How to Smooth Frosting on a Cake I CHELSWEETS

I've been asked several times how I get my cake sides so smooth, and I'm finally sharing the in-depth steps I take when I ice my cakes! I use my favorite american buttercream to frost my cakes (recipe and tutorial link below).
The key tools I use in this process are:
-large offset cake spatula: amzn.to/2ELoH0P
- bench scrapper: amzn.to/2CK5p9F
The full recipe for this cake base can be found here: chelsweets.com...
My frosting recipe can be found here: chelsweets.com...
If you want to know what products /brands I use in my kitchen, head over to my amazon storefront: amazon.com/shop/influencer-9e6f056e
If you enjoyed this video and would like to see more, be sure to click the like and subscribe button! You can also see more of my creations here:
INSTAGRAM: / chelsweets
WEBSITE: www.chelsweets.com
FACEBOOK: / chelsweets
PINTEREST: / chelsweets

[@korilangeloh9436]

She didn't mention this in the video but she did on her tiktok, you can run your benchscraper under hot water so that it slightly melts the frosting and looks even smoother. You can also use a small angled spatula to get those smooth edges on the top of the cake.

[@heatherconnelly8169]

That is so helpful! I'm just learning and that the biggest frustration I have! Thank you

[@aprilpomerlyan3464]

Okay, I know you originally posted this 3 years ago but thank you for sharing! & for disclosing how this was a challenge for you when you first started baking cakes! I can make cakes that taste delicious but they often don't look very neat. 😪

[@EASTxSIDExORIGINAL]

When she Spread the frosting it's so satisfying On the cake 😍😍

[@720Fab]

You make it seem so easy thank you for great tutorials!

[@SweetwaterCakes]

Your cakes DO always look so smooth. Thanks for sharing your techniques and thorough demonstration. :)

[@zachariah-binyisrayl5570]

When u have a really good teacher giving a really good, simple class...and if you're a really good student....u will have a very nice, successful finished product. EVERY time. This was an EXCELLENT demo. I'm the baker in my family. And until now...my cakes NEVER looked like this. But, that's about to change effective IMMEDIATELY. This video is gonna take me from amateur home baker to a BAKER BOSS....omg.

[@elisec1792]

Could you do a video on how you freeze your layers? How to keep them from getting condensation when defrosting and how long should you let them defrost before using them in your cake? Do you use them as soon as you take them out of the freezer? Thank you!

[@mahoganyredd5207]

I just asked the same an i see your question wasnt answered. ;(

[@norissastewart2965]

In another comment where she actually responded (yay) Question was: “When you freeze your cake layers when it’s thawing out does it sweat?” she said “I let them thaw for 20 minutes before I frost the cake, so they’re just chilled, not completely frozen. That helps minimize condensarion!

[@taylorhelton531]

This video makes everything make so much more sense! I’ve been wanting to get into baking and I this was the first stump I’m trying to perfect!

[@nadersoli815]

Magic. Thank you so much for keeping it relatively short and easy to follow. Now all I need is a cake bench and that spinny pedestal thingy.

[@tahmeenabegum8779]

I really love how you make all your cakes and the way you smooth them out.. you have helped so many people and I really appreciate it. 💞

[@jenyhomestuff]

Yess!! The secret is have the cakes frozen!! I finally got it!! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🎉🎂

[@npratherful]

I just stumbled on your videos..Worth every minute..Thanks for taking the time and sharing

[@Chelsweets]

That is so sweet! Thank you :)

[@blessedlife4835]

I don't know if you r gonna read this now. But I found your video and it is so helpful especially I am making my friend's wedding cake next month. Thank you your video help me so much

[@craftypatty1113]

WOW! I have watched hundreds of videos on cake decorating, and your cake by far is the smoothest I have ever seen!! I just subscribed to you :) Thanks for the great tips!

[@Chelsweets]

thank you so much!!! :)

[@craftypatty1113]

You're very welcome :)

[@jadesserts8055]

EXCELLENT breakdown! This video was extremely helpful. Cannot wait to try this technique!

