I'm going to attempt my first stacked cake. I plan on using a 8" round, 3" deep layer with a 6" layer on top. Should I use a cake board under the 6" and dowels? I plan to fill the 8" layer, do I need to do anything special. I like Costco's apricot mousse filling so will try to make my own apricot mousse filling. Any hints would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Yes, just to be on the safe side, I would use a cake board and dowels. Make sure that when you fill the cake you make a damn on the outside of the layers and then put the filling in, so it doesnt run. It would also be good to do a crumb coat and then let the cake settle for a while, I usually let mine settle overnight, but if you don't have that long, let it settle for as long as you can.

Everything you ever wanted to know about making your 1st tiered/stacked/layer cake:

http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-605188-.html

Costco mousse filling recipe:
(With variations.)

http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-590277-.html

HTH

Thank you, especially for the Costco filling! I love that stuff.

Yes, you should use a cake board and dowels, or SPS as many swear by. If you leave out the board your cakes will stick to eachother and not cut easily, nor will they cut pretty. If you then leave out your dowels/support system you risk damaging the cake. Good Luck and don't forget to post pics when you're all done!