In this post, I’ll show you how to use a cake comb on a cake covered in chocolate ganache to create a beautifully textured finish. This simple technique allows you to add a professional touch o your cakes, creating sleek, modern designs with ridged patterns.
Ingredients/Tools
- Filled cake & chocolate ganache (you can find my chocolate ganache recipe here – see the unwhipped ganache/firm frosting section)
- Offset spatula or bench scraper (for smoothing the ganache)
- Stainless steel cake comb (available in various designs – jagged pattern, wave pattern etc.)
- Kitchen torch (to heat the cake comb)
- Turntable (for an even, consistent finish)
Directions
Cover Your Cake with Ganache
Before using a cake comb, ensure your cake is covered with a smooth layer of chocolate ganache. Here’s how:
- Spread a thin, even layer of ganache over the top and sides of your cake.
- Use an offset spatula or a bench scraper to smooth the ganache as much as possible.
- Allow the ganache to set and harden at room temperature or refrigerate for 30-60 minutes.
- Apply another layer of ganache and let it set at room temperature or in the fridge 30-60 minutes. The ganache should feel firm but still pliable enough for texturing. You can also use this technique on a cake that was stored in the fridge with the ganache fully hardened. It might take a little longer to achieve the same results.
For more detailed instructions on how to cover a cake with ganache check out this post.
Use the Cake Comb to Add the Texture
Light your kitchen torch and carefully heat the jagged side of your cake comb.
Hold the torch a few inches away from the comb and move it back and forth to evenly heat the comb.
Once the comb is heated, gently press it against the sides of the cake while rotating the turntable. Wipe the excess chocolate from the comb. Repeat the heating and combing process as many times as necessary to get the perfect texture.
Soften the Ganache (Optional)
If your cake was in the fridge and the ganache has become very hard, you can slightly heat the surface of the ganache with the kitchen torch to soften it just a little bit before using the comb.
Be careful not to over-soften the ganache—just a brief application of the torch will make the surface easier to work with.
Final Touches
Once satisfied with the design, you can add any final touches to your cake, like decorations or toppings, to complement the textured ganache. You can also spray melted chocolate on top to achieve this look. I explained how to do this in a separate post.