[@chefkester9762]

I struggle with getting my cake's edges as smooth as possible... This is by far the best method... Thanks a bunch☺

[@Chelsweets]

aw so happy to hear that!!

[@toyino7520]

I love this video. Very easy to understand. Thank you so much for sharing it.

[@Chelsweets]

So happy to hear that!! Happy baking Toyin!!

[@dipsettnewsome8625]

You are truly heaven sent!!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing Ms. Chelsweets. I am kinda new to baking, and I've learned a lot thanks to your videos. Xoxox

[@barbarapowers2186]

Excellent video..I learned a lot especially the freezing tips to make the whole process easier.

[@emmaryan2462]

Love your videos, very helpful! Especially love all the ganache drip techniques which I can't wait to try!

[@Chelsweets]

Aw thanks!! best of luck!!

[@timfairfield407]

Well done. I’m making a cake for my little girl and didn’t know how to do this. I’m going to have to use a cleaver to smooth as I don’t ha a scraper. Great tip. Kind of like doing drywall. This will help!

[@Chelsweets]

haha that's what it always reminds me of when I'm smoothing!! best of luck :)

[@ellachamp]

Hmmm so you can really achieve a smooth look by using an all butter buttercream frosting. Thanks for giving me hope lol. I have been reading about this on cake central and according to a lot of people in that forum, you have to use shortening or at least half butter and half shortening to produce a crusting buttercream frosting. I guess if you don't plan on using the paper towel or the Elvira method, all butter buttercream frosting is fine. Thank you for taking the time to show us there is hope in all butter buttercream frosting to achieve a smooth look lol. I personally do not like the taste of shortening but I am obsessed with smooth cakes.

[@Chelsweets]

haha that's exactly how I feel too! Shortening is gross!!! I think it might take a little more time, but a smooth cake with all butter buttercream is definitely achievable :)

[@ellachamp]

You definitely inspired me to try again today lol. I am a home baker and I just recently started wanting to make my cakes a little nicer, you know look a little professional haha. I used to just slap the frosting and make swirls with a spatula and call it a day. But now I have an obsession with smooth cakes so I started watching tons of videos and going through blogs and articles and I swear almost everyone says NO, YOU CANNOT HAVE A SMOOTH CAKE UNLESS YOU USE SHORTENING. even seasoned cake decorators on cake central said so! anyway, today I took my chocolate cake out from the freezer and made chocolate cream cheese frosting and I guess because I have been practicing a little bit, I was able to smooth out the frosting on the cake. I used a spatula and icing smoother and decided to take it up a notch and used a comb. omg you don't know how happy that made me. ok, this is getting long and you might think I'm crazy lol. I just want to thank you for making this video and for being so clear and detailed. sending you hugs and I hope you will have a million subscribers in the future. you definitely deserve it. good luck in everything you do, love!

[@Chelsweets]

That is so sweet

[@ellachamp]

Chelsweets Bakery me too, I would rather eat a not so pretty cake that tastes good than a heavily decorated cake that is made with junk lol. Practice is definitely key along with the right tools and proper techniques. Thank you so much (again and again lol) for showing us that it is possible to have a smooth cake using an all butter buttercream. I'm bout to binge watch your cake videos so bye hahaha!

[@rubyguenther418]

hot spatula

[@sib5465]

Thanks sooooooo much for your tips i'm a new baker and it REALLY helped me!!!!

[@IMP3TIGO]

Nice technique. Very helpful, thanks for the vid!

[@markeetaroane3]

I've emailed her a fee times and she always replies. I feel like I know a celebrity . You can tell by her videos how beautiful she is on the inside and ouy

[@reaganglover1755]

Hi! I actually came across this video by accident, but I'm coincidentally planning to bake your Mini Vanilla Cake recipe for a friend's birthday next weekend. This is going to be really helpful paired with your recipe. Thank you!

[@susansanders2001]

Great tutorial! Your cakes always look so perfect, I can't wait to try!

[@Chelsweets]

aw thank you so much!!!

[@ChrisStynen]

Awesome video--informative, to the point, and nicely done. Thanks!

