The Perfect Dowel Technique For Cutting Wedding Cakes

Dowelling is a great way to support a wedding cake and ensure it doesn't sink. The trick to stabilising a large cake with dowels is to consider the weight distribution of each given shape. It's important to make sure the top of each cake tier is level before starting to measure and cut the dowels. The dowels should be exactly level with the top of your cake and of equal height to each other so the next cake sits securely flat and level on top. When it's time to cut the cake, you can simply cut around or pull out the dowels prior to cutting.

How to cut wooden and plastic dowels

Dowels are small wooden or plastic sticks that are used to support wedding cakes so that they don't sink. They are usually the size of straws.

To cut wooden and plastic dowels, you can use a PVC cutter, a serrated knife, or a small saw. It is important to measure the height of each dowel carefully so that they are level with the top of the cake and of equal height to each other. This will ensure that the next cake tier sits securely and level on top.

Before cutting the dowels, it is important to level the top of each cake tier. You can use a "bulls-eye" level or a regular level to do this.

When it comes time to cut the cake, you can simply cut around the dowels or pull them out prior to cutting. A parchment liner can be useful for pulling apart the joined tiers. Consider the weight distribution of the cake and place the thickest supports where the most force will be exerted.

How to stabilise a large cake with dowels

Dowelling is a great way to ensure that your large cake is stable and safe to serve. The number of dowels you will need depends on the weight of the cake and the number of tiers. Generally, you will need 3-4 dowels for smaller cakes, 4-6 for medium cakes, and 6-8 for large or heavy cakes. If you are making a tall cake, a single dowel in the centre of the cake is usually enough to add stability.

To stabilise a large cake with dowels, first decide where you will be placing the dowels. The dowels should be evenly spaced out so that the cake's weight is evenly distributed across all the dowels. If you are not using cake boards or pillars, you will need to place a centre dowel rod to prevent the cake from shifting.

Arrange your dowels in a shape using the number of dowels for the corners. For example, use 3 dowels in a triangle, 4 dowels in a square, or 5 dowels in a pentagon. If you are dealing with a very large or heavy cake, you can use multiple layers so that the weight is evenly distributed.

When you are happy with the placement of the dowels, carefully line your cake up with your traced outline and supports. Place a large offset spatula underneath the cake to easily set it down without any damage to the edge. Repeat this process for each tier that needs to be stacked.

How to measure and cut dowels

Dowelling a wedding cake is a great way to ensure it stays in place and doesn't sink. Dowels are usually small wooden or plastic sticks the size of straws, and they can be cut with a PVC cutter, a serrated knife, or a small saw.

To measure and cut the dowels, start by levelling the top of each cake tier. Then, carefully measure the height of each dowel so that they are exactly level with the top of your cake and of equal height to each other. This will ensure that the next cake tier sits securely flat and level on top. The number of dowels and their positioning in each tier should be communicated to the person in charge of cutting the cake so that they can be removed easily.

When cutting the cake, simply cut around or pull out the dowels before serving. It is also a good idea to consider the weight distribution of the cake and place the thickest supports where the most force will be exerted. For example, if you are creating a large sculpted cake, use modelling chocolate to help stabilise the structure.

If you are using a heavy rich fruit cake, it may be hefty enough to support itself without any dowels. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and use dowels for extra support, especially for a wedding cake.

How to remove dowels from a cake

Dowels are small wooden or plastic sticks, the size of straws, which are used to support a cake so it doesn't sink. They are usually placed in each tier of a wedding cake to ensure the cake is stable.

When it comes to removing the dowels, it is recommended to use a PVC cutter to cut the dowels. You can also use a serrated knife or a small saw, but you should be careful when using these tools. It is important to measure the height of each dowel carefully before cutting. They should be level with the top of the cake and of equal height to each other so that the next cake tier sits securely on top.

Another option is to simply pull the dowels out prior to cutting the cake. This can be done by using a parchment liner, which makes it easy to pull apart the joined tiers. Alternatively, you can use bubble tea straws or boba straws, which are cheaper and easier to cut than wooden dowels.

It is also important to consider the weight distribution of the cake when placing the dowels. The thickest supports should be placed where the most force will be exerted. This will help to stabilise the cake and ensure it doesn't sink.

How to dowel a cake without a cake card

Dowelling a cake is a great way to ensure it stays put and doesn't sink in on itself. Here's how to dowel a cake without a cake card:

Firstly, you'll need to decide on the number of tiers your cake will have and the positioning of each dowel. It's important to consider the weight distribution of each tier and place your thickest supports where the most force will be exerted.

Next, you'll need to measure the height of each dowel carefully. They should be exactly level with the top of your cake and of equal height to each other so that the next cake sits securely flat and level on top.

Now you can start to assemble your cake tiers. Make sure the top of each cake tier is level before you begin. You can then cut the dowels to size using a PVC cutter, a serrated knife, or a small saw.

Finally, when it's time to cut the cake, simply cut around or pull out the dowels.

Frequently asked questions