Cake Stacking | The Basics Of Cake Decorating

[@KarolynsKakes]

If you enjoy my tutorials, I'd be so grateful if you'd Buy Me A Coffee! ☕🙏 www.buymeacoffee.com/KarolynsKakes

[@TheEsther82]

⁵😅😅p😢

[@marlettamcclain1950]

Love this. I’m still struggling with getting each layer even. I level my cakes liege you do, but after I fill them, I find that one side is often lower than the other. Will continue to work on stacking, getting the icing smooth and getting those nice sharp edges. Definitely takes practice and LOTS of cake. Your tutorials are my ‘go to’ and only source for anything cakes ‘cause you’re just so darned good and loads of fun to watch.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thanks girl!! My cakes aren't always perfect before I frost them. But I make them look that way with my icing technique! Like I said, it's all about tricking the eye into making it look perfect!

[@mianordlander9075]

You are such an amazing and generous person, thank you for sharing 🙏🏽💜🌸

[@KarolynsKakes]

You're so sweet, I appreciate that! 🙏

[@tiffanym2462]

I love your videos! The sewing ruler is a game changer. Thank you!!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thanks Tiff! It really is the best!! 🙌

[@sallylovett1997]

This is THE BEST video I have seen for stacking a three tier cake and I have watched several!!! Thanks!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Wow, thank you!🙌🙌

[@chantillyp9733]

Love this tutorial. Tfs How did you cover the entire cake covered in gold. Could you please share. Thanks in advance.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Here ya go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaXao5KKp5qSqac

[@cherylthompson9438]

I have questions about the content of this video, and then I'm also going to ask a question about something else. :) First, how do you decide what the diameter of your center dowel should be? Second, how do you clean the dowels before inserting them in your cake? Third, where can we get a cake smoother tall enough to smooth a double-barrel cake like yours? And the unrelated question is: Do you have a video that shows what you do with your cakes between the time you unwrap them from thawing to the time you make them a tier on a cake? Thank you so much, Karolyn! I'm really enjoying your videos! Oh! I wanted to tell you, also, that you have caused me to be excited about making cakes again. I have discovered that I do not enjoy making cakes from scratch and having to work out all the different amounts of batter. I watched your vidoe on not wasting batter and the light bulb went off about how easy it is with a cake box miix!! 1/3, 2/3, whole box. That's it! SO SIMPLE!!! THANK YOU!!!!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Hi Cheryl! I prefer to use 5/16" round poplar wooden dowels. I really don't make any cakes taller than 4 tiers and I have found this to be the perfect size. The poplar wood is easy to cut with the snips. I use a pencil sharpener only dedicated to my cake dowels. And I rinse the dowel under water to remove any excess shavings and to clean it before I put it into the cake. I use these fondant smoothers, they are usually tall enough. Some of my double barrel cakes have been slightly taller, so I just make sure I hold it straight and lift it up and down the cake as I'm smoothing it out. amzn.to/3Wnz6TG

[@KarolynsKakes]

After I thaw them, I unwrap them and fill them, here's the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX-Zqpqrg9ynha8

[@KarolynsKakes]

Then after I fill them, I ice them and put them in the fridge (before I stack) Here's the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoWok2lvZdangMU

[@KarolynsKakes]

And I'm so happy to hear you're excited about making cakes again! You do it the way that is right for you, not how everyone thinks you should! 💜🙏

[@Meoniamonay]

I watch this video every time I make a tiered cake ( I’m very forgetful and I need a refresher ) it saves me every time! I just love this video ❤❤

[@KarolynsKakes]

Awww I love this! Thank you honey 😊🙏

[@eringobraugh24]

I love your tutorials. When I think I’ve already learned everything, there’s always one more tip I get from you. Thank you!! 🥰 I posted your link in FB comments. You’re a busy lady lol. Helping a sister out. You help me all the time 💕💕💕

[@KarolynsKakes]

I thanked you on FB and I'll thank you again! I've worked a lot last week and I'm out of it!! 💜🙏

[@michellesmith2140]

Good morning you say hammer it down until you get to cake board how many cake board are they I no you say there are in the top layer but didn’t see any more I wanna try a tier cake but don’t no when to use the board or just the bubble straw.Thank you so much for everything learning so much from you

[@KarolynsKakes]

All of the upper tiers sit on a cardboard circle. That cardboard circle rests atop the straws and prevents the cake from collapsing!

