Stacking A Wedding Cake: Pillar Techniques For Beginners

Stacking a wedding cake using pillars is a great way to create a stunning centrepiece for your special day. However, it is not as simple as just placing the cakes on top of one another. To avoid a leaning or collapsing cake, it is important to understand the internal structure required to stack cakes. This includes using separator plates, pillars, and dowel rods to create a stable cake that won't topple over. The process begins with marking the placement of the pillars on the base cake and then firmly inserting them until they touch the cake board. The next tier is then placed on top of the pillars, and the process is repeated for each additional tier.

Using pillars and dowel rods

Choosing the Right Dowels:

• Food-safe materials: Select dowels made of plastic or wood that are safe for contact with food. Avoid using materials that may soak up moisture, such as lollypop sticks or paper dowels.
• Sturdiness: Choose sturdy dowels that can support the weight of your cake tiers. For heavy cakes, consider using thicker dowels or multiple layers of dowels for added support.
• Type: There are two main types of dowels: rods and tubes. Rods are ideal for small cakes, decorations, and fruit cakes, while tubes are designed to support sponge cakes with significant weight.

Preparing the Cakes:

• Level the cakes: Use a long serrated knife or a cake leveller to create a flat surface on each cake tier. This ensures that your stacked cake will be straight and level.
• Number of dowels: The number of dowels depends on the size and weight of your cake tiers. For smaller cakes, use 3-4 dowels, for medium cakes, use 4-6, and for large or heavy cakes, use 6-8 dowels.
• Marking the dowel length: Place one dowel in the centre of the cake and mark its length at the top of the cake. This will be your guide for cutting the rest of the dowels to the correct size.

Inserting the Dowels:

• Spacing: Arrange the dowels in a symmetrical shape, such as a triangle or square, under the tier they will support. For example, use 3 dowels in a triangle shape for smaller cakes and 4 dowels in a square shape for larger cakes.
• Insertion: Push the marked dowel into the cake down to the board. Remove it and use it as a guide to cut all the other dowels to the correct length. Then, insert all the dowels into the cake, ensuring they are evenly spaced and straight.
• Using a central dowel: For added stability, especially for tall or multi-tiered cakes, insert a central dowel that runs through all the tiers. This provides extra support and helps prevent the cake from leaning or tilting.

Stacking the Cakes:

• Cake boards: Place a cake board between each tier to distribute the weight evenly and provide a stable base. This is crucial for preventing the top tiers from sinking into the lower tiers.
• Gluing medium: Use a gluing medium such as melted chocolate, buttercream frosting, or royal icing to attach the cake tiers to the dowels. Spread the gluing medium on the tier below before placing the next tier on top.
• Final assembly: Once all the tiers are stacked, you can add any desired decorations or frosting to the cake. If transporting the cake, use a sturdy cake box and handle it with care.

Tips and Troubleshooting:

• Measure accurately: Always measure the height of your cake tiers and cut the dowels slightly shorter to prevent them from poking through the top of the cake.
• Practice patience: Take your time during the stacking and doweling process to ensure each step is done carefully and accurately.
• Chill the cakes: Stacking chilled cakes can be easier as they are less likely to shift during the process. However, this may be more challenging with certain types of cakes, such as chilled ganache cakes.

The importance of cake boards

• Weight Distribution: Cake boards help distribute the weight of the cake tiers evenly. Each tier, except for the topmost one, exerts weight on the tier below it. By using a cake board between tiers, you ensure that this weight is spread across a larger surface area, reducing the risk of the cake below being compressed or sinking. This is especially important for heavy cakes or cakes with large diameters.
• Structural Support: Cake boards provide structural support to the entire cake. They act as a foundation for each tier, ensuring that the weight of the cake and any decorations is adequately supported. This is crucial for maintaining the overall stability of the stacked cake, especially during transportation.
• Ease of Transportation: Cake boards make it easier to transport the cake. By having separate boards for each tier, you can handle and move the cake more efficiently. This reduces the risk of accidental damage during transportation and allows for easier assembly at the event venue.
• Protection: Cake boards protect the cake from damage. They provide a barrier between the cake and the surface it rests on, preventing crumbs, moisture, or other contaminants from affecting the cake's appearance and freshness.
• Aesthetics: Cake boards can also enhance the aesthetics of the cake. They provide a neat and finished look to the cake, ensuring that each tier is presented elegantly. Cake boards can be decorated or customised to match the overall design of the wedding cake.

When selecting cake boards for a stacked wedding cake, it is important to choose boards that are sturdy, thick, and made of food-safe materials. The bottom cake board, also known as the base cake board, should be larger than the lowest tier of the cake to provide adequate support. For the remaining tiers, the cake boards should match the diameter of the cake tier they will hold. By using cake boards effectively, you can create a stable and stunning wedding cake that will be a highlight of the celebration.

How to assemble cakes with pillars

Assembling a wedding cake with pillars can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Firstly, it is important to note that there are two main types of pillars: those that are pushed directly into the cake, and those that are used with separator plates. The two-plate system is generally recommended as it provides more stability. For this system, you will need plates with 'feet' that fit into the openings in the pillars.

