What size cake plates do you use? The pan size, or larger? I was told to use a larger plate, but didn't like the way the edges stood out. I used a 10" for an 8" cake, like I was told at the store, but didn't like it one bit. They were the Decorator Preferred, if it matters.

I think the extra size (at least an inch larger than the cake) is so there is plenty of room for your borders and still be able to pick up the plate without sticking fingers into the icing.

Did you put the border on and everything before you decided you didn't like the way it looked?

Yep, border on and everything. There is a 2" difference, which is too much I think. If the pans were even sizes and the plates odd sizes, I think it would work better. But finding 9 and 11" plates for 8 and 10" cakes - I haven't found them yet. My borders are only about 1/2 inch wide, not enough to cover the plate.

Hmm... have you measured the plates or the cake? Because if your cake is 8 inches, plus 1 inch total for borders (1/2 each side), then that should leave only 1 inch total - meaning a 1/2 inch each side. If you used a 9" server, it would theoretically be an exact fit - 9" plate, and a cake with borders that measured exactly 9" diameter. And that's if your cake has zero thickness of frosting on it adding more width.

I wonder if your cake plates are REALLY 12" meant to be used for a 10" cake? Measure to be sure, because that just doesn't make sense.

If you look at my Elmo cake from the side (in my photos) these are 8 inch cakes on a 10" silver (triple stack) cake plate. My borders are flat circles and you can see how little 'extra" space I have. the white plate below is really the wilton plastic turntable.

Melissa

I might have written it wrong. There is a 2" difference between plate and pan size, which left me about 1/4" space on each side after borders were on. I really don't want to see these, especially on a stacked cake. How do you hide it? Or do you have to have custom boards for this to work?

OK, NOW I get it! LOL

OK, this is what I do. If I am using it as a base of a single tiered cake and need something to be able to lift and hold onto, then you should use a 10 inch for an 8 inch cake - every cake bought in bakeries, stores, etc, show it's on a plate that you can see.

However, if you are just using it for a stability issue for stacking cakes, buy for the size of pan. So, if you are stacking a 12 inch 9 inch and 6 inch cake, then use 12, 9 and 6 inch cake separators. When you are making a stacked cake, you apply borders later which will cover any evidence of there being any rim/gap to your tiered cake.

I think the lady who told you this thought you were just making a one layer cake where having a place to put your thumbs when carrying it is important.

does that make sense?

melissa

Yep! Makes sense. I wasn't planning on using a border at first, but had to add one just to cover some of the plate. Next time I'll make bigger cakes