CB Baker Decorating & Finishing Techniques Flashcards

What is the correct consistency of royal icing used for flooding cookies?

Answer: Thin, flowing (10-second icing)

Flood-consistency royal icing is thinned so it self-levels within about 10 seconds, creating a smooth, even surface on cookies.

Which type of buttercream is known for being the most stable in warm conditions?

Answer: Italian meringue buttercream

Italian meringue buttercream, made with hot sugar syrup cooked to 245°F, is the most heat-stable because the syrup pasteurizes the eggs and forms a firm meringue base.

What is the purpose of a crumb coat when decorating a layer cake?

Answer: To seal loose crumbs before applying the final frosting layer

A crumb coat is a thin layer of frosting applied first to trap crumbs, preventing them from showing through the final decorative layer.

Which tool is used to create a smooth, flat surface on the sides of a frosted cake?

Answer: Bench scraper (icing comb)

A bench scraper or icing comb is held against the side of a spinning cake turntable to produce a smooth, even frosting surface.

Fondant that tears or cracks during application is most likely too:

Answer: Dry and stiff

Dry, stiff fondant loses elasticity and cracks when stretched over a cake; kneading in a small amount of shortening or water restores pliability.

Which piping tip produces a star-shaped rosette or shell border?

Answer: Star tip (e.g., #1M or #2D)

Star tips have multiple points that create ridged, star-shaped rosettes and classic shell borders commonly used in cake decorating.