Before you begin, ensure that your cakes are levelled, evenly iced, and chilled. This will make the stacking process much easier.

Now, for each tier of your cake, follow these steps:

• Place the separator plate of the next layer on the cake below it to gently mark the spots for the pillars. Be careful not to press too hard and damage the icing.
• Remove the separator plate and insert the pillars into the cake, pushing them down until they touch the cake board.
• Once all the pillars are secure, place the next tier on top of the pillars, ensuring that the pillars fit securely into the knobs on the underside of the separator plate.

Repeat this process for each additional tier.

If you are using the push-in pillars, the process is similar. However, instead of using separator plates, you will push the pillars directly into the cake. Place the next tier on top of the pillars once they are firmly in place.

To ensure the stability of your cake, it is recommended to use a long dowel rod through the centre of the cake. This will help hold all the tiers together and prevent them from sliding during transportation.

Additionally, it is important to use cake boards between each tier to provide extra support, especially for heavy cakes or cakes larger than 6 inches in diameter.

With these steps and a little practice, you'll be well on your way to creating beautiful and stable tiered cakes!

How to assemble cakes without pillars

To assemble a wedding cake without pillars, you will need a few things: a base cake board, cardboard cake circles for each tier, and dowel rods and/or bubble tea straws.

First, place each tier on a cake board. The lowest cake tier should be on the base cake board, and the rest of the layers should be placed on their respective cardboard circles. Make sure the cake boards for all tiers (except the base) are the same diameter as the cake it will hold. Also, make a hole in the centre of each of the cake circles before placing the cakes on them (but not the base cake board).

Next, insert bubble tea straws or dowel rods into the base cake tier. Poke one straw or rod into the cake towards the centre (but not in the centre). Press the rod or straw down until it touches the cake board, then mark the height of the cake on the rod or straw with a marker. Remove the rod or straw from the cake tier and cut at the markings. Use the measured straw to cut a few more to the same length.

Now, insert the cut rods or straws into the base cake tier. Poke them into the cake in a circular pattern, leaving a gap of 2 to 3 inches apart, but within the diameter of the top tier cake. These should not be visible once the top tier cake is placed on the base cake. Repeat this process for all cake layers except for the topmost one.

Once you've added the rods or straws to each tier, you can start stacking the cakes on top of one another. Finally, secure the cake with a long dowel rod through the centre of the cake. Make sure the cakes are well-centred. To make it easier to insert, sharpen one end of the rod to look like a pencil, then poke it through the centre of all layers until it touches the bottom cake board.

If the top of the cake is plain, cut the dowel rod so that it stops a few inches short of the full height of the whole stacked cake. Poke it through the centre of the second tier before adding the topmost tier. At this point, you should be able to see a bit of the dowel rod poking out from the top of the stacked cakes. Carefully insert the topmost tier into the rod while stacking it on the rest of the cake. Make sure the dowel rod goes through the cake and the centre of its cake circle.

How to transport a cake

Transporting a wedding cake is a complex and nerve-wracking task, but with careful planning and preparation, you can ensure the cake arrives safely and securely. Here are some detailed instructions on how to transport a wedding cake:

Packing the Cake

Before placing the cake in its box, thoroughly chill it. A cold cake is firmer and less prone to damage during transport. Use a sturdy cake box that is tall enough and lined with a non-slip mat to prevent movement. If you have sugar flowers or other delicate decorations, consider using a larger box to accommodate them. Secure the lid of the box to protect the cake from the elements, and prepare an emergency kit with essential tools and supplies to fix any last-minute issues.

Choosing the Right Vehicle

Select a vehicle with a spacious and flat loading area, such as an SUV or a van. Pre-cool the vehicle to maintain a cool environment, especially if the cake has buttercream or other heat-sensitive elements. Ensure the cake is placed on a flat, level surface, such as the boot or footwell, and not on a car seat, as seats are not level and can cause the cake to shift. Use non-slip mats to prevent the cake box from sliding during turns or sudden stops.

Driving Safely

Always drive smoothly and avoid sudden accelerations or brakes to reduce the risk of cake damage. Drive at a cautious speed, especially when navigating turns, bumps, or potholes. If possible, have a second person accompany you to monitor and support the cake during the journey.

Venue Coordination

Prior to the delivery, contact the venue to confirm setup details, including the table location, stability, and setup time. Provide clear instructions and arrival times to the venue staff, and ask about parking, loading restrictions, and road conditions. If you require assistance with assembly or need access to electrical sockets or a sink, communicate this in advance.

Final Setup and Inspection

Upon arrival, use a wheeled cart to transport the cake to the designated display area, ensuring a smooth path free of obstacles. If the cake has been transported in separate tiers, assemble it carefully, starting with the largest tier at the base and working your way up. Apply any final decorations that were too delicate to transport. Conduct a final inspection to ensure the cake is stable, the decorations are secure, and it meets your standards. Take photographs from multiple angles for your records.

Frequently asked questions