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Step 1
Ice your cake as you normally would but this time, allow the buttercream icing to crust up. It is hard to judge how long this will take but it is an important step. Here I played it safe and let my iced cake sit over night.
Step 2
Once your buttercream has crusted, there are two ways you can use the paper towel to smooth your icing. The first uses your fondant smoother (left picture). I like this tool because it keeps the surface flat. The second method uses your hand (right picture). This is a little tricky because you need to be sure to keep your hand and fingers flat and apply equal pressure but the natural warmth of your hand helps. Both methods work so it is simply a matter of preference.
In this picture I have used the Viva Paper Towel on the right side of the cake. It is easy to see that the icing is much smoother.
Once you are done, your finished cake should look something like this...
Since I began decorating cakes I have heard about the "Viva Paper Towel Method" but have never tried it until now. Basically, Viva Paper Towels are made without design so when pressed on an iced cake, the buttercream smooths out. In two easy steps, you can have a smooth, professional looking cake.
Step 1
Ice your cake as you normally would but this time, allow the buttercream icing to crust up. It is hard to judge how long this will take but it is an important step. Here I played it safe and let my iced cake sit over night.
Step 2
Once your buttercream has crusted, there are two ways you can use the paper towel to smooth your icing. The first uses your fondant smoother (left picture). I like this tool because it keeps the surface flat. The second method uses your hand (right picture). This is a little tricky because you need to be sure to keep your hand and fingers flat and apply equal pressure but the natural warmth of your hand helps. Both methods work so it is simply a matter of preference.
In this picture I have used the Viva Paper Towel on the right side of the cake. It is easy to see that the icing is much smoother.
Once you are done, your finished cake should look something like this...
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February 17, 2010 at 9:57 AM
They need to bump that woman and promote you as spokesperson for Viva towels;)
October 13, 2011 at 6:17 PM
Huh? Silly.
October 14, 2011 at 12:07 AM
important info left out was that the towel should be damp and that you can speed up the "krusting" time by putting the cake in the fridge for a couple hours.
October 18, 2011 at 6:22 PM
I beg to differ. For someone new to cake decorating and having trouble making a smooth buttercream cake, this is not silly.
Also, I have never used a damp towel. I can see how it may work but it is not necessary.