Do I Need To Use Supports For This Cake?

Decorating By banananutmuffin Updated 18 Oct 2009 , 10:01pm by indydebi

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banananutmuffin Posted 17 Oct 2009 , 4:20pm
post #1 of 11

Sorry... I forget what the supports are called. Total brain skip right now. Basically, I am talking about when you put cardboard rounds beneath the layers and use straws/sticks to support layer.

Anyhoo... I am making a double-layer 8" round cake, and want to put a single layer 4" round on top (just as a little platform, basically, to set a fondant figure on). Do you think that 4" single layer needs support? Or do you think it's light enough to stand up there on it's own without affecting the integrity of the 8" double layer beneath it?

Thanks!!

10 replies
-K8memphis Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
-K8memphis Posted 17 Oct 2009 , 4:21pm
post #2 of 11

Maybe icon_biggrin.gif

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cre8_acake Posted 17 Oct 2009 , 4:43pm
post #3 of 11

I personally think it will be fine without the support of dowels bcuz the cake is so much smaller than the bottom tier but for a professional finish maybe u should. I'm sure the more experienced bakers will come to your rescue momentarily. They're great on here! LOL

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-K8memphis Posted 17 Oct 2009 , 4:47pm
post #4 of 11

How heavy is the fondant figure?
Are you delivering this?
Will it be bouncing up & down in the car?
Is it torted & filled?
Is the bottom cake buttercream iced and the 4" fondant covered?

It just depends on so many factors.

You are correct, you are right on the cusp where you may or may not need to use supports.

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jammjenks Posted 17 Oct 2009 , 5:41pm
post #5 of 11

I would not use supports.

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CBMom Posted 17 Oct 2009 , 6:25pm
post #6 of 11

I would...just because it would be one less thing to worry about.
Do I "have to" ??
Probably not, but....

It would only take one little thing, and you have yourself a CakeWreck.

icon_biggrin.gif

For me, it would just mean less stress icon_smile.gif

HTH!!

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banananutmuffin Posted 18 Oct 2009 , 10:44am
post #7 of 11

Thanks for the guidance!

Just in case it helps:

Both 8" layer cake and 4" round will be covered in buttercream only. 8" layer will be standard "homemade" layer cake... not torted and filled. It will be transported. The fondant figure should be super light--just a ghost or two made from a lollipop covered with a sheet of white fondant.

I don't have a 4" round cardboard, so that complicates things a bit. I guess I could cut one down. I've actually only doweled one cake before (that turned into a disaster) so I'm a little worried about this...

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-K8memphis Posted 18 Oct 2009 , 11:55am
post #8 of 11

So you'd probably be fine without.
But like CB's Mom said you're that teeny little bit more secure.

I know you know this but be sure your cakes are all trimmed off nice & flat & level.

I think that's a cute idea for your ghosties.

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Ursula40 Posted 18 Oct 2009 , 12:55pm
post #9 of 11

You can easily cut cardboerd into a small round, I do it all the time, because I cannot get cakeboards here. Just use clean cardboard and cover with saran wrap (plastic film or aluminium foil) it doesn't have to be thick, just a bit stable . If I need bigger rounds I just shove bamboosticks into the holes in the cardboard to make it more strong, really works well

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banananutmuffin Posted 18 Oct 2009 , 7:12pm
post #10 of 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by K8memphis-

I think that's a cute idea for your ghosties.




Not my idea... saw it here in the Halloween gallery. Thought it was an awesome idea, too!

Thanks for the advice everyone. I guess I will support it, just in case.

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indydebi Posted 18 Oct 2009 , 10:01pm
post #11 of 11
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ursula40

...... I just shove bamboosticks into the holes in the cardboard to make it more strong, really works well


that's a unique idea!

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