Styrofoam Rounds: Supporting Wedding Cake Tiers

Styrofoam cake dummies are a great way to create impressive tiered cakes without the stress of baking multiple tiers. They are often used for wedding cakes, and can be decorated with fondant, flowers, and ribbons to create a beautiful display. When using styrofoam rounds for wedding cake tiers, it is recommended to transport the tiers separately and then stack and decorate the cake on-site. This ensures that the cake stays stable and secure during transport. Additionally, using a long dowel through the centre of the cake can provide extra stability. Styrofoam cake dummies are a cost-effective option as they can be reused, and decorations can be easily removed and cleaned.

Transporting styrofoam tiers separately and stacking them at the venue

Transporting and stacking a wedding cake is a delicate process, especially when the cake has multiple tiers. Here are some tips for safely transporting styrofoam tiers separately and stacking them at the venue:

• Prepare the styrofoam tiers in advance: It is advisable to make the styrofoam tiers ahead of time. Cover them with fondant, using a thin layer of shortening to help the fondant stick to the styrofoam. You can also brush the styrofoam with water to adhere the fondant.
• Transport the tiers separately: When delivering the cake to a venue that is a considerable distance away, it is best to transport the styrofoam tiers separately. This reduces the risk of damage during transportation. Place each tier in a separate box, ensuring they are securely packaged and protected from any potential bumps or shifts en route.
• Stack the tiers at the venue: Once you arrive at the venue, you can begin stacking the tiers. If you have a large number of tiers, consider assembling them in smaller groups of two or three tiers first and then completing the stacking at the venue. This will make the process more manageable. Use a super long, sharpened dowel through the centre of the entire cake to enhance stability and prevent shifting, especially if you have many layers.
• Finish the decorations on-site: After stacking the tiers, you can add the final decorative touches. Bring all the necessary tools and equipment to the venue, including extra fondant, icing, and any other embellishments you plan to use.
• Plan ahead: It is essential to give yourself plenty of time when transporting and stacking a wedding cake. Allow for extra time during transportation and for any last-minute adjustments or finishing touches at the venue.
• Transport real cake tiers separately: If your cake includes real cake tiers, transport them separately, boxed, and complete the assembly at the venue. This will ensure the real cake tiers remain intact and fresh.

By following these steps, you can safely transport your styrofoam tiers and create a stunning wedding cake display that will impress your guests.

Using fondant, shortening, or water to attach tiers

Styrofoam cake tiers are a great way to add height and drama to a wedding cake without the stress of baking and transporting a multi-tiered cake. Here are some tips for using fondant, shortening, or water to attach tiers to styrofoam rounds:

Using Fondant to Attach Tiers:

Fondant is a versatile tool for covering cakes and creating decorations. To use fondant to attach tiers to styrofoam rounds, first make sure the fondant is pliable by kneading it with a little vegetable shortening. If you want to tint your fondant, add food coloring at this stage. Measure the diameter and height of the styrofoam round and roll out your fondant to the desired size, using a fondant roller or a wooden rolling pin.

For a seamless finish, use a thin layer of shortening to attach the fondant to the styrofoam. Start by rubbing a thin layer of shortening onto the back of the fondant, then place it on the styrofoam round, smoothing out any air bubbles. You can also use water or "edible glue" to attach fondant to styrofoam. Simply paint a small amount of water or edible glue onto the surface of the styrofoam using a food-only paintbrush.

Using Shortening to Attach Tiers:

Shortening is a great option for attaching tiers to styrofoam rounds, especially if you're using fondant. Shortening provides a strong hold and can be easily smoothed out for a seamless finish. To use shortening, simply rub a thin layer onto the styrofoam round and then place your fondant tier on top. The shortening will act as a glue, holding the fondant in place.

Using Water to Attach Tiers:

Water can also be used as a "glue" for attaching fondant tiers to styrofoam rounds. Use a small food-only paintbrush to apply a small amount of cooled boiled water to the surface of the styrofoam. Be careful not to use too much water, as it can dissolve the sugar in the fondant and cause marks. Water is best for attaching flat pieces of soft fondant to other soft fondant or dry fondant.