[@MultiGemgirl]

thanks for sharing your stacking method. love the profile

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thanks girl! I wish I filmed that, but I had no idea how I was going to do it LOL

[@SD-ye1ej]

Wow first I’m seeing this technique, thank you so much…

[@KarolynsKakes]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mapulahaidymashaba217]

Lovely cake ,can you please make a video of how u have made that top drawing (lady face)on the top tie

[@KarolynsKakes]

I didn't film it when I made this, but if I get a request for it again, I will make sure to make a video!

[@CupcakesMore]

Excellent Training video! (5/16" diameter dowel not circumference) :)

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you! Sometimes words are hard 😂

[@sarahknobel8908]

Wonderfully video. Thank you for posting!

[@elizabethmohammed9417]

Thank you so much. Your work is excellent and great tutorial. I live in the Caribbean and it is very hot. So the cakes sweat very quickly. However i am watching and i see how you can lift your cakes with ease. Can you pls tell me what degrees your fridge is set at to get the cakes chilled and firm? Thank you for responding.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Hi Elizabeth! I'm not sure the exact temperature, it's probably around 36-38 degrees farenheit. I also use American Buttercream, it sets really hard in the fridge. If you use a different icing, it may not get really hard.

[@elizabethmohammed9417]

@@KarolynsKakes thank you so much for responding truly appreciate it. Do you have a video on making American butter cream?

[@laurazeller2014]

Thank you, Karolyn!

[@christystafford1890]

If you have a bigger cake like six tiers, do you still use the bubble straws or something heavier? Wood or plastic? Beautiful cake as always.

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thanks Christy! 😊 I never make 6 tiers, 5 is the most I do. And I use these plastic bubble straws for that and never had an issue. I can see there being a concern with taller cakes though. So maybe in that instance, I would use plastic ones in the very bottom or the bottom 2 tiers and straws for the rest.

[@venitaportillo3218]

You have the best 💡 ideas

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you! 😊

[@heathg8229]

Hi Karolyn! I have a two tiered wedding cake I am delivering in the mountains, it’s 1.5 hours from me. I’m so scared to drive it already assembled, but I know it will be soft by the time I get there so I shouldn’t assemble on sight. Do you have any advice as to what I should do? I appreciate all the help and videos you post!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Hey! I really don't like to deliver big cakes so far. I have heard that people use the cake safe (you can google it) with success. With such a long drive, that may really help you out!

[@tammyglaim6733]

Hi Karolyn, thanks for this video! I do have a question, Im doing a 6 and 4 inch tiered for a wedding as they are textured tiers. Wondering if you would texture once they are stacked? Id love your input, also if a dowel is necessary with that small of cake? I'd love tp send you a pic and get your advice

[@KarolynsKakes]

I usually texture once it’s stacked so I can cover the seam between the two cakes. And I always dowel if it’s 2 tiers, no matter the size!

[@autumnthomas28]

Thanks for the video. Omg! I put an arrow in my cakes to keep track of my front too!

[@KarolynsKakes]

It's easy and it works! 😂😂

[@louiselemon9717]

Thanks for the video. Always informative!

