I usually insert my dowel rods in the crumb coat stage. Recently, I picked up Toba Garret's The Well Decorated Cake. I noticed that she inserts her dowels (or lollipop sticks) after applying the fondant. I'm wondering what the general consensus is here? Is it better to place dowels before or after coating a cake in fondant? I like my nice smooth tops; even if they are hidden by multiple tears. 
if not, I have feared it may displace the fondant on which it sits
I agree. No one will see them anyway until the cake is disassembled to be cut. But I would think you'd have to worry about the weight of the cake pushing the fondant down and causing buckles and bubbles.
Definitely after - how are the servers going to get them out before cutting & serving the cake otherwise?!Plus you are opening yourself up to sinkage problems if the weight of your tiers are not properly supported by the dowels beneath. Your cakes should be sitting on top of the dowels, as flush to the surface level of the cake beneath as possible.
after, you want the dowels to come even with the fondant; also the person cutting it will thank you (think about cutting a cake with hidden dowels, not fun!) 
Honestly, I've done it both ways and haven't seen much difference. I suppose I could just do the dowels at the crumb coat stage for the top tier.
Honestly, I've done it both ways and haven't seen much difference. I suppose I could just do the dowels at the crumb coat stage for the top tier.
If there is nothing getting set on top of the top tier you should not have to worry about dowels at all. So this should help keep that smooth top on the top tier.
If there is nothing getting set on top of the top tier you should not have to worry about dowels at all. So this should help keep that smooth top on the top tier.
A lovely store bought topper will be the crowning glory. :gag:
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