[@wed110197]

Nicely done how to video and you are very talented. Thank you for sharing this video, very helpful.

[@dina81]

I love your vids! Could you do one where the cake has a different type of filling, such as custard, and the outside is frosted with buttercream?

[@rajshekharboddu7725]

It was a great tutorial! I have a question, do we have trim the sides of a cake before icing it?

[@fatemarahman9288]

I want to know too

[@vana2886]

No you dont need to, its personal preference

[@addiesenthilkumar9972]

Not necessarily

[@natalieroxannelawrence1052]

Awesome. Sometimes I have a hard time smoothing it out. Would you say it's best to have a medium consistency butter cream or slightly softer (not runny)?

[@heidistar923]

I have the same thoughts 🥰

[@MsCromartie1]

Lol my nemesis......definitely going to watch again! Thanks! I do have questions about freezing the layers? Have you done a video on that?

[@Chelsweets]

Sadly I haven't! I really need to share a video covering that, and how I trim my layers!! Hoping to share it soon

[@mellisadzviti5555]

You are so good..smooth icing is a struggle for me.thnx for sharing

[@sheilaturchyn434]

I love your videos! So helpful. Can you please tell me about your wide bench scraper? How wide/brand/if you recommend it/where you bought it? Thank you! I have two smaller scrapers but need a wider one. Thx!

[@beppo0816]

Great you are a master! Thank you for your teaching!!! You will be a great business bakery!!!

[@madisont6588]

You ..are... AMAZING!!!!

[@yup_im_tiff]

You made it look so easy

[@MonnamiePhannPhann]

Subscribing off of this video alone. Thank you for being so inspiring and positive!

[@Chelsweets]

Aw thanks Codiline! Happy to have you along for the ride :)

[@Mheilman25]

Can you freeze when you're using cream cheese icing?

[@HeatherPead]

Great tutorial! Thank you!

[@nikkiegorman6258]

Chelsweet I love your videos

[@jazgiron7244]

chelsey how I wish that ur just around our neighborhood so I can drop by to ur place and grab some cakes 😍 I really do love cakes

[@Chelsweets]

haha I always have extra cake in my fridge :P

[@lincolngaming2752]

Whenever I stack up my cakes, all of the layers are just a bit wonky. How can I fix that so that I have straight edges?

[@emmilygeorge8005]

Samee😭😭

[@arielraye5027]

I did this cake came out amazing!

[@Chelsweets]

So happy to hear that :)

[@lamirada90638]

You mentioned you have the layers in the freezer were they still a little Frozen when you took them out? Try to figure this out before the crumb coats are the layers of cake still frozen or are they thawed out how long before applying the crumb coat does it have to be totally thawed out or can it still be a little stiff just curious I know so many questions sorry I'm a beginner and this is the part that gets me thanks in advance! Thank you for sharing your wonderful video!

[@mary-janecatherine1887]

You have taught me so much! love your tutorials :) ps. just wandering how much buttercream did you use for this cake?

[@Chelsweets]

I used about 1.5 batches of my buttercream to make this cake!

[@christinesposito5180]

I would love your buttercream recipe. Also, what consistency do you use to frost? Thin, Medium or stiff?

[@megholaoluwaseun2506]

I love this video 😍 My cakes do not look neat, what can I do please 🙏

[@emmahumphreys6551]

hi chelsweets thanks for your video it's very helpful. I was just wondering how long do you freeze your cake layers for and do you frost them straight out of the freezer or let them thaw first? I was also wondering how long you need between frosting and serving the cake to ensure yhe cake is not still frozen at all? Thanks so much!

[@Chelsweets]

I freeze them anywhere from an hour to overnight. They usually thaw a bit as I get my frosting ready, but not much! I like when they're still partially frozen, makes it easier to stack them. I'd say at least a couple hours! If you plan to eat it right after decorating, I'd let the layers thaw most of the way before frosting. It'll speed up the process :)

[@sbean2987]

Perfect video!! Thank you!!

