How to Frost a Layer Cake on a Serving Platter
Putting the finishing touches on a layer cake may seem daunting, but here are six simple steps to a perfectly frosted layer cake.
Putting the finishing touches on a layer cake may seem daunting, but here are six simple steps to a perfectly frosted layer cake.
1. REMOVE THE DOME: Cake layers with a domed top are difficult to stack and frost. If your cake layers crack and dome, you can simply slice the domed section off using a serrated knife. Gently slice back and forth using a sawing motion.
2. LINE THE PLATTER: Frosting the cake right on the serving platter can be a messy enterprise. To keep the platter tidy, use strips of parchment paper to cover its edges; remove the parchment before serving the cake.
3. HOLD IT DOWN: No one wants to frost a moving target. To keep the cake from sliding around, spoon a dollop of frosting in the center of the platter as “glue” and place one cake layer on top.
4. FROST THE BOTTOM: Spoon some of the frosting onto the center of the first layer and, using an icing spatula, push the frosting up to, but not over, the edge of the cake. Then stack the top layer carefully to make sure that the sides are aligned.
5. TOP, THEN SIDES: Spread more frosting over the surface of the top layer, up to the sides of the cake. Then, using a small amount of frosting on the tip of an icing spatula, gently smear and press the frosting onto the sides of the cake.
6. MAKE IT SMOOTH: Holding the icing spatula at a slight angle, run the spatula around the cake to smooth the frosting. Where the sides and top of the frosting meet, pull the excess frosting toward the center of the cake.
