Cutting The Cake: A Two-Layer Wedding Cake Tutorial

Cutting a two-layer wedding cake can be a tricky task. It's important to know how to do it properly, especially if you want to get as many portions out of the cake as possible. You'll need to carefully separate the two layers, and then cut each slice into smaller pieces. There are a few different methods you can use to do this, and it's also a good idea to make sure you have enough knives and plates ready.

How to separate the two layers

To separate the two layers of a wedding cake, you'll need to carefully slide a spatula underneath the top tier and its cake board. Then, move it to the side. Now you can choose which tier you want to start cutting and serving first. The bottom layer is usually the first to be cut as it serves the most people and is a flavour most will enjoy.

To cut the cake, you'll need to cut across the cake an inch or two in. When your knife gets to the bottom, angle it to push the slice over onto the cutting board. Then cut this into pieces. You can cut the first slice into three pieces and the rest of the slices into four pieces. If the cake is really tall, you can cut the piece in half the other way too, making twice as many portions.

If you need to get more portions out of the cake, you'll need to cut smaller portions. This is typical for weddings where there are several desserts being served. To do this, use a cutting board to cut the cake into strips and then divide those strips into smaller portions.

If the cake has a support structure inside, you'll need to remove that before cutting your slices.

How to cut the cake into strips

To cut a two-layer wedding cake into strips, first separate the top tier by sliding a spatula underneath it and its cake board. Move it to the side and choose which tier you want to start cutting first. Generally, the bottom layer is the best place to start as it serves the most people and is a flavour most will enjoy.

Now that you have unstacked your tiers, you can cut your round cake like you would any other. Party-size slices of cake are usually cut 1-inch by 2-inch, which means each slice will be more rectangular than triangular. Cut across the cake an inch or two in. When your knife gets to the bottom, angle it to push the slice over onto the cutting board. Then cut this into pieces. You can cut the first slice into three pieces and the rest of the slices into four pieces. If the cake is really tall, you can cut the piece in half the other way too, making twice as many portions.

How to cut the strips into smaller portions

To cut the strips into smaller portions, you'll need to cut across the cake an inch or two in. When your knife reaches the bottom, angle it to push the slice over onto the cutting board. Then, cut the slice down the middle and each piece in half again. If the cake is tall, you can cut the piece in half the other way too, making twice as many portions. Party-size slices of cake are usually cut 1-inch by 2-inch, so each slice will be more rectangular than triangular.

How to cut the first slice

Cutting the first slice of a two-layer wedding cake is a little more complicated than cutting a regular cake. First, you need to separate the two layers. To do this, carefully slide a spatula underneath the top layer (and its cake board) and move it to the side.

Now you can choose which layer you want to start cutting and serving first. It's usually best to start with the bottom layer, as this is the biggest and will serve the most people.

To cut the first slice, make an incision an inch or two into the cake. When your knife reaches the bottom, angle it to push the slice over onto the cutting board. You can then cut this slice into three or four pieces.

How to cut the rest of the slices

To cut the rest of the slices, you'll need to start with the bottom layer, as this is the biggest tier and will serve the most people. Party-size slices of cake are usually cut 1-inch by 2-inch, which will give you a rectangular shape.

Cut across the cake an inch or two in, then angle your knife to push the slice over onto the cutting board. Cut this slice into pieces. You can cut the first slice into three pieces and the rest of the slices into four pieces. If the cake is really tall, you can cut the pieces in half the other way to make twice as many portions.

If you need to get more portions out of the cake, you'll need to cut smaller portions. To do this, use a cutting board to cut the cake into strips and then divide those strips into smaller portions.

Frequently asked questions