Perfectly Frost a Cake: Make Buttercream Smooth like Fondant

Fondant is used to "frost" cakes. It is rolled out and smoothed over a cake to make the cake flawlessly smooth and ready for decorating. Fondant is used quite a bit for wedding cakes. The problem with fondant is that most people don't like the flavor. Bakeries will often first frost the cake with buttercream and then put fondant over the top. This way when the cake is served the fondant can be peeled off and the cake can be enjoyed with the buttercream. This option does not produce very pretty slices of cake.

Buttercream is most people's favorite frosting. You can add flavorings to it, even chocolate. It can be colored as well. It is harder to make buttercream smooth on the cake though. There are many methods and tools to make it easier. I am going to explain the method that works best for me.

You will need:
*a round cake to be frosted
*cardboard cake round to fit your cake
*serrated knife
*waxed paper
*pen
*offset spatula (a butter knife will do)
*a large cutting board
*freezer space
*4 inch tape knife (find one at the hardware store)
*cake turntable or Lazy Susan