Cracking...what Do I Do? Help!

Decorating By StaceyC3 Updated 8 Apr 2007 , 6:39pm by suzmazza

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StaceyC3 Posted 6 Apr 2007 , 7:48am
post #1 of 11

I have been making cakes for a while and do NOT know what I did wrong...

I'm making a sheet cake with a star cake on top. I iced each one while frozen (I always do that - makes the cake extra moist, waaay easier for me to smooth the icing, no crumbs in the icing, etc...), and did the writing and piping. I had not stacked them yet, but I left them sitting for a while, and when I returned, I noticed 2 or 3 cracks forming on the top of each cake's icing!

Why did it do this?

How do I repair it without starting over? Will spreading a little more icing over the top 'seal' the cracks back up?

10 replies
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Parable Posted 6 Apr 2007 , 1:14pm
post #2 of 11

Wow StaceyC3, give us a few more details so we can help. Like what kind of icing are you using, etc. Have you ever used this kind before?

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StaceyC3 Posted 6 Apr 2007 , 1:40pm
post #3 of 11

I'm using the same buttercream I've been using for years (all shortening recipe)! Someone please help...got to finish this cake!

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StaceyC3 Posted 6 Apr 2007 , 1:57pm
post #4 of 11

Anyone? Anyone? My cracked cake awaits me...

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Parable Posted 6 Apr 2007 , 2:04pm
post #5 of 11

I would say you should ice right over the cracks. I have found that when I smooth my icing using the hot knife method (dipped in hot water) and too much water gets on the icing, it does tend to crack later. Hope this helps.

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darlene_000 Posted 6 Apr 2007 , 2:46pm
post #6 of 11

Icing a frozen cake doesn't help cracks... as the cake warms up it expands... and can cause those cracks. Ive heard some people make several small holes in the frozen cake before frosting so it has room to expand.

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StaceyC3 Posted 6 Apr 2007 , 3:10pm
post #7 of 11

Thank you both! I went ahead and iced over it, and also patted together some of the cracks. It seems okay...for now!

I will definitely try poking holes next time to allow for expansion. Thanks!

Here's the finished product...
LL

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darlene_000 Posted 6 Apr 2007 , 3:12pm
post #8 of 11

It looks wonderful! You would never know you had any cracking issues.

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Parable Posted 6 Apr 2007 , 3:31pm
post #9 of 11

Adorable....you did a great job.

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qtcakes Posted 6 Apr 2007 , 8:28pm
post #10 of 11

i agree with darlene, it expands when warming up to room temp. you have been very lucky not having this happen yet to you.

the cake is so cute!!

when working in a retail bakery we always let the cakes temper up a bit first.

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suzmazza Posted 8 Apr 2007 , 6:39pm
post #11 of 11

Despite your misfortunes, the cake turned out great in the end!!!

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