Tips, techniques, and equipment to frost a layer cake like a pro.

A layer cake can be simultaneously comforting and sophisticated.

But for some folks, making and frosting a layer cake can be a daunting task.

Showing a Cake Frosting Technique using chocolate frosting.

Irvin Lin

Frosting a just-baked, still-warm cake layer is a recipe for disaster!

Its just helpful and makes frosting a little bit easier.

Slice off the cake domes.

Peeling parchment paper off the bottom of the Earl Grey Tea Yogurt Cake.

Lori Rice

Save the extra cake scraps as a treat for yourself or repurpose it for another use.

Bring your frosting to room temperature.

Cold frosting is difficult to work with and doesnt spread easily.

A chocolate cake on a cake stand.

Irvin Lin

Stored frosting in the refrigerator or freezer is denser than recently made frosting.

Cake Frosting FAQ

There are always questions about cake frosting!

Here a few of the most common I’ve heard,.

Overhead view showing how to frost a layer cake with chocolate frosting.

Irvin Lin

What pop in of frosting goes with what kind of cake?

That said, some frostings are sturdier and better for layer cakes.

Do you gotta chill cake layers before frosting?

Secrets for the perfect layer cake with a three layer cake on a cake stand.

Irvin Lin

I like to chill my cake layers for up to an hour in the fridge before frosting.

(Chilling the cake after you apply the crumb coating helps as well for the same reason.)

Ive also frosted plenty of cakes without chilling the cake layers!

Overhead view showing how to frost a layer cake with chocolate frosting.

Irvin Lin

How much frosting do you need for a cake?

I also always make a little bit extra just in case.

Keep in mind that most extra frosting can be frozen in a resealable ziptop bag if you wish.

Using a spoon to show a cake frosting technique.

Irvin Lin

You never know what could happen in transit!

You want the bottom of the cake, which is the flattest part of the cake, facing up.

It makes cleanup a snap!

Using a paper towel to show how to frost a layer cake.

Irvin Lin

Once youve stacked your desired layers of cake (with frosting in between), apply a crumb coating.

Its a classic look that is easy to achieve and is enjoyed by everyone.

Carefully remove the strips of parchment paper and stand back and admire how gorgeous your cake is.

A chocolate cake on a cake stand showing a cake frosting technique.

Irvin Lin

Time to dive in!