butter knife icing decoration

by rina
(austin, tx)

I am baking a wedding cake for my nephew. I have seen pictures of very simple icing decorations where the icing appears to have had a butter knife or spatula dragged from bottom to top in a vertical pattern, over and over again around the whole cake. How does one create that affect. I've heard it called "butter knife" decoration.

From the editor:

Hi Rina,

That type of look is often achieved with a decorating comb, but you could also use a homemade version. Just cut a piece of acetate, which is available at most craft stores, to about 3"x 6" then cut a scalloped edge on the short side. Run your decorating comb from bottom to top all around the sides of the cake, to add the vertical ridges in the buttercream.

Alternatively, and this is my favorite version, you can use a small offset spatula to add the vertical ridges. This method gives you a more artisinal, less perfect look.

Good luck!

Regards,
Michelle (editor)