One of the most common emails I get is “Can you do a tutorial on how to make a layer cake?”
And while I am no expert, I would love to share the tips and tricks that I use!
This is the SUPER FAST and EASY version.
Use a good recipe. This can be a box mix or your favorite homemade recipe. You are looking for a cake the bakes up flat and even and moist and firm. Easy right?
Just in case your cake does not bake evenly, have no fear! You can simply level your cake. There are three easy ways to do that:
Use leveler or a long serrated knife to skim off the top dome part of your cake.
If your cake has risen above the edges of your cake pan, you can rest the knife on the edges of the pan and use the pan as your guide.
As soon as your cake is done cooking, take a clean towel and lay it on top of your cake. Press gently and evenly. Tip: This only works if your cake is done cooking! So make sure you test it.
Make sure all your layers are the same height.
Chill your layers before assembly. I find that working with a chilled or partially frozen cakes really helps. There is nothing worse than trying to assemble a layer cake and having it fall into pieces in your hands. And you totally know I am speaking from experience.
There are many methods to torting, or using frosting in between the layers of your cake. I like to do what is easiest and whatever method requires as few tools as necessary. (Yes, you may call it what it is. Lazy.)
I just decide before hand how thick I want my layer to be and then use an appropriate amount of frosting. One half cup is a nice thin layer on an 8in cake, but 1 cup of frosting is my go-to amount. I like frosting. Lots of it.
I typically use about a cup of frosting on a 6in as well as an 8in cake. I dont recommend that. You be normal and use less on that 6in cake, ok?
Place your first layer on your cake stand. Put frosting on it and use a small offset spatula to make frosting an even layer.
Place your next layer on top. Some frosting should “spill out” the sides and that is ok. Repeat this process; frosting, layer of cake, frosting, layer of cake, until you have added all your layers.
When making a layer cake it is important to do a crumb coat.
A crumb coat is simply a thin layer of frosting applied to a cake. The crumb coat is intended to seal in crumbs, hence the name, crumb coat. I talk more about it here, or you can watch a video here.
Some frosting may have spilled out, or your layers may not be perfectly aligned, or maybe your cake is slightly lopsided. Doing a crumb coat is a great opportunity to fill in any problem areas.
Use an offset spatula. I put a dollop on top of the cake and then use the spatula to bring it down over the sides, making sure to get the frosting all the way to to bottom.
If you have a rotating cake stand, you can place your spatula flat against the cake and slowly turn the stand. This will help smooth out the frosting and create an even coat.
Once your cake is covered in the crumb coat, I usually chill it. I like the cake the settle and the frosting to set.
To decorate a cake, I start by putting a smooth layer of frosting on. This is done the same way as the crumb coat. Place a dollop on top of the cake and pull it down over the sides using an offset spatula.
To smooth out sides, make sure cake is covered in an even layer of frosting, then place spatula flat against side of cake. Slowly turning cake, smooth out layer of frosting until you have polished, even coat.
This step takes practice, so don’t be too hard on yourself if it doesn’t look perfect. Just keep at it until you are comfortable with how your cake looks!
I have also placed my cake stand directly on a rotating stand, and this helps me when smoothing out the edges.
Because I want everyone to enjoy cake decorating and hope to make it as easy as possible, I am giving away some of the tools that I frequently use!
You can win:
Offset Spatula (set)
To win all of these items just leave a comment on this post telling me… “Have you ever made a layer cake?”
As soon as the iambaker community is up and running, I am going to ask, “Please share a picture of your best layer cake!” I cant wait. You all are so creative!
Approximate retail value is $100.
This giveaway is open until August 10th.
Open to US Residents only and you must be 18 years old to enter.
See OFFICIAL RULES here.
*****
Thanks so much for entering! This contest is now closed. The winner is Christina Reed.
“Thanks for the tutorial. I have never made a layered cake. With your helpful instructions, I will try to make one. I will probably make it when everyone is asleep. If it is a disaster, I can dispose of the evidence without anyone judging me.”
I have sent you an email Christina!
I’ve made one. I didn’t follow these rules, and you could tell!
I have but no where near as beautiful as the ones in the pictures
Yes I have made a layered cake http://cheeseandicecream.wordpress.com/2012/02/20/christmas-oreo-cake/
I have made a few. Maybe these rules will help with the one I am making this weekend.
i’ve attempted layer cakes, but they always end up lopsided
i will try to follow your tips next time
I have made a couple and always wished they looked like professional ones, but it still hasn’t stopped me from making them!
