How to Decorate a Cake with a Spatula

If you find it challenging to ice a cake smoothly, try spatula icing. It's a great way to hide imperfections, create texture and add visual interest to cakes. Begin this technique with a fresh, roughly iced cake. Spatula icing is a versatile technique that can also be used to decorate other treats. Try it with sheet cakes, cookies and brownies.

Skill LevelBeginner

Ingredients & Tools
Instructions

Instructions

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Spatula Icing: Ribbons
Place the tip of the spatula against the bottom of the cake on a slight angle. Press into the icing but not so much that the spatula touches the cake underneath.
In a simultaneous motion, slowly spin the turntable while moving the spatula upward. Stop when you reach the top edge of the cake.
Smooth down any icing that comes up to the edge by swiping it inward to the center of the cake.
To create the spiral effect on top, place the tip of the Angled Spatula on a slight angle on the center of the cake.
In a simultaneous motion, slowly spin the turntable while moving the spatula outward to the edge of the cake. Stop when you reach the edge.
Note: This project requires a turntable.
Spatula Icing: Vertical Lines
Place the tip of the Angled Spatula against the bottom of the cake. Press into the icing so that it creates a deep impression without touching the cake underneath.
Drag the spatula upward. Remove excess icing on the spatula before starting the next line.
Leave a very small space between swipes to keep the look of a ridge. Repeat the process until the sides are finished.
Smooth any icing that comes up to the edge by swiping it inward towards the center of the cake.
Hint: This technique can also be used for diagonal lines.