I've read several times on here about using a flower nail when baking a cake. When do you have to use this method? With what cakes sizes? Do you just place in it on the bottom then fill with batter or what?


I'm making a single sheet cake(11x15), should I use one?


Thanks for your patience, I'm new at this.

Kim

Any time you have a large or dense cake, the nail helps evenly distribute the heat to the center.

I use at least one in every cake over 10"

for a sheet cake, I usually use 2. For a very dense cake, I add even more, just in case. It won't hurt anything. It just leaves a small hole, invisible once you put the cake together.

Use cake when you invert the cake. Put a rack over the nails, then flip to prevent possible tearing.

I've used the flower nail before and I really couldn't tell any difference, so I don't use this method anymore.

I use them just like pp. I usually use 2 in an 11x15"

Good luck!

Thanks so much. I'm really new at this so thanks for your patience. I'm sure there will be more questions to come

I never use them nor do I use the heating cores, no matter how large the cake.

Baking strips, 325 degrees, grease-only-no-flour the pans. No problems.

shortcakes
I always thought the baking strips were a joke, and then last christmas I broke down and bought some at william sonoma cause they were on sale.

I refuse to bake without them now.
I actually am going to have to buy some more in a few months cause I use them so much.

They really do work- im cheap too but they are totally worth it.

Here's a thread where I explain the "science" behind the baking strips baking: http://forum.cakecentral.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=3467363#3467363

HEre's a pic/thread of how my cakes turn out with baking strips:
http://forum.cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopic-334013-0.html

Thanks Auryn and Indydebi! I've just added BakeEven Strips to my Christmas List. Aren't cake decorators easy to buy for??!!