I have made many, many layer cakes but I don’t have most of those tools…..ahhhh, to have an easier time of it would be great.
Amanda, your site is sooo inspiring! You make beautiful cakes and share so much knowledge with us….thanks! I grew up in Mpls and I love that your sense of humor brings back so many memories of my friends there!
I have but not many tiny layers – that will be the next project! as always, thanks for the great tips and tutorials
I have made many layer cakes, but they never look as good as yours!
I have made a quite a few layer cakes, and I feel like every one I make has looked much better than the previous one! Thanks so much for the great tips!
almost all my cakes are layer cakes! Can’t wait for this to open, I can always use more cake decorating products!
Yes, I have made them before…but, never super thin layers like the chocolate one you made! WOW! Would love to make one like that! =)
I’m always happy when you share tips or tutorials!
Well… and beautiful desserts too, of course! I had kept to making cupcakes for parties until last month when I made my first layered cake. Eek. I was so nervous and excited at the same time.
My sister and I made a beautiful, 3-layer, white buttermilk cake filled with fresh raspberries and whipped cream cheese frosting. It was so lovely and summery
I’ve made a layer cake a couple of times. They always come out a little lopsided but taste great!
I made a pastel rainbow layer cake for Easter and decorated with ruffles, everyone loved it!!
Very rarely do I attempt layer cakes….I love how pretty they are thought!
I am not the biggest cake maker and I used to just do bundt cakes because they were easier. But since finding You I have made many layer cakes!
I follow your advice/tips/videos and it has made a huge difference.
I’ve made a few–poorly. Going to attempt another today/tomorrow though so THANK YOU for the tips! I do a poor job of leveling and never make enough frosting but that WILL NOT HAPPEN THIS TIME!
I tried to make a layer cake for one of my husband’s birthdays. I used a serrated knife to cut the cake horizontally. It was SO uneven & there were tons of crumbs in the frosting. Ugh!
Yes, I have made many a layer cake. The final coat of frosting is never as lovely as yours which is always kind of a disappointment, but I assume that practice makes perfect. And you get a TON of practice!
Yah I have made a few but never as good as yours!
Yes I’ve made a layer cake. Never that pretty.
You know I have! And that I would love to win this giveaway!
I’ve made a few.. they get better and better and I appreciate all the tips!
I have made a few layer cakes, I love my leveler! I definitely learned a few tips from your blog today. I love seeing pictures of your creations, you are an inspiration! My favorite layer cake I got from you was the thin mint cake that was decorated like a daisy, it turned out awesome! Thanks!
I have made layer cakes, but they never turn out flat.
Yes, I love making layer cakes, and you have inspired many of them! The rose frosting technique is my latest favorite! My very favorite layer cake is a salted caramel fudge cake – layers of chocolate cake filled with salted caramel swiss meringue buttercream, and frosted with a dark chocolate fudge frosting. Amazing.
layer cakes are my new favorite thing to make! i am planning on making one today actually, so this is super helpful! :]
I’ve made a few layer cakes but they are really hard for me! I think I never make enough frosting, and I’m terrified to level the dome. Waiting until It’s cold is a great tip!
I have done a few, but never turned out great, the last one was good. Cookies are easy to eat the mistakes, but i can’t eat a cake.. LOL
Oh boy! My 1st layer cake was a disaster! I was so impatient, I didn’t allow the cakes to cool and while it tasted good, it was certainly an eye sore.
Layer cakes are the best kind of cakes! I’ve made lots of them and I’ve used a few of these tricks but never thought to freeze the layers. I’ll have to try that next time! I’d love to win the giveaway as I always use a butter knife to spread frosting… those offset spatulas would come in mighty handy!
Thanks for putting this tutorial up!
I have made layered cakes
Hi Amanda, I have a question. I’m about to make a cake with three layers of 8 inch and two of 6 inch on top, would you frost and crumb coat them separately and then assemble them when putting the final frosting on? Thank you!!!
Honestly, I have done it both ways, and for me it really depends on how you plan on decorating the cake. When I did a multi level rose cake, I assemble it all first then frosted. When I had a multi tier smooth layer cake, I had to do it separately then assemble. As always, it helps when the cakes are very chilled!
Happy baking sweety!
Thank you so much sweety!!
Along the same lines, when doing a 2 layer 8″ cake with a 2 layer 6″ cake on top, does the 2 layer 6″ need to be supported at all? I’m worried it will be too heavy to put directly on top of the 8″ layers and cause it to cave in. Also, should there be a cake board under the 6″ cake before putting it on top of the 8″? Thanks for the advice!!!!
