How to Ice a Cake and the 8 Different Types of Frosting
Every celebration calls for a bit of sweetness. This article, How to Ice a Cake and the 8 Different Types of Frosting, will teach you the most basic lesson for making a picture-perfect treat. Learning how to frost cupcakes and how to frost a cake is a very important skill for new bakers to learn. Even if you are a more seasoned baker, it is good to brush up on some tips and learn from others of your craft. Once you learn how to ice cupcakes, you will feel like a master. Don't worry, newbies - this skill is easier than food shows would have you believe. Once you’re ready to practice your new frosting skills, try your hand at these yummy Cinnamon Roll Cupcakes, or this Classic Vanilla Birthday Cake.
If you're wondering what type of frosting to use for your cake, then have no fear. This article also breaks down the eight different types of frosting, from buttercream to whipped cream. Some frostings you may not even have known existed. No matter what your skill level, it is important to familiarize yourself with all the different ways that you can make your frosted baked goods complete. It might be fun to try each different type of frosting and pick a couple to really specialize in. Who knows what doors may be opened for you!
The art of decorating a cake can seem quite overwhelming, but with this simple video we’re here to show you that frosting your own cake is actually easier than you think. This easy-to-follow video guides you through making your own homemade vanilla cream cheese frosting and then gives you step by step instructions for how to frost your own cake:How to Make Frosting and Frost a Cake
How to Ice a Cake
-
Apply a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake. It is okay if the cake shows through a bit, as this is just the "crumb coat." This will ensure that the crumbs stay locked in so they don't ruin the final coat.
-
Let the crumb coat set for half an hour in the fridge or 15 minutes in the freezer.
-
Apply the final coat of frosting. It may be best to start with the sides and apply a large amount of frosting with a spatula. Then, you can smooth it out inch by inch until the whole cake is covered. Next, put a large amount on top and spread it out to the edges. The cake should now be completely covered with frosting. It's okay if it looks a bit messy.
-
Use a large spatula to smooth the top and sides. Rely more on rotating the cake by hand rather than moving the spatula around the cake.
-
Finally, pipe a border around the top and bottom of the cake and decorate however you wish. The finishing touches are what make the cake so uniquely yours.
Eight Types of Icing
-
Buttercream: This icing is creamy and rich, and it spreads easily due to its butter base. Buttercream is popular for cakes and cupcakes. Vanilla buttercream is the most common, but French buttercream is another great option. French buttercream uses egg yolks for a richer taste and a natural yellow tint.
This Healthy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is low-sugar, all-natural, vegan, and dairy-free. -
Cream cheese: Similar to buttercream, cream cheese icing is made with cream cheese rather than butter. This icing is a nice touch on pumpkin breads and chocolate cupcakes.
Orange frosting atop a delicious cake is what makes this Pineapple Carrot Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting such a unique treat. -
Glaze: This icing is glossy and thin, and it becomes stiff when it is dry. Glaze is especially popular for bundt cake and shortbread cookies.
This delicious Orange Nutella Pound Cake with Orange Glaze is super moist, fluffy, and full of orange flavor. -
Royal: Royal icing is stiff and sweet because it is made with powdered sugar and egg whites. This icing is popular for creating piped flowers and gingerbread houses.
You'll never find a simpler royal icing recipe than "Easy as 1-2-3" Royal Icing. -
Boiled Frosting: This icing is perhaps the most classic of all, as it was popularly used in the 1800s. Boiled icing is often used as filling or frosting for layer cakes. It is light, fluffy, and sets quickly.
These Brownies with Creme Filling are made from rich, homemade Oreo cream filling sandwiched between two cakey chocolate brownies. -
Ganache: Another popular filling, ganache is rich due to the emulsified cream and chocolate that make it.
These adorable No Bake Mini Lemon Cheesecakes with Chocolate Ganache are simply to make and very classy. -
Fondant: This icing is made with sugar and vegetable shortening. Fondant is dough-like with a smooth, matte finish. It stays fairly soft and is especially popular for wedding cakes.
Homemade Fondant is an easy fondant recipe that is perfect for the at-home baker. -
Whipped Cream: Topping off the list is whipped cream, which can often be found on cold cakes.
This sweet and tangy Grapefruit Pie with Honey Whipped Cream is a lot like a lemon or key lime pie.
