Frosting a Cake

If the cake has been set on a cardboard round, you can support it in the palm of one hand and turn it as instructed below. Alternatively, set it on a heavy-duty turntable.

Using a long metal spatula, place a large gob of frosting on a side of the cake. Press the frosting from side to side with the spatula without lifting so that it doesn’t lift away any crust. Continue all around the cake layer, allowing the frosting to rise about a quarter inch above the top. Frost the top of the cake in the same way. When the entire surface is covered, hold the spatula halfway across the cake with the blade almost flat against the frosting and, pressing lightly, rotate the turntable smoothly in one full circle.