How To Frost A Two-layer Cake – 2 Effective Filling Methods

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Last Updated on June 6, 2022

Do you know how to frost a two-layer cake? It seems like this technique is only meant for experts, but you would be surprised how easy it is!

Today, we will not only look at how to frost a two-layer cake in between its layers but also briefly discuss how you can decorate it. We have even made a list of pros and cons for each technique today, making your choice even easier. So, let’s jump right in!

What Is A Two-Layer Cake?

Many people overthink the term “two-layer cake”. But it is just a cake made with two layers of baked cake with a filling in between them. And, the thickness of the layers also doesn’t matter. You can have a two-layer cake that is about 2-inches tall or one that is 4-inches tall.

The layers can also come from one baked layer or two. Regardless of how thick you choose the layers to be, as we have said, they are separated with a filling of some kind. Usually, this filling is made from frosting, like an Italian buttercream or French buttercream frosting.

How to frost a two-layer cake

Now, there are two factors to consider when we talk about how to frost a two-layer cake. The first is the actual process of adding frosting between layers. There are a few techniques you can use, but we will only discuss the two that work the best.

Then, you also have to look at how to decorate the two-layer cake with frosting. There are hundreds of different decorating techniques that only use buttercream frosting.

How much frosting do you need for a two-layer cake?

This will mostly depend on how thick you want the filling layer to be and which decorating method you choose. If you want to cover the entire cake with a thick layer of frosting, you will naturally need a lot more as compared to creating a naked cake look.

On average, we would recommend using at least 2 1/2 to 3 cups of frosting for your two-layer cake. But of course, the amount will still vary depending on the thickness of your layers. This quantity works best for a 4 to 5-inch two-layer cake.

How To Frost A Two-layer Cake Between Layers

As we have mentioned, there are a couple of ways that you can easily and effectively add a layer of frosting between the two layers of cake.

To start, you will first need to place the first cake layer onto the cake stand or cake board. Secure it with a dollop of frosting at the bottom. Only then can you process with either of the methods below.

Method 1: Piping bag

With this method, you can add your soft frosting inside a piping bag that is fitted with a large piping nozzle. If the nozzle is too small, it will take forever to cover the entire surface with frosting.

Once your bag is filled and the first layer of cake is secured to a board, you can simply cover the entire surface with a generous layer of frosting. The piping bag allows you to cleanly apply the frosting without mixing it with crumbs.

Next, you can take a clean offset pallet knife to smooth over the frosting and create a level cake.

Then, if you want to, you can decorate the sides with a star tip to give it a more elegant look.

Pros

• The biggest benefit of using this method is that you can more evenly apply a layer of frosting.
• It is also a very quick method to use.
• This technique will also prevent you from mixing crumbs into the frosting by only using a pallet knife. This is especially important when your frosting is hard and difficult to move.

Cons

• The biggest downside to this method is that it uses a lot more frosting than you would usually need. this can create an overly sweet cake if your layer is especially thick.
• You need special tools for this technique. Even if you don’t have a piping bag and nozzle, you still need some sort of bag to place the frosting inside.

Method 2: Pallet knife

For this method to work, you need to use a softer frosting. If not, the hard frosting will tear off crumbs as you apply pressure, which will make the frosting look sloppy.

For this method, you can scoop a big dollop of frosting directly from the bowl onto the cake. Then, using a large offset pallet knife, use sweeping motions to flatten the layer and make it level.

Remember, you have to create a perfectly level layer of frosting. It won’t necessarily be even if the cake layer is lopsided.

Pros

• You don’t need any special tools for this method and can even do it with a butter knife.
• You can add the perfect amount of frosting you need without wasting any.
• This technique uses a lot less frosting than the piping bag one.

Cons

• This method is more time-consuming.
• It only works for softer frostings, otherwise, it will look sloppy and filled with crumbs.

How to frost a two-layer cake for decoration purposes

There are many ways to decorate a two-layer cake with frosting. First, you can simply add another layer to the top of the cake (leave the sides unfrosted). However, you can also add a thin layer of frosting to create a naked cake.

Then, you can of course also completely coat the sides with frosting. You will first need to create a crumb coating with a thin layer of frosting. This prevents crumbs from mixing with the outer beautiful layer.

Once the crumb coating has been set, you can add a beautiful layer of frosting or decorate it with different piping nozzles.

Conclusion

As you can now see, there are many answers to how to frost a two-layer cake. And honestly, at the end of the day, as long as you enjoy the process and final flavor, there is no wrong way to do it.

Let us know what you think in the comments below, or if you still have any questions for us.

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