How to put icing on a cake without the cake sheading?

Question

Everytime i seem to spread icing on a cake- bits and peices of the cake seems to be mixed w/ the icing. Is there anyway/thing to do so it'll stop sheading?

- I make sure the cake has cooled off.

Answer 1

It sounds like your icing might be too thin, and you may be pressing a bit too hard, maybe trying to get it off the spreader...

I start with a huge glob of icing on the spreader then very gently put the icing on the cake...It will shead a bit but will be easier to cover if the icing is thicker.

Another way could be to put the icing into a piping bag and pipe the icing on. TONS more work...but not dragging the spreader across the cake.

Answer 2

First you can take a brush like a butter brush and brush the cake well to get the loose crumbes off. And the heating the icing so it goes on smooth will defiently help. You can also try hard icing where your roll it flat and lay it over the cake and then cover it like a wrap.. it is very yummy!

Answer 3

If you are using canned icing, it's notoriously stiff.  Mix well w/ your knife to fluff it up before spreading.

Also, put a thin layer of icing on the cake that you can see thru... this is called a "crumb coat" and is designed to catch the crumbs.  Let set to dry out a bit, then frost cake w/ the pretty layer of icing, crumb-free!  Just dont' try to spread the icing too far; be generous w/ it.   I find one can of canned icing is enough for only a 9x13" sheet cake, not a 2-layer cake.

Answer 4

Maybe try heating up your icing a bit so it melts and spreads easier?

Answer 5

A couple tricks:

Make sure the frosting is of speadable consistency - not cold

Frost the cake in two layers. A thin first layer of frosting which traps all the crumbs. Let that set up in the refrigerator then come back with a more generous second layer of frosting over top.

Answer 6

Freeze the layers first, then ice for perfect results.

Answer 7

Try to heat the knife you are about to use up first!!

Answer 8

i had the same problem, try heating up the knife with hot water and try again, makes it 100% easier.

Answer 9

If you have the time, I know some professional cake decorators who freeze the cake first.