The Melvira Method for Quick & Easy Smooth Buttercream

Nothing looks professional like a very smooth buttercream cake. Unfortunately that is usually easier said than done, until now. Grab a delicate buttercream cake with this easy and no-nonsense method. Documented by Cake Central users, Melvira, this technique uses a cheap tool to smooth the buttercream that looks like fondant.

Before and After using the Melvira roller smoothing method on your buttercream frozen cake.

Over the years, many creative people have come up with a series of methods and tools to create a perfectly smooth cake surface, perfect for decoration. After trying many of these methods, and always failing, I wondered if I would always be troubled by problems such as drag and finger dents on the icing, air bubble holes, and uneven fillings.

No matter how good the decoration is, the canvas is always flawed. One day, in the midst of contributing advice on speckled cakes, I began designing in my head the ideal tool for smoothing and perfecting the surface of my icing. When I imagined it, detail after detail, I realized that I had seen such a device before. It was never intended to be used on cakes. A short trip to my local hardware store took me face to face with the device in my eyes. With a small roll of dense foam paint in my hand (intended for use on the wall), I went home to test his theory, and was immediately rewarded by perhaps the most refined cake I have ever produced. The difference is amazing!

The theory behind this method is that solid foam is strong enough to push the ice sheet on itself, smoothing out wrinkles or air bubbles, while soft enough to not damage the surface of the ice sheet. Through trial and error I was able to develop this method, and mostly through errors, making a list of tips that would help this method succeed for most individuals who tried it. I have a tremendous outpouring of positive results from professional bread makers, as well as novice bread makers, so this is a method that is accessible to all skill levels!

The "Melvira method" is intended to help you create a very smooth surface of sugar on your cake, ideal for decoration.

To complete this method, you must buy a high density foam roller on your hardware or paint supply store. The brand that I use is called "Quick Solution". The description on the package says 6 "Fine Finish Mini Roller

Most discount stores don't carry high density foam, please make sure that you buy a high-density roller refill head or you will be left with a 'spackle-like' texture on your icing. Rollers are available in 2 ", 4" and 6 "widths. 6 "is ideal for most cakes, although 2" is useful for the cake side sheet, or for shaped cakes / characters.


Step 1
To get started: Insure that you use the crusta buttercream recipe! This is very important if you don't want to have sticky clutter all over the roller!

Step 2
Smooth the icing as usual, with a spatula. Leave and crust for at least 10-15 minutes, longer if high humidity.

If you use a cake that has been frozen, make sure it is completely thawed and whatever condensation has dried, or the rollers will only pull the icing from your cake. This method will not work on cakes that are sticky to the touch or on the icing that does not harden, do not try!

Step 3
After the cake is broken, gently roll the foam head as if you were painting it. I usually start with the sides of the cake, and then continue upwards, bringing the tip to as thin as possible.

Step 4
Gently roll over the top surface of your cake, smoothing all air bags, bumps, or wrinkles on the cake. Use a long, light and soft sweep on the surface. Don't use quick and short strokes because this can replace the ice sheet.

Step 5
Alternatively, Viva paper towels can be used above the icing layer when you roll, functioning as a barrier between the icing and roller layers, also ensuring the smooth finish you expect from the Viva method. You can also use wax paper or parchment to get the surface as smooth as possible.

For more information, please visit: https://www.cakecentral.com/tutorial/20211/quick-easy-smooth-icing-using-a-roller-melvira-method

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