so I want to bake a 12 inch cake...my first one, but I don't have a heat core. Is it okay to go ahead and try to bake without one? I don't have much leeway as far as time is concerned and wasn't planning on this being an issue... help!!!

I did last night. Three of them at one time. I use a flower nail sprayed with Pam in the middle and pour the batter around it. I used the core one time and now it sits on my shelf.

I like the soup can idea! I like the fact that it's open at both ends. I've also heard if you lower the temp. and bake a bit longer you won't have to use a heat core.

I actually don't use a heat core at all on 12" or 10". I have one but hate that it is a pain. I usually use the things you get wet and put around the cake or wet towels. But my last cake I didn't even do that and it baked just fine! Rose normally and everything.

Hey I LOVE the soup can idea! I've used both cores and flower nails but think this may be the way to go! I like that its open at both ends. when I used the core I always thought it was a mess. And I really couldn't see a good result with the flower nail. My cake always domed anyway and covered it up! Soup can. Great idea!

If it is a 2" high cake probably no need for core if you use the baking strips on the outside. 3" high cake though needs something in the middle I think (the flower nails or soup cake).

I've never used a heating core, flower nail, bake even strips or anything like that no matter how large the cake and I've never had issues--they really aren't necessary. Not saying they might not be of some help, but they certainly aren't required to bake large cakes.