How to Cut a Round Cake as Neatly and Evenly as a Pro

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Here's how to cutting a round cake properly, with even slices and no messy crumbs.

You've done it: yous've baked a gorgeous multi-tiered cake and applied a smooth, dreamy layer of frosting. (Or, maybe you've gone to the bakery and picked up a professional-grade block.) At present you're facing the ultimate party trick: cutting the cake! It'due south difficult to piece a cake without smearing frosting or handful crumbs, or serving upwards a mix of big and skinny slices. Here are some pro tips for cutting a round cake perfectly every unmarried time.

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How to Cut a Circular Cake Neatly

Several simple techniques volition set you upwardly for success:

Use a serrated knife

It seems similar a directly blade would be cleaner, but actually a serrated blade cuts through cake more hands. A sparse bract, like a tomato knife, is best, just a serrated breadstuff pocketknife too works. Use a gentle sawing motility to cutting. (Hither'due south how to keep your knives sharp.)

Arctic the block for 10-15 minutes

Cooling the cake and frosting makes both sturdier and less likely to squish, tear or crumble. A quick stop in the fridge is enough, since you don't want the block to get as well cold before serving.

Are yous making any of these common cake mistakes?

Use a hot, make clean knife for every piece

Before your first cut, run the knife nether hot water, and dry out it thoroughly. Afterwards every slice, wipe the knife clean, and so run it nether hot water and dry it again. It takes a little actress fourth dimension, but a warm knife volition cut through frosting more cleanly.

A Trick for Cutting Even Slices

When slicing a round cake, it's actually easy to terminate up with unevenly sized slices—not platonic!

Before you cut, take a slice of angling line or dental floss and marking a line down the middle the cake. Rotate 90º and mark the midway line once more. Now yous've got an Ten marking the center of the cake—each slice should finish at this spot. The lines likewise lay out a template of iv quarters of the cake, which makes it easy to summate how large to cut slices to serve your guests. For example, if you're serving 16, divide each quarter of the cake into iv slices. In general, slices should be about one″ or 1.v″ wide.

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How to Remove The Showtime Piece

Even if your slice is pristine, it's tricky to remove the commencement slice from the plate. It'south all besides easy to leave the tip of the slice behind—or to take the frosting off the neighboring piece! Quickly run your knife down both sides of the piece to make sure it's cutting completely through. Then, insert a spatula nether the slice, pressing confronting the plate. Elevator smoothly. An offset spatula, which has an angled handle, makes it easier to get totally nether the cake slice.

If y'all don't get information technology the offset fourth dimension around, don't sweat it. The good news is, even if your cake is sliced unevenly or the frosting is smudged, it'due south yet block—and block is a adept thing. Continue a can of whipped cream on hand for a quick cover-up of whatever flaw.

Effort These Showstopping Layer Cakes

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Sandy'south Chocolate Cake

Years ago, I collection four-1/2 hours to a cake competition, holding my entry on my lap the whole mode. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the all-time chocolate block recipe won beginning prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania

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Royal Pecan Cake

This recipe truly lives up to its name. The pecan-dotted cake is stacked in three layers, and made-from-scratch frosting is the crowning touch.—Karen R. Jones, Claypool, Indiana

Malted Chocolate & Stout Layer Cake

If you want a St. Patrick's Mean solar day dessert that will accept the cake, look no further! The rich chocolate cake is incredibly moist and has a nice malt flavor that's perfectly complemented by the Irish foam frosting. —Jennifer Wayland, Morris Plains, New Bailiwick of jersey

Best Red Velvet Cake

Information technology's just non Christmas at our house until this festive cake appears. This is different from other cherry velvet cake recipes I've had; the icing is as light as snow. —Kathryn Davison, Charlotte, North Carolina

Chocolate Spice Cake with Caramel Icing

I found this recipe back in the late '80s and knew it was a special cake. The caramel icing can be a little tricky because you have to work quickly, simply it's and so worth it! —Mariann James, Ferguson, Missouri