I’ve made cakes with only 2 layers… you inspire me! Thanks for the tutorial – it’s time to make my next layer cake!
i love making layer cakes! they are no where near as level as yours are, but i’ll be using these tips and tricks next time i make one!
yes I did….many of them…even tried the “Dobos torte”.
But this one was the most elaborate(for my sister in law) …each tiara was of six letters of red velvet with rose -white chocolate cream cheese frosting
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1606421768134&set=a.1606421288122.2085855.1463869282&type=3&theater
I’ve made several layers cake and like you…. it’s all about the frosting and LOTS of it!! I have followed your blog to learn more about the decorating aspect and it has paid off tons! Thank you so much for all that you do for the baking world!!!
oh my… I’ve lost track of how many… including a bunch of yours!!
I BAKE LAYER CAKES….
I’ve made a few cakes, each a little easier then the last, though my frosting technique needs a bit more practice. Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge & experience!
I’ve made layer ca
I have, but it has never looked as good as yours
I will definitely make a crumb coat next time!!!!
i have! my first one was reminiscent of the leaning tower of piza.. whoops! but my next one turned out much better!
You make it look so easy…
I’ve done a couple layers cakes before, including your ruffle cake once! They definitely didn’t look as good as yours do though.
I’ve made layer cakes. I don’t have the tools. They don’t look good.
Yep! I have some velcro strip that you put around the outside of the pan which is supposed to keep it level. Success has been about 50/50.
I’ve made lots of layer cakes, and I swear by my leveler. Here are a few:
http://pinterest.com/pin/83598136803288532/
http://pinterest.com/pin/83598136803288512/
I love your blog and the photos you post, they’re so inspirational. Keep up the good work!
i love making layer cakes!!! they always bring such joy and happiness to people!
I’ve made mostly two-layer cakes, but I would love to build bigger ones! I have issues with leveling.
Yes and they never look as beautiful as yours though. I am in the process of taking all of the Wilton courses so that has helped me. I wish it were as easy as you make it look.
I made a layer cake for my brother’s birthday last fall (Best Chocolate cake with homemade buttermilk) and will do so again this year! It was so much fun (and tasted soooo good).
I have made a few layer cakes but I can never get the frosting smooth so maybe these could help
I have made a lousy two layered cake before. I would love to have the tools try it a second time!
I’ve made so many layer cakes in my life, but I’ve only just recently started taking photos and blogging them. Here’s one I made for my friend’s birthday – a tall 6″ heart cake, vanilla, with chocolate buttercream, all from scratch
http://cakecentral.com/gallery/2297670/chocolate-vanilla-birthday-cake
SOOOO pretty! Is that the tootsie roll roses? I have been in love with that technique forever… cant wait to blog it sometime!
Thank you!
Nope, that’s my awful attempt at making buttercream roses! *laughs* I basically just looked up a video on YouTube to try and make them. That’s only the 2nd cake I’ve made buttercream roses for. I’m *much* better at making fondant ones, and I find that they’re easier to make, even though they take longer.
Yes, and I love them, but always have trouble getting a level cake in the end! I think I rush it too much.
Yes, I have a few later cakes under my belt…but I don’t think any of them have ever turned out as beautiful as yours. Maybe I need to practice some more with some lovely new cake tools!
Yes I have definitely made my fair share of layer cakes! I think they might turn out that much better if I had all the right tools! Lol at least they tasted good!
I have made one layer cake and while it tasted good, it didn’t look so pretty. I need to try another one. Love the advice here!
I make layer cakes, but I never think they are pretty. You have a lot of pointers I plan to put in place.
I have made layered cakes, but they have never been very fancy.
I have made a few layer cakes, and oh my the mess I make. You make it look so easy, Thanks for the chance get some wonderful cake tools.
I have made a few layer cakes. They have never turned out that even though. I tend to “eyeball” things rather than taking my time, getting the right tools, and doing it correctly. Clearly I need the right tools!!
Yes, I have but they are always lopsided. I act like I do it on purpose.
I have made several layered cakes, but they are nowhere near perfect. I have gotten better with practice!:)
I would love to make more cakes and cupcakes as I usually only make cookies right now.
Thanks for a great give away!
