Stacking A Tall Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

Stacking a wedding cake is a complicated process that requires careful planning and execution. The first step is to ensure that all cakes are placed on cake circles and secured to a base. The next step is to use a cake dowel to measure the depth of each cake layer and cut the dowel accordingly. This process is repeated for each layer, with the number of dowels varying depending on the size of the cake. For larger cakes, additional dowels are inserted towards the centre. Once all the dowels are in place, the tiers can be carefully stacked on top of each other. The final step is to add a border to each tier and decorate the cake as desired.

Prepare the tiers

Preparing the tiers of a 7-tier wedding cake requires several steps to ensure stability and a polished look. Here is a detailed guide:

Bake the Cakes:

Start by baking your cakes in pans of varying sizes, typically ranging from 6 to 10 inches in diameter. Each tier consists of two layers, so you'll need to bake two cakes for each tier. The pans should be about three inches deep to prevent batter overflow. Adjust your baking times accordingly, with larger cakes requiring longer baking times.

Cool and Level the Cakes:

Allow the cakes to cool for about 10 minutes before loosening them from the pans. Then, turn them out onto a cooling rack to finish cooling. It's important to ensure that the tops of the layers are completely flat to prevent tilting or wobbling when stacked. Use a long serrated knife and a turntable to level the cakes, creating a straight edge.

Create a Support Structure:

To bear the weight of the tiers above and prevent crushing, each cake should have a support structure. You can use wooden dowel rods, plastic straws, or bubble tea straws as support dowels. Cut the dowels to the height of each tier. For a 10-inch cake, for example, you'll need around 4 to 5 support dowels. Place one in the centre of each cake to aid even stacking.

Apply Frosting and Filling:

Use a crumb coat as your base layer of frosting to latch onto crumbs and ensure a neat final coat. Chill the cake for 15 to 30 minutes after applying the crumb coat. If you're using a filling, such as jam or chocolate mousse, do so before the final coat of frosting.

Stack the Tiers:

Now, you're ready to stack! Place a dollop of frosting on the bottom of each tier to act as glue. Start with the largest tier and work your way up, centering each tier over the one below. Use a ruler to mark the centre of each tier and outline where the next tier will go to ensure the support dowels are placed correctly.

Use cake boards

Using cake boards is an essential step in stacking a 7-tier wedding cake. Cake boards provide stability and make it easier to place each tier.

Firstly, ensure you have a cake board for each tier, cut to the same size as the corresponding cake layer. For a 7-tier cake, you will need six cake boards, as the bottom tier will be placed directly onto a cake drum or sturdy base. The cake boards should be made from sturdy material that won't bend easily.

For the bottom tier, use a thicker cake drum that is at least one inch thick and two inches larger in diameter than the cake. This will provide extra support for your 7-tier cake. If your cake has a bottom border or is more than two tiers, an even larger diameter base will make moving the finished cake easier.

After preparing your cakes and frosting them, place each tier onto a cake board. For smaller layers (6 inches or less), you can stack two cakes on one board. However, do not stack more than two layers on a single board.

Before placing the cake layer(s) onto the board, lightly place the next cake board on top of the previous cake layer to create an outline. This outline will guide you in placing the dowels, ensuring they are positioned correctly under the next layer.

Once you have marked the outline, remove the cake board and begin inserting the dowels into the bottom tier. Place one dowel in the centre of the cake, and then add additional dowels evenly spaced within the outline. These dowels will provide support and prevent the upper tiers from sinking into the lower ones.

Repeat this process for each tier, stacking the cakes directly on top of each other. Remember to always place a cake board between the tiers, except for the very bottom tier, which sits on the cake drum or sturdy base.

After stacking all the tiers, you can further stabilise the cake by running a long wooden dowel with a sharpened end through the centre of all the tiers and cake boards. This will prevent any shifting during transport or display.

Stacking the tiers

Stacking a seven-tiered wedding cake may seem daunting, but the process is actually quite straightforward. Here is a detailed guide to help you stack your cake tiers securely and confidently.

Prepare the Cake Tiers:

Before you begin stacking, ensure that your cakes are chilled. Chilling the cakes helps to firm up the frosting, making the tiers easier to handle and manoeuvre. Place the bottom tier of your cake onto a sturdy cake drum or board. The cake drum provides extra support for your wedding cake and is typically about one inch thick.

Using Cake Boards:

For the remaining tiers, place each cake 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 direct support to each tier.

Dowelling the Cake Tiers:

The key to stacking your tiers securely is the use of dowel rods. Start by inserting a wooden dowel into the centre of the bottom tier, pushing it all the way down. Then, distribute more dowels in a circular pattern around the central dowel, keeping them within 1-2 inches from the outer edge of the tier.

