Ready-made icing can be smoothed over a cake using your hand or a cake turntable for a neat finish.
Using Ready-Made Icing: A Step-by-Step Guide
What is Ready-Made Icing?
Ready-made icing, also known as fondant or sugar paste, is a type of edible decoration used to cover cakes and create decorative elements. It's popular for its smooth, professional finish and versatility in crafting intricate designs.
How to Apply Ready-Made Icing
Here's a detailed guide on how to use ready-made icing to cover a cake:
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Prepare the Cake: Ensure your cake is completely cool and has a smooth surface. You may want to apply a thin layer of buttercream or jam to help the icing adhere better.
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Knead the Icing: If the icing is stiff, knead it on a clean, lightly dusted surface until it's pliable and smooth. This helps to eliminate any air bubbles and makes the icing easier to work with.
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Roll Out the Icing: Using a rolling pin, roll the icing out into a large circle or square, depending on the shape of your cake. The icing should be about 1/8 inch (3-4 mm) thick and large enough to cover the entire cake plus some extra for smoothing.
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Transfer the Icing: Carefully lift the rolled-out icing using your rolling pin or hands and drape it over the cake. Center it as best as you can.
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Smooth the Icing:
- Smooth over the top of the cake with the palm of your hand, then gently around the top edges of the cake.
- Use a cake turntable to help smooth the icing around the sides of the cake.
- If you have any pleats, gently pull these out and smooth them down with the palm of your hand, one at a time.
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Trim Excess Icing: Once the icing is smooth and adheres to the cake, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to trim away the excess icing from the bottom edge of the cake.
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Final Touches: Use an icing smoother to give the cake a polished finish. You can also add decorations, such as ribbons, borders, or other fondant shapes, to enhance the cake's appearance.
Tips for Success
- Work quickly to prevent the icing from drying out and cracking.
- If the icing becomes too sticky, dust your work surface and rolling pin with a little powdered sugar or cornstarch.
- Use a cake turntable for easier smoothing and a more professional finish.
Tools and Materials
| Tool/Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Ready-made icing | The primary material for covering the cake. |
| Rolling pin | Used to roll out the icing to the desired thickness. |
| Powdered sugar/Cornstarch | Prevents the icing from sticking to the work surface. |
| Cake turntable | Helps in rotating the cake for even smoothing. |
| Sharp knife/Pizza cutter | Used to trim excess icing from the base of the cake. |
| Icing smoother | Provides a polished finish to the icing. |
| Buttercream/Jam | Optional, used as a base layer to help the icing adhere to the cake. |
| Decorations | Optional, such as ribbons, borders, or additional fondant shapes to enhance the cake's appearance. |
Troubleshooting
- Cracked Icing: If the icing cracks, it may be too dry. Try kneading in a small amount of shortening or water to restore its pliability.
- Air Bubbles: Small air bubbles can be popped with a pin and smoothed over.
- Tears: Small tears can often be patched with a little extra icing, smoothed over with your finger or a small tool.
Creative Uses of Ready-Made Icing
Besides covering cakes, ready-made icing can be used to:
- Create decorative elements: such as flowers, bows, and figurines.
- Make cake toppers: personalized messages or figures.
- Decorate cookies and cupcakes: providing a smooth base for further decoration.
Conclusion
Using ready-made icing is a straightforward way to give your cakes a smooth, professional finish. By following these steps and tips, you can achieve beautiful results and impress your friends and family with your cake-decorating skills.
