I cannot figure out why. I'm using candy sticks as my supports with a wooden dowel in the middle. I'm also using cardboard cakes plates under each stacked layer. I do use a box mix so could it be that it just isn't strong enough to keep the support system in place? Is that why people use the wasp (?) recipe. I get so many compliments on the taste of my cake that I hate to change my recipe but... I've attached a photo for an example. TIA.

No, it's not the box mixes that are doing it. I've used mixes for 30 years.

I've never used candy sticks as supports, so no input on that. Are all of the supports the same size? Do you measure one stick then cut the rest to the size of that stick?

If you are measuring each stick individually, then you may have one or two that are shorter and that's what's causign the lean.

there's a problem with your support system ... not your cake.

I don't think candy sticks are the right type of support. I've used straws and never had a problem. Plus, you have to make sure that your cakes are very level before stacking them.
Your cake looks great by the way! Nice job.

Your cake is adorable! I love the colors and the figure.
I'm not an expert, but I don't think box mixes are as sturdy. The WASC cake is more dense - it holds up to fondant and stacking. There are so many variations to it as well, I'm sure if you start with the basic recipe you could make it your own.. HTH..

Easy answer, I think.

By candy sticks do you mean those wrapped paper sticks? If so, they aren't meant to be used as cake supports, as they will get moist and basically collapse.

And the wooden dowel thru the middle is completely false security. If your cake really starts to go sideways, the dowel will stay stuck in the bottom board as it tears thru your cake.

1. Make sure each layer inside the tier is level.
2. use SPS as your support system.

The cake itself should have nothing to do with your support. Nothing should be supported by cake. The second tier should be solidly on a plate that rests solidly on your dowels. You should be able to support the second tier this way even if your first tier is made of cotton candy.

Make sure your candy sticks are perfectly vertical so they're not leaning. Also cut all of your candy sticks tot he exact same length. Don't cut each to match the height of that particular point in the cake.

Do you level your cakes before icing? If you're using the kind of candy sticks that Leah mentioned that's for sure one of your problems.

Leah and Debi = experts in the field.... when they say this is it... then that's what it is... I respect their years of experience and have always taken their advice and so far.... always great results....

hth

Are you covering your cardboard with something waterproof?
Cardboard absorbs moisture and buckles.

Just FYI .... I don't cover my cardboards. Yes, they absorb moisture but it's not like you're soaking them in a bathtub of water or anything. Never had a cardboard buckle. And the only time I ever doubled up on cardboard was on the very bottom layer. Even with my 5 and 6 tier cakes.

However you use more than just cardboard. The OP sounded as though the only support was cardboard and lollipop sticks.

I had cardboard sink on me when I made a carved car the first time...used wasc, and the moisture and the weight of the fondant flattened all the tired..........however that was really bad support on my part...I do not cover my cardboard cake boards wither...and I agree with Leah if you are using lolipop sticks thats not sturdy. Myself, I love the long plastic dowels about an inch or so in diameter that you can cut with a knife.........hth........sorry your cake shhifted on you, it was very cool looking.

I have the same problem. I also use wooden dowels all cut to the same length and plastic separator plates. Could it be that the cake hasn't had time to "settle" before putting the next layer on?

Sorry ur cakes buckling on you , I use mixes { it's your support I have never heard of candy stick/lolipop sticks as supprt b/c if they get soggy they would start to fold /buckle like when kid sucks on the lolipop stick lol , use wooden dowels and the one in the middle or plastic dowles I use th palstic dowels and the wooden ones for like 6 in cakes even bubble tea straws{ large straws from mcd's } may be better than candy stick {but i dont know what candy stick is } Hope that helped a bit . Hey I have had many problems along the way ...we all do !

Ok, I think I'm getting the picture that it's my candy sticks. I do level all of my cakes and I do cut the sticks to all of the same length. I will check out the SPS method that was mentioned. Thanks for all of your responses and keep them coming because I love to read your thoughts. I've learned a lot from you all. Thanks again.

Definitely the support system. I SWEAR by SPS! Beautiful cakes Btw!

We all learn every day...your cakes are gorgeous!