Cutting Cake Into Even Layers

Decorating By aggiecakes Updated 14 Jun 2006 , 11:01am by jmt1714

aggiecakes Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
aggiecakes Posted 14 Jun 2006 , 4:24am
post #1 of 11

I am completely new at this and want to know how to cut a cake evenly into layers. I have seen a tool for this in many cake decorating stores, but don't know if it is really necessary. If you use just a serrated knife, how do you know you are cutting even layers?

10 replies
freddyfl Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
freddyfl Posted 14 Jun 2006 , 4:32am
post #2 of 11

you just have to make your best guess and try to keep your knife steady and straight. the wilton small cake separator is only like 3 bucks and works really well. some people use dental floss as well.

aggiecakes Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
aggiecakes Posted 14 Jun 2006 , 4:33am
post #3 of 11

I guess I should clarify a bit more. I am wanting to know how to slice off the top layer of a cake evenly so that it is level before stacking another layer on top.

aggiecakes Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
aggiecakes Posted 14 Jun 2006 , 4:34am
post #4 of 11

Thanks, does the dental floss have to be waxed floss?

freddyfl Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
freddyfl Posted 14 Jun 2006 , 4:34am
post #5 of 11

same way you would if you were layering it, only just skim the top.

freddyfl Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
freddyfl Posted 14 Jun 2006 , 4:38am
post #6 of 11

i don't think so. just try it and see what you think. I have never tried using floss before.

chefdot Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
chefdot Posted 14 Jun 2006 , 4:42am
post #7 of 11

i use fishing wire for mine, and it works perfect! icon_biggrin.gif

nicksmom Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
nicksmom Posted 14 Jun 2006 , 4:52am
post #8 of 11

flower wire works great

leta Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
leta Posted 14 Jun 2006 , 4:57am
post #9 of 11

Yes, you can use a knife, just put the cake on a turntable and hold the knife steady while you turn the turntable to score. If it is even, start slicing while rotating--work toward the center may take a couple rotations. Use a long knife so you can see the tip is level also.

I do like the small wilton wire cake slicer. The huge one didn't work so well for me.

I saw a cool one on King Arthur Flour site. it has an adjustable base with a little serrated blade, You rotate it around the cake to score it, or rotate the cake around it, then it has a floss or string to cut through.

aggiecakes Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
aggiecakes Posted 14 Jun 2006 , 5:02am
post #10 of 11

Thanks for all the help and advice. I did find another posting on this topic which said some people just push the cake down before it has cooled completely while it is still in the pan and then there is no need for cutting to get that level top. Anyone try this technique?

jmt1714 Cake Central Cake Decorator Profile
jmt1714 Posted 14 Jun 2006 , 11:01am
post #11 of 11

Given how much time and money we spend making the cakes, I think a cake leveler or two is the best money you can spend. I can level and torte a cake into several layers in just a few minutes, and since the leveler has guides I am 100% sure that each of my cakes will have exactly the same number of layers and each will be exactly the same thickness.

Quote by @%username% on %date%

%body%