October 2002

How to smooth that icing?

Ever wonder how those cake professionals smooth the side and tops of cakes so well?

If so, then this month's tip is for you...

The trick is really HOT water. I know it sounds trivial but that's the secret. You simply take an angled spatula and dip it into a saucepan full of hot water before you attempt to smooth the side and top of a iced cake. Then, as you guide the spatula around the side of the cake, simply dip it again in the hot water when you meet some resistance with the icing (i.e. the icing does not come out smooth). Repeat this same procedure for the top of your cake except this time you are going back and forth from the center of the cake to smooth it out. In addition, crumbs will not get pulled up by the spatula from the cake using this technique! The end result is a smooth, professional looking cake to impress your family and friends!