2007-07-02 08:50:29 · 13 answers · asked by thisis4me 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Yes, you need dowels. Cut them so they just come out of the top of the cake and they will support the weight of the upper tiers. Wilton has a good site that explains how to do it.
http://www.wilton.com/wedding/makecake/building/index.cfm
2007-07-02 09:02:31 · answer #1 · answered by neffer 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A trick I saw on Martha Stewarts' show was to put each layer on a cardboard circle, then use dowels (wooden sticks) all the same length to support the top layer.
The upper layers are too heavy for the bottom one, especially if either is large or 2-3 layers tall.
Also, using the cardboard or foam-board seperators allows you to cut and serve a layer without cutting down into the one below (making each slice prettier). If someone is cutting the cake for you (like the caterer) they may seperate the two layers so that more than one server can cut and dish them up quickly. Also nice if you have different flavors, since many guests will want a sliver of each!
2007-07-02 09:13:37 · answer #2 · answered by Sue 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the thickness of each layer. If each layer is an inch, then no, but if it is 6", which is average, then you need support. My sister is a professional cake decorator/caterer and I've watch her put this kind of cake together. With 6" layers, even a simple second level will compress the first level and it will sink into itself, like the leaning tower of Pisa is sinking, and for exactly the same reason. Cake does not provide much structural support outside of supporting itself and some frosting.
2007-07-02 09:08:22 · answer #3 · answered by rowlfe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes - tiers or not - a large cake with several layers - as a stairstep design etc. does require supports. Usually wooden dowels that the subsequent layers sit on.
2007-07-02 09:09:06 · answer #4 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't support them with dowels the cakes can collapse into themselves or fall over. Go to the wilton website someone recommended. Plus if you have to transport the cake - transport it unassembled. Then when you get there stack the cakes (with the support dowels). You will have less accidents that way.
2007-07-02 09:04:49 · answer #5 · answered by JM 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
wilson carries a line of cake holders that has the bars on the side to hold each layer up. so basically it looks like it is floating. it is a lot easier to cut a cake that way. Micheals carries them and they are pretty cheap if you bring a coupon with you.
2007-07-02 10:57:53 · answer #6 · answered by Christina V 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, dowels are essential for both support and leverage. If the cake layers don't cave in, they'll probably slide off.
If you don't or can't get dowels, consider multi level cake dishes.
2007-07-02 09:28:01 · answer #7 · answered by germaine_87313 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, use wooden doules. The layers then won't fall/slide off each other.
2007-07-02 09:07:16 · answer #8 · answered by Christina D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, use wooden dowels (buy them at home depot) and use plastic plates between the layers (plastic cake plates, find them at baking supply stores or even craft stores that sell cake decorating supplies)
2007-07-02 08:58:11 · answer #9 · answered by jen 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
You might just to be safe, at least to transport. You could always remove at reception and cover with some sort of decoration.
2007-07-02 08:59:28 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