[@Mauvefalcone]

How many batches of buttercream did you use and what size were this cakes

[@Kt-cn2rq]

Thanks I think I was apply too much pressure when I smoothed it second time after I did the top the cake after my crumb coat. Though true does take time, patience and trial and error. Hopefully my customer can forgive my lack of smoothness for my cake for now since really hard make it super smooth. 😭 Many like icing. But it's not as forgiving as fondant.

[@Chelsweets]

yah it's hard to get that part just right! I'm sure as long as your cake is delicious, your customer won't mind :P

[@770flaca]

@chelsweets you mentioned that you freeze your cakes before the buttercream Foe how long you freeze? Also after you finish putting buttercream on your cake can you leave it out of it needs to be refrigersted? You are amazongly talented absolutely love your cakes and your tutorials!

[@aleshaweiand1688]

Following I'm wondering the same

[@chantillyp9733]

What consistency is the buttercream. This is a very good tutorial

[@Chelsweets]

It's pretty thick, and somewhat stiff!

[@catanarchist25]

This cake newbie says THANK YOU!

[@monil4379]

I’ve always made and sold individual desserts like cupcakes, cinnamon rolls and brownies but I’m finally branching out and trying my hand at layered cakes. What turntable would any of you recommend? I’ve heard that a lot of them have issues with their ball bearings so don’t rotate as smoothly as they should. I’ve also seen differing opinions on metal versus plastic. Help!

[@wickedwinnie]

I highly recommend the upside down method over the one shown in this video. It's MUCH easier and faster... especially for beginners. Once I learned that I never looked back!

[@florenciadegraw655]

What is the upside down method?

[@deisa82castro]

What is it?

[@wickedwinnie]

@@deisa82castro You frost the cake upside down so you end up using the bottom cake board with your bench scraper for perfect sides. The top needs no messing with either because of the way it's done. Here is a link to where I learned it from. (I'm not affiliated with her channel in any way, I just love this method and the very first time I tried it, it came out perfect). kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJu4coN3Zt13e7M

[@florenciadegraw655]

Wicked Winnie That’s amazing thank you for sharing!! ❤️

[@deisa82castro]

@@wickedwinnie ty!!

[@DorothySantiago2022]

What type of consistency do you use for frosting a cake?

[@lindacocco5613]

I would like your butter cream icing recipe

[@davidhunternyc1]

Where can I find the spinning cake stand and the cardboard mats under the cake? Are there better ones than others? Thanks.

[@daneriecupcakes]

The cake looks perfectly moist :-)

[@narobreeze5]

You're too good!! Thank you!!

[@ashleerobinson5]

Every time I scrape that buttercream to smooth it leaves a line in the cake or some type of dent! Any ideas of what I’m doing wrong! I’m over here going crazy lol! As always ! Beautiful cake

[@mariam2212]

I love your video tutorials!! Can you please tell me why I sometimes get air bubbles that sneak out of my perfectly smoothed cakes?? This causes me to have anxiety overtime I make cakes!

[@madamdoughnut]

I find sometimes it's actually air bubbles inside the buttercream!

[@kassidyfrye911]

I recently made your american buttercream. It tasted amazing, although I noticed it had a LOT of air bubbles making it impossible to smoothly frost. Any recommendations on how to fix this?

[@madamdoughnut]

I need to know this too!

[@lindacocco5613]

How many icing recipes did you make for the ombre affect cake

[@karensingh9694]

Loved ur tutorial.... just 1 question... what kind of butter cream do you use... mine always melts & doesn't stick well... help

[@keke9830]

U frost the heck out of that cake! It came out some smooth

[@Chelsweets]

haha I'm a big fan of frosting :)

[@jessicarose2983]

Thank you for this video. Which brand of cake scraper do you use please?

[@CristianMartinez-jc3yc]

I’m still having a difficult time. Once I put the second layer and start to smooth it the cake become a naked cake. Should I make my frosting thicker???

