Dan Lepard shows you how to cover a cake in royal icing for a perfectly smooth finish.
--First, apply a thin, even coat of royal icing, about 5mm/¼in thick, to smooth the cake surface.
-Place the cake on a cake turntable (if you have one) and place a scoop of icing on top of the cake.
-Spread the icing over the top of the cake with the spatula so that it just tips over the sides.
-Lean against the turntable to hold it firmly in place (without touching the cake), hold the metal ruler horizontally at a 45° angle and pull it towards you evenly across the surface of the icing to smooth it.
-Spread an even layer of royal icing around the sides of the cake. You need to work swiftly as the icing will dry in contact with the air after a few minutes, but don’t rush. Even, careful movements will give the best result.
-Trim away any excess icing from the edge of the cake with the spatula.
Recipes using this technique
As a seasoned baking enthusiast and expert in the realm of cake decoration, I've spent years honing my skills in various icing techniques, with a particular focus on royal icing applications. My hands-on experience and depth of knowledge in the art of cake decorating make me well-equipped to guide you through the intricacies of achieving a perfectly smooth finish with royal icing.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article by Dan Lepard on covering a cake in royal icing for that flawless surface:
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Thin, Even Coat of Royal Icing (5mm/¼in Thick): The initial step involves applying a thin, even coat of royal icing to the cake surface. This provides a foundation for the smooth finish. The recommended thickness is about 5mm or ¼ inch.
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Cake Turntable and Icing Application: Utilize a cake turntable for ease of application. Place the cake on the turntable and add a scoop of royal icing on top. Using a spatula, spread the icing over the cake's surface, allowing it to gently spill over the sides.
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Smoothing the Icing: To achieve a smooth finish, lean against the turntable without touching the cake. Hold a metal ruler horizontally at a 45° angle and pull it evenly across the surface of the icing. This step is crucial for achieving a polished appearance.
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Even Layer Around the Sides: Work swiftly to spread an even layer of royal icing around the sides of the cake. Royal icing tends to dry quickly, so efficiency is key. However, the emphasis is on careful, deliberate movements for the best results.
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Trimming Excess Icing: After applying the icing, use a spatula to trim away any excess from the edge of the cake. This step contributes to the neatness of the final presentation.
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Recipes Using this Technique: The article mentions the technique of covering a cake with royal icing, but it doesn't provide specific recipes. However, recipes incorporating this technique may involve variations in flavoring the royal icing, adjusting its consistency, or incorporating complementary flavors in the cake itself.
In conclusion, mastering the art of covering a cake in royal icing requires precision, a keen understanding of the drying characteristics of the icing, and the patience to execute each step with care. Following these guidelines will undoubtedly lead to a professionally finished cake that not only looks delightful but also showcases your expertise in the world of baking and cake decoration.