Using a long dowel to stabilise the cake

To begin, you will need to dowel the bottom cake tier. Place a cake board that is the same size as the next tier in the centre of the base cake to create a small impression in the icing. This will help you determine where to place the dowels. Make sure to space out the dowel rods evenly so that the cake's weight is evenly distributed.

Once you have placed the dowels in the bottom tier, you can place the next cake tier on top, using the dowels as a base. Repeat this process for each cake tier, except for the top tier.

If your cake has many layers, you can further stabilise it by placing a centre dowel rod through all the tiers. To do this, use one of the dowel rods to mark the place where the top edge of the cake meets the dowel. Pull the dowel out and cut off the marked length. Use this as a guide to cut the rest of the dowels, ensuring they are all the same length. Place these dowels through all the tiers at the centre. This will help reduce the chance of anything shifting when you move the cake.

Reusing styrofoam tiers for practice or display

Styrofoam cake tiers are a great way to practice new designs and build your cake decorating portfolio. They can also be used to create dream cakes for small weddings or other special occasions without the worry of cake wastage. Here are some tips for reusing styrofoam tiers for practice or display:

Cleaning and Preparation

Before reusing styrofoam cake tiers, it is important to clean them thoroughly. Start by removing any wired flowers or wafer paper decorations. Then, gently peel off any fondant while it is still hot. If there is any remaining fondant, use a dishwasher to remove it. Let the styrofoam tier dry completely for 2-3 days before reusing it. If there are any holes or dents in the styrofoam, cover them with royal icing, as it dries hard and is easier to handle than buttercream or ganache. Smooth the icing with a spatula, and apply a second coat if necessary.

Covering with Fondant or Buttercream

When covering the styrofoam tier with fondant, wet the block with water so that the fondant sticks well. You can use a large brush to apply the water, or hold the block under a running tap and shake off any excess water. Then, roll out your fondant and cover the tier as you would a normal cake. If using buttercream or another frosting with a similar consistency, such as royal icing or ganache, simply cover the styrofoam tier in the same way you would a regular cake.

Stacking Tiers

If you are creating a tiered cake, you can stack styrofoam tiers on top of real cake tiers without the need for dowelling or support. However, if you are placing a real cake tier on top of a styrofoam tier, the real cake will require dowelling for support. When transporting a stacked cake, it is recommended to stack the tiers at the venue to reduce the risk of damage during transportation.

Storage

When storing undecorated styrofoam tiers, simply keep them in a clean place. For decorated styrofoam tiers, storage can be a bit more tricky. To prevent damage to the fondant, consider covering the cake with a large plastic bag. Alternatively, you can wrap the styrofoam tier in cling wrap before covering it with fondant or buttercream, allowing for reuse without the need for cleaning.

Cleaning styrofoam tiers for reuse

Styrofoam cake tiers can be reused by carefully removing the fondant and cleaning the foam. Firstly, it is important to note that memory foam should not be submerged in water due to its dense nature. Therefore, a reusable spray bottle filled with a diluted cleaning agent is recommended for cleaning.

To begin, use a microfibre cloth to wipe down the styrofoam, ensuring the removal of any debris, crumbs, or hair. Next, use a small amount of gentle detergent mixed with lukewarm water. Dip a clean cloth into the solution and gently rub the stain, moving to a clean area of the cloth as it lifts. Once the stain is gone, dip a new cloth into plain water and blot to remove any remaining soap. Finally, allow the styrofoam to air dry completely.

For a deep clean, fill a large sink or bathtub with lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Gently squeeze the styrofoam in the solution, being careful not to agitate it too much. Rinse the styrofoam several times in clean water, then gently squeeze to remove excess water. Again, allow the styrofoam to air dry completely.

It is important to note that some people choose to use a combination of water and rubbing alcohol or white vinegar to clean styrofoam. If choosing this method, be sure to test on a small area first to ensure it does not damage or discolour the material.

Frequently asked questions