Stacking A Wedding Cake: Using Spacers For A Stunning Display

Stacking a wedding cake is a fairly straightforward process. It involves placing tiers directly on top of one another, with pillars generally not being used. The process begins after the tiers have been baked and sometimes frosted, and before intricate decorations are applied.

To stack a wedding cake with spacers, you will need cake boards for each tier, a cake-decorating pen, and wooden cake dowels. After baking, chill the cakes in the fridge for about 30 minutes to ensure the frosting is firm and the cakes are easy to manoeuvre. Place the bottom tier on a cake drum, which is usually about one inch thick to provide extra support. Put the remaining tiers on cake boards of corresponding sizes. Frost the tiers using a spatula for a smooth finish, then chill them again.

Take the bottom tier and insert a wooden cake dowel into its centre, followed by more dowels in a circular pattern around the central dowel. Mark where each dowel reaches the top of the cake, then remove and cut them accordingly. Re-insert the dowels, ensuring they do not sit above the top of the tier. Pipe buttercream on the bottom tier, then carefully place the next tier on top, using a spatula for support if needed. Repeat this process for each tier, remembering to use fewer dowels as you add each upper tier.

For additional support, especially for heavy cakes like fruit cakes, a central dowel can be inserted through the length of all the tiers.

Use a central dowel to secure the cake

Using a central dowel to secure a wedding cake is a great way to ensure stability and give you peace of mind. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Prepare the Tiers

Before stacking, it's important to prepare your cake tiers. Each tier should be placed on a cake board that corresponds to its size. For example, an 8-inch cake should be placed on an 8-inch board. After that, chill your frosted tiers for about 30 minutes to let the frosting firm up, making the cakes easier to handle.

Mark the Dowel Placement

Take your bottom tier and insert a wooden dowel into its centre. Then, distribute more dowels evenly in a circular pattern around the central dowel, keeping them within 1-2 inches from the outer edge of the tier. Use a cake-decorating pen to mark where each dowel reaches the top of the cake.

Cut the Dowels

Remove the dowels from the cake and use a serrated knife to cut them. Score the dowels with the knife so that they snap cleanly at the marked points. This ensures that the dowels are all the same height, which is crucial for a stable structure.

Reinsert the Dowels

Now, carefully reinsert the cut dowels back into your bottom tier. Make sure that the dowels do not sit above the top of the tier, as this will prevent the upper tiers from sitting evenly.

Repeat for Each Tier

As you move up your cake, repeat the process of inserting, marking, cutting, and reinserting the dowels for each tier. Remember that as you add each upper tier, you will use fewer dowels.

Final Assembly

Once all the tiers are stacked and the dowels are in place, carefully position your top tier on top of the lower tiers. Use a spatula for added support if needed. Pipe buttercream along the base of each tier to cover any visible gaps and give a smooth finish.

Insert the Central Dowel

For added stability, especially if your cake is particularly tall or heavy, you can insert a central dowel through the length of all the tiers. Sharpen one end of a bamboo dowel rod and carefully push it through the centre of all the cake tiers and cake boards. This will help prevent any shifting or movement between the tiers.

Transport and Display

After your cake is stacked and secured with the central dowel, it's ready for transport to the wedding venue. Carefully package and transport the cake, ensuring it remains level and secure during the journey. Once you arrive, carefully unpack and display your beautiful creation, ready to be admired and enjoyed by the happy couple and their guests!

Transport the cake fully assembled or assemble on-site

Transporting a fully assembled wedding cake is a tricky task, and it's important to ensure that your cake has the structural integrity to withstand the journey. Here are some tips to help you transport a fully assembled wedding cake safely:

Firstly, it is crucial to use an appropriate cake box for transport. The box should be slightly larger than your cake to allow for some airflow and prevent the cake from sliding around during transport. It should also be sturdy and have a secure lid to protect the cake from any potential damage.

To prepare your cake for transport, it is recommended to chill it beforehand. This will help to firm up the frosting and make the cake easier to handle. It's also a good idea to let the frosting settle before transport to avoid any ridges or blowouts. Once the cake is chilled, you can cover and secure it with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

When placing the cake in the box, it is advisable to use a non-slip mat or a piece of cardboard covered with a non-skid material such as shelf liner or rubber mesh. This will help to keep the cake in place and prevent sliding during transport.

It is also essential to plan your route to the venue carefully. Avoid any roads that are bumpy or full of potholes, as this could cause damage to your cake. Try to drive slowly and smoothly, taking turns and brakes gently to minimise the risk of damage.

Now, let's discuss assembling a wedding cake on-site. This approach can be less stressful as you don't have to worry about transporting a fully assembled cake. Here are some tips for assembling a wedding cake on-site:

Before you begin, ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment, including cake boards, dowels, a serrated knife, a cake drum or base, and a cake decorating pen. It is also helpful to have your frosting or buttercream ready, as well as any decorations you plan to use.

Start by placing the bottom tier of your cake onto the cake drum or base. This will provide extra support for your wedding cake. The cake drum is typically about one inch thick. Then, place the remaining tiers on cake boards of corresponding sizes. For example, an 8-inch cake should go on an 8-inch board.

The next step is to frost your tiers. Using a spatula will ensure a smooth finish. After frosting, chill the tiers for around 30 minutes to allow the frosting to firm up. Chilling will make the cakes easier to handle during assembly.

