How to frost a layered cake

Frosting a 2-tier layer cake is easier than you think. Having the right tools and this how to frost a layered cake step-by-step guide with pictures - will have you frosting like a professional in no time.

Cream cheese frosted carrot walnut cake with chopped walnuts on edges and fresh carrot tops on top of the small 6-inch 2- layer cake with the words How to Frost a Layer Cake in text.

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Notes from Pam
Icing Equipment
Small 6-inch, 2-layer Cake Baking Equipment
Step-by-Step Icing Guide
Step 5 | Frost sides and top with a thick coat of frosting.
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Notes from Pam

Frosting a layer cake is intimidating! But after breaking down the steps I realized it was not as difficult as it seems. I’ll walk you through the steps for frosting a layer cake. With a few tools, patience, and practice, you will be decorating beautiful, layered cakes in no time.

Pam Werley, founder of our table 4 2 standing in the kitchen leaning against counter.

Without further ado, let frosting 101 commence for a small 6-inch, 2-layer round cake!

Icing Equipment

First, you will need to gather your cake decorating tools. Here are the basics I find the most helpful when frosting a small 6-inch, 2-layer cake.

A revolving cake decorating stand – this small investment is worth it, to avoid bending and twisting in awkward positions to create a smooth finish. You can also use a cake platter and we will line the edges of the cake platter with 4 strips of parchment paper to keep it clean.
Angled spatula – this nifty tool helps spread the frosting and even helps to smooth the top and sides of the cake.
Cake leveler –domed cake layers are difficult to stack and frost. To get even layers, we will use this to slice off domed tops.
Cake transfer plate to easily transfer your cakes.
Icing smoother .

Small 6-inch, 2-layer Cake Baking Equipment

A beautifully frosted layer cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, but in a small household, most of it will go stale and dry out before it can be enjoyed. To make a petite layer cake suited for two, we will fill two 6-inch cake pans.

Step-by-Step Icing Guide

For this frosting demonstration I baked my small 6-inch, 2- layer carrot walnut cake with cream cheese frosting.

Let's get started with this step-by-step how to frost a layered cake guide:

Step 1 | Whip your frosting until it is stiff.

If your spatula will stand up in the frosting – you have a stiff frosting. This is necessary for a smooth finish. It also ensures your piping decorations will hold.

A blue rubber spatula with a painted pear design standing in stiff cream cheese icing step 1 in how to frost a cake.

Step 2 | Slice off domed tops

Cake layers with a domed top are difficult to stack and frost. If your cakes dome, you can simply slice the domed section off using a serrated knife or a cake leveler tool. To make each layer level.

A level cake on a white parchment paper - step two in how to frost a cake.

On the other hand, if your cakes caved, the good news is you don’t need to level the cake. Even better news is you can fill that cavity with frosting. Frosting lovers will love this!

Step 3 | Spread equal portions of frosting between layers.

First, let’s line the edges of your cake platter with 4 strips of parchment paper to keep platter clean. Place 1 cake layer on platter. Using an angled spatula, spread ½ cup frosting evenly over top, right to the edge of the cake. It’s okay if the frosting goes over the edges, we will smooth that out when we frost the sides.

cream cheese frosting swirled on top of first layer of small 6-inch round cake.

Place the second layer on top of the first cake. Repeat the process until your last cake layer, ensuring you use equal portions frosting like ½ cup for a 6-inch layered cake. If this is your last layer, place the last cake down with the flat bottom of the cake on top – love this trick for having a smooth top!

2-layer cake with a middle icing layer and swirl of icing on top.

Spread remaining ½ cup frosting evenly over top.

Cream cheese frosting spread evenly over top of the 2-layer cake.

Tip: As we did before, evenly smooth the frosting on top of your cake. Again, pushing any extras to the side – we will get to smoothing the sides next.

Step 4 | Create a crumb coat

Using the angled spatula, cover the sides of the cake in a thin coat of frosting. This is called a crumb coat, it’s the “glue” to hold crumbs down for a crumb-free frosting finish. Plus, it seals in the cake's moisture!

crumb coating on half of a 2 -layer cake.

Tip: Smooth the sides and top as much as possible.

Smooth crumb coat on a 6-ins 2-layered cake.

Tip: Chill cake for at least 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.

Step 5 | Frost sides and top with a thick coat of frosting.

Spread about ½ cup frosting on top of the cake. Again, evenly spread the frosting over the top of the cake. Now, frost the sides of the cake with as much frosting as needed to cover up the cake.

Slowly spread the frosting around the cake until you have a smooth frosting.

With the cake on your cake turntable, use the cake knife to smooth the sides of the cake. Hold the cake knife straight against the side of the cake and rotate the cake gently. This takes a few practices to get smooth edges.

After smoothing the sides of your cake, use the same technique to smooth the top.

Thick coat of frosting evenly spread over the top and sides of the cake.

And that’s it! Now the fun begins with the decorations. For my carrot cake I used walnuts pressed into the frosting sides and on the edges on the top. Then, I peeled 2-inch of carrot tops with greens to use as decorations – it looks like the carrots are growing out of the cake!