[@yasminandmerika]

Hey Karolyn, i know you made this ages agoo i just found your videos and loving themm. Im making a 3 tiered cake with the 2nd tier being an acrylic tier. I was just wondering if you had any tips for keeping it supported without the dowl as it wouldnt go though the whole cake😢. I'll use the bubble tea straws in the top and bottom layers. Maybe putting a dowl in the bottom layer through to the cake board? I'll make it at home for my daughters 1st birthday party which will be at home. Maybe freeze the 2 layers and stack on the day? How long should i leave it to thaw, it wont be very warm could i thaw it in the fridge the night before and take out in the morning to thaw completely? Sorry for all the questions

[@KarolynsKakes]

It's good that you don't have to travel with it! I would dowel the bottom tier(s) into the cake board. Then make sure you have straws in the bottom tiers (and also in the one that will have the acrylic separator on top. Cut the straws slightly shorter than the height of the cake and fill in the holes with icing.) I take my layers out of the freezer about 4 hours before I fill the cakes. That's plenty of time for it to thaw. I never put cakes that aren't frosted in the fridge because the refrigerator can dry them out! You can just take them out of the freezer and thaw on the countertop (still wrapped in the plastic, I sit them on cooling racks so the condensation can drip through it.)

[@yasminandmerika]

Thank you so muchhh

[@christinahuereca4421]

Your amazing! Thank you

[@margrietbarsati1939]

Amazing job

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you Margriet! 💜🙏

[@sarahboyd9096]

Where did you find the face design on the double barrell part of this cake

[@KarolynsKakes]

Here's the video showing how to do the line profile: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXXEqK2uis2kmNU

[@thecuriouscat5001]

Great job❤

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you 😄

[@nikaurygarcia3454]

Love love and learn so much from you. You should upload a video of doing that cake with the lady face silhouette 🤩so so beautiful

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you Nikaury! That was my first time doing it, so I didn't film it because I didn't know what I was doing. If I make it again, I will!

[@1980kerryann]

Where and what kind of sharpener do I get for the pointed dowels?

[@KarolynsKakes]

I like this one with the multiple openings: amzn.to/3qdu956

[@lorrainehicks9172]

The finished cake is incredible. I love the silhouette. It's amazing. When you are stacking a cake do you put small cake boards between each layer? I'm in Bensalem right next to you. It's nice to be able to get advice from a local girl. The UK uses cake drums for the bottom of the cake do we have those in the US? Thank you for sharing and keep on caking 💜

[@KarolynsKakes]

Hey neighbor!! There are cardboard circles under each tier. I show it in this video on how I fill cakes! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX-Zqpqrg9ynha8

[@lorrainehicks9172]

Thank you for replying

[@sharbear4827]

Hi! I love your videos! I was wondering how far in advance do you stack your cakes? Is a day ahead ok if I’m leaving it in the refrigerator? Or should I wait till the day of the event? Thank you!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Hi Shar! I have stacked them up to 4 days in advance with no issues so a day ahead is fine!

[@sharbear4827]

Awesome thank you! 😊

[@rosievee7563]

Great job

[@olacathy]

♥️This video is Soo helpful! Thank you ♥️

[@Gypsy_dreamer9]

Do you put a small hole on boards so stick your hammering goes through or dose it go straight through board ?

[@KarolynsKakes]

I sharpen the end of the dowel in a pencil sharpener (only used for dowels), so I can hammer the dowel through the circles and into the cake drum.😊

[@Amy-un6xg]

Hi Karolyn...how do you put fondant on your cakes then refrigerate them but not have any condensation? I heard that's an issue when placing fondant on your cake prior to refrigeration (I assume bc of the change in temp).

[@KarolynsKakes]

Hey! I talk about it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHOzm3qwerKNl9k You must have air conditioning in your house / car to keep it as cold as possible as it comes to room temp.

[@Amy-un6xg]

@@KarolynsKakes Thanks much! I watched it :) so can I have the cake completely finished (with a few fondant pieces, fondant wrapped around (like your tire cake- I watched that too lol), and buttercream then just take it to a car with the AC blasting) to the venue? :)

[@rebeccaaubart8797]

@karoylnsKakes do you use a wooden dowel for two tiered cakes or only for 3 and more tiered cakes?

[@KarolynsKakes]

Always 2 or more tiers. Sometimes I will even dowel a tall 1 tier cake!

[@sarahboyd9096]

Is this bottom 8" cake on a seprate cake card or is just iced directly on the drum

[@KarolynsKakes]

I always put the bottom tier directly on the cake drum (with icing to help it stick), I don't put the bottom tier on a circle as I feel it's wasteful and unnecessary!

