Have you ever looked at a beautifully decorated cake and wondered how the frosting on the sides looks so perfectly smooth? I definitely have. Getting that clean, bakery-style finish can seem difficult when you’re just starting out, but the right technique and a few simple tools can make it much easier.
One of the most useful tools for this is a cake scraper.
A cake scraper is a simple decorating tool that helps you smooth buttercream around the sides of a cake. You don’t need to be a professional baker to use one. With a little practice, it can help make homemade cakes look much neater.
If you’re learning how to decorate cakes, here’s everything you need to know about using a cake scraper.
What Is a Cake Scraper?
A cake scraper is a flat decorating tool that is usually made from plastic, acrylic or stainless steel. It is held against the side of a frosted cake while the cake is rotated.
The idea is quite simple: instead of trying to spread the frosting perfectly with a spatula, you use the scraper to remove excess frosting and create a more even surface.
It can be especially useful when you’re making buttercream cakes.
Why Use a Cake Scraper?
You can absolutely frost a cake without one. A regular spatula can work perfectly well for simple cakes.
However, if you’re trying to achieve smoother sides, a cake scraper can make the process much easier.
It can help you:
- Smooth buttercream
- Create straighter cake sides
- Remove excess frosting
- Create an even finish
- Prepare a cake for additional decoration
- Get a cleaner-looking result
The first few times you use one might feel a little awkward, but it gets easier with practice.
How to Use a Cake Scraper
The good thing about using a cake scraper is that the basic technique is quite simple.
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake
Start with a completely cooled cake.
If the cake is still warm, your buttercream can become soft and difficult to work with. Once your cake has cooled, place it on a cake board or a stable surface.
If you have a cake turntable, this is a great time to use it.
Step 2: Add Your Frosting
Don’t worry about making the frosting perfectly smooth at this stage.
Spread a generous layer of buttercream around the sides and top of the cake. Make sure you have enough frosting to cover the entire surface.
It’s actually better to have slightly more frosting than too little because you’ll remove the excess with the scraper.
Step 3: Hold the Scraper Against the Cake
Hold your cake scraper vertically against the side of the cake.
Try to keep it relatively straight rather than tilting it too much.
You don’t need to press extremely hard. Gentle, consistent pressure usually works better.
Step 4: Rotate the Cake
Slowly rotate the cake while keeping the scraper in the same position.
If you’re using a turntable, this becomes much easier because you can rotate the cake while keeping your hand relatively steady.
As the cake turns, the scraper removes excess buttercream and creates a smoother surface.
Step 5: Fill the Gaps
After one or two rotations, you’ll probably notice some small gaps.
That’s completely normal.
Add a little more buttercream to those areas and repeat the process.
You may need to go around the cake several times before you’re happy with the finish.
What Makes a Good Cake Scraper?
If you’re thinking about buying a cake scraper, there are a few things worth considering.
Material
Cake scrapers are available in different materials. Plastic ones can be lightweight and easy to handle, while stainless steel versions are generally more rigid.
For beginners, a simple scraper that’s comfortable to hold is usually enough.
Size
Make sure the scraper is tall enough for the cakes you normally make.
If you’re working with taller cakes, a small scraper may not cover the entire side.
Straight Edge
A reasonably straight edge is important because this is the part that actually touches the frosting.
A damaged or uneven edge can make smoothing more difficult.
Comfortable Grip
You’ll probably be holding the scraper for a while when decorating, so something that’s comfortable to handle is useful.
My Recommended Cake Scraper
If you’re looking for a simple tool to practise smoothing buttercream, you don’t necessarily need professional equipment.
The cake scraper I’m recommending here is suitable for everyday home cake decorating and can be useful for beginners who want to practise creating smoother frosting.
👉 Cake Scraper:
CAKE SCRAPER
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
Getting a perfectly smooth cake isn’t always easy, especially the first few times.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
Using Too Little Frosting
If there isn’t enough buttercream on the cake, the scraper can end up removing frosting rather than simply smoothing it.
Don’t be afraid to apply a generous layer first.
Pressing Too Hard
You don’t need to push the scraper aggressively against the cake.
Too much pressure can remove too much frosting and expose the cake underneath.
Moving Too Quickly
Slow and steady usually works better.
Take your time and rotate the cake gradually rather than trying to finish everything in a few seconds.
Using Soft Frosting
If your buttercream is extremely soft, getting a smooth finish can be difficult.
If necessary, place the cake in the refrigerator for a short time to allow the frosting to firm up slightly.
Can Beginners Use a Cake Scraper?
Absolutely.
You don’t need professional cake decorating experience to start using one.
The first cake you decorate with a scraper might not have perfectly straight sides, and that’s completely fine. Cake decorating is a skill, and the more you practise, the more comfortable you’ll become.
Start with simple cakes and focus on getting the basic technique right.
Once you’ve got the hang of it, you can start experimenting with different frosting colours, textures and decorations.
Cake Scraper or Spatula?
Both tools have their place.
A spatula is great for applying frosting and reaching areas that are difficult to cover. A scraper is particularly useful when you want to create a smooth, even surface.
You don’t necessarily have to choose between them.
Using a spatula to apply your frosting and a cake scraper to smooth it can actually be a very effective combination.
Final Thoughts
A cake scraper is a simple tool, but it can make a noticeable difference when you’re trying to create smooth buttercream cakes at home.
You don’t need a huge collection of decorating equipment to get started. A good spatula, some buttercream, a cake turntable and a scraper can give you plenty of opportunities to practise.
Don’t worry if your first cake isn’t perfect. The goal isn’t to create a professional-looking cake immediately. The more cakes you decorate, the more comfortable you’ll become with controlling the frosting and using your tools.
Start with something simple, take your time and don’t be afraid to scrape the frosting off and try again.
That’s one of the nice things about cake decorating — there’s always another cake to practise on. 🎂
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