Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Share My Kitchen
Cake cutting is important and serious work. It can be stressful and messy if you don’t prepare. There is also a lot of pressure involved in cutting wedding cakes since there are usually a lot of hungry guests waiting while you cut the cake. However, this article contains a cake cutting guide which hopefully helps reduce the stress and get the most out of every round cake.
Got an instant pot? Make sure you check out our instant pot cheesecake recipe.
What Supplies Are Needed To Cut A Cake?
- Sharp Serrated Knife
- Cake Server
- Damp Kitchen Towel
- Dry Kitchen Towel
Cake Cutting Guide Step-by-Step
- A sharp, serrated knife can be used to cut moist cakes without cracking them. However, remember to just use a delicate sawing motion when you cut.
- Then, use as cake server to transfer each slice onto a plate.
- Your knife will also become sticky and messy with buttercream and cake crumbs as you cut the cake.
Moreover, the more moist the cake is, the messier the cutting will become. But the mess is completely worth it!
You can continue cutting the cake with a messy knife, but it won’t be as clean and even. You wipe your knife with a damp kitchen towel after each slice to remedy this predicament. Then, use a dry kitchen towel to wipe your knife. This takes only a few seconds, and you can then get back to the cutting.
How to Cut Round Cakes in Event-Style Servings:
These servings, also known as Wedding-Size Servings or Event-Style Servings, are about 4″ tall by 2″ by 1″ slices. People also sometimes call them “party slices.” This is a nice size slice to serve after a meal, or finger snack. Therefore, it is the recommended serving size for weddings. If dessert, however, is the only item being served, and larger portions are needed, it is recommended to serve a slice twice as large (Generous Servings), or 1 1/2 times as large (Standard Servings).
How To Cut Cake Slices The Same
Although there are many ways to cut wedding and event-sized servings, this method yields consistent slices. In addition, you don’t even need special tools such as rulers or cutting boards. You can just use the edge of your thumb to measure an inch, and you’re good.
Although there are many ways to cut wedding and event-sized servings, this method yields consistent slices. In addition, you don’t even need special tools such as rulers or cutting boards. You can just use the edge of your thumb to measure an inch, and you’re good.
Instructions:
This method is best for standard 4″ tall cakes. So, you may need to slice shorter cakes with larger than 1″ slices.
- Start by measuring two inches from the outer edge of the cake (or use the edge of your thumb as a guide). Then, lightly draw a circle in the frosting to score a circle. The advantage of scoring is that it allows you to adjust your score line if it isn’t in the center, or too large or too small.
- Next, cut a half-circle on the half of your score line when you are happy with your circle. It is better to cut a half-circle instead of cutting through around the entire cake to increase stability and prevent it from falling over.
- You can then cut 1″ slices off the outer edge. Continue cutting until you have used up all of the edge of the outer half.
- Now, cut a second half circle along the remaining score line on the other side of the cake. Then, cut the remaining 1″ pieces at the outer edge.
- You now have a smaller cake since the outer edges of the entire cake have been cut. If you have a 10″ or larger cake, repeat steps 1 through 4 for larger cakes until you have a 6″ or 4″ round center cake.
- When you have a 6″ or 4″ round cake, score then slice the center cake into small pieces.
How to Cut a Tiered Cake
Truthfully, tiered cakes may differ from baker to baker. Therefore, it is worth checking with the person who made it as they may have different suggestions. This technique, however, has been proven effective.
For small tiered cakes (2 to 3 tiers), you may cut from the top tier to the lower tiers while they are still stacked on top of each other. If you are cutting a wedding cake, you need to confirm if the top tier needs to be saved for the one-year anniversary. If so, remove from the stack, then secure it in a box using your cake server.
You will find a cake board under each cake. This will help you know when to stop your knife. Next, remove the board when you have cut the cake, and move to the next tier. You also need to remove wooden dowels or cake supports once you see them. The support options could include straws, wooden dowels, or plastic tubes, which depends on the baker. They should not be difficult to miss!
On the other hand, it is best to take out the top tiers of taller tiered cakes, and cut them on the table.
How to Cut Larger Cake Slices
You have learned how to cut wedding-style and event-sized servings. However, what if you need larger portions for your guests? Based on the type of event and its size, choose one of these options:
Standard Servings:
The slices for this cut measure about 4″ tall by 3″ by 1 1/2″. Standard-sized serving is usually recommended for parties with less than 30 guests. So, the more guests you have, it’s more likely that not everyone will eat a large slice of cake. You are more likely to cut Event-Style portions if you have over 30 guests
Generous Servings:
The slices for this cut measure about 4″ tall by 4″ by 2″. These traditional wedges are made from 6”’ or 8″ cakes. It is not only a decent size slice, but also just enough for one person. This is the size of a cake recommended for hungry guests, small gatherings, or when dessert is the only thing being served (and larger portions are preferred).
How to Cut Standard Cake Servings
Use the same technique as the ones mentioned above when cutting Standard and Generous cake servings. If you have 10″ or larger cakes, you may follow the instructions given. Cut through 2 inches in, and cut a half circle. Then begin slicing from the outer edge.
However, instead, cut 1 1/2″ slices for Standard-Size Servings, and 2″ slices for Generous Servings. On the other hand, if you have a 6″ or 8″ cake, cut the whole cake into wedges. Slice 1 1/2″ wedges for Standard-Size Servings, and cut 2″ wedges for Generous Servings.