Your layer cakes always look so pretty! And this is a great post. You have some very helpful tips here. Recently, I started doing crumb coats and chilling my cakes before I frost them, and it really is much easier. I don’t want to enter the giveaway though, just wanted to say this post is very helpful!
Yes I have. Layred cake is my fave!
And it is the saddest moment when your cake crumbles in your hands. I had a faulty oven my last year of college (the temp was off, but I rarely used it so I didn’t know), and my friends bday cake split as if an earthquake had hit it.
Yes, I have! Great tutorial!
Ha! I am waiting for the layers of my Italian Cream Cake to cool right now. It is always just a little lopsided, and I never frost the sides…but it still tastes awesome!
I love making layer cakes. Yours are always so perfect and pretty.
These are great tips! Cooling / Freezing cakes has been the single biggest help in my experience!!
Yes, I do make layer cakes.
I’ve made many later cakes but they are sure tricky to get nice and even. I need to try again with these tips!
I’ve made a few. The more I learn, the better they turn out!
I have attempted a couple of layer cakes. It always works out best when I do frosting instead of a filling in between each layer. Even with a dam of frosting, there is always lemon curd seeping out.
My favorite was the 6 layer Fruity Rainbow cake with White Chocolate Frosting:)
http://www.joyinthejumble.com/2011/08/recipe-fruity-rainbow-cake-with-white.html
The very first layer cake I made split in half en route to my friend’s house, where I planned to gift it on her birthday. (It was still delicious, thank goodness.) I’ve had slightly more success since then, but I’m still eager to start using some of the tips and tricks you’ve shared here!
Yes, I’ve made many layer cakes! But none of them have ever quite looked like yours!
I have but not with a great amount of success, will be trying again with all of your tips to see if I can get one to come out looking like a 5 year old didn’t make it.
I’ve made a few but I’ve yet to master the smooth icing technique…………
My first layer cake was alternating yellow and brown for a bee themed cake… many more since then but I’ve always just eye balled it.
Yep and they are usually lopsided!! Love the leveler…
Thanks for the tutorial! I have made a layer cake before, but it was far from perfect. I love your neopolitan cake!
I’ve made them before, and I’m still working on getting it right! My biggest problem is usually not being patient enough to chill the cake long enough for the crumb coat to fully set.
Yes I have made several layered cakes. Your tips are right on!
I’ve made a few 2 layer cakes that have come out nicely but when I get higher than that they tend to fall!
Have made quite a few, but making the buttercream smooth is something I haven’t yet mastered.
I’ve made a layer cake, based on your rose cake. The layers were NOT even, but it looked pretty and everyone ate it, so I guess it all turned out ok!
I have made a layer cake and tried my hand at crumbcoating and marshmallow fondant! It was a little lopsided and shiny (too much shortening heh) but it was tasty and super fun. I think I’ll stick to simple buttercream these days though [:
Yes, I’ve made several layer cakes. I used to be intimidated by them but practice definitely makes perfect…well as close to perfect as you can get anyway. :^)
I remember helping my mom make layered birthday cakes look more level than they actually were with extra frosting. That was in my teens. Haven’t made a layer cake as an adult, but when I do I’ll follow your tips. Thanks!
I have made layer cakes. I hate doing a crumb coating no matter what type of cake it is though. LOL I was wondering suggestions for car cakes for men. I’m trying to make a drag strip racing cake today, and I can’t think of things to make a ‘tree’ with. (the staging lights that tell the cars when to go not an actual tree
) What are some things that are stiff enough to stand up, and support icing too- like a telephone pole with the parallel braces. Any ideas? Best I can think of right now would be pretzels, but the parallel lines get me.
Yes, I have made layered cakes before. I’d really love to win this!
I think this post was made for me! I just completely butchered a layer cake less than an hour ago. Such a mess. A sad, sad mess. Its tasty but so very ugly. In fact, I’m certain my two year old would have done a better job. Perhaps I’ll just say she did it anyways!? lol ugh..
Anyways, thank you for the tips and the chance to win such great tools! I hope I can eventually learn to frost a cake good enough to send in to your gallery. These tips are sure to get me started!
yes, I’ve made 2 layer cakes for my friend’s wedding! yum!
I’ve made a few layer cakes. My biggest struggle is getting them to sit straight on top of each other… I always end up having them be lopsided. I think it’s mostly because they get too warm. I’ll try them partially frozen.
Thanks for the tutorial. I have never made a layered cake. With your helpful instructions, I will try to make one. I will probably make it when everyone is asleep. If it is a disaster, I can dispose of the evidence without anyone judging me.
