Offset spatula

A long metal spatula with a bent neck that keeps the hand clear of the surface, used to spread batter and frosting.

Offset spatula: A stainless steel offset spatula with a long bent blade and a wooden handle, shown whole.
  • Equipment, utensils and bakeware

Also called: palette knife

An offset spatula is a metal spatula whose thin blade is stepped or bent below the handle. That bend lifts the knuckles up and away from the surface being worked, so a baker can spread without dragging a hand through the food.

A baking textbook notes that offset metal spatulas are used in cake decorating and that the uneven blade makes it easy to spread batter in pans. They come in several sizes: a large one for frosting the top and sides of a cake, and a small one for tight spots, lifting cookies, or smoothing fillings.

Bakers use one to apply the thin crumb coat, to smooth the final layer of buttercream, and to streak sauce across a plate when finishing a dessert.

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Written by VanillaGoods in our own words from these sources. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.

  1. 1.1: Baking and Pastry Equipment, Workforce LibreTexts (Introduction to Baking and Pastries)