Dowelling Wedding Cake

Decorating By mudder Updated 8 May 2006 , 6:50pm by Bettycrockermommy

mudder Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
mudder Posted 7 May 2006 , 11:45pm
post #1 of 11

i have a wedding cake to make for July 29 - bride wants three tier stacked construction but doesn't want it dowelled - is this even possible or should I just tell her its a necessary part of the cake? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated - the cake itself is regular lemon cake - relatively light with no heavy filling, and buttercream icing, if that makes a difference. thanks!

10 replies
dsoutherngirl Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
dsoutherngirl Posted 7 May 2006 , 11:49pm
post #2 of 11

Wow..what size tiers?

bjfranco Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
bjfranco Posted 7 May 2006 , 11:56pm
post #3 of 11

Did she give a reason why no dowels? Does she think you can see them?I would not do a three tier cake without dowels in the bottom two tiers and on through the center of all three.

bj

mudder Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
mudder Posted 7 May 2006 , 11:56pm
post #4 of 11

10", 14", 18" tiers

sherik Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
sherik Posted 8 May 2006 , 12:07am
post #5 of 11

I use white chocolate dowels made with milkshake straws as molds when possible. This generally works with 2 tiers. I have melted two together in the past for 3 tiers. I also use them for support dowels between tiers. You must
pre-poke the hole in the center of your cake drum and all cake boards.

cakeconfections Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
cakeconfections Posted 8 May 2006 , 12:11am
post #6 of 11

I would tell her the only way you could do no dowels is if the cakes were a satelite set up, otherwise it is really not advisable. but if she insists you couls always type up a document and have her sign it.

sherik Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
sherik Posted 8 May 2006 , 12:21am
post #7 of 11

I agree with cakeconfections, have the bride sign a release if she refuses dowells. I have not done wedding cakes but have done tall cakes.
This could be a disaster if someone bumps the table or the B & G aren't careful when they cut the first slice.

dsoutherngirl Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
dsoutherngirl Posted 8 May 2006 , 3:01am
post #8 of 11

I just did a cake that was 14, 10 and 6 and I know without a doubt that the layers would have crushed each other if it weren't for the rods. And your cake will be huge. Maybe if you explain to her that they are not seen and that the cake is still easy to cut and serve. I don't know...it could be possible to skip the central dowel if you don't have a lot of transporting to do.

Cakepro Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Cakepro Posted 8 May 2006 , 6:23am
post #9 of 11

Are you sure the bride isn't confusing dowels with pillars or columns??? There's no way possible that an 18" tier can bear the weight of 14" and 10" bc-iced cakes stacked on top of it. Only if it were frozen solid!

Why does she even care what unseen support is placed inside the cake? That's very curious!

mudder Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
mudder Posted 8 May 2006 , 9:57am
post #10 of 11

I think her major concern is introducing wood into an edible product - I'll explain to her that it is necessary and that I'll use food-safe dowels. Thanks for all your help!

Bettycrockermommy Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
Bettycrockermommy Posted 8 May 2006 , 6:50pm
post #11 of 11

On the last wedding cake that I made, I used the plastic dowels made by Wilton. Maybe she would be okay with that?

Quote by @%username% on %date%

%body%