Stacking A Wedding Cake: Using Polystyrene Separators Like A Pro

Stacking a wedding cake with polystyrene separators is a great way to minimise weight and add depth to your cake. Polystyrene cake dummies are typically 2 deep and can be used to separate tiers of sponge or rich fruit cake. They are also useful for practising cake decorating techniques such as covering with fondant and buttercream icing. When using polystyrene separators, it is important to dowel each tier of the cake as normal, but the separators themselves do not need to be dowelled. To assemble a stacked wedding cake, place each cake tier on its own card or drum before stacking and secure with ganache or royal icing.

Using polystyrene cake dummies to minimise weight

Polystyrene cake dummies are an excellent way to minimise weight when stacking a wedding cake. They are especially useful when you want to add depth to your cake without adding too much weight.

If you're creating a cake with multiple tiers, polystyrene dummies can be a great option for the lower tiers, providing stability and support while keeping the overall weight of the cake manageable. This is particularly helpful if you're transporting the cake to the wedding venue, as a lighter cake is easier to carry and reduces the risk of collapse during transport.

Polystyrene dummies are typically 2" deep and can be cut to the desired height. They are placed between the tiers of your cake, providing a stable base for the tier above. When using polystyrene dummies as separators, it's important to use plastic dowels for additional support. Insert the dowels into the cake below the dummy, ensuring they are level with the top of the cake. This will provide a secure foundation for the polystyrene separator and the tier above it.

To attach the polystyrene dummies to your cake, you can use royal icing or ganache. These adhesives provide a strong bond and can also be used to cover any imperfections or seams between the cake and the dummy. If you're concerned about stability, you can also use ribbon to wrap around the dummies and provide additional support.

Using polystyrene cake dummies offers several benefits. Firstly, they can add height and depth to your cake without the weight of additional cake tiers. Secondly, they provide a stable and secure base for stacking, reducing the risk of collapse. Finally, they are a cost-effective option, especially if you're creating a large wedding cake with multiple tiers.

How to assemble a stacked cake

To assemble a stacked cake, you will need several supplies, including cake boards, polystyrene cake separators, dowels, and icing or fondant. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to assemble a stacked cake:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Tiers

Before assembling the cake, ensure that your cake tiers are baked, levelled, and chilled. It is also recommended to crumb coat and ice your cakes before stacking them.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Boards

Place the largest cake board on your cake stand or base. This board should be slightly larger than your bottom cake tier. You can cover the board with a doily or ribbon for added decoration.

Step 3: Stack the First Tier

Place your bottom cake tier on the prepared cake board. If desired, you can secure it to the board with a small amount of icing or frosting.

Step 4: Dowel the First Tier

To provide support for the next cake tier, you will need to insert dowels into the first tier. Mark where the next cake will be placed on the bottom cake, then remove it temporarily. Insert the dowels into the first tier, cutting them to the appropriate height if necessary. The dowels should be spaced evenly and no more than the size of the next cake tier.

Step 5: Add the Cake Separator

Place a polystyrene cake separator on top of the dowels. The separator should be slightly smaller than the cake tier above it. Secure the separator to the dowels with a small amount of icing or royal frosting. Wrap a wide satin ribbon around the separator if it will be visible.

Step 6: Repeat for Additional Tiers

Repeat steps 3 to 5 for each additional cake tier, stacking and dowelling each tier before adding a separator and the next cake.

Step 7: Finalize the Decoration

Once all the tiers are stacked, you can finalize the decoration of your cake. Cover any visible cardboard circles with frosting or fondant, and add any desired borders or embellishments. If you plan to add fresh flowers, place them on the cake as close to the event as possible to prevent the moisture from spoiling the icing.

