How to frost a layer cake
Ranked #10,093 in Food & Cooking, #181,833 overall
Do you need to learn how to frost a layered cake?
You can frost you own cake and I will show you how!
How to frost a layer cake!
Make dream cakes in no time, with just a little practice!
Some people are not willing to frost a layer cake. It really isn't that difficult! Just follow these easy steps to frosting a layer cake!
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 30 minutes
How to frost a layer cake:
1. Bake a layer cake, use a cake mix or follow this recipe, remove layers from pans, and cool completely.
2. Put layers in freezer and freeze until solid. This makes it easier to frost the layers.
3. Make frosting according to your favorite frosting recipe, or use canned frosting or a mix.
4. Use a Lazy Susan or a Turntable to make the frosting process easier, but if you don't have one, just pick a pretty serving platter to use.
5. Tear off four short strips of waxed paper and place them in a square on your serving plate, leaving an open space in the middle.
6. Carefully place one cake layer on the waxed paper. Using about 1 cup of the frosting, spread frosting over the top of the layer.
7. Place the second layer on top of the frosting, aligning the edges.
8. Using an offset spatula for more control, spread a very thin layer of frosting on the sides of the cake to seal in any stray crumbs. This is much easier if you have a lazy susan.
9. Then frost the sides of the cake, using the spatula to make peaks and swirls. Build up a slight edge at the top of the cake.
10. Finish frosting the top of the cake, pushing frosting to the edges to meet the frosting on the sides. Have fun swirling the frosting so it's pretty!
11. Carefully pull out the waxed paper strips. Now you see why we used them - your serving platter is perfectly clean!
Cake frosting tips - Frost a cake like a pro!
Follow these quick tips to learn How to Frost a Layer Cake

Cake Frosting Tips:
1. I would recommend making more frosting than most recipes call for, especially if you're a beginner. Nothing is more frustrating than running out.
2. Offset spatulas have a kink in the blade that keeps your fingers away from the frosting while working.
3. Add liquid to thin, or powdered sugar to thicken the frosting as you work if the texture changes.
Cake Decorating Tools
Wilton 2104-2546 53 Piece Supreme Cake Decorating Set
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 06/01/2012)![]()
List Price: $32.99
Complete tool set for frosting and decorating cakes
53-piece set includes tips, icing bags, metal flower nail, and two tip couplers
Storage tray and 8-inch angled spatula included
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Learn how to frost a cake with this caking frosting tips video!
Let's Frost Our Cake by Watching this Video
How to Frost a Layer Cake
Kitchens items that will make frosting your cake easier!

Useful tools to help you frost your cake!
* cake layers
* frosting
* waxed paper
* serving plate
* lazy susan
* rubber spatula
Revolving Cake Stand, Aluminum Top
A cake stand for the serious cake decorator, or even a beginner!
The Ateco Revolving Cake Stand with Non-Slip Pad is a professional icing turntable featuring an heavy-duty cast iron base with durable powder coat finish. The12" rotating top is made of 0.12" thick aluminum and will hold cakes over 150 lb. Non-slip pad included. Made in USA.
Customer Review
I really recommend this cake stand, if you are tempted to get the Wilton brand consider how often and how serious you are about cake decorating. This will stand the test of time.
Ateco 612 Revolving Cake Stand
Amazon Price: $41.99 (as of 06/01/2012)![]()
List Price: $67.50
Product Features
* Cast iron base with durable powder coat finish
* Top is made of 1/8" thick aluminum
* 12" diameter top, 5" height
* Non-slip pad included
* Made in USA
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Baking a cake can be a fun family night!
Grab the kids and have them help bake a cake!
