Frosting a cake can be a fun and creative process. Whether you're a beginner like on Netflix's Nailed It! or an experienced baker like the Cake Boss or famous on The Food Network, here are some basic tips to help you frost a cake like a pro:

• Prepare Your Cake: Before you start frosting, ensure that your cake is properly baked, cooled, and leveled. A level cake will make frosting easier and result in a neater finish.
• Choose the Right Frosting: There are various types of frosting, such as buttercream, cream cheese, fondant, ganache, and more. Select the one that complements your cake's flavor and texture.
• Crumb Coat: To prevent crumbs from mixing with your final layer of frosting, apply a thin layer of frosting all over the cake. This is called a crumb coat. Chill the cake for about 15-30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
• Room Temperature Frosting: Make sure your frosting is at room temperature. It will be easier to work with and spread evenly.
• Use an Offset Spatula: An offset spatula is a handy tool for spreading frosting smoothly. Start at the top and work your way down the sides, using long, smooth strokes.
• Apply Even Pressure: When spreading frosting, apply even pressure to get a consistent layer. Don't press too hard, as it might damage the cake or push crumbs into the frosting.
• Rotate the Cake: To ensure even frosting distribution, rotate the cake as you work. It's often helpful to use a turntable.
• Smooth the Top: After covering the sides, use your spatula to smooth the top surface of the cake. You can also use a bench scraper for a clean, flat top.
• Decorate Creatively: Once the cake is frosted, you can get creative with decorations. Use piping bags and different tips to create designs, add sprinkles, chocolate shavings, fruit, or other decorative elements.
• Practice Patience: If you make a mistake or aren't satisfied with the frosting, you can always scrape it off and start over. Patience and practice are key to improving your frosting skills.
• Chill as Needed: Depending on the type of frosting and the climate, you may need to chill the cake to set the frosting before serving. This is especially true for buttercream in warm weather.
• Serve at the Right Temperature: Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving. This will enhance the flavor and texture of both the cake and frosting.

Remember that practice makes perfect when it comes to frosting cakes. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't flawless; with time and practice, you'll become more skilled at frosting cakes beautifully and at the end of the day it's all about the delicious fun.