How to transport a stacked cake

Transporting a stacked cake can be a stressful experience, but with careful planning and preparation, you can ensure a safe journey for your cake. Here are some detailed instructions on how to transport a stacked cake:

Pre-Transport Preparations:

Before transporting a stacked cake, decide whether to transport the cake tiers individually or stacked. If you choose to stack the cake, using a central dowel is recommended, especially for taller or larger cakes. A central dowel involves using a long pine dowel secured into an MDF board, with holes drilled into the individual cake cards to allow the dowel to pass through, preventing any movement during delivery. However, consider the weight and height of the stacked cake and whether you can physically lift and carry it. Also, think about the setup situation at the venue. If it's not the easiest, it's advisable to transport the tiers individually and stack them at the venue.

Packing the Cake for Transport:

Ensure that the individual cake tiers are dowelled correctly and placed in sturdy and secure cake boxes that are tall enough and lined with non-slip mats to prevent movement. You can also use bubble wrap if you don't have non-slip mats. Choose a box larger than the cake to allow extra room for decorations like sugar flowers. Secure the lid of the box tightly to prevent any damage from unexpected weather conditions. Prepare an emergency kit with essential tools and supplies to fix any issues that may arise during transport.

Optimizing Vehicle Conditions:

Select a vehicle with a spacious and flat loading area, such as an SUV or a van. Pre-cool the vehicle by turning on the air conditioning to maintain a cool environment, especially important during warmer weather to prevent icing from melting. Shield the cake from direct sunlight by using sun shields or positioning it in a shaded area of the vehicle.

Transporting the Cake:

Place the cake on a flat and level surface in the vehicle, such as the boot or footwell, and not on the car seat. Line the surface with non-slip matting for added stability. Drive smoothly without sudden accelerations or brakes to reduce the risk of cake damage. Allow extra time for deliveries and drive cautiously to avoid accidents. If possible, have a second person to monitor and support the cake during the journey.

Arriving at the Venue:

Once you arrive, check the cake for any movement or damage. Use your emergency kit to fix any issues if needed. Get proof of safe delivery and set up by taking photos, videos, or getting a signature from the event coordinator. Provide the venue with a hand-off sheet that includes flavours, allergens, non-edible items, and any other relevant information.

How to decide the size of separator to use

When deciding the size of separator to use for your wedding cake, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the separator should be about 2 inches smaller than the cake above it. For example, a 12-inch cake would sit on a 10-inch separator. This allows for a sufficient gap between the tiers to place flowers or other decorations.

Another thing to keep in mind is the height of your cakes. If you are aiming for a tall look, you may want to use taller cakes or add dummy cakes to each tier to increase the height. This can be done by using cake cards or drum boards, but be careful not to make the tiers too heavy, which can make stacking difficult.

When assembling your cake, it is important to dowel each tier to provide support and prevent the cake from collapsing. The separators themselves do not need to be dowelled, but the tiers of cake that they sit on do. It is also recommended to use a cake card or drum under each separator for added stability.

Finally, consider the overall stability of your cake, especially if it needs to be transported. You may need to adjust the size or number of separators to ensure the cake is secure and does not topple over.

How to secure the separator to the cake

To secure the separator to the cake, you will need to use dowels. These are thin, straight rods that provide support and stability to tiered cakes. The number of dowels you use will depend on the size and weight of the cake, but typically you will need at least three to four dowels for each layer.

Firstly, you will need to cut the dowels to the correct height. Place the cake on a cake board and mark where the next cake will be placed on top. Remove the upper cake and mark out the spots where the dowels will be inserted. Cut the dowels to the height of the cake, so that they sit level with the top.

Next, you can insert the dowels into the cake. Place a small amount of icing or ganache where the dowel will sit to act as glue. Insert the dowel into the cake, twisting it slightly as you go. Repeat this process for all the dowels, ensuring they are evenly spaced and no larger than the size of the cake above.

Now, you can place the separator on top of the dowels. The polystyrene separator should be slightly smaller than the cake, so it sits comfortably on the dowels without overhanging. Secure the separator to the dowels with a small amount of icing or royal frosting.

Finally, place the next cake layer on top of the separator, ensuring it is central and does not overhang the dowels. Secure this layer with more icing or frosting. Repeat this process for any additional tiers, always checking that the cakes are level and stable.

Frequently asked questions