The icer tip is the way to go. If you don't have one though, try this. Pile the icing on top...be generous. As you frost the top, let the excess icing go down the sides. After you have the top smooth, then do the sides using your angled spatula to spread the icing in one direction with long strokes. Don't pull back or you'll pull up crumbs. Your spatula should never touch cake...only icing. I hope you're able to try the icer tip though. It's the easiest way to ice a cake
