Crumb Coating a Cake

A crumb coating seals in any crumbs on the sides of the cake and prevents them from getting into the frosting and detracting from the appearance of the frosted cake. If the sides of the cake are well sealed, it is not necessary to apply a crumb coating. To crumb coat a cake, brush a thin layer of warmed apple or apricot jelly, or piping gel, over the cake. Allow the jelly or gel to dry until it feels slightly sticky before you frost the cake. Alternatively, use a very thin coat of very soft frosting.