Slide A Round Wedding Cake Like A Pro

Cutting a round cake for a wedding can be a tricky task, especially if you want to ensure that each slice is the same size and looks neat. There are a few methods that can be used to cut a round cake, and the appropriate method may depend on the number of tiers the cake has.

Use a serrated knife

When it comes to slicing a wedding cake, a sharp, serrated knife is the best tool for the job. Here's how to use a serrated knife to slice a round wedding cake:

Choose the Right Knife

Select a serrated knife that is a few inches longer than the diameter of your cake. This will ensure you can cut through the entire cake in one smooth motion. A thin, flexible blade is ideal, as it will give you more precision and control. Look for a knife with a scalloped edge, where each curve comes to a point.

Prepare the Knife

Before you start slicing, dip your serrated knife into a tall glass of warm water. Then, wipe the knife dry with a clean towel. This will help ensure that your first cut is clean and precise. Repeat this process after each cut to keep the knife warm and free of crumbs or frosting.

Make the First Cut

Hold the knife with both hands and gently score a line across the middle of the cake, without cutting all the way through. Then, make another line at a 70-degree angle from the first line, creating a small triangle. Score a third line across the small triangle to divide it in half, giving you four pieces.

Slice the Remaining Portions

Continue scoring lines to divide the cake into equal sections. For a standard round cake, you can create 10 equal slices by following this method. After you've scored all the lines, cut along each line with the serrated knife, pulling the knife slowly out from the bottom of the cake.

Serve the Slices

Use an offset spatula or a wide, flat knife to lift the slices from the cake and place them on plates. Avoid touching the cake slices with your hands, as this can affect the presentation. A fork in your non-dominant hand can help steady the slices as you transfer them.

Remember to cut the cake with a gentle sawing motion, rather than pressing down too hard. With a serrated knife and a steady hand, you'll be able to create clean, even slices for your wedding guests to enjoy!

Know your audience

Knowing your audience is key to successfully sliding a round wedding cake. The cake-cutting ceremony is a symbolic tradition that is often one of the first official activities a married couple tackles together. It is a task that requires teamwork and coordination, and understanding your audience will help you execute it gracefully.

Your audience, in this case, is not just the guests but also the couple themselves. It is important to be mindful of the couple's preferences and comfort level with the task. Some couples may be more comfortable with a simple cake-cutting ceremony, while others may be open to a more playful approach, such as a cake smash. Discussing a game plan with the couple beforehand will help ensure that the cake-cutting ceremony aligns with their vision and expectations.

Additionally, considering the dynamics and demographics of the guests is crucial. The cake-cutting ceremony is often a signal to guests that the reception is coming to an end, especially for older guests with younger children or those who may need to depart early. Therefore, scheduling the cake-cutting ceremony at an appropriate time will help convey this message effectively.

Furthermore, understanding the cultural background of the couple and their guests can enhance the ceremony. For instance, incorporating special dances like the anniversary dance or the money dance can add a meaningful touch that celebrates enduring love and financial support for the newlyweds.

By considering the couple's preferences, the guests' dynamics, and cultural traditions, you can create a cake-cutting ceremony that is not only symbolic but also entertaining and inclusive for your audience.

Score a line across the top

Scoring a line across the top of a cake is the first step in cutting it into even triangles. This method is ideal for round cakes, ensuring that everyone gets a fair slice.

To begin, you'll need a large knife that can cover the entire diameter of the cake. If you don't have a knife that's long enough, you'll need to slide it across the top to create a full line in the frosting. Prepare your knife by dipping it into warm water and letting it soak. Once ready, dry the knife and hold it with both hands over the middle of the cake. Gently make a scoring line across the cake without cutting through it.

Next, create another line at a 70-degree angle from the first line, forming a 1/3 piece of half the cake. This will give you a small triangle. Score a third line across this small triangle to divide it exactly in half, resulting in four pieces of cake. These two smallest pieces will set the size for the remaining slices.

Now, you'll create two more lines to divide the large triangle into three equal sections. This will give you a total of ten equally-sized pieces. Extend the four half-lines across the cake to finish marking the ten pieces. Finally, cut along each score line, and you'll have ten perfectly sliced pieces of cake!

Don't cut the cake board

Cutting a wedding cake is a meaningful moment symbolizing the couple's new life together. The bride typically makes the first ceremonial cut, with the groom's hand over hers, followed by the couple feeding each other the first bite. This is considered a major photo opportunity.

• Use a sharp, serrated knife to make clean, precise cuts.
• Cut the cake with a gentle sawing motion, instead of pressing down too hard.
• If the cake was refrigerated or frozen, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cutting to make it easier to slice.
• Cut the cake from the back to the front, rather than straight down, to avoid crumbling the edges.
• The couple should cut the first slice only, and a small one at that. Leave the rest to the caterers or designated helpers.

Now, for the "don't cut the cake board" part:

Do not cut through the cake board! The cake board is the base of each tier of a wedding cake. It is typically made of cardboard or plastic and is not meant to be cut through. Cutting the cake board can cause the tiers to collapse. Instead, cut the cake itself, and only cut about an inch into the cake, then a connecting line, and use the knife to lift the slice onto a plate.

If you are cutting a two-tiered or multi-tiered cake, the couple should make the first ceremonial cut on the bottom tier, as this is the portion served to the guests. The top tier is usually saved for the couple's first anniversary. The cutting process is similar to that of a rectangular cake, but you must be careful not to cut through the cake boards between the tiers.

The tiers can be separated, and then slices can be cut from each tier. Traditionally, the top tier is saved and frozen for the couple's first anniversary. However, some couples choose not to follow this tradition, as it can result in freezer-burned cake. Instead, they may opt for a fresh "anniversary cake" ordered from the same bakery.

In summary, when cutting a wedding cake, do not cut through the cake boards between the tiers. Cut the cake itself, and only cut a small slice for the ceremonial purpose, leaving the rest to the catering staff or designated helpers. The top tier is usually saved for the couple's first anniversary, but this tradition may be skipped to avoid freezer-burned cake.

Cut into a grid

Cutting a round wedding cake into a grid is one of the most common ways to serve wedding cake. This method is also known as the "bullseye" method, where the cake is cut into "large bullseye grid" or "dartboard" sections. This method is best for ensuring uniform slices and clean cuts.

To cut a round wedding cake into a grid, start by using a sharp serrated knife to cut the cake down the middle. Then, make a cut at a 90-degree angle from your first cut. This will square off the side of the cake and create a "heel" of cake—a piece with lots of frosting and a little bit of cake, which is perfect for guests who love frosting. Repeat this process on the other side of the cake, creating two more "heels".

Next, continue making perpendicular cuts down one side of the cake, cutting it into equal sections. The thickness of these sections will depend on how many people you need to serve and how much cake you want left over. Wipe the knife between slices to remove any frosting or crumbs, ensuring a cleaner slice. Repeat this process on the other side of the cake.

This method will give you uniform slices and a neat presentation. It's important to note that this method may result in uneven slice sizes due to the round shape of the cake, so it's better suited for a square or sheet cake.

Frequently asked questions