Making a 12" heart shaped cake for tomorrow. I forgot to buy a core. Is there anything I can use as a substitute. Was thinking of cannoli shell forms but I don't think they'll stand up. Would really appreciate a quick answer cause I'm very worried. Thanks
Rosie

Are you looking for heating cores? You can use a flower nail or two - just spray well with cooking spray or coat them with shortening and stand them upside down in the cake pan before you pour your batter in. They work great and come right out when you flip the cake out of the pan.

Ditto the above reply.

If you don't have the flower nails, you can use a small can with both ends removed. Grease and flower WELL and when you remove it after cake is baked, press on the inside to hold it down when the can comes up! Easier than putting it back in.

you can also use a really large decorator's tip......depending on how deep your pan is.

Thanks everyone--I'll try the lily nails. Now if I can only figure out how to make BC frosting really really burgundy, I'll be all set. Actually, I guess you can figure out I'm new at this, but I'm trying!

Rosie

Are your lily nails metal (mine are plastic)? If not use the metal flower nails for making roses.

Easy fix, take an old kitchen towl, cut in half lengthwise, wet it and safety pin it around the cake pan while wet. I do this all the time and my cakes come out more level than with a heating core.

I do this too. (the towel thing). One thing is that you may have to bake it for a little longer than usual.

wilton makes a burgundy red gel color. hobby lobby, michaels, party city, joanns and superwalmarts should carry it.