Help!! Can't Get Bc Smooth W/viva Method...what's Wrong?
Decorating By djs328 Updated 28 Jun 2009 , 8:53pm by djs328
I'm icing a 3 tier square wedding cake for tomorrow...have not done the Viva method before and don't know if it's my icing, or what...I'm letting it crust slightly (in the fridge) and then my towel keeps sticking in spots, and my little lumps are not going away when I smooth with the fondant smoother...any ideas?? Am I not pressing hard enough?
Help, please!!!
I do not let my cakes crust in the fridge. Try letting it crust on the counter. I have a feeling that is the culprit. Smooth with your hand first to get the small 'bumps' out then use the fondant smoother. HTH!
I use the Viva method all the time, is the icing dry to the touch before you are attempting to smooth it? The icing needs to be dry before you put the viva to it or it will continue to stick. I know you are pressed for time with the event being tomorrow, but just take a few minutes, take a breath, and let the icing set up and give it another try , hope it works out for you.
If your icing is sticking in spots to the paper towel, I don't believe that your icing has crusted long enough. I do not put my cakes in the fridge prior to smoothing the icing. I let it crust on the counter for about 15 minutes and then place the paper towel on top first and start smoothing. I always just use my fingers to smooth. It the lumps aren't going away, try pressing just a bit harder. With practice, you will be able to get it super smooth. Good luck...
The key is to make sure it is really crusted well. I know some say they just wait ten minutes or so and they are good to go, but with my icing i have to wait more like an half and hour or more. Perhaps your icing needs longer to crust. Then place the viva on the cake and i first smooth ever so gently with my hand, then follow with the fondant smoother. You want to press hard enough to smooth it, but not so hard it displaces the icing. I generally only need maybe one or two peices of viva to smooth a whole cake. It is wonderful to work with and doesn't pick up the grease from the buttercream like some paper towels do. I don't think the refrigeration is the problem, as i have put mine in the fridge to crust and it works just fine. My opinion...let it sit longer so that it forms a really good crust...good luck.
When you put a cake in the fridge to crust this method is hit or miss because you can get some condensation. Let crust on a counter in a cool place. Also I have had this problem and I find adding a bit more PS to my buttercream gives a better crust and can help as well. You could also try the melvira high density roller method. Good luck!
WHEW!!! It's DONE! My first wedding cake is complete and ready to go for tomorrow. THANK YOU all so much - not just for the tips but for the encouragement!! Just needed someone to tell me to breathe & be patient...it worked! Now - for sleep! Will post pics tomorrow.
Yeah! Glad it works. I never put mine in the fridge. I live in 85% humidity, year round. Last night I ended up pulling out the fan to help crust a little faster...it helped.
Ok, ladies...here it is...I learned QUITE a bit on this...especially about being PATIENT with buttercream! LOL! It's what she requested - I'm not thrilled with it, but I am hoping she likes it! Thanks again for helping me through my meltdown! haha!
http://cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=gallery&file=displayimage&pid=1403399&done=1
What were you worried about? That cake is awesome! Crisp edges and very smooth icing!
Just to add my 2 cents worth, I also let the icing air dry. It only takes about 5 minutes or less with my icing. crusted icing is dry to the touch and air-drying removes the moisture from the icing. Moisture in the icing is what causes your viva to stick.
It just confuses me when people on here think getting icing cold is the same as "drying" it.
I dont' put my laundry in the refrigerator to dry, although my underwear would appear to be a bit stiff if I put a wet bra in the 'frig or the freezer for awhile!
Stiff icing is not the same as crusted or air dried.
Thanks, Indy...that means a lot coming from the Queen of Cakes!!! (That is your title, right? at least it is in my head!)
Thinking back - I think maybe less real butter next time, and I'll be using HR Shortening, too...and that makes total sense - your laundry analogy...you are a great teacher! You can tell I don't work w/BC very much, huh!?! More practice...that's the ticket...more cakes, please!! hehe!
love your cake! I can get mine smooth, but I never get the edges so crisp! How'd you do it?
The cake came out lovely. I bet you watch Cake Boss. He always says he's putting the cake in the fridge to crust ... I have always questioned that in my head. I always let them crust on the counter.
Your cake looks beautiful. I cannot believe that is your first wedding cake. You should be VERY proud of yourself. Congratulations!
Thanks everyone! I feel proud - just got home from the wedding - she loved it! And after smashing their pieces in each others' mouths, they proceeded to eat it off their hands, forgoing the paper towels I offered to clean off their hands! Then ate 2 more pieces each! I am so happy, and so relieved!
Incidently...I thought I'd mention - I was putting the cake in the fridge not only to try to crust the icing (which now I know is SOOO not the way to do it!) but also b/c my fillings were cream based...they held up fine, though...I fridged it overnight when it was done, and it was perfect today!! YAY!!!
2girliesmama: the corners were NOT easy...I spent a lot of time trying to get them perfect (which didn't happen!) but using the Viva method and a fondant smoother and my fingers to sort of form that edge seemed to work well...I love the look of the square cakes...not the work of them though! They are TOUGH! But I'm pretty happy with it overall!
Wow!!!!! That is one gorgeous cake! It must've been delicious as well, considering that the happy couple ate 2 1/2 pieces each. What flavor was it?
Wow!!!!! That is one gorgeous cake! It must've been delicious as well, considering that the happy couple ate 2 1/2 pieces each. What flavor was it?
Believe it or not - she picked vanilla w/vanilla cream filling...and vanilla w/white choc filling...you'd never think I offered MANY MANY other (more interesting!) flavors!! Oh well!
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