How to Frost a Layer Cake
Tips and directions on How to Frost a Layer Cake
Wilton 2104-3160 12-Piece Cake-Decorating Press Set, Decorator Favorites
Amazon Price: $3.58 (as of 05/31/2012)![]()
List Price: $9.99
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Wilton Romantic Castle Cake Set
Fantasy Cake Set
Wilton 301-910 Romantic Castle Cake Set
Amazon Price: $12.00 (as of 06/01/2012)![]()
List Price: $20.99
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Cake decorating supplies from eBay
These eBay auctions will end soon, so bid now!
What Goes Good with Cake
Ice Cream
How to Frost a Layer Cake blogs
These blog posts has some great recipes and directions for baking a cake!
- IN THE KITCHEN: Inn recreates Dad's carrot cake recipe
- I loved that cake. When he got older, it became a two- or even three-step process for him, over a period of a couple days: chop the nuts, grate the carrots, blend the dry ingredients. Then combine it all together and make the cream cheese frosting ...
- Party cakes: best yellow layer cake with pastry cream and fresh fruit
- I was inspired by the signature cake from the Swedish Bakery in the Chicago neighborhood of Andersonville, and pictures of Fourth of July flag cakes topped with fresh fruit. For the cake layers, I used Smitten Kitchen's Best Yellow Layer Cake recipe.
- Jaques Pepin's Lemon Delice
- Slice it horizontally to create three layers. Beat butter, cream cheese, 2 tablespoons lemon juice and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Sprinkle the cake layers with the remaining lemon juice. Frost each layer, and reform the cake, frosting the top ...
- 3 Indulgent Memorial Day dessert recipes
- Bring out the big guns of sweets for Memorial Day by making these indulgent dessert recipes, including black bottom candy bar pie, mini chocolate molten cakes and a strawberry ice cream cake. Mmmmm, warm chocolate sauce oozing out of a tender chocolate ...
About Me
How to Frost a Layer Cake comments
Did you learn how to frost your own cake?
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Tipi
May 18, 2011 @ 7:07 pm | delete
- Very well taught and with yummy results!
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SereneSea Dec 16, 2010 @ 11:21 am | delete
- Very creative and explained in details.
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JoyfulPamela
Oct 7, 2010 @ 5:41 am | delete
- My mom is very creative and is able to decorate cakes in all sorts of fun ways, but I do truly have a hard time frosting a simple cake. I'll be happy to try some of your ideas the next time we have a cake. : )
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aj2008
Oct 6, 2010 @ 11:08 am | delete
- In the UK we call frosting "icing". Last year I taught one of my girls how to make and "ice" a Christmas Cake :)
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JaguarJulie Oct 30, 2008 @ 5:00 pm | delete
- Ah, I haven't decorated or frosted a layer cake in years! Love the Wilton Romantic Castle Cake Set -- your lens would be a great resource when I get to baking a cake. ;)
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dc64
Oct 19, 2008 @ 6:11 pm | delete
- No matter how many times I try, I just can't frost a cake without making a mess! 5 stars for giving me the inspiration to try again.
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Jewelsofawe Sep 4, 2008 @ 6:19 pm | delete
- Thanks for stopping by my loss of a loved one lens and the blessing! You must be a good cook. You have a number of recipes and how tos for food. Very cool! I love cooking and I like the food network's cooking shows. 5* on this lens
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enslavedbyfaeries
Aug 30, 2008 @ 1:08 am | delete
- The only way I can frost a cake with any success is by using the back of a spoon. Maybe I will try some of your tips next time I take a break from Squidoo and bake a cake.
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0ctavias0fferings
Aug 27, 2008 @ 2:36 am | delete
- Wow, great page but I think I should have eaten breakfast before looking here, I want chocolate cake ... now, don't care what time of day it is LOL
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stargazer00
Aug 26, 2008 @ 8:03 pm | delete
- I really like this one. All the usual accolades!
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TheInfamous7
Aug 14, 2008 @ 6:42 pm | delete
- Great Lens and some excellent tips Thomas!! I had no idea you were a fellow Pastry Chef!! ;-)
Top Marks Chef!!
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