[@AbigailSteele-w2i]

I don’t see the board listed for the supplies. Where did you get a board thick enough to hold a cake 4 layers or more?

[@KarolynsKakes]

I actually made this cake drum myself using four 14" cake circles. I show the technique in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npWvgXl-rM2cppI (I believe that video shows me doing three 10" cake circles. But you can do any size circles. I tend to use 3 circles for small cakes and 4 circles for larger cakes.)

[@KarolynsKakes]

You can also purchase them if you don't want to make them. I love the CakeBon ones here: amzn.to/43BPOm0 Just make sure they are 1/2 inch thick and not 1/4 inch thick!

[@AbigailSteele-w2i]

@@KarolynsKakes thanks so much, I have another question. The Bubble straw supports would you recommend 6,8,10mm?

[@twistedsprinklescakes3750]

Omg!!! I love u!!! Who uses can openers anymore?🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@KarolynsKakes]

Seriously, I love her. But that thing is atrocious! 😂😂

[@twistedsprinklescakes3750]

@@KarolynsKakes 🤣🤣🤣❤❤❤

[@olubunmianyahara2]

Can I use Royal blue instead of pink

[@MildredRivera-ly1fd]

Excellent!❤

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you! 😃

[@johngirvan4437]

Nicely done, I didnt see a cakeboard under the second tier when stacking on top of first, did i miss something

[@KarolynsKakes]

There is one, I may not have shown it (oops!)

[@johngirvan4437]

@@KarolynsKakes Thank you

[@ForGoodnesSake]

Hi Karolyn, I just finished my first 2 tier 4 layer kake using your modified box recipe and American buttercream. Let me tell you they raved about how good it was! However I tried your updated fondant recipe, I never used fondant before so I had no gauge other then your video. It came out of the mixer like a sugary concrete. I don't know what I did wrong, I played your video as I was making it, so I was bummed cuz I was trying to make the sonic hedgehog kake for my grandson.

[@KarolynsKakes]

I'm so glad everyone liked the taste of the cake! With the fondant, the amount of sugar and water that you add will vary. It's more about getting it to a consistency where it wraps around the hook in a ball. Sometimes I don't have to use the entire bag of sugar. Sometimes I need more than one bag. I will have to make another video explaining that, I'm sorry it didn't work out! It sounds like there was too much sugar and not enough water. :(

[@ForGoodnesSake]

@@KarolynsKakes Thank you so much. That's and great idea, it would clear up a lot for us novices out there lol. I have learned a lot from your videos and really appreciate each and every one. Thank you for all your hard work and my dear...please keep those videos coming! 😁

[@michellesmith2140]

Good morning if I make a 2 layer 8inch what size do my other layer need to be to make a tier cake?

[@KarolynsKakes]

I would say a 6" or 5" would be best on an 8" cake.

[@michellesmith2140]

@@KarolynsKakes ok thank

[@mobalance4736]

How do you transport the tiers after already layering?

[@KarolynsKakes]

Here's a video on how I deliver cakes! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZ65o5ttj7OkiNk

[@mobalance4736]

Awwe you the best.. Love your videos. Im not even a confectionists but you just inspire me.

[@HopesMomE]

For the first tier do you frost it directly on your cake drum? Or does it have a cardboard circle underneath? Thanks!

[@KarolynsKakes]

The bottom tier is set directly on the cake drum, there's no cardboard circle underneath. 😊

[@HopesMomE]

@@KarolynsKakes Thank you! ❤️

[@cassandrarudolph1307]

What other support could I use can I use bbq screwers? Or regular straw too?

[@KarolynsKakes]

I feel like BBQ Skewers are a little too thin and flimsy to use to dowel cakes. I'm sure they could work for smaller ones, but for large cakes, I prefer wooden dowels at least 5/16" thick. And regular size straws are too small and weak to support the weight of cakes, so I recommend the bubble tea straws, which are less likely to collapse under the pressure.

