How would you describe this cake? (PIPs)

mandms08

I found the cake design I want but I didn't care for the taste, so I'm going with a different vendor. It was similar to those below but... not exactly. It was buttercream and almost looked like you stuck a finger in the frosting as you were spinning the lazy susan while decorating it. The frosting was sort of fluffy-looking. (Grrr, why can't I describe this properly?! lol)



Close but the lines are too small and too even.



Too pleated. Needs to be more free-form. (Plus, I think this is fondant.)



Closer in regards to messiness (a little too messy) but the lines/layers shouldn't overlap.

I can't find any google results because I don't think I'm searching for the right term. (horizontal lines, ruffles, etc.) TIA!

SD3194

combed is what I think you're talking about.

mandms08

Thank you. I googled that and I saw mostly small lines and very symetrical. Is the combing done wider too?

Originally, I asked the baker for a smooth look similar to this with buttercream frosting (fondant isn't in our budget):





I understand that fondant makes this much much easier and that buttercream wouldn't be as "perfect". But she discouraged me, saying that it's nearly impossible because the flaws of the cake are very visible. Is that your experience as well?

SD3194

I'm sure you can get the combed look with wider lines, not sure how but your baker should know.

A good baker can make buttercream look smooth. It will obviously have some imperfections but it will still look beautiful. If she is doubting her icing skills you may want to find another vendor.

mandms08

Thanks!

AbbeyS2011

The combed look is achieved by using an instrument to literally "comb" the pattern into the icing.  My MOH is making my cake, and she recently bought the set of appliances to comb the cake. 

What SD said was right on the money.  A skilled baker can make the frosting/icing very smooth.  The imperfections will not show unless the frosting is uneven.  I am not a fan of fondant either - I think it is gross, and why waste money for a cake that looks smooth, only to peel off the fondant and throw it out?  Makes no sense to me.  I am having a whipped cream cheese icing on my cake. 

Kayla christopherson

A term you can use for a  combed look, but wider can be called scouring the side. they can use a  comb or even a  small blunt tool. Ive been a  cake decorater for over 6 years, so most decoraters can figure out what your asking for pretty quickly. Fondant wont work well, the indents wont hold very well. But if you where searching for a  person that can do fondant that tastes good, try facebook. But make sure they use a  marshmallow fondant. Ive used it many times, and adults, and kids like it. Doesnt taste like playdo at all. If a  cake decorater is any good she cake make it with out any kinds of noticable blemishes! its all about how you set up the cake, and if you are going to put flowers on it. If your going with a  store then they better have a  decorater that can ice a  cake with out any noticable markes. good luck

Kayla christopherson

oh and the very first cake looks like it might even be piped on.making the blemishes even more unnoticable.