How to Crumb-Coat a Cake

(gentle electronic music)

[Narrator] Assembling and crumb coating a cake.

There's nothing better than a homemade layer cake.

It's really simple to assemble a layer cake,

and we'll show you how.

You'll need about five cups of frosting

for a three layer cake.

Start with your frosting divided into two bowls.

One bowl should have about three cups

for the layers and crumb coat,

and another with two cups for the topcoat.

First, we'll assemble the three layers.

Place your first layer right side up

on a cardboard round that is the same diameter as the cake.

Tuck strips of parchment or wax paper

partially underneath the layers

to keep the cake stand clean

while you're decorating.

Place the layer on a cake stand or Lazy Susan.

Each layer should be as perfectly flat as possible.

Using a long, serrated knife,

slice off any bumps that may have emerged

from your cake during baking.

This happens when your cake has baked unevenly.

Spread about one cup of frosting on the layer,

leaving a gap of approximately

a quarter inch from the edges.

We do this because once the other layers are on top,

their weight will force the frosting outward to the edges.

Place the second layer right side up

on top of the first layer,

and spread frosting from your first bowl on top of it.

This time, you can spread the frosting

closer to the edges,

since there will be less weight

pressing on this layer.

Place the third layer upside down

on top of the second layer.

Do this so you'll have an even surface

for the top of the cake.

Now we'll apply the crumb coating.

A crumb coat is the equivalent of paint primer.

It will allow frosting to lay better on the cake.

Using the frosting from your first bowl,

spread it in a thin coat

on the top of the cake.

Then spread the rest of the frosting

on the sides of the cake.

Spinning your Lazy Susan as you're working

makes it easier to get all the sides of your cake.

Press firmly and evenly for a thin, even coat

of frosting all over the cake.

Don't worry if there are crumbs in this coat of frosting.

Just spread it evenly,

and wipe off any crumbs that get on the spatula.

Once you've applied the crumb coat,

refrigerate the cake for a little while

so that the frosting will firm up

before you apply the top coat.

(gentle electronic music)