Using The Flower Nail Trick

Decorating By Tamz Updated 5 Sep 2007 , 7:49pm by awolf24

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Tamz Posted 4 Sep 2007 , 1:17pm
post #1 of 8

Okay, I've just learned this trick and I have a question about it. If you're doing a large sized cake - 12 X 18, do you still need to use the cake insert in the middle? The one that you pour some batter into to make sure the cake cooks all the way through? Or do you just use a flower nail instead? Also, on a cake that size, would it be better to put a nail on each side of the pan?

Thanks!
Tamz

7 replies
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Sweetpeeps Posted 4 Sep 2007 , 1:58pm
post #2 of 8

I've done it twice before and I didn't really notice a diffrence. You use it instead of the insert. I put two in my 12x18 sheet cake. I just personally prefer just to use the bake even strips. They seem to do a great job. HTH

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dodibug Posted 4 Sep 2007 , 2:10pm
post #3 of 8

For a cake of that size I would use 3 flower nails spaced in the middle section of the cake. Won't need them near the ends and you won't need the core. The nails take the place of using the core.

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lardbutt Posted 4 Sep 2007 , 2:13pm
post #4 of 8

If you're using the nail trick, you don't need the heating core. I actually use the flower nail with the bake even strips.

Although I haven't checked the accuracy of the temp. in my oven, I now lower my baking temp. to 325 instead of 350. I does take a bit longer, but the outcome was worth it to me.

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diane Posted 4 Sep 2007 , 2:16pm
post #5 of 8

you don't need a flower nail for a 12x18...i make them all the time without it and it does fine. the flower nail is really meant for 3" deep pans.

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jen9936 Posted 4 Sep 2007 , 2:27pm
post #6 of 8

I also do these all the time and never use a heating core or flower nail. I always bake at 325 and use 3 cake mixes. I never have a problem with it baking all the way through and don't usually have to do much leveling either.

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Tamz Posted 5 Sep 2007 , 7:47pm
post #7 of 8

Thank you all for your help!

Tamz

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awolf24 Posted 5 Sep 2007 , 7:49pm
post #8 of 8

When I bake a 12 x 18, I use two flower nails evenly spaced and it works well. I never have to trim my cake - it bakes evenly.

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