Once your tiers are chilled, you can begin assembling. Take the bottom tier and insert wooden cake dowels into the centre, distributing them evenly in a circular pattern. Mark the dowels where they reach the top of the cake with your cake decorating pen. Remove the dowels and cut them accordingly, then re-insert them into the bottom tier. Ensure the dowels do not sit above the top of the tier, as this will prevent the upper tiers from sitting evenly.

Pipe some buttercream on the bottom tier and carefully place the next tier on top, using a spatula for support if needed. Repeat this process for each tier, inserting dowels and marking their height before cutting and re-inserting. Remember that as you add upper tiers, you will use fewer dowels.

Finally, carefully position the top tier on top of the lower tiers. Pipe buttercream along the base of each tier and use a scraper to even out any visible gaps. If your cake requires extra support, such as a heavy fruit cake, you can insert a central dowel through the length of all the tiers.

Use a sturdy base for the cake

Using a sturdy base for your wedding cake is crucial to ensuring its stability and preventing collapse. Here are some detailed tips to help you create a sturdy base:

First, it is important to use a cake base that is larger than your largest cake tier. Ideally, the cake base should be at least two inches bigger in diameter than the base cake layer. This provides a stable foundation for your cake and makes it easier to move the finished cake.

When it comes to choosing the right material for your cake base, avoid using premade cake drums or thin cake bases from hobby stores, as they may not be strong enough to support the weight of your wedding cake. Instead, opt for a sturdier option, such as a 1/2" foam core board. Foam core boards provide excellent support and can be easily covered with Wilton fanci foil, fondant, scrapbook paper, or wrapping paper to match your desired design.

If you're working with a particularly heavy cake, consider using an MDF board, which is a wood composite board that can handle significant weight. Remember, the sturdiness of your cake base is crucial, so don't skimp on quality.

Another important tip is to use candy melts or hot glue to adhere the bottom tier's cake board to the cake base. This will prevent the bottom tier from shifting and provide a secure foundation for the rest of the cake.

Additionally, if you're using a cake drum, consider cutting out a circle in the middle of the wrapping on the cake base. This will ensure that the bottom tier's cake board adheres directly to the cake base and not the wrapping.

By following these tips and choosing a sturdy and secure cake base, you'll be well on your way to creating a beautiful and stable wedding cake.

Remember, the base is the foundation of your cake, so take the time to ensure it is strong and secure before moving on to the next steps of stacking and decorating your wedding cake.

Use cardboard circles to support the styrofoam spacers

When stacking a wedding cake with styrofoam spacers, it is important to use cardboard circles to support the styrofoam. This will ensure that the styrofoam does not get pushed through by the dowels. The cardboard circles should be placed under the styrofoam spacers, with the spacers sitting directly on top. The cardboard circles will then be supported by dowels that are inserted into the cake. This will create a stable structure for the wedding cake.

When assembling the cake, it is recommended to do so on-site. The styrofoam spacers can be placed on the bottom tier, and then the middle tier can be placed on top of the styrofoam. A small amount of icing can be used to help hold the middle and top tiers in place. This method will create a secure and attractive wedding cake.

Additionally, it is important to use the appropriate size of cardboard circles. The circles should be the same size as the cake tier that will be placed on top of the styrofoam spacer. This will ensure a proper fit and provide adequate support for the cake. It is also recommended to use a sturdy cake base, such as a foam core board, to hold the weight of the entire cake.

When preparing the cake layers, it is suggested to use three layers of cake and two layers of filling for each tier. This will provide stability and ensure the cake is not too heavy. It is also important to level each cake layer before stacking them, as this will create a more stable structure. Overall, by following these instructions and using cardboard circles to support the styrofoam spacers, you can successfully stack a wedding cake with spacers.

Use fondant, ribbon, or contact paper to cover the styrofoam spacers

When using styrofoam spacers to stack a wedding cake, you can cover the spacers with fondant, ribbon, or contact paper. Here are some detailed instructions for each method:

Fondant

Roll out the fondant to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut out a circle that is slightly larger than the styrofoam spacer. Gently lift the fondant circle and drape it over the spacer. Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles with your hands or a fondant smoother. Use a sharp knife or a fondant cutter to trim away the excess fondant around the edges of the spacer. You can also use fondant cut-outs, such as flowers or leaves, to decorate the covered spacer.

Ribbon

Measure the circumference and height of the styrofoam spacer. Cut a piece of ribbon that is slightly longer than the circumference measurement, and wide enough to cover the height of the spacer. Wrap the ribbon around the spacer, securing it in place with a small amount of double-sided tape or a few drops of glue. If desired, you can add additional ribbons or bows for decoration.

Contact Paper

Cut a piece of contact paper that is slightly larger than the styrofoam spacer. Peel back the backing paper and carefully stick the contact paper to the spacer, smoothing out any air bubbles as you go. Trim away the excess contact paper with a sharp craft knife or scissors. You can find contact paper in various colors and patterns, so choose one that complements your wedding cake design.

Covering the styrofoam spacers is a great way to hide the structure and give your wedding cake a seamless, elegant look. With these methods, you can easily incorporate the spacers into your cake design and create a stunning display.

Frequently asked questions