I am doing my first tiered (3) cake this weekend. I was looking at Michaels for dowels when I saw 4" Lollipop sticks (2.49 for 75). Could I use these as dowels? I am doing a 10", 8" and 6" using the 3" deep pans...I figure 3" of cake plus filling and icing should be no more than the 4 " lollipop sticks.
It's amazing how heavy each of those cakes can be.
I used lollipop sticks once (too lazy to run to the store for dowels!). I won't do it again because the sticks became wet and soggy in the cake.
I was there for this cake cutting, and couldn't wait to get the sticks out- afraid little bits of the paper would be left behind!
I have use the platic lollipop sticks with great success, but they are much more $$.
Besides that, for a 3 tier you will probably want a long dowel to go through all 3 layers, right?!
I would not recommend using lollipop sticks. The people that made my wedding cake used them and my cake fell over. Lucky for me it fell backwards and one of our caterers had cake decorating experience and she was able to make it presentable.
no, don't use lolly pop sticks... it will be worth it to you to go back to the store and buy wooden dowels. You can get them in the cake section or in the modelling section, just be sure they are untreated wooden dowels. You can cut them to length with a clean pair of garden shears (i bought a pair and keep them in my cake stuff). Remember to put a cardboard under each layer, that is what the dowels are supporting. If the cake will be taken apart on site you might consider sprinkling some powdered sugar on your icing (especially if it's buttercream) under where your cardboard layer will be placed, this helps the server lift off each layer without taking the icing, from underneath it, with it (stuck to the bottom of the board).
Thanks everyone. Going to get the wooden dowels now. The cake is for 2 cousins that are having a combined party ( 1 and 21) and I will be at the party to cut and serve. The tiers will be seperated before cutting. I didn't think about the sticks becoming soggy, thanks again!
PS- Do I need a center dowel through all 3 tiers? I will assemble the cake on site.
yes, after it is all assembled, take a dowel you have sharpened (with a pencil sharpener) and put it thru all 3 layers down the center. i light tap or two with a hammer will get it thru the cardboards... you will think you are going to have a heart attack the first time you do this, but i promise it will all be ok. Kitty 
hmmm, i just re-read your post.. you are assembling on site... so you might not HAVE to do the center dowel. get a feel for it. if anyone bumps your table you might wish you had dowelled
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