Do this by applying a thin layer of frosting to the top and sides of the cake. This layer traps crumbs and holds the cake in place — preventing it from moving and tearing once you add the heavier layer of frosting. Chill your cake in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes — or until your crumb coat has hardened over.

To help prevent royal icing from drying out or hardening, it is important to keep it sealed. When storing royal icing, keep it in an airtight container, with a cover of plastic wrap on the surface. This will keep the royal icing soft and keep it from hardening up.

The simplest method of softening frosting is to allow the can of frosting to come to room temperature; stir before using. For softer frosting that is roughly the consistency of mousse, microwave the entire container of frosting for 15 to 30 seconds.

It isn’t an exact thing, just add more cream if it’s not smooth, more sugar if it gets liquidy. The surface gets hard because it dries out and the sugar sets.

If the icing is applied thinly then it should take 4 to 6 hours to dry completely (though the surface will be touch dry quite quickly) but if it is a very thick layer (such as “snowcene” icing on a christmas cake) then it can take a few days to dry completely.

If storing in the refrigerator, it’s best to chill the cake uncovered for about 20 minutes in the freezer or refrigerator to let the frosting harden. And for maximum flavor before serving, always bring refrigerated cakes to room temperature.

It is best to take them from the freezer and put them into the refrigerator and then out into the kitchen space. Once the final coat is on your cakes you can either refrigerate, or decorate and then refrigerate them until you are ready to box and deliver. I hope that helps you with your question.

It takes royal icing six to eight hours to dry. Once you flood, spread, or pipe it onto your cookies, let them stand at room temperature.

As I have mentioned in the article above, the simplest and fastest way you can dry your iced cookies is to heat your oven on the lowest setting, turn the oven off and place your cookies on a shelf to dry. They shouldn’t take very long to dry right through, so they won’t have time to go stale.

If the surface of the icing smoothes over in approximately 10 seconds then your icing is ready to use. If it takes longer, the icing is too thick. Slowly add more water. If your icing surface smoothes over in less than 5-10 seconds, it is too runny.

The frosting should form a somewhat soft peak that has a little curl on the end. It’s stiff enough to hold up that curl, but soft enough to create that little curl. That little curl is a great visual cue to know that your frosting is just the right consistency.

Tips For Icing and Glazes: Alternatively, if your icing or glaze is too runny simply add more sifted confectioners sugar (powdered sugar) until thickened. We are using milk and cold water interchangeably in this recipe, either one will give you a high shine, glossy slash glassy appearance and both will harden once set.

You can add sifted powdered sugar into your thin royal icing until it’s as thick as you need it.

To thicken your royal icing, add more sifted powdered sugar—a couple tablespoons at a time—until the icing reaches your desired consistency. If you want to thicken your royal icing without adding additional sugar, you can add a very small amount of corn starch (around ½ teaspoon), which will help your icing thicken up.