Chocolate Hazelnut Torte

Most block recipes feed a crowd. And so we came up with this elegant piffling cake that serves six. That'southward enough for two…with just the correct amount of leftovers! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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My sis gave me the recipe for this cute cake years ago. The thin layer of frosting spread on the outside gives information technology a chic modernistic look. —Lynn Glaze, Warren, Ohio

Moist Chocolate Cake

This chocolate block recipe with coffee reminds me of my grandmother considering information technology was one of her specialties. I bake information technology oftentimes for family unit parties, and information technology always brings back fond memories. The cake is light and airy with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania

Butter Pecan Layer Block

Pecans and butter requite this block the same irresistible flavor as the pop butter pecan ice cream flavor. —Becky Miller, Tallahassee, Florida

Cherry Nut Cake

My grandmother made up this recipe for her children. Using Ozark-grown cherries and walnuts, she invented ane they all liked. Granny ever used foam from the dairy farm near her domicile, simply the half-and half works well and is easier to find. —Diana Jennings, Lebanon, Missouri

Favorite Coconut Block

When I need an impressive dessert for a special occasion, this is the recipe I turn to. My guests are glad I practice! —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

Strawberry Mascarpone Cake

Don't allow the number of steps in this recipe fool you —information technology'due south easy to assemble. The cake bakes upward high and fluffy, and the berries add together a fresh fruity flavor. Cream cheese is a skilful substitute if you lot don't have mascarpone cheese handy. —Carol Witczak, Tinley Park, Illinois

Marvelous Marble Cake

Pound cake and chocolate make the best marble cake. — Ellen Riley, Birmingham, Alabama

Chocolate Bavarian Torte

Whenever I take this heart-catching torte to a potluck, I become so many requests for the recipe. —Edith Holmstrom, Madison, Wisconsin

Pinkish Lemonade Stand Cake

If you love a moist and flossy cake, this is information technology. Lemon juice and lemonade give the layers a tangy touch, and the cream cheese frosting with sprinkles makes it pretty. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Carrot Cake with Pecan Frosting

My husband constantly requests this homey, old-fashioned version of carrot cake. The frosting is even so tasty even without the pecans. —Adrian Badon, Denham Springs, Louisiana

Chocolate Block with Chocolate Frosting

I once sent this rich chocolate cake to my kids' teachers, and it vanished, and so I had to make some other one. (Who swipes a whole cake?) —Megan Moelbert, Springville, NY

Lemon Ricotta Block

This recipe is a family gem that was passed down from my grandmother and mother. Garnished with shaved lemon zest, the moist four-layer cake is the perfect dessert when you want to impress. —Nanette Slaughter, Sammamish, Washington

Rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

The combination of mocha and peanut butter volition satisfy every sugariness tooth at your table. The garnish is a trivial actress piece of work, merely what are special occasions for? —Tammy Bollman, Minatare, Nebraska

Coconut Italian Cream Cake

I'd never tasted an Italian cream block before moving to Colorado. At present I broil for people in the surface area, and this beauty is one of my most requested treats. —Ann Bush, Colorado City, Colorado

Frosted Chocolate Cake

This recipe is my mother'due south oldest and almost popular chocolate block recipe. I always thought it should accept a fancier name, but this is what she chosen it. Mom would say a fancy proper noun would non make it taste ameliorate. —Beth Bristow W Plains, Missouri

Pineapple Carrot Cake

This moist cake with foam cheese frosting is the best I've e'er eaten. It's so simple, too, because it uses two jars of baby nutrient instead of fresh carrots that need to exist grated. —Jeanette McKenna, Vero Embankment, Florida

Cranberry Layer Block

I adapted a Bundt cake recipe to create this layer cake. Cranberries, walnuts and bootleg frosting make it gustatory modality so delicious that you'd never guess it starts with a user-friendly cake mix. —Sandy Burkett, Galena, Ohio

