Creating A Multi-Tiered Wedding Cake: Column Techniques

There are many ways to assemble a tiered wedding cake, with or without pillars. The most important thing is to ensure that the cake has a strong foundation so it doesn't collapse. Each tier should be on a cake circle or cake board, and you should use support dowels or straws to hold up the weight of the tiers above. You can use bubble tea or coffee straws, or wooden dowels, to support the weight of the cake. If you're using pillars, you can get sets that include plates and pillars designed to fit together. You should also transport and set up the cake with care to avoid any disasters.

Characteristics of putting tier columns on a wedding cake

Using pillars to separate tiers

Using pillars to separate the tiers of a wedding cake is a great way to add height and elegance to your cake design. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use pillars to create a stable and beautiful tiered wedding cake:

Choosing the Right Pillars and Plates:

• There are a few types of pillars to choose from, including Grecian, Roman, or square filigrees. You can also find them in different colours, such as white or clear crystal-look.
• The most common sizes of pillars are 3", 5", or 7" tall. Choose the height that best suits your cake design and allows enough space for any decorations you want to place between the tiers.
• It is recommended to use a two-plate system with pillars. This means using one plate on top of the lower cake tier and another plate on top of the pillars to support the next cake tier.
• Make sure the pillars can fit securely into the knobs at the bottom of the separator plates. The stability of your cake depends on this connection.

Assembling the Cake:

• Place each cake tier on a separator plate.
• Mark the points where the pillars will go on the base cake tier. Use the separator plate of the next tier and gently press it onto the base tier to leave marks. Make sure the plate is centred.
• Remove the separator plate and poke each pillar into the base cake at the marked points. Push the pillars straight down until they touch the cake board.
• Stack the next cake tier on top of the pillars. Make sure the pillars are securely attached to the knobs underneath the separator plate.
• Repeat this process for each additional tier until your cake is fully assembled.

Additional Tips:

• It is generally recommended to assemble a tiered cake with pillars on-site rather than transporting it fully assembled.
• If you are using a soft filling for your cake layers, it is important to chill the cake before adding another layer to prevent it from leaning or becoming lopsided.
• For extra stability, especially during transportation, consider using a long dowel rod through the centre of the cake. This will hold all the tiers together and prevent them from sliding off-centre.

How to assemble a cake stand

To assemble a cake stand, you'll need a few key supplies and a steady hand. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Supplies:

• Cake circles/boards: Use sturdy cardboard or plastic cake circles to provide a stable base for each tier of your cake. Buy pre-made circles or cut your own to fit the size of your cakes.
• Support dowels: Use bubble tea or coffee straws, or wooden dowels for stronger support. You'll need enough dowels to provide adequate stability for each tier.
• Additional tools: A cake leveler, cake turntable, offset spatula, bench scraper/pastry cutter, ruler, and a small 2-directional level (optional).

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Prepare your cakes: Bake and level your cake layers. You can also fill and frost your cakes before assembly, or you can choose to do this after stacking.
• Assemble the base tier: Place your largest cake layer on a cake circle that's an inch or two larger than the cake. This will make it easier to move. Mark the centre of the tier and outline where the next tier will go to ensure the dowels are placed correctly.
• Cut and insert dowels: Cut your dowels to the height of the tier they'll be supporting. Insert them into the base tier, spacing them evenly and pushing them straight down.
• Centre your middle dowel: Use a ruler and a vertical level to ensure the middle dowel is straight and centred.
• Add the next tier: Centre the next tier on top of the middle dowel and slide it down carefully. Repeat this process for each additional tier.
• Final touches: Once your cake is fully stacked, you can add any desired decorations, such as flowers, sugarpaste flowers, or seashells.

Remember to take your time and work carefully to avoid any mishaps. Assembling a cake stand can be a delicate process, but with the right tools and techniques, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and stable tiered cake.

Using a central dowel for stability

Using a central dowel is an important step in assembling a wedding cake as it provides stability and prevents the cake from collapsing. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use a central dowel for your wedding cake:

Prepare the Cakes:

Before you begin assembling, bake and cool your cakes. Ensure that the cakes are level by trimming them if necessary to create a flat surface.

Choose the Right Dowels:

Select food-safe dowels, such as wooden or plastic dowels, that are sturdy enough to support the weight of your cake tiers. The central dowel will run through all the tiers, providing stability and support.

