I'm making the biggest cake I've made yet for a baby shower next week and am scared to death of this thing shifting. It will be a 10" base with an 8" double barrel on top. My question is..should I use foam core to separate the cakes instead of cardboard and what thickness would you recommend for between the cakes and for the cake base? I've never used foam core for a base before, but the double barrel is freaking me out a little...ok a lot!!!

 Thanks for any info!!

You are fine using a regular cardboard round.  I wouldn't mess with foam core.  

Good luck!

Cardboard is fine.

Look at this like any 3 tier cake.

If you normally use SPS system - stick with that.

If you use dowels, use them but make sure they are very straight.

I use 3/16th inch foamcore for regular cakeboards and 1/2" for decorative bases.  I use bubble tea straws or Wilton plastic dowels and in a double barrel, at least one central dowel.

However you do it, make sure you put a support in the 8 in so it doesn't collapse.

Thanks everyone!

I don't have an sps system, so I'll definitely do a center dowel! If I get many more big cake orders, I will be investing in the sps!!

I've done 3 tiered cakes before, it's just that double barrel that is making me nervous with transporting it. Thankfully, I don't have very far to go!