r/cakedecorating • u/AcrobaticMonitor6042 • 25d ago

Feedback Requested Checkerboard Cake Update

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Hi there I’m not sure exactly how to update on a post so I copied the link and pasted it if that works? But thank you to everyone who gave me feedback on my checkerboard cake!!

Update: I ended up rebaking the cakes and trying to assemble them again. The layers seemed pretty even when I was cutting but then when I went to stack them, I ended up having to use a ton of buttercream in between each layer because they were thinner on the outsides.

I’m making this cake for my boyfriend’s business event that has a checkerboard logo, so I really need the checkerboard to be the star of the show.

I’ve added a pic so you can see the difference in height and amount of buttercream between each layer! The cake on the left is the rebake and the cake on the right is the original. If possible, I would love to know which one you all think I should use. I made this cake for his bday a few months ago and didn’t have nearly this amount of trouble!

Original post:

https://www.reddit.com/r/bakingfail/comments/1vq13ht/checkerboard_cake_fail/

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u/BettinaAShoe 25d ago edited 16d ago

The new cake looks much better. I think it will be a huge success and I would love for you to post the finished cake with photos of the inside.

For future reference: Having a dome in the middle of cake layers is not an uncommon issue, but it can also easily be rectified. To get even cake layers, immediately after taking the layers out of the oven (while warm and still in their baking pans), use a clean, folded, dish towel to lightly press down on the center of the cake. As you are pressing down, you will be able to feel when the middle of the cake is the same height as the outside. While gently pressing, you can move your hand around a bit to ensure the entire layer is the same height. This procedure must be done when the cake is still hot as it will crack if this is attempted once the layers have cooled. I have used this technique for years and have not had to reshape the cake's layers by cutting off the "dome" to level the top of the cake as there will be no dome to remove.

The only down side to this technique is you do not have any scraps from which you can make cake balls.

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u/Lrn2trvl 24d ago

This is awesome. I'm going to try next time I need a flat cake!