanks for posting this link.  She has some really good tutorials on there, I have bookmarked her page!

Christie Ray said:

Hi Kelly I found this link very helpful.

http://designmeacake.com/id48.html

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Permalink Reply by Eileen S on May 14, 2012 at 3:54pm

I use the Viva paper towel method as well.  Works like a charm.  I crumb coat, let it crust, smooth, then second coat, let it crust and smooth.  Any frosting that forms a crust will work beautifully.  I also make sure my buttercream frosting is really smooth by letting it go in the KitchenAid mixer until it fills in the bowl (very few gaps).  It makes for a soft, smooth, velvety buttercream.  Not good for making your dam in between layers, though, so take a little out while it's still stiff and make your dam and fill your cake before moving on to letting it get smoother.

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Permalink Reply by Gretchen Belsome on May 24, 2012 at 4:47pm

I have not perfected the smooth icing yet, but I think I am getting pretty close sometimes.  I do a little of everyones techniques, the paper towel, the warm spatular.  One thing I did find and it might be my buttercream is that if I crumb coat it, and put it in the freezer for a bit, when I take it out and frost it, it come out very smoot, almost like it it freezing on the ice cold cake. 

 

My aunt told me something about using a hair dryer to help smooth and make it shine, has anyone heard of that???

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Permalink Reply by Gretchen Belsome on May 25, 2012 at 4:12pm

Well I like to use those Wilton Sprays.  And last night I sprayed a cake and I use the hair dryer to help even out the color.  The dryer helps get rid of spots that had to much in one spot.  I had already smoothed out the icing.

 

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