There’s nothing incorrect with swiftly putting together a layer cake, yet when you want to clothe it up for an event, starting with the ideal method– a crumb coat– is worth the effort. This slim layer of frosting works as a sealant, providing a crumb-free structure for a second, extra ornamental layer.
If you appreciate baking layer cakes frequently, it deserves buying the appropriate equipment. A cast iron turntable will make the entire process faster and extra delightful, as will a lengthy countered spatula that can smooth the sides of the cake in a solitary stroke. Cardboard cake rounds are handy for taking a trip however not vital.
Begin with cake layers that have been cooled down to at the very least 70 ° F (21 ° C) and leveled with a serrated blade.
Center the cake on a heavy turntable and leading it with a cup of icing. Yes, a full cup. When you’re physically manipulating a three-dimensional things like frosting, only quantity can precisely express just how much is required to cover the surface of a cake. Whether you’re utilizing thick American buttercream, whipped ganache, or light Swiss buttercream, a cup will constantly cover an eight-inch layer of cake to a depth of a quarter inch, which is my excellent cake-to-frosting proportion.
Spread out the buttercream right into a layer that prolongs just beyond the edges of the cake, after that top with the following layer, covering it with buttercream as in the past. Repeat for however numerous layers you have. Next, smooth the buttercream around the sides into a slim yet also layer.
As you work, excess icing will normally develop around the top side, which is beneficial; if the icing fails, the cake will certainly look a little droopy around the sides. However, when the frosting sits above the top edge, you can scrape it off to create a sharp edge. Once you’ve covered the cake, pop it in the refrigerator for half an hour.
When the buttercream is cool and firm, you’ll have a smooth, crumb-free structure for any kind of decorative touches that come next. Whether it’s a layer of rolled fondant, rainbow sprays, melted ganache, or big swoops and swirls of vanilla frosting, beginning with a crumb coat will provide any kind of layer cake a tidy, specialist look, no matter the occasion.