Mama's Spice Cake

Whenever I get a craving for a tasty old-fashioned treat, I make this cake. Keen cooks in my family have been baking it for generations, and their families accept been enjoying the wonderful spice flavour and rich frosting. —Nancy Duty, Jacksonville, Florida

Come-Home-to-Mama Chocolate Block

You lot'll spend less than a half 60 minutes whipping up this cure-all cake that starts with a mix. Sour cream and chocolate pudding make it rich and moist, and chocolate, chocolate and more than chocolate brand information technology decadent condolement food at its finest. —Gustation of Abode Test Kitchen

Lemon Layer Cake

This citrusy cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting will garner plenty of adulation. The flavor, a duet of sweet and tangy notes, really sings. —Summer Goddard, Springfield, Virginia

Hummingbird Block

This impressive hummingbird cake is my dad'south favorite, and then I always make it for his birthday. It makes a memorable dessert for any celebration and is lovely with a summer repast. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey

Spiced Devil's Food Cake

One of my mom'due south friends gave her this recipe when I was a child and information technology has been a family favorite ever since. When your "chocolate sweetness molar" acts upwardly, this really hits the spot! —Linda Yeamans, Ashland, Oregon

Pumpkin Pie Cake

No i will guess this showstopper dessert with luscious cinnamon frosting starts with a mix! It'due south a yr-round favorite. —Linda Murray, Allenstown, New Hampshire

Three-Layer Chocolate Ganache Block

This decadent triple-layer beauty is pure chocolate indulgence. The cake layers can be frozen prior to final assembly; in fact, they're easier to work with when frozen. —Kathleen Smith, Overland, Missouri

Southern Lane Cake

I only love this southern-style dessert, so exercise dinner guests. With pecans, cherries and raisins in the filling and topping, this version reminds me of a fruitcake—only then much better! —Mabel Parvi, Ridgefield, Washington

Bluish Ribbon Scarlet Velvet Cake

This two-layer dazzler features a striking red interior. It calls for more baking cocoa than almost red velvet cakes, making it extra chocolaty. Feel costless to change the color of the food coloring to adjust the occasion. I'yard proud to say that this recipe won a bluish ribbon in the holiday cake division at the 2006 Alaska Land Off-white. I think this award-winning red velvet cake recipe will be a winner in your house, too! —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska

Contest-Winning Chocolate Tater Cake

I won k champion honors in a potato festival baking contest with this moist chocolate block. The icing recipe can be doubled for real sweet tooths. A great-grandma, I've spent over 85 years on the farm.

Maple Walnut Cake

This maple-flavored cake with candied walnuts honors my granddaddy, who used to make maple syrup. —Lori Fee, Middlesex, New York

Cherry Cola Block

Cherry cola and marshmallows make a zippy chocolate dessert that is scrumptious topped with vanilla ice cream. — Cheri Mason, Harmony, North Carolina

Pumpkin Cake with Whipped Cinnamon Frosting

My mom fabricated this for me, and i bite can completely take me back to my childhood. You lot can easily convert information technology into a great carrot cake recipe: just use grated carrots in place of pumpkin and add raisins. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

Butterscotch Cake

I go lots of compliments and recipe requests whenever I make this center-catching block. The filling is like to German chocolate cake. —Judy Lamon, Louisville, Tennessee

Cookies-and-Cream Cake

If you similar cookies-and-foam ice foam, you'll dearest this cake. Chocolate sandwich cookies are mixed into the batter and pressed into the sweet and flossy frosting for a fun look. —Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas

Coconut Chiffon Cake

Toasted coconut adds visual entreatment to this tall and impressive cake. With an airy texture and heavenly coconut-ginger flavor,it'southward a lovely cease to meals throughout the twelvemonth.

Brooklyn Coma Block

If you beloved chocolate, you will Honey this cake. I plant this recipe when looking for a special cake to brand my chocolate-loving girl-in-law's birthday. Be certain to give the pudding and the cake enough time to absurd or the end results will be disappointing. —Donna Bardocz, Howell, Michigan

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-cut-a-round-cake-like-a-pro/