Hello All,

I'm new to cake decorating and I'm going to try out my stacked cake. I've read about using dowel rods to hold up the top level. I've read about using non-flexable straws. They would be cheaper than dowels, but I'm concerned that they would bend. Has anyone else tried straws? I take my first decorating class on Monday. It's not a Wilton class, but one done by a local cake shop. I'm excited and hope to be able to add to the forums as I learn.

Happy decorating,
Michelle

I have used both but would definetly use wooden dowel rods in any tiered constuction cake.I have used the straws in a slab cake when I have set a half ball or 3D Bear ontop but nothing more.The straws are stronger than you think but wooden is best especially if it a wedding cake or for someone else!!

Hi Michelle, welcome to the wonderful world of cake decorating!!! I hope you enjoy your classes...I know I did! In response...I have used both straws and dowels. I think the dowels are much better, easier to spot in the cake(for safety reasons) and offer more support. Best of luck to you! Happy baking, Missey

Hi! I've used straws only with little-8in bottom to 4in top tier-would not try with anything any larger-the support just isn't there! Good luck with your classes-you seem well on your way of the cake decorating knowledge.

Thank you for your answers. I thought the straw idea was a little weak. I would hate for my cake to fall over. Although the kids would love it because I wouldn't care about them sticking their fingers in it. LOL I defiantly wouldn't want to do a larger cake and have it fall over. So, I can cheat a little on small cakes for me, but for others I better get me some dowels. Got it. Thanks a bunch. I'm hoping class tomorrow will help answer some other questions, but with my luck I'll walk out with more than I went in with.

Happy Decorating,
Michelle