[@aishajaved5499]

we dnt have to use baord to put 2nd tire of cake m always thinking mayb down one cake will fall down please reply

[@KarolynsKakes]

I always use boards in between my tiers with straws in the bottom tier supporting the weight of the top tier. Even with 2 tiered cakes. It's important to do it that way to reduce the risk of it collapsing!

[@annamace9962]

Hey Karolyn!! I know this is an older video but I’m stacking my first 3 tier this weekend. I was just wondering if you ever skip the dowel in a 3 tier? I’m doing 8, 6, and 4. I plan on doweling it the way you do but I was just curious if you can get away without the large central dowel and only use the boba straw for stability. And also was wondering what’s the farthest in advance you frost a cake? The party is on Saturday and I was thinking about finishing it on Thursday but I would hate for it to be dry 🤔

[@KarolynsKakes]

Hi Anna! Once you have the icing on the cake, it seals it and protects it from drying out. I've had frosted cakes in the fridge up to a week and they have been fine! If your cake is moist to begin with, it won't dry out. And I NEVER skip a dowel for any tiered cakes. (2 tiers and up get a dowel). The dowel prevents the cake from sliding around the cake board and is necessary to keep it in place, especially in the warmer months when cakes melt faster!

[@annamace9962]

@@KarolynsKakes thank you so much for the reply!!! My cake turned out Awesome! And I live in so cal and had to deliver in the warm weather but I’ve been following all your videos throughout my learning process and haven’t had any problems with condensation or those dreaded bulges I used to get 😅 love you and your videos I can’t wait for the next one 😍😍

[@skyy1870]

Oh miss Karolyn!! 🗣️💓 I have a question about what you send your customers, so typically some family's like to smash the persons face into the cake, but since theres straws on the bottom and a dowel in the middle , do you warn them not to? even with single tier cakes do you still put the straws and warn them not to smash their face in? 😌

[@KarolynsKakes]

There aren't straws in single tier cakes. I do let customers know (in email) that there are straws and dowels in the cake. If you want to, include in your messages not to smash anyone's face into it! I feel like sheet cakes should be reserved for that.

[@skyy1870]

@@KarolynsKakes thank you queen! 🫶🏻

[@jewelfreeman1587]

How did you get that stunning gold

[@KarolynsKakes]

Rolkem Super Gold powder mixed with lemon extract! www.sugardelites.com/search.asp?keyword=ROLKEM+SUPER+GOLD

[@samanthagafford7062]

My OCD loves your even number of straws 😆

[@KarolynsKakes]

Omg Yes!! 😂

[@maureenlabra7649]

That's what I was thinking while I watched!

[@heideho323]

So wish I had seen this 2 days ago! Thank you. Question though - you said you refrigerated your tiers - the way you were handling them seemed more like frozen - were they frozen?

[@KarolynsKakes]

Nooooo I never put my iced cakes in the freezer! The butter in the icing solidifies when the tiers are in the fridge. (Think about how hard a stick of butter is when you first take it out of the fridge.) So the cake is really solid for the first few minutes when I remove it from the fridge. That's why I have to work fast! Here's a video explaining my refrigerating process: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHOummCFbNtsbtk

[@CsSoooSweet]

Hi and thank you so much !!!! May I ask you where I can find the best wooden dowels ? And also , are these completely necessary for stacking? I’m so scared lol. I’m finally making a wedding cake. :). Thank you so much !

[@KarolynsKakes]

I use these dowels: amzn.to/3QH0Cc9 You can get them on Amazon or at the local home improvement store. I feel they are 100% necessary because it prevents the cake from shifting and secures it to the cake board. And the straws are 100% necessary because they support the weight of the upper tiers and prevent the cake from collapsing. What are you scared to do?

[@CsSoooSweet]

Thank you so much ! I am scared to stack a cake … I just don’t want to ruin it and I have to deliver as well and I watched your video on that too ! I’m just not sure if I can add my flowers before I get there ( 30 minutes away )

[@twistedsprinklescakes3750]

Love ur videos!

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you!!🙌🙏

[@virginiaarceo45]

Hi Karolyn, How do you stack a 3 tiered cake that has texture?I'm guessing you just try not to touch the sides? Or can you give me a tip on how to do it?

