By: Lacey Nogueira

I’ve always loved decorating cakes. At first my efforts consisted of frosting the cakes and sticking some cute figures on top. Then I became a bit more adventurous and put my limited artistic talents to work – I would pipe a picture onto the cake free hand, and color it in. That’s what I did for this Minnie Mouse cake, but I never liked how the frosting looked bumpy. I have OCD tendencies, and wanted that frosting to be smooth!

Then, one day, I stumbled upon the Frozen Buttercream Transfer (FBCT). It was simple, and I got the smooth look I was obsessing over. The best thing about the FBCT? No artistic ability needed! All you have to do is trace a reverse image of your picture onto wax paper, color it in, freeze it, then plop it onto your cake! Here’s how I do it:

1. First you’ll need to gather your supplies: colored frosting, wax paper, tape, piping bags, piping tips, and a flat portable surface (a cutting board our cookie sheet will work).
2. Next find an image you like, and print it out in reverse/mirror image.
3. Tape your picture onto your cutting board.
4. Tape a piece of wax paper over your image.
5. Then choose the color you're using for your outline and trace your image. (for the outline I usually use Wilton’s Ready-To-Use Icing in black with a #3 Wilton tip).
6. After you have outlined your image begin to fill it in (Figure 1). I use whatever tips I have on hand for this part.

Figure 1

    7. Once your picture is filled in you’re going to smooth the back, while lightly pressing down. This helps the icing settle into all the spaces.
   8.Next, place the cutting board in the freezer for at least two hours. If I have time, I will freeze the picture overnight.
   9.Remove from freezer, and turn over onto frosted cake.
  10.Gently press the image down into the frosting, and then slowly remove the wax paper.

  11. You should now have something like Figure 2:

Figure 2

  12. I then go back and add the final details (Figure 3).

Figure 3

It took me a little practice to get it right. During my first attempt half the picture came off on the wax paper. I just fixed it up as best I could, and resolved not to give up. This is definitely one of my favorite ways to decorate a cake for my kids.

Now it’s your turn, go give it a try!