Okay, here is a secret that is worth a lot of money---but I am not charging a penny!

If you have ever tried to get your icing perfectly smooth on the cake, but keep getting little lines, try one of these steps:

BUT FIRST READ THIS!! I am not talking about the Duncan Hines-type of frosting you buy at the grocery store!  This type of frosting is meant to stay very creamy and won't work with one of these techniques.  You must use either our HomeStyle Buttercream or make your own.  The frosting must be able to 'crust' just a bit before you try this.

1. Run your icing spatula under hot water or use a pot of boiled water and QUICKLY drag it across the surface.  The heat from the knife will melt the shortening in your frosting and give you a smooth finish.

2. If you are using our HomeStyle Buttercream or have made your own version of it, after it has crusted on the cake (usually 10 to 15 minutes) take a VIVA paper towel and a FONDANT SMOOTHER, lay the paper towel gently on the surface and rub the fondant smoother over that.  DO NOT LET THE PAPER TOWEL MOVE WHILE YOU ARE RUBBING.  The effect is an "ironed" out cake surface!  You can use other brands of paper towel if you like the patterns on them.  Viva paper towels have no patterns and are ideal for this technique.

Check out our store for more items on cake decorating and candy making!

Happy baking!

Hello!  Welcome to The Cake Mix.  I will be posting a variety of tips and tricks to make your decorating experience fun and satisfying.a

How do you make a great tasting cake?  Start with a great recipe or mix!

I have been baking cakes and other goodies for 15 years, and selling them at my website (www.click4cakes.com) for the past 3.  As a mother of 7, I know what works and what doesn't to keep the kids asking for more.

I prefer to use a good quality mix, such as Pillsbury or Betty Crocker.  However, I don't always follow the recipe word for word.  I sometimes change the oil to butter, for example.  For denser cakes, such as ones I will carve into fun shapes, I usually add a little all-purpose flour to the mix.

For more information, check my store on eBay at Sandra's Cakes and Sweets.

Want more information?  Send me a question and I will try to post the answer here in 48-72 hours.

Happy baking!