The original cakes produced in America were actually small loaves of sweet bread. Imagine the huge difference they are from the modern day recipes we have today. This should make any homemaker delighted, as they are now able to choose from a wide variety of cakes to bake. You need knowledge to produce great cakes. The logical thing to do is to purchase a good set of tools to assist in your cake making adventure.
Great icing starts with a smooth surface. Make sure they are cool before you start icing them though! You can prevent crumbs from damaging your dicing layer by starting with a thin base of frosting. Place them on the refrigerator for 20 minutes. This will set the first layer and lock in all crumbs from ever rising to the external layer of your icing. When all crumbs are locked into the first layer, the job will be much easier for you now.
Now get your icing spatula and apply a nice coat of icing layer. Place a nice amount of icing on the cake and stat smoothing it by running the spatula along the perimeters of the cake. There is one well-kept secret you can use, dip the spatula in cold water before you start smoothing, it makes the job a whole lot easier. Dip it again in cold water as you hold the spatula horizontally over the top, and start smoothing the surface of the cake. Use both hands and drag the spatula towards you, starting at the furthest point.
Avoiding the Complicated
Smoothing the icing is no easy job; in fact some claims that it is actually the hardest part of all. There is no substitute for practice. Rejoice if you can do it right, it is the hardest part.
One good alternative to icing tops are sugar coated powders that are dusted across the surface of the cake. Use a stencil for a more elaborate experience or you can use powdered sugar for a dusted look. One good addition is to see edible cake decorations. The use of sprinkles, candy, nuts, and coconut pressed into the icing before it sets, will make your cake stand out.
The use of cardboard combs can make your icing looks textured. You can make a piping by using a pastry bag and a metal tip held together with a coupler. This is the fun part-you may create flowers, shells, cones, in fact anything you can think of! Fill your bag with one cup of icing and start decorating your cake. Use your other hand to guide the tip. Take the opportunity to learn the right piping technique.
Fondant, a smooth white paste, is used in complicated cake decorating. They are kneaded and roiled to be placed over the cake for that expensive, classy look. They are often used to create elegant 3-D designs.