Yes, I have!
My boyfriend and I made one for a friend’s birthday, but it didn’t turn out too well. I can’t remember what he was doing, but he dropped one of the layers/cakes before we put filling in the center. I had to cut the remaining cake in half [and it wasn't even either] so that we could still make a two layer cake with pudding in the middle.
I have made a few in my day…
None of them turned out as beautifully as yours did! But I am going to make lots of trial cakes before the big one… my wedding cake!!
Yes, I have! They do tend to get very crumbly and I had difficulty putting white frosting over the chocolate cake. I’m excited to try your suggestions about the crumb coat and also keeping the layers cold while icing!
I have made only bilayer or Tri-layer cakes.. the cake in the photos looks awesome!
I’ve made a few, even a 9×13 layer cake once (no idea what I was thinking). I don’t level, usually just add frosting to make it level
Thanks for the tutorial and chance to win. I’ve got to make a birthday cake for next weekend and I think I’ll try some of these suggestions.
I’ve made your rose cake with success. Using wax paper around the bottom stops the frosting from getting on the stand. It was really hard to frost because I don’t have a cake rotating stand. I only have two 9″ pans. I think 6 or 8 would be cuter and taller!
I am afraid of the layer cake, but it’s something that I’ve always wanted to try. What’s the worst that could happen though — I mess up a cake and have to EAT it! Now I’m feeling inspired. Thanks for the fun giveaway!
I try making a layer cake every few years. When the cake slips and slides I get frustrated and then don’t make another for a few more years. My family has gotten used to cupcakes and oblong cakes over the years, bless them.
I have, but they always turn out lopsided
this makes me sad because I love a beautiful layer cake.
I’ve made lots of layered cakes but I can’t seem to get them as smooth as yours are along the sides. Even with doing a crumb coat it still ends up wonky.
I have made several layer cakes. Most recently I made a pink ombre cake with 3 layers for my daughter’s 3rd birthday.
I make a red velvet every year for my sisters bday and usually i also make my own birthday layer cake as well! hahaha i love doing it. your tips are very helpful!!!
The most I’ve done was three layers. I love how the smaller layers look, though, and the higher frosting to cake ratio.
Yes… but I sure could have used that leveler… *epic fail*
I have made many, many layer cakes! I love cake:)
Yep. I’ve made a few. None as beautiful as yours… but I try!
I have made them in the past and I am always to anxious (or don’t have enough time) to do the crumb coat. I am making a cake this weekend as a trial run for my friend’s groom’s cake. I wish I had these tools this weekend. Wish me luck!
I’ve made layer cakes before. Each one gets better and better. My very first one ended up on the floor of my car as I went around the first corner!
Yes, I have! My favorite was a Big Lebowski cake I made for my FIL
)
No, I haven’t made a layer cake yet, but I want to!
I make layer cakes all the time. I prefer to make layer cakes over cupcakes. Crazy, huh.
I have made many, many layer cakes. I’m always looking for new tips and tricks. I have never considered chilling the cake layers. As a matter of fact, I just threw 4 layers in the fridge for a cake I’m making for a birthday tomorrow. Thanks for the tip! I’m excited to see the difference it makes.
I have made many, some with more success than others! I think I really need that cake leveler. I have tried to do it with a serrated knife, and am just bad at cutting straight across.
Yup, done tons of them and honestly I am always looking for ways to make it easier. My best layer cake to-date actually has no frosting between the two layers – It looks like it is a six layer cake due to the colors but it is actually just a two layer cake –
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=345506408865566&set=a.345506308865576.81604.190263057723236&type=3&theater
I have made a layer cake but I need to try to make one with more than 2 layers!
I have made layer cakes…..some good and some not so good!
I have done quite a few, using some of your frosting recipes, in fact! You make it look WAY easier than it is for me! I’m never satisfied with the smoothness of my frosting, either.
This is a cake I made recently for my boyfriend’s mom…she LOVES pancakes so I made her a cake that looks like a stack o’ flapjacks! 3 layers.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4238748724633&set=a.1404644753805.2058282.1162976063&type=3&theater
I love making layer cakes. They are so pretty.
I once attempted a rainbow layer cake. A cake leveler definitely would have helped as my cake was incredibly lopsided.
I only make layer cakes. Other cakes just don’t taste as good. I’m getting ready to make my coconut layer cake now to surprise my sister for her birthday tomorrow. I would love to have a rotating pan! Thanks for all the tips, I have never pressed down with a clean towel before. I’ll try it today.