[@itohan4453]

Hey. I have the same issue too. It's either we apply too much pressure when frosting or we need to add more layers of buttercream. Also check your buttercream recipe. I suggest waiting for her to respond though

[@christinapaulose9536]

Try not to put a lot of pressure when you scrape the side of the cake

[@nargiskhanam9113]

You said 'practice' and 'practice'. My question is who eats the experimental cakes? For me, the whole famile would get heart attacks, by the time I get perfection 😁😁😁.

[@graceschroeder9333]

haha samee, u usually end up giving it out to friends, or making a cake for any random event. literally if there’s a small gathering of people, i make a cake

[@ashleerobinson5]

How many batches of icing you made for this. The cake looks good

[@owusumercy3328]

Hello Thanks for your tutorials It's been very helpful One thing though, how do I get get my frosting firm &not melting. Am in Ghana &the temperature is always quite warm.

[@Chelsweets]

Hi Owusu! i'd recommend swapping out some or all of the butter in the frosting for shortening! It's more stable in the heat :)

[@owusumercy3328]

@@Chelsweets thanks so much and God bless you

[@kristinashaffer9154]

Good evening! Can you make frosting ahead of time ? If so, how do you store it and how long?

[@tawandaferguson7245]

Hi, when making your own wedding cake how much frosting do you need to prepare to make sure that you have enough?

[@beppo0816]

Today I baked your Delicious vanilla cake! Tomorrow I will fill with cream and strawberries and then I will frost it with your vanilla buttercream I am Mexican and I have not seen to many high cakes! Maybe is not the fashion there but I like it, my doubt how can serve in a party a cake of that tall, guess is no so easy and maybe a lot of leftover because I can not imagine somebody to eat a slice of this big

[@Chelsweets]

The slices are quite a big larger! I like to cut then im half, so each person gets 2 layers! They do feed a lot of people, but are great for large parties :)

[@beppo0816]

Thank you very much for your response! Adios!

[@lizandrews3884]

You make it look so easy & I have both of those tools but not the cake spinner. I'm sure I'll find a way to still screw it up. One thing I noticed you did that I've been missing is do the two layer for the icing & refereeing between that. I will definitely implement that from now on. (Thank you) So quick question for you...provided all of the cake isn't eaten in one sitting, do you store your cake back in the freezer, room temp or in the refrigerator while still keeping the actual cake still moist?

[@Chelsweets]

It gets easier with time, I promise!! But yes, the crumb coat is crucial, and makes the whole process so much easier!! When I have left over cake, I usually slice it up, place the slices in a Tupperware container, and freeze it! if you don't want to cut it, I recommend frosting the exposed areas of cake, to lock in the moisture, then refrigerating it until you plan to eat it next! It kind of depends on when you plan to eat the left over cake

[@lizandrews3884]

Thank you so much for getting back to me & making me feel better. I more than appreciate you. So crumb coating & refrigerating. I'm definitely going to do that from now on. I'm such a rookie at this stuff but wanted to learn. I made my oldest a birthday cake one year & it "was" so cute until I either froze it or refrigerated it....can't remember but when I woke up, there was a complete landslide one one side of the cake. I laughed but was on the real crying inside. Fortunately, he was still amazed. (He was only like 3 then so he didn't know any better. lol) Then, I made my husband a cake another year for Father's Day & it came out perfect but only because I cheated it & froze it but that didn't feel like the right thing to do. I wanted to make myself a cake for my birthday but definitely wanted to avoid the first disaster & understand the correct process for preservation & decorating. Thank you so much for the tip. I'm definitely going to follow your suggestions :)

[@nisookh]

😍😍😍😍👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 perfection ! Thank you

[@griceldaleon2001]

Love your channel!!!! Do you ever insert a center dowel on a cake this high to prevent it from sliding?

[@helen446]

How many batches of frosting did you use for this cake? I love your videos!!

[@Chelsweets]

I used a tiny bit more than 1 batch! that's why i usually make 1 1/2 batches, just to be safe! There's nothing worse than not having enough frosting when you're almost done with a cake!

[@michelleberry5055]

Thank you this helps💞

[@TheDancerGemini]

Very informative! You’re a great teacher!!!

