How To Ice a Layer Cake

Appears in
Bad Girl Bakery

By Jeni Iannetta

Published 2021

  • About
Icing cakes is a tricky business! It’s one of the top things we are asked about in our baking classes. But, if you follow these simple steps, you’ll have all the skills you need to cover any cake, whatever the size, in buttercream.

You don’t need many tools for this, but it is definitely easier with a long, straight palette knife with a blade that’s longer than the height of your cake. You can ice a cake without one, but you won’t get the same smooth finish. Similarly, a cake turntable, piping bag and nozzle are not essential but they do make the job a little easier, so if you think you’ll make a few layer cakes or cupcakes, it’s worth investing in them. They are not expensive and are pretty easy to source.