COVERING YOUR CAKE - SUGARPASTE

COVERING YOUR CAKE

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No1

Knead the required amount of sugarpaste into a smooth shape on a work surface, dusted with icing sugar. Do not use cornflour as under certain conditions it can cause fermentation if left in contact with marzipan.

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No2

Roll out the sugarpaste large enough to cover the top and sides of the cake. e.g. 8" round cake 3" deep needs sugarpaste rolled out 14" diameter.

Smooth the icing to get rid of any rolling pin marks. 

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No3

The cake should be in the middle of a suitable shaped board, 2-3" larger than the diameter of the cake. i.e. 8" cake will need a 10" or 11" board.

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No4

Brush a marzipanned cake with a little sherry, or cold boiled water. If covering a sponge cake spread it with a thin layer of apricot jam or butter cream.

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No5

Slide both hands, palms up, under the rolled out sugarpaste, so you can lift it in one piece without it stretching.

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No6

Lay loosely over the cake, do not press against the sides.

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No7

Smooth the top using your hands or cake Smoother. Work from the middle outwards to expel any bubbles trapped under the surface.

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No8

Carefully smooth the sugarpaste to the sides of the cake, easing it gently so as not to get any foulds or creases.

Use a smoother to press the icing close to the cake.

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No9

Trim any excess sugarpaste at the bottom edge level with the cake board, using a sharp knife.

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No10

Smooth round the sides of the cake with your hands or a "smoother" . Any "crimping" or "embossing" must be done now while the icing is still soft.

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No11

Leave overnight if possible to "firm-up" before decorating. If the cake has to be decorated immediatly, handle with care to avoid marking the still soft surface.

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No12

Any trimmings left over can be used in the decoration of the cake, wrap closely in cling film and a thick plastic bag to prevent it drying out until required.

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NOTE...leave cake to dry in a warm dry place. The kitchen is not suitable due to moisture from cooking etc... if the only room available is the dining room it may be advisable to buy a cardboard cake box to help keep the dust off (or the family), but still let the moisture out.