Stacking A 3 Tier Cake Using Buttercream Frosting?

Decorating By KRN80 Updated 5 Jan 2011 , 3:45pm by CWR41

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KRN80 Posted 5 Jan 2011 , 1:33pm
post #1 of 6

Hi All
I have asked to make a friends wedding cake, it's my first and I'm terrified that it'll tip over!

She wants a simple 3 tier round cake with butter cream frosting and not fondant. I've never tiered a cake and am very nervous. After i've dowled the bottom cake and have the second tier waiting to go, do I frost the entire bottom cake (including the top of the cake) and THEN stack the second cake on top?

Can I use the frosting to stick all the cakes together during the stacking process and then frost all three tiers at the same time??
I'm a little worried that if I don't affix all the tiers together somehow (assuming I don't use a dowel from top to bottom through all three tiers) that the top tiers will slide right off!!

Help?? I definitly need some assistance on the best (and safest) way to go about this.

thanks

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5 replies
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bakingatthebeach Posted 5 Jan 2011 , 1:50pm
post #2 of 6

youtube video by edna, how to stack a cake, this will help. Also, if you have time to order it, get the SPS system (plates are cheap and so are the legs (go to the how do I forum and about the second Sticky down there is a tutorial). But if your going to use dowels then go look at that video. (how to stack a cake...my way)

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mcdonald Posted 5 Jan 2011 , 2:14pm
post #3 of 6

frost each tier first, I always put mine in my fridg or a cool room to let it crust over. I mark each tier with where I want the next one to go so there is no mistake when I set it on top. I use bubble straws in each layer to give support for the next tier so that the top one doesn't fall into the other one. I use 1 less straw per the size of cake I am sitting on top. In other words,if I am ready to set an 8 inch round on top of the first tier, I would put 7 bubble straw in.. one somewhat centered. Then I usually "stake" the two layers with a dowel down the middle and leave the third layer off and put it on at the event..

In addition to utube, there is also some good instructions here under the article section.....

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KHalstead Posted 5 Jan 2011 , 2:20pm
post #4 of 6

all 3 cakes should be on their own cake board and all completely iced, smoothed and (I even decorate them completely before stacking unless it's a design that bleeds down on the cakes beneath it)

Definitely get ahold of sps, not only does it keep the layers from sliding off of eachother, but it also ensures that each layer of cake will sit level on the one beneath it (even if the cake beneath it isn't perfectly level) Getting a perfectly level cake takes a LOT of practice and expertise.

Freeze each layer for about 10 min. before sticking on top of the other layer, that way you won't mess up your perfectly iced cake when transferring it. If you are stacking onsite, then refrigerate the cakes overnight or keep them cold (garage or even your car if it's cold where you are) and you will mar the icing a LOT less while stacking.

If this is for a wedding and you've never stacked a cake, I would do a practice run.....the cakes can always be taken apart and donated to different places (work, school, church, shelters, etc.)

better safe than sorry!

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indydebi Posted 5 Jan 2011 , 2:24pm
post #5 of 6
Quote:
Originally Posted by KRN80

I'm a little worried that if I don't affix all the tiers together somehow (assuming I don't use a dowel from top to bottom through all three tiers) that the top tiers will slide right off!!


wedding cakes have been made with BC icing for centuries and they don't just arbitrarily slide off (I mean, unless you're going to stack it on a mechanical bull or something! icon_lol.gif ) Don't stress it. thumbs_up.gif Do a practice one, if you have time. The advice given is great. Definitely watch Edna's video.

You'll be fine! thumbs_up.gif

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CWR41 Posted 5 Jan 2011 , 3:45pm
post #6 of 6
Quote:
Originally Posted by KRN80

After i've dowled the bottom cake and have the second tier waiting to go, do I frost the entire bottom cake (including the top of the cake) and THEN stack the second cake on top?




I've never heard of anyone doweling first and frosting last. You need to frost first, to know at what height to cut the dowels.
http://www.wilton.com/cakes/tiered-cakes/dowel-rod-construction.cfm

Quote:
Originally Posted by KRN80

Can I use the frosting to stick all the cakes together during the stacking process and then frost all three tiers at the same time??




Yes, use frosting as glue AFTER frosting each tier individually.

Quote:
Originally Posted by KRN80

I'm a little worried that if I don't affix all the tiers together somehow (assuming I don't use a dowel from top to bottom through all three tiers) that the top tiers will slide right off!!




Use a center dowel.

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