Table of Contents
8 Ways to Level a Cake 1 – Serrated Knife and Turn Table. Using a serrated knife and a spinning cake stand, also known as a turn table, if the most traditional way to level a cake. 2 – Dishcloth Method. 3 – Cake Leveler Tool. 4 – In the Pan. 5 – Toothpicks. 6 – Floss. 7 – Band Leveler Tool. 8 – Sheet Cake Method.
What can I use instead of a cake leveler?
Dental floss is the secret to achieving a clean, even cut when leveling a cake. This method is particularly useful when splitting one cake layer into two even halves (also called torting). You’ll want to use unscented dental floss for this task (unless you want a cool mint flavor to linger between your cake layers).
How can I transfer a cake without a cake lifter?
Slide two big, sturdy spatulas or turners – heavy nylon or metal ones will work best – under opposite sides of the cake board, avoiding the front. Gently move the cake and board to the serving platter; carefully remove one spatula to lower the cake onto the platter.
Is a cake turntable necessary?
The truth is that you probably don’t need most of the specialty equpiment in the store unless you’re a frequent cake baker, professional pastry chef, or someone with more kitchen space than you can possibly fill up.
Is it better to level a cake hot or cold?
Leveling works best on a completely cool cake; a warm and fragile cake will shed a mountain of crumbs as it’s sliced. It also depends on having the right tool for the job—not a senseless, unitasking cake cutter, but a nine- or 10-inch serrated knife.
How do you level a cake with a toothpick?
Only press the toothpicks about halfway into the cake. Grab a long serrated knife and use the toothpicks as a cutting guide as you gently saw the knife back and forth, leveling the cake slowly. This is a great way to ensure your cake is perfectly flat and that it is the same height all the way around.
Do I have to level my cake?
While it may seem like an unnecessary step, it’s important to have level cake layers to ensure the stability of your cake. A domed cake that is stacked with another domed cake can eventually put too much pressure on the center of the cake, causing it to crack right down the middle.
How long should you leave cake in pan after baking?
When a cake is freshly baked, it needs time to set. Keep the cake in its pan and let it cool on a rack for the time the recipe specifies – usually 15-20 minutes – before attempting to remove it. Try not to let it cool completely before removing it.
What do I do if my cake is too soft?
I promise you SOFT & MOIST cakes! Use Cake Flour. Reach for cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. Add Sour Cream. Room Temperature Butter / Don’t Over-Cream. Add a Touch of Baking Powder or Baking Soda. Add Oil. Don’t Over-Mix. Don’t Over-Bake. Brush With Simple Syrup/Other Liquid.
Which cake turntable is best?
8 Best Cake Turntables In 2021 – Start Decorating Cakes Like A Pro Name Editor’s Rating Kootek Aluminium Alloy Revolving Cake Stand 5 out of 5 Wilton Cake Decorating Supplies Set 4.5 out of 5 35PCs Cake Turntable and Leveler 4 out of 5 Wilton Trim-N-Turn Ultra Cake Decorating Turntable 4.5 out of 5.
What is a cake turntable for?
An icing turntable is used by placing an undecorated cake onto its rotating surface, then turning it as you smooth sheets of icing, apply buttercream, pipe frosting or stick decorations on your bake.
Should I freeze cake before leveling?
Leveling, Trimming, and Torting the Cake. Be sure to freeze the cake as shown above before you start leveling, trimming, or torting the cake. It will make the cake easier to work with when cutting. If you have baked the cake and it has a domed or rounded top it can be still be flattened by leveling the top of the cake.
Should I refrigerate a cake before frosting it?
Don’t Frost a Warm Cake But patience is key to avoiding a layer of runny, unflattering frosting. Baking pros in our test kitchen emphasize that it is essential to let the cake completely cool before frosting. Better yet, you can let the cake sit in the refrigerator for a while to make the process even easier.
Can I leave a cake out to cool overnight?
If the cake does not contain fillings with perishables, such as dairy, eggs, or fruit, you can leave it out on the counter overnight. If it does, you will want to store it in the refrigerator.
How do you cut a cake without it crumbling?
A thin blade, like a tomato knife, is best, but a serrated bread knife also works. Use a gentle sawing motion to cut. (Here’s how to keep your knives sharp.) Cooling the cake and frosting makes both sturdier and less likely to squish, tear or crumble.
What is Torting a cake mean?
Torting, or dividing a cake into layers, creates height once filling is added. Torting also ensures that the cake will stack evenly. Torting a cake can be done on a flat surface, but using a turntable makes it easier to slice uniform layers.
Do you cut the top off a cake?
If your cakes bake up with domed tops, don’t worry — it happens to the best of us. The fix is as simple as using a long serrated knife to slice the top off of each layer to level them out. But when you trim it is important; if you trim the layers when your cakes are still warm, they can easily crumble or tear.