I have made several layer cakes. They are time-consuming, but rewarding!
I’ve made multiple layer cakes but never had any intention of making them look pretty. Now that I’m blogging I’d definitely like to take a stab at it! These tools would definitely help
I have made several layer cakes. I look forward to many more…and making them higher and higher.
I have, in fact, tried to make a layer cake before, and I am not great at it. Haha.
I’ve made a layer cake, but nowhere near as pretty as yours! I think the crumb coat is the tip I need the most!
I have made a layer cake…more than once. Oooohh how a leveler would help my cause, lol.
Yes I have and dream of making layer cakes all day! one of my favourite decorations is the easy rose that I learnt from you
I have made a layer cake…with your chocolate cake recipe and did the rosettes too. It was lovely! Thanks for the chance to win these great tools!!
I have made a layer cake but my layers are always crooked.
I love making cakes.
But layer cakes?
ai-yi-yi.
I could really use this prize!
I have made layer cakes before, but they never look anywhere near as beautiful as yours. I”m excited to try out some of your tips (and hopefully some of your tools as well!)
I have never made a layer cake, but always wanted to! Your post is timely because I have been looking at cake pans to buy some. Yay! Fingers crossed
Yes I have!
Yes, I have made a layer cake. Next time I make one, I’m going to follow your tips though!
Yes I’ve made one and while they tasted great they never looked this nice!
I made one or two… and then vowed to never make one again. I was never able to get the cakes level, that was definitely the most frustrating part. A few weeks ago I decided it was time to try again. It turned out pretty well, but a leveler and a rotating cake stand would have been AMAZING! I have never even thought about putting a normal cake stand on a rotating base- so clever!
Yes! I have made layer cakes….but never any with as many layers as the one you posted. That looks amazing! I so want to make one like that!!
Oh wow! Never have, but have always wanted to
The only layered cake that I have made and been proud of was your Neapolitan cake with rose icing. Patience is key! I’m working if I should just stop while I’m ahead?? Nah! Love your site and instagrams!!
Yes but only a few times and a few layers.
Susie
i have made a few. my biggest was one rainbow cake – and I’ve only ever done THAT one time
I have made one, but it was no where near as pretty as yours! My problem comes in the leveling process; no matter how hard I try, the layers still end up lopsided!
I tried to layer cupcakes once. Before they baked. Wow, that didn’t really work. It was still delicious though.
I make layer cakes sometimes, but I definitely need to work on the decorating aspect of it more (at least it still tastes good
)!
Yep, I’ve made many a layer cake. The last one I made was actually half a cake for a half-birthday. Done up with white rosettes, a la YOU!
I’ve made later cakes before and I do try to level them. But when I frost them, then it becomes even. I cannot seem to smooth out the frosting, no matter how much I try. :-/
ThaNks for the helpful tips! The most I have ever done is two layers but your tools could encourage me to try more!
I’ve made one – - or twenty. I’m never satisfied with the outcome and would love these tools to help me be more successful. Of course, no matter what the cake looks like, it always gets devoured!!
Yes I have, would love to be better at it, thanks for the opportunity to win the tools to help!
I have! It was a disaster! I had to stick chopsticks in it to keep it from falling over.
I’ve tried several times to make one and it always comes out lopsided. Thank you for the giveaway!
I made your rose cake once. It turned out okay, but your tips will definitely help me with future cakes!
Yes-lots of them, but I’m always looking for new tips!
Amanda, this is the ultimate layer cake tutorial!! Well done, pinned to a few of my boards
yep, i’ve made many layer cakes. i’ve been on a cupcake kick lately, but maybe i should make a layer cake next time. thanks for the giveaway!
I’ve only made a simple two-layer cake. I’ve not yet attempted any additional layers, but I’m so wanting to!
Yes, I’ve made several and I’ve really practiced trying to get a smooth coating. I did a two-tier cake for my parents’ 35th anniversary, and the only problem I had was separating the two layers for serving. I used a plastic cake separater, but we had to do some scraping to get the icing back on the bottom cake when we took it off. How do you solve that problem?
I’ve put cake on top of cake before. Does that count? It wasn’t very pretty, but it was German chocolate, so I blame the type of frosting, not my lack of experience or skill.
I also regularly cut my 8″ cake in half and stack those to make a taller cake without extra cake. I should really get 6″ pans and just make two of those instead to make them prettier.
Someday I want to bake a cake with you in real life. I will let you hold Caleb:) I hope my bribe works:) You are a cake genius!
