The Ultimate Guide To Wedding Cake Assembly With Dowels

Assembling a wedding cake is an art, and one of the most important steps in the process is using dowels to ensure the cake doesn't collapse. Dowels are essential to provide internal support to the cake, especially if it has multiple tiers. The type of dowel you use is important – wooden dowels are sturdy, affordable, versatile, and easily accessible, but plastic dowels are also a good option. The number of dowels you use will depend on the size of your cake, but they should always be evenly distributed and cut to the right length so that the cake tiers sit securely and level on top of each other. It's also a good idea to chill your cakes before assembly to ensure the frosting is firm and the cakes are easy to manoeuvre.

Choosing the right dowels

Type of Dowels

The most commonly used types of dowels for wedding cakes are wooden and plastic dowels. Wooden dowels are sturdy and affordable, while plastic dowels are easy to cut and less likely to shift. Plastic dowels are also a good option if you want to avoid the hassle of cutting wood. Additionally, bubble tea straws can be used for smaller or less heavy cakes. They are easy to cut and inexpensive, but may not provide enough support for larger cakes.

Size and Length of Dowels

The size and length of the dowels will depend on the size and weight of your cake tiers. For a secure structure, use thicker dowels for larger and heavier cakes. When cutting the dowels, ensure they are level with the top of the cake and of equal height to each other. This will ensure that the cake tiers sit securely and flatly on top of each other.

Food Safety

It is important to use food-safe dowels to support your wedding cake. Look for wooden or plastic dowels specifically made for use with food products. This will ensure that your cake is safe to consume.

Cutting Tools

When it comes to cutting dowels, you have several options. A PVC cutter, serrated knife, or small saw can be used to cut through wooden or plastic dowels. For plastic straws, regular scissors should suffice. If you're using wooden dowels, consider using a pencil sharpener to create a pointed end for easier insertion into the cake.

Number of Dowels

The number of dowels needed will depend on the size and weight of your cake tiers. A good rule of thumb is to use as many dowels as the size of the cake tier they will be supporting. For example, if you have an 8-inch cake tier supporting a 6-inch cake, use six dowels in the 8-inch cake. Additionally, distribute the dowels evenly for optimal support.

Remember to always measure and cut your dowels carefully, and consider the weight and size of your cake when making your selections. By choosing the right dowels, you can create a stable and impressive wedding cake!

Preparing the cakes

Firstly, it is important to note that each tier of your wedding cake should be baked and chilled before you begin the assembly process. This will ensure that the cakes are firm and easy to manoeuvre. Place the bottom tier of the cake onto a sturdy cake drum or base. The cake drum provides extra support and is usually about one inch thick.

Next, you will need to prepare your cake boards. Each of the upper tiers should be placed on a cake board that corresponds to its size. For example, an 8-inch cake should be placed on an 8-inch cake board. These cake boards provide stability and make it easier to handle each tier during assembly.

Now, you can begin frosting your chilled cake tiers. Using a spatula will ensure a smooth finish. Once you have achieved the desired finish, chill the tiers again. This step is crucial as it allows the frosting to firm up, making it easier to handle the cakes without damaging their surfaces.

At this point, you are ready to start stacking your wedding cake. Take the bottom tier and insert one wooden cake dowel into its centre. Then, distribute more dowels in a circular pattern around the central dowel. These dowels will always be within 1-2 inches from the outer edge of the tier.

Use a cake decorating pen to mark where each dowel reaches the top of the cake. Remove the dowels and use a serrated knife to cut them, so they snap cleanly. Re-insert the dowels, ensuring they do not sit above the top of the tier, as this will affect the stability of the upper tiers.

Pipe some buttercream onto the bottom tier and carefully place the next tier on top, using a spatula for support if needed. Repeat this process for each additional tier, remembering to use fewer dowels as you add each upper tier.

Finally, place your top tier carefully on top of the stacked tiers and pipe buttercream along the base of each tier to conceal any visible gaps. If desired, you can also use a scraper to even out the buttercream.

And there you have it! Your wedding cake is now structurally sound and ready for any additional decorations you wish to add.

Inserting the dowels

Before inserting the dowels, it is important to prepare your cake tiers. Each tier should be placed on a cake board corresponding to its size, such as an 8" cake on an 8" board. Chill the cakes in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to ensure the frosting is firm. This step will make it easier to handle the cakes during the assembly process.

Now, let's begin inserting the dowels. Take the bottom tier of your wedding cake and place it on a sturdy cake drum or base. It is recommended to use a cake drum that is about one inch thick to provide extra support. Insert one wooden cake dowel into the centre of the cake and then distribute more dowels in a circular pattern around the central dowel. The dowels should always be within 1-2 inches from the outer edge of the tier.

Use a cake decorating pen or a marker to mark where each dowel reaches the top of the cake. Remove the dowels and use a serrated knife or a cutter to trim them so that they snap cleanly. You can also use a pencil sharpener to sharpen the dowels, especially if you plan to hammer them through the cake. Just ensure that the tip is slightly rounded to prevent sharp pieces of wood from breaking off into the cake.

