What's the difference between stacking and layering? I have always layered and have never used supports. I am making a layer cake tomorrow and using MMF for the first time... Do I need support of any kind? I thought I knew a lot about cakes, until I visited this site!!!!!
As far as I know, layering is putting two cakes of the same size on top of each other and stacking is putting cakes of different sizes/shapes on top of each other. For example, layering would be putting two 10" round cakes on top of each other and stacking would be putting a 6" round on top of a 10" round or a 6" square on top of a 10" circle, etc... I've never put dowels or supports when layering cakes. I sometimes use them when stacking cakes, depending on what I am stacking. I have stacked an 8"square and a 12" round without doweling and had no problems. I believe most problems with stacking without supports comes about when more than two cakes are stacked together. For example, stacking a 6" round, 8" round and a 10" round. With that much cake (and weight) there is the possibility that the bottom cake could collapse under the weight of the other two.
I know this is a long explanation and I hope it helped!!
~Chelle
You don't need to use support rods for a layer cake by itself. However if you are going to put another size layer cake on top of your base cake then it is recommended you use some support rods or dowels to keep the top cake from causing the bottom to cave in. There is a good explanation of preparing cakes in the Wilton yearbook, you will also find many posts on this subject. Good Luck.
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