[@Chelsweets]

thanks :)

[@rebeccanotfinbin2080]

I have a question. What is your recommended length of time to freeze cakes?

[@Chelsweets]

I usually freeze them overnight because I make them in advance, and let them thaw for about 20 minutes before I start decorating. However, as long as the cakes are cold to the touch it should be good to go! This usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half in the freezer straight out of the oven, but can vary based on the size of the layers, the height of the layers, and the temp of your freezer. Hope that helps!

[@belindaakita4239]

Chelsweets won't it make the cake dry or it keeps it moist?

[@shaunaghfield]

Hi chelsea how do I work out how much buttercream I need to crum coat then do a second layer on each cake? I know how to work it out for cupcakes I never do for cake! X

[@antoinettejacobs8698]

Im going to try it thank you

[@Chelsweets]

best of luck!!

[@marthao8984]

Will frozen cake layers be just as moist the next day? I'm doing my niece a wedding cake.

[@CupcakeGrogan]

Did this cake take two batches of your buttercream recipe? Do you double your recipe? What do you do with leftover buttercream? Thanks for the help.

[@Chelsweets]

I usually do make 1.5 or 2 batches for my cakes, depending on how I'm decorating them. I usually store it in an airtight container and try to use it on future cakes! :)

[@mahoganyredd5207]

Hey How long do yoy freeze? An with your other vid how long do you have them in the fridge vs freezer when making a wedding cake. Ty

[@Beyondcraftingwithretta4673]

What size cake pans are you using for most of your cakes in the tutorials?

[@Chelsweets]

I usually use 7 or 8 inch pans!

[@Beyondcraftingwithretta4673]

Ok thank you!

[@kaileamartin4708]

I love your videos, they are very helpful! When you freeze your cakes... do you leave them in the pan and cover them?

[@Chelsweets]

if i'm going to use them the same day, yes! if not, I place them in an airtight container or wrap them in saran wrap!

[@leilanileighton2816]

What kind of turn table do you have?

[@haylih.7610]

This is great 🙂 I am surprised that you assemble your cake while your layers are still frozen. A lot of bakers do freeze their layers but they will thaw them completely before assembling their cake due to condensation, you don’t have this issue? I have some issues making a layer cakes due to the buttercream bulging etc. and I think it would be so much easier to assemble a cake with frozen layers. I may just have to try and see what happens. Once your cakes are assembled since they are still frozen how are you storing them and what do you do for the summer time and hot weather ?

[@Chelsweets]

They're partially frozen! i freeze them overnight, and then let them sit for 20-30 minutes before frosting. This way they're still chilled, but not completed frozen. by the time I'm done stack and frosting, the top layer is usually pretty thawed. The whole process is slow for me, since I'm almost always recording while I decorate. I also usually put the cakes back in the fridge to sit for a bit once they're assembled. This minimizes the temperature shock. Since I don't deliver or sell me cakes, I don't really run into issues with summer time or hot weather, since I keep my kitchen cool.

[@Amazons_Kitchen]

How did you achieve a perfect white American buttercream?

[@DinaMi777]

You make it look so easy 😩 I had all kinds of crumbs 😭

[@itz_tyraa2853]

DWi lmao same 😂😭🤣😫

[@berthaw24]

Very nice!! Where did you buy your rotating cake Stan from?

[@dollyoliver6095]

You make this look so easy I keep having bubbles in mine

[@samssweetery8449]

Hi Chelsey! If you assemble your cake (frost and decorate) how far in advance can you store the cake in your fridge? Ex: make it on a Thursday and serve it on a Sunday. Would it dry out or still taste delicious?

[@Chelsweets]

Once a cake is frosted, the buttercream locks in the moisture!! So making it several days in advance, chilling it, then serving the cake later once it comes to room temp should be just fine :)

[@phoebeanneguillermo7616]

What if you don't want your frosting to be too much sweet because of the powdered sugar? How can i lessen it's sweetness?

[@umairahdiyanah4221]

OMG...it's so damn satisfying 😍😍😍

[@user-rh1mb3qi9u]

Nice cake 🎂🎂 beutiful cake 🍰