Icing your cake is the last step in perfecting your masterpiece. It is the main part that supplies the wow factor and most importantly it makes people want to eat it.
There are many different types of icing and therefore many different ways of icing a cake. Here at Crystal Clear Cake Stands we will give you a step by step guide to icing a cake the traditional way, with fondant icing.
What you will need:
To start, make sure you have a clean clear work surface and plenty of room to move around. Your cake needs to be placed on a separate non-slip board to stop it from moving around whilst you are icing. We offer a range of 360º Rotating Decorating Turntables that are perfect for helping you do this.
Step Two - RollingLightly dust your clean work surface with a handful of icing sugar, making sure that there are no large clumps. If you are stricken with incredibly lumpy icing sugar, try pushing it through a sieve slowly to create an even dusting. Lay your block of fondant on top and with your rolling pin slowly roll the icing out with a light even pressure, turning the icing all the time. The end result should be a round(ish) even layer of icing the thickness of a pound coin. Place your fondant to one side and repeat the same process with the marzipan.
Tip: If you want to decorate you cake with colourful icing, you can add a drop of colouring paste or food colouring to the block of icing and knead it in before rolling.Step Three - Assembling
With your cake on it's stand or board, brush the warm apricot jam all over the top and sides of the cake. This helps make the marzipan stick to the cake's surface so the icing doesn't fall off when it's cut into. Gently lay the marzipan on top, smoothing it over with your hands and pushing into the bottom of the cake. With your sharp knife, carefully cut away the excess icing along the base of the cake.
If you don't want to use marzipan, you can apply a thin layer of buttercream instead. Repeat this process with the fondant icing. For a professional finish, try using a cake smoother to push down the icing and smooth out any bumps for an incredible finish.
Tip: To hide the gap where the cake meets your display board, try tying some ribbon around the bottom of your cake or pipe some buttercream into the gap using a pretty rose icing bag attachment.Perfection, a simple and easy way to ice a cake. Now that your base is created you can decorate your cake to your liking by choosing flowers, sugar paste characters, cake toppers and candles. Whatever the occasion make sure you have fun!
Have you tried our helpful step by step guide? Tell us what you thought by messaging us on our Facebook and Google+ pages or Tweet us @CCDisplays.