Essential Tools For Frosting the Perfect Cake

[Sheldon Powell]

Today's selection of cake decorating tools is endless, but you may
find yourself with a lot of nifty gadgets you don't use. Getting back
to basics, the following items are a good starting point for frosting
a simply beautiful cake. Investing in high-quality, useful core tools
will last you a lifetime of cake decoration.
1. Offset Spatulas. An offset spatula is used to apply frosting and is
made from high quality stainless steel. The curved handle is
polypropylene and resists moisture. This particular shape allows you
to reach more angles easier than using a standard knife. Spatula
blades are typically between 4 to 12 inches in length and cost between
$4 and $20. If possible, have two sizes on hand so that you have ones
for larger and smaller surface areas.
2. Revolving Cake Stand. Cake stands, also known as turntables, vary
widely in materials and price. There are glass, plastic and cast iron
versions that can cost into the hundreds of dollars. Some have a tilt
feature that is handy for more detailed decorating. But for a more
casual cake decorator, we suggest a non-tilting cast iron version. If
you're not ready to invest in a cake stand, you can also use a
tabletop lazy susan. Keep in mind that you may be working on the cake
for some time, so you want a height that is comfortable for you. Cake
stand brands include Ateco and Wilton. Martha Stewart also makes some
attractive cake stands in a variety of shapes and sizes.
3. Cake Boards. Cake boards help you handle your cake safely and
easily. They sit beneath the cake and come in a variety of shapes,
colors and materials such as silver and gold foil. However, typical
cake boards are white cardboard, and are commonly sold in bulk for
about 50 cents each. You can also make your own cake boards, but be
careful that the surface resists grease and frosting color. A cake
board is not fully visible beneath your finished cake, but it is an
important detail in your cake's presentation. The board should be two
inches larger than the cake itself. So, for an 8-inch round cake, use
a 10-inch cake board. Using a plate can prove difficult when frosting
a cake, particularly if it is raised or not perfectly flat.