Can you tell me how many dowels would you suggest in a 16 inch round cake with a 10 in round above?

The important thing is not to over dowel as this just puts more holes in the cake thus making it unstable.

Personally I would only use 4 as it is only 10 inches and there is nothing above it.

I only use 4 dowels per tier even on a 14, 12, 10. 8, 6 inch. They handled the weight (in part because I use Tuffboards under each tier rather than cardboard) but my concern is shifting so I'm starting to use the Wilton plates for the SPS. Not only does using more than 4 dowels weaken the cake but makes less cake that can be served.

here's another vote for 4

Do you need to add a dowel through both tiers? or is it not necessary.

Rainyvv...I don't think you need a dowel through just two tiers. I haven't used a center dowel through all layers but it's more because my tier plates are so solid that I'm not sure I could get dowel to go through them without massive damage. I've transported my completed fondant covered three tier cakes with no problem.

Thanks Sharon. Doing my first 2 tieres next week and transporting it. 1 less thing to worry about.

Ummm . . . there are no "Wilton plates for SPS." SPS is a system and you really should use SPS plates and SPS legs together.

I'm sure SPS is wonderful but I have never found anyone who sells it in the UK!

Hi all
This is more of a question then an answer, but its on the same topic.. Hope thats ok.. I have a cake for delivery tomorrow...I just stacked it, 3 tiers, wooden dowed .. 5 in bottom , three in middle.. I noticed some settling at the bottom layer (covered in fondant). Is this normal? Not sure what I can do at this point..
a little stressed to say the least.

Thank you for the response.. I actually didnt make them a little taller...that would make sense.. Thank you , Thank you..

Glad to help,hope it works out ok