Just wondering if there is a trick to placing cakes on top of eachother?? I ask this b/c I find it difficult to stack cakes without ruining the decorations...I have only stacked fondant cakes but what happens when you stack buttercream cakes?? How do you pick it up and place it on the cake below without wrecking it?!
Judith

This is tricky! I am still learning, but I know you don't put any borders on until the cakes are stacked. I don't even decorate the sides if I can help if I am trying to stack them directly on top of each other.

One thing I do is use my big spatula under one side and as I ease it down then I can support it and slide the spatula out once the layers are resting on each other.

I am interested in seeing replies on this question too. I place mine as close as I can to the cake below it and just let it drop. Sounds terrible but I'm only talking about 1/2 inch distance. I'd love to hear any other techniques cause there's GOT to be an easier way - I say a prayer and have everyone in the house say one too while they're crossing their fingers when I do one.

I leave my dowels sticking up about 1/2 " or more, then you can set your cake on top of those and quickly move your fingers and it slowly settles on to the cake.
Works great for me.
Sherry

I drop mine on too! haha that is why i'm wondering if there is a trick!
Thanks

I prefer my method MUCH better than the dropping one-----Wait until you are already running behind schedule and now rushing, hold the cake with your fingertips and attempt to carefully put it down since you were too dumb to WAIT to decorate the cake, then when you get about a foot away from the cake, start wobbling it while your husband goes "WOAH WOAH!!!!!!", THEN just let it plop down! I find that works much better!
I hope someone does have a better answer!

I put the dowels in the cake tiers and leave them sticking up out of the cake at least an inch. Then when I set the cake on top of the dowels they slowly sink down into the cake and I have had plenty of time to take my hands away. This has always worked perfectly for me. Hope it helps!

LOL,mamafrogcakes, I could just picture this in head. You have me rolling with laughter! Well said!

A suggestion I would make is to place a smaller board between the cake layers. Then use the large spatula method to gently place the down. This also helps when serving the cake to control damage to bottom layers.

Rose

I, as well as alot of others use a spatula to do this....I also have used my hands (covered with gloves of course) and put one edge down where I want it and then "drop" it on.....its one of those things that you have to find the way that best suites you.....I am so sure you will ALL get this and be perfectionist at it!!! I have the faith!

I never thought of doing it that way Sherryb and bonniesido. I think I'll give that a try. Marilyn

I leave the dowels sticking out about a 1/2" and use a spatula. I've only made two stacked cakes but it has worked for me so far. If there's an easier way, i'd love to know about it!

Debbie

I'm going to give the "leave the dowels showing" a try. It's got to be better than crossing every extremity available and dropping the cake . Thanks for the ideas.

I have also used the "drop & pray" method I think the idea of leaving your dowels extended above the cake is great. Gonna try that the next stacked cake I do.

I tried using a spatula, but that kind of dug into the top surface of the bottom cake a little bit just like the fingers...I've only done it once though so I need tons of practice.

Too bad they haven't invented transporters yet like in Star Trek. Hey, that's a solution to the gas problem too. I just saw it yesterday for 3.29. Ouch. But it's a small price to pay compared with the problems of the people devastated by the hurricane.

I'm a drop and pray girl too I will have to try the dowels sticking up - that sounds like it would work great!

since I'm going to be away for the long weekend - I'd like to wish Joshsmom an early "Happy Birthday". Your mom took the "Labor" day thing seriously I see. haha. Hope you have a great one!