Frosting a cake can seem like a fun job, until you get down to it and realize that it is not always as easy as it seems. Would you like to make your own homemade cakes look as professional and impressive as the cakes you buy at the store? You can achieve this professional look too simply by following the Wilton Method of cake decoration the Wilton Method of cake decoration is one of the most popular and standard of all the cake decoration methods. Here are some hints and tips for succeeding with the use of the Wilton Method.

What Type of Cake Mix Should You Use?

The easy answer is that you should use whatever type of cake mix works for you. The Wilton Method recommends specifically the Duncan Hines cake mixes in order to ensure that you get the same batter volume on each cake. So, in essence, you will want to choose a cake mix that can provide you with certainty and uniformity. When you are using the famous Wilton Method, you will wan to add one or two tablespoons of Wilton meringue powder. This special powder will ensure that the cake can rise higher than it otherwise would.

Preparing the Cake Pans using the Wilton Method

You will want to take special care with preparing the cake pans according to the Wilton Method. Here is a simple tip that can make a world of difference when you are preparing the cake pan. Use a simple two inch wide paint brush in order to brush on vegetable shortening in the cake pan. Once it has been fully greased, give the pan a small dusting of flour. If you notice that any area of the pan is still shining, make sure to brush on more vegetable shortening and then dust with flour. Whatever you do, make sure you don't fill the cake pan more than halfway.

Easy Tips for Working with Your Cake in the Wilton Method

Before you begin to ice your cake according to the Wilton Method, you will want to make absolutely sure that it is stored in an airtight container and that the cake is allowed to set at least a day or overnight before you begin to ice it. Take the time to prepare the cake for decoration by using a professional cake leveler to level off the top of the cake so that you are working with a smooth, level cake. You can also use a serrated knife if you don't have access to a cake leveler. Make sure you brush off any crumbs that may be left behind. Your goal is to work with a smooth, even cake.

Adding the First Coat of Icing

When you are beginning to add the first coat of icing, try not to be stingy with the icing. Avoid having your spatula touch the cake directly, as this will usually cause crumbs to stick. Instead, use a generous helping of icing and spread it around. Think of this first icing as a crumb layer, where you are applying icing to keep the crumbs glued to the surface of the cake. Once you have applied the first layer of icing, let it set for at least 15 minutes, and longer if time allows.

Icing the Sides of the Cake

One of the trickiest parts of cake decoration, especially if you are a novice, is to ice the sides of the cake. The Wilton Method addresses this difficulty with a special tip. The tip is known as tip # 789, and it can help you achieve uniformity and control when working on the sides of the cake.