Reinsert the trimmed dowels back into the bottom tier. Ensure that the dowels do not sit above the top of the tier, as this will affect the stability of the upper tiers. At this point, you can pipe some buttercream or frosting on the bottom tier to act as a glue for the next tier.

Repeat the process for each subsequent tier. Insert one dowel into the centre of the tier and press down until you feel it touch the cake board. Add more dowels in a circular pattern around the central dowel. Remember to use fewer dowels as you add each upper tier. Mark and cut the dowels as needed to ensure they are level with the top of the tier.

If your wedding cake has multiple tiers, it is recommended to insert the dowels into all tiers (except the top one) before stacking them. This will ensure that each tier has the necessary support.

Once you have inserted the dowels into all the tiers, you can start stacking the cake. Carefully place each tier on top of the one below, using a spatula for support if needed. After stacking all the tiers, you can add a border to each tier and decorate the cake as desired.

Remember, it is crucial to use the correct number and placement of dowels to ensure the stability of your wedding cake. As a general rule, use as many dowels in a cake as the size of the cake it will be supporting. For example, if you have an 8" cake as the bottom tier and a 6" cake on top, use 6 dowels in the 8" cake to support the 6" cake, and then 4 dowels in the 6" cake if you plan to add a 4" tier on top.

Stacking the tiers

Step 1: Prepare the Tiers

Before stacking, each tier of the cake must be placed on a cake board corresponding to its size. For example, an 8-inch cake should be placed on an 8-inch board. The cakes should be chilled after frosting to ensure the frosting is firm and the cakes are easy to manoeuvre.

Step 2: Insert Dowels into the Bottom Tier

Take the bottom tier of the cake and insert one wooden cake dowel into its centre. Then, distribute more dowels in a circular pattern around the central dowel. The dowels should always be within 1-2 inches from the outer edge of the tier.

Step 3: Mark and Cut the Dowels

Use a cake-decorating pen to mark where each dowel reaches the top of the cake. Remove the dowels and use a serrated knife to cut them so that they snap cleanly. Ensure that the dowels do not sit above the top of the tier, as this will prevent the upper tiers from sitting evenly.

Step 4: Re-insert the Dowels

Re-insert the cut dowels back into the bottom tier. Pipe some buttercream on the bottom tier and carefully place the next tier on top of it using a spatula for support if needed.

Step 5: Repeat the Process for Each Tier

As you add each upper tier, repeat the process of inserting and cutting the dowels. Remember that as you add more tiers, you will need fewer dowels. Mark each of the dowels where they meet the top of the tier, remove them, cut them accordingly, and then re-insert.

Step 6: Stack the Top Tier

Finally, carefully position the top tier on top of the lower tiers, using a spatula for support if necessary. Pipe buttercream along the base of each tier and use a scraper to even out any visible gaps.

Additional Tips:

• If your cake requires extra support, such as a heavy fruit cake, insert a central dowel through the length of all the tiers.
• The number of dowels required per tier depends on the size of each tier. Typically, between 3 and 9 dowels are used per tier.
• When cutting the dowels, ensure that they are level with the top of the cake and of equal height to each other. This will ensure that the tiers sit securely and level on top of each other.
• If you are using bubble tea straws as supports instead of wooden dowels, thick milkshake straws are recommended. Regular straws are not sturdy enough for any stacked cake.

Final touches

Now that you've inserted the dowels and stacked your tiers, it's time to add the final touches to your wedding cake. Here are some important steps to ensure your cake looks and tastes amazing:

• Level the tiers: Before you start decorating, use a cake leveler or a large knife to ensure that the top of each tier is even and level. This will create a smooth surface for you to work on and ensure that your cake has a professional finish.
• Crumb coat the cake: Apply a thin layer of frosting or buttercream to the entire cake. This will help seal in any crumbs and create a smooth base for your final coat of frosting. Chill the cake for a few minutes to let the crumb coat set.
• Final coat of frosting: Once the crumb coat is set, apply a final coat of frosting to the cake. Use a spatula or an icing smoother to achieve a smooth and even finish. Make sure the frosting is level with the top of the dowels to ensure a seamless look.
• Decorate the cake: Now comes the fun part – decorating your wedding cake! You can use fresh flowers, fondant decorations, buttercream piping, or any other embellishments that fit the theme of your wedding. Consider adding some edible glitter or gold leaf for a touch of elegance.
• Chill the cake: After you've finished decorating, place the cake in the refrigerator to chill. This will help set the frosting and decorations, ensuring that they stay in place during transport or display.
• Transport and display: When transporting your wedding cake, be extremely careful to avoid any bumps or vibrations that could cause the cake to shift or slide. Place the cake on a sturdy surface at the venue, and add any final touches, such as fresh flowers or a cake topper.
• Cutting the cake: Provide the person in charge of cutting the cake with a diagram of the internal structure, including the number and positioning of the dowels. This will ensure that the cake is cut safely and efficiently.

By following these final steps, you'll have a stunning and stable wedding cake that's sure to impress your guests!

Frequently asked questions