I made one! It was a 12 layer spice cake. Well, I call it a 12 layer cake because I counted each and every layer due to some comical friends of mine being picky about what counted as a layer. It was 4 layers of cake, 4 layers of cream cheese frosting, 4 layers of walnuts, and a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. It wasn’t as pretty as your cake but it was super yummy! Great tutorial and I can’t wait to try it!
Haha I’ve TRIED to make a layer cake… at least it tasted good!
I have, in fact, ATTEMPTED to make a layer cake, but didn’t chill (as mentioned above–such a SPECTACULAR concept!), therefore, layer cake become the toppings to another cake. HAHA!
Yellow cake with chocolate frosting
yum
only ever since I’ve been making cakes. lazy days require sheet cakes, but fancy days mean layers! for my DD’s 1-year party last year I did a 6-layer rainbow cake. This year, for DD’s 5-year birthday, it’ll be a multi-layer with ombre ruffle frosting.
Yes, I have made a layer cake, but I would love to try several layers. thanks for the tips!
I have made 3-4 layer cakes but none have beenas pretty as yours!
yes, many times!
But none of mine look quite like yours! 
I made my husband his favorite chocolate layer cake yesterday, in fact. Of course, icing is the hardest part. I learned the hard way that using a rubber spatula to spread the icing is NOT the way to go. Live and learn.
I have made a layered cake but didn’t turn out too well because I didn’t have the right tools : (
I have never made one – but yours are beautiful!
I have made layer cakes multiple times, but only learnt about the crumb layer and cooling cakes in the fridge recently. Thams for sharing all your tips
I have. A couple of times now. my biggest was a 4 layer 10 inch ombré purple rose cake.
I’ve made many layer cakes before, some turned out beautiful and others turned out… less than beautiful.
Yes but your cakes look amazing.
I’ve failed at the layer cake. It didn’t look good, but tasted nice.
yep, i’ve made a layered cake many a times! however, it never occurred to me to chill between crumb and top layers… genius! kristinmik at gmail
I have, though my frosting skills could use a little help!
I was so excited to see this post because I am making a layer cake right now! I don’t usually chill the cake after my crumb coat… going to try that!
Great tutorial. I love your layer cakes!!
I have, but it wasn’t pretty.
Yes! I also recommend using the Wilton baking strips. It eliminates the need of the leveler because the cake bakes more evenly!
I’ve made quite a few layer cakes and just love frosting them! I’ll be making another one this weekend for a friend’s baby shower. Thanks for the great giveaway
I have tried to make a layer cake a few times only to have a layer start to crumble during assembly. But thanks to these tips, I’m eager to try again!
Layer cakes are one of my favorite things to make! I love the whole process, although I don’t think I’m that great at it yet! I don’t have enough occasions to make them for, sadly. That cake leveler is such a great idea – I’m not so good with the serrated knife, keeping it level!
I made an spring “flower basket” layered cake that turned out well.
I make layer cakes all the time- it’s the only way to make a cake, in my opinion! They look so pretty when cut into. Sometimes I torte and other times I just frost between two separate cakes.
yes! in fact in ned to make a lemon shaped layer cake for next weekend. wish me luck, you are the best for sharing and giving away awesomely awesome tools!
Yes, I made a blue and white layered cake for my son’s birthday. Wish I would have had this tutorial first -
I’ve made a few – none as lovely as yours!
The last layer cake I made was in college–wow, it’s been awhile! It was a vanilla cake with chocolate buttercream frosting. Mmmm!!
I have about three times. I’ve never used a crumb coat though. I’m lazy.
I started making layer cakes when I was in middle school but only recently started trying to make them look as good as they taste. I’m taking on my sisters wedding cake in a year (she doesn’t have a fancy tiered cake, just a nice small cake)!
Yes I have made one but it does not look like yours – I can dream though.
Yes. I made a 3 layer cake for my daughters 12th birthday. I even made the fondant.
Yes, but not a super cute one!
Yes, I have made quite a few!!
Yes, I have. But they never look as pretty as yours, because I am not patient enough to wait for the crumb coat to set while it chills, so they always have unsightly yet tasty crumbs.
I have made layer cakes before, but never where I had to use the cake leveler. Let’s just say I could use some practice ;-D
Yes, I’ve made several, they tend to lean….lol but eventually I can work them to look right. Sometimes I will even put them in the fridge layer by layer.
