I am going to practice making stacked mini cakes with 5" double layer and 3" double layer on top. I will use dowels but do I need to have a cake circle supporting the 3"? Thanks

for cakes that small, you won't need boards, and you most likely will not need dowels. If you find the tiers are slippery, a skewer might help, but something that small usually supports itself, just fine.

Hi Fallon2000,
Welcome to the Board. I just did some min cakes last week...click on my photos and did not dowel or use a separator. The cakes are so light I didn't think it was necessary. Please have a look and let me know what you think!