what do you call the icing that you buy ready made for cakes?

[stayinbed]

the one that comes soft so you can knead, roll and shape it and then cover a cake with it

Sugarpaste or fondant icing is the proper name but it's also sold as 'Regalice'. Dr Oetker make the one that's available in the shops.

Sometimes ready to roll icing

Royal icing.

Ready made icing

it's def not royal icing - that is the hard brittle one that you get on traditional wedding cakes.

IME Dr Oetker/Superfoods is the best make (Dr O just took over Superfoods so you see boxes with one or other name on but it is the same) - called Regalice as Olihan says. Tesco stuff is horrible as I discovered to my cost once when making a wedding cake.

Ready to roll- can be prerolled or in a block

i prefer it in a block !!! you can get it from any cake decorating shop to they make it for you and its cheaper