[@KarolynsKakes]

I only use American Buttercream and I refrigerate all of my cakes. I do it 2 ways: 1 - add the texture to the cake and put it in the fridge overnight to solidify. Then the next day, the icing is solid and doesn't get messed up if I handle it for a few seconds while I stack it. 2 - stack the cake and then add the texture. But I can only do this in certain instances where I won't mess up the other tiers (for example, adding white buttercream texture on a white cake)

[@cassandrarudolph1307]

Does this apply to a small 3 tier cake ? Or even a 2? I have a pan that is 7inch 5 inch 3 inch Would I do this method for something like that? Does this need to be done for a two tier cake

[@KarolynsKakes]

You can do this process for cakes that are 2 tiers and larger. It's the same process on cakes with more tiers. Even with a small 2 tiered cake, I will still put the straw supports in the bottom and the dowel through the whole thing. Although they aren't heavy, they can still collapse or fall apart without the proper support!

[@moniquemonet982]

Hi, do your cake boards have a pre-existing hole that you made or that they had when purchased? Or does the hammer and dowel just make a hole in the board below each tier? Thx for the great tutorial!

[@KarolynsKakes]

You're welcome Monique! I sharpen the dowel, so there is a pointy end and I hammer that all the way through. So there's no need for pre existing holes!

[@marac9087]

I need to understand this, the cake will going to have a bunch of straws in it? How to take it out when it's time to cut and eat it?

[@KarolynsKakes]

I just tell people to simply remove the straws when the cake is cut. So they may see that a piece of cake has a straw in it. Remove the straw and serve the piece. Or some people cut around the straws and don’t serve any pieces that have them.

[@marac9087]

@@KarolynsKakes Oh, i see. Thank You. 👊🏽👌🏽

[@patriciaprudhomme5995]

Hi Karolyn what type of gloves do u use

[@KarolynsKakes]

Here ya go! These are Mediums, so make sure you get the right size. amzn.to/3asLrTI

[@justalilsparkle]

Hi Karolyn! All of your videos have been a saving grace! I am making a two tier cake covered in buttercream this weekend. However, I am adding texture to the buttercream using a cake comb. Do you think I should add the texture before or after stacking? I'm worried if I do it before stacking I will mess up the texture when placing it on the first tier.Curious to know what you think! 💜💜💜

[@KarolynsKakes]

Hey! I would do it before stacking. But that’s because I refrigerate my cakes so they are solid when I stack them and I don’t mess them up. (I would comb the cake when the icing is soft then put it back in the fridge to set hard, then stack it) If you don’t refrigerate your cakes, then I would say to stack it first and then come it. However, you could mess up the tier underneath if you aren’t really careful!

[@justalilsparkle]

@@KarolynsKakes ok great! thank you so much!

[@sherryssweetsensationz2623]

Awesome as always ❤️

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you so much 😀

[@jewelfreeman1587]

Just wanted to know what size was your bottom tier

[@KarolynsKakes]

I believe the bottom tier was a 2 layer torted 9".

[@narutokun9127]

You are awesome❤😊

[@KarolynsKakes]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Rose_bud28]

How many cake layers do you put in each tier?

[@KarolynsKakes]

The top tier is a double barrel (4 layer) cake, the bottom 2 tiers are 2 layers.

[@latoyapowell7726]

You don’t use any cake boards between your tiers?

[@KarolynsKakes]

Yes, there are cardboard circles underneath each tier. 😊

[@luzmerisbastardo847]

Los trabajos realizados son espectaculares pero deberían tener subtítulos en español para las personas q no hablamos ingles

[@KarolynsKakes]

¡Los acabo de agregar! He estado agregando subtítulos en español en mis videos más nuevos. Sin embargo, necesito volver a mis viejos y agregarles los subtítulos también. ¡Gracias por el recordatorio!

[@sombrerocordobes2256]

¡Gracias Karolyn!

[@KarolynsKakes]

De nada!🙌🏼🙌🏼