Mark and Cut the Dowels:

Measure the height of each cake tier and cut the dowels accordingly. The dowels should be slightly shorter than the height of the tier to ensure they don't poke through the top. For each tier, you will typically need four to six dowels spaced evenly in a circle near the center.

Stack the Bottom Tiers:

Place the largest tier on your serving plate or board. Push the central dowel through the center of the cake, stopping just above the top surface. Then, insert the shorter dowels in a circle within the area where the next tier will sit.

Add the Next Tier:

Carefully place the next tier on top of the lower tier, ensuring it is centered. The dowels in the lower tier will provide support and prevent the upper tier from collapsing.

Repeat for Additional Tiers:

If your wedding cake has more than two tiers, simply repeat the process of inserting the central dowel and additional dowels in the second tier, and then place the next tier on top.

Finish and Decorate the Cake:

Once all the tiers are stacked, you can add any final decorations or frosting to the cake. If you need to transport the cake, use a sturdy cake box and handle it with care.

Provide a Diagram:

It is helpful to create a diagram of the internal structure of the cake, showing the number and position of the dowels. This will guide the person cutting the cake so they can remove the dowels before serving.

Remember, when it comes to wedding cakes, stability is crucial. By following these steps and using a central dowel, you can ensure that your beautiful creation remains secure and intact during transport and display.

Using bubble tea or coffee straws as support dowels

Firstly, you will need to source some thick straws. Bubble tea straws are a good option, but they can be hard to find. Some people use coffee or milkshake straws, which are easier to find and thicker than a typical straw. You can buy these at some grocery stores, or online.

Before inserting the straws, you will need to chill your cakes. Cakes should be made with real butter and chilled in the freezer before stacking. This will ensure they are nice and firm. You will also need to place each cake on a cake board, which will make it easier to move the tiers without damaging them.

When you are ready to stack, carefully line up your cake with the traced outline and supports. Use a large offset spatula to place the cake down without damaging the edge. Repeat this process for each tier.

There are a few guidelines to follow when using bubble tea or coffee straws:

• Ensure you are using the big, fat bubble straws, not skinny or bendy drinking straws.
• Make sure the bottom of the straw is flat. Bubble straws usually come with slanted ends, so you may need to cut them.
• Measure the height of your cake with the first straw you insert, then cut the rest to the exact same length. This will ensure your cake stays level.
• Insert the straws straight into the cake, not at an angle.
• Use plenty of straws. A good rule of thumb is to put as many straws in a cake as the size of the cake it will be supporting. For example, if you have an 8" cake that will be stacked with a 6" cake, put 6 straws into your 8" cake.
• Only use bubble tea or coffee straws for smaller cakes (up to 10") and do not stack more than 3 high using these straws. For larger cakes or more tiers, use a centre dowel and larger dowels.
• Do not span more than 2" without a straw.

Happy stacking!

How to cut a wedding cake

Wedding cakes are a beautiful centrepiece for any wedding, but they can be tricky to cut and serve. Here is a simple guide to help you cut a tiered wedding cake.

Step 1: Remove the dowel rod

If your cake has three tiers, it likely has a dowel rod in the centre to keep the layers in place. You may have a dowel in a two-tiered cake, but this is less common. To remove the dowel, first, cut the top tier in half, making sure your cut is slightly off-centre to avoid the top of the dowel. You can then remove the two halves or cut them into slices to serve to your guests. Once the dowel is exposed, slowly twist and pull it up to remove it from the rest of the cake.

Step 2: Separate the tiers

Tiered cakes are mostly for show, so the easiest way to cut and serve them is to separate the tiers. Carefully slide a spatula underneath the top tier and its cake board and move it to the side.

Step 3: Choose a tier and cut

It is customary to start with the bottom tier as it serves the most people and is a flavour most will enjoy. Cut the chosen tier into 1-inch by 2-inch slices, which will be more rectangular than triangular, ensuring everyone gets a generous amount of cake.

How to Put Tier Columns on a Wedding Cake

There are several methods for constructing a tiered cake. It is important to remember that there are no shortcuts, and the same principles an architect follows when creating a skyscraper should be followed here. The proper supports, such as cake circles/boards and separator plates, must be used to prevent the cake from toppling over.

One method is to use pillars and plates. The pillars lock onto the legs of the plate, so there is no need for additional dowels. The pillars are pushed through the cake, and the plates are used to separate the tiers. Another method is to use a cake stand, which is the easiest and safest option as the cakes are simply positioned on plates that fit into the stand.

Frequently asked questions