Marking and Cutting the Dowels:

Use a cake decorating pen to mark the point where each dowel reaches the top of the cake. Remove the dowels and use a serrated knife to cut them cleanly at the marked points. Reinsert the dowels, ensuring that they do not sit above the top of the tier, as this will prevent the next tier from sitting evenly.

Pipe some buttercream onto the bottom tier. Carefully lift the next tier and place it on top of the bottom tier, using a spatula for support if needed. Repeat the dowelling process for this tier, starting by inserting a central dowel and then adding more dowels in a circular pattern. As you add each upper tier, you will use fewer dowels.

Final Steps:

Once you have stacked all the tiers, place your top tier carefully on top of the lower tiers, again using a spatula for support if needed. Pipe buttercream along the base of each tier to cover any visible gaps, and use a scraper to smooth it out. If your cake requires extra support, such as for a heavy fruit cake, you can insert a central dowel through the length of all the tiers.

Now that your cake is securely stacked, you can move on to the fun part – decorating!

Use dowels for support

Using dowels for support is a crucial step in stacking a 7-tier wedding cake. Dowels are essential to prevent the cake from collapsing under its own weight and to ensure stability during transport and display. Here's a detailed guide on how to use dowels for your 7-tier wedding cake:

Choosing the Right Dowels:

• For a 7-tier wedding cake, consider using wooden dowels as they are sturdy, affordable, and versatile. They can support a lot of weight and are ideal for tall cakes.
• Alternatively, you can use plastic dowels, which are also effective and easy to cut.
• Avoid using bubble tea straws for such a large cake, as they may not provide sufficient support.

Preparing the Dowels:

• Determine the height of your cake tiers. The dowels should be cut to match the height of each tier, ensuring they are level with the surface of the frosting.
• Mark the dowels: Insert a dowel into the cake until it reaches the cardboard base. Mark the dowel at the point where it meets the cake's surface using a food-safe pen or a pencil.
• Cut the dowels: Remove the marked dowel and use it as a guide to cut the rest of the dowels to the correct length. Use scissors, wire cutters, or a handheld saw to cut the dowels.

Inserting the Dowels:

• Place a cake board under each tier: Each tier of your 7-layer cake should have a cardboard base that matches the shape and size of that tier.
• Distribute the dowels evenly: For circular cakes, arrange the dowels in a circular pattern. For square cakes, arrange them in a square.
• Insert the dowels: Push the cut dowels into the cake, ensuring they are level with the surface. Space them about 1-1.5 inches from the edge of the cake board.
• Repeat for each tier: Follow the same process for each tier of your 7-tier cake, excluding the top tier.

Additional Tips:

• Chill the cake before stacking: Chilling the cake will help firm up the frosting and make it easier to handle during the stacking process.
• Use a central dowel for extra support: If your 7-tier cake is particularly tall or heavy, consider inserting a central dowel through the length of all the tiers for added stability.
• Mark the cake tiers: Before inserting the dowels, gently imprint the outline of the next cake tier on the bottom tier. This will guide the placement of the dowels.
• Add a layer of parchment paper: Placing a piece of parchment paper between the tiers can help prevent the tiers from sticking together and make it easier to adjust their placement.

Finishing touches

Now that you've stacked your 7-tier wedding cake, it's time to add the finishing touches! Here are some ideas to make your cake look absolutely stunning:

• Flowers: Decorate each tier of your cake with sugar or plastic flowers in your chosen colour palette. You can also add fresh flowers that match your wedding bouquet for a romantic touch.
• Water Fountain: Consider adding a water fountain to your cake to create a luxurious look and add extra height. This is a great way to make your cake a stunning centrepiece.
• Candles: Surround your cake with elegant candles to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere.
• Cake Topper: Choose a custom cake topper that reflects your personality as a couple. It could be something fun and whimsical or a more traditional design.
• Edible Decorations: Add some edible sugar balls, Smarties, or other treats to your cake for a unique and tasty finishing touch.
• Buttercream or Fondant: Use buttercream or fondant to create a smooth finish on your cake. You can even add textured edges or combed buttercream for a unique look.
• Gold Accents: Consider adding some gold leaf, gold edge painting, or a gold cake stand to give your cake a touch of elegance and glamour.
• Fresh Fruit: Decorate your cake with fresh fruit, such as sliced fruit or berries, for a summery and refreshing look.
• Sugar Flowers: If you want to add flowers to your cake, consider using sugar flowers. These can be incredibly realistic and add a touch of whimsy to your design.
• Monogram: Include your monogram or initials on your cake, just like you would on your wedding stationery. This is a great way to personalise your cake and make it unique to you.

Remember, the finishing touches are all about making your cake look beautiful and reflecting your style as a couple. So, have fun with it and don't be afraid to get creative!

Frequently asked questions