We've all had those weddings when it's time to cut the cake and everyone looks around the room, only to have their eyes end up on you - the wedding planner. And, of course, you're going to step in and save the day (even if you have to hack your way through cutting the cake like a game of "Operation"). Today then, we wanted to walk you through how to cut a wedding cake so that next time, you do it with the precision of a surgeon.
Unstack the Tiers
- Using a flat (and preferably metal) spatula, find the base of the top tier of the cake.
- Gently slide the spatula underneath the baseboard that separates the top tier from the tier below it.
- Lift the top tier off the tier beneath it, set it aside, and repeat for as many times as necessary. Don't forget to remove the dowels!
Cut Your Slices
- Using a serrated knife, insert the knife vertically into the cake. About 2 inches from the edge of the tier.
- Start cutting a concentric circle, being sure to move in the direction of the serrated edge of your knife.
- Clean off any excess icing and/or cake from your knife.
- Working your way around the outer ring you just created, cut 1 inch wedges.
- Repeat these steps (cutting concentric circles and then wedges) as many times as necessary until you are left with about a 6 inch round.
Once you are left with a 6 inch round, you can transition your cuts from wedges to traditional slices.
- Prepare your cuts by marking the icing with your knife.
- Mark lines by starting with a vertical line centered on the top of the cake, then make your second mark perpendicular to it.
- Mark two additional lines that (first) cut two opposite quadrants in half, and then that cut each the remaining (and opposite) quadrants in half. You should end up having prepared to end up with 8 slices.
- Cut the slices following your guidelines by cutting each line, tip to tail. Be sure to use a sawing motion (not pressing your knife) and do not remove the slices until you complete all of your cuts (this will actually make your life easier).
- Finish up by plating and serving. But don't forget to save yourself a slice!
Working with a square or rectangular cake? Don't worry, just cut squares or rectangles instead of circles.
Have tips on cutting wedding cakes or, better yet, a sweet story about a time you had to? We'd love to hear it! Join the conversation over on Instagram!
Hero photos courtesy LVL Academy and Brian Leahy Photography
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