I wish I had this a few days ago. I made my first layer cake on Tuesday. While it wasn’t horrible looking it bothered me because it was off. Better luck next time!
Yes I have made a layer cake before. They usually turn out lopsided though!
Love making layer cakes! Here’s one that I made last month for my son’s birthday … it was YUMMY!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/leizel22/7706850854/
Thanks for the amazing tips, can’t wait to try them out on my next cake.
Yes I have made many layer cakes but they weren’t as pretty and professional looking as yours:) I guess this one was the best layer cake I made.
http://hergunebirguzellik.com/2011/03/19/papatya-pasta/
Thanks for the tutorial. I still have a lot to learn and your blog is a true inspiration…
yes i’ve made a layer cake, it’s one of my favorite things to do!
here’s a picture of the camoflauge cookies-n-cream layer cake that i made my hubby for his bday!
http://i-heart-baking.blogspot.com/2012/06/cookies-and-cream-camoflauge-birthday.html
I make layer cakes quite often.
I surprised my son with rainbow layers inside his Mario Brothers birthday cake. I would love to win all those great tools! Thanks for all the helpful stuff you post.
Love to make cakes, my favorite most recent layer cakes have been a rainbow cake and a red, white and blue cake. They never seem quite as polished as yours but they are still yummy! And I agree with you, the more frosting the better, I mean really, isn’t the cake just a conduit for the frosting?
I love making cakes and have made layered ones! I made a polka dot cake last weekend actually.
I just need a bit of practice getting the the layers even… and getting the frosting smooth… and getting them not to lean…
But I’m a PRO at eating them!
I’ve made several layer cakes but my all time favorite and most memorable was the teeny tiny, three tiered one I made for my daughters 1st birthday! Strawberry cake with bright pink cream cheese frosting. It was adorable, even when she lifted it above her head and smashed it on her tray!
I always make layer cakes!!! The only way to go
I have a few pictures of my cakes (and cupcakes) on my facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/Thirtyone.cakes
Love your cakes! They are gorgeous!
Oh my, yes. I’ve made many unsuccessful layer cakes. I am so excited to try out the tips you’ve given here!
Love layer cakes! I just made one for a baby shower. Although, the first several were semi-disasters, they are getting almost decent now. haha!
How do we enter the contest? Do we just send you an email with a picture of a layer cake?
Your comment is your entry. You are all set!
I’ve always been too intimidated to make one. But I definitely will if I win this giveaway!
Yes, I have, but it didn’t turn out nearly as pretty as yours! I never thought you could level each layer, so I just filled in around the “hump” with icing. Still looked horrible, but tasted all right, I guess.
I always make layer cakes…..cuz my mom always made them. I have her pans, 4 9-inch shallow pans, and they make the best darn layers! Love ‘em!
Ive made layer cakes. Nothing as pretty as yours but yup, done it
I mostly do two layer cakes. But one day I want to try a taller cake with more layers.
I have made multiple layer cakes because I think that is the perfect kind of cake, the more icing between the layers, the better. I am slowly getting better at not having them bulge and fall over, but I am convinced that better cake pans and the rotating thingy would help me nail it. So I would be honored and so grateful to be chosen as the winner of this giveaway! Thank you!
I made an awesome ombre layer cake for my friend’s b-day, but I could have used a leveler…
I have (attempted) many layer cakes. They never quite turn out how I want. I can’t ever get the dome off evenly. But I think these tricks may help! I definitely need an offset spatula. I usually use a butter knife lol! And refrigerating it! Genius!
I hope I win!
Yes, I have made many layer cakes, my first was my own wedding cake (I was 18!) I have never had a rotating platter, which would make life easier.
I made a red velvet layer cake with a Swiss meringue buttercream frosting (your recipe!!!) for a friend’s 30th birthday. She wanted an Indian theme, I think it turned out good – the crumb coat is a savior! Anyway it tasted amazing!!
I think this link should work
https://fbcdn-photos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/406295_10151967764070103_1893491086_n.jpg?dl=1
This is awesome!! I have made a couple layered cakes and they never turn out pretty. Thanks for the giveaway! I would love to use a turning cake stand!! and a real cake decorating spatula. It’s no wonder mine never look good!
yep i’ve made -chocolate-layer cakes.yummy
layer cakes are the best! This is the last one I made: http://askanam.blogspot.com/2012/07/fourth-of-july-epic-cake.html
but this is my favorite so far http://askanam.blogspot.com/2011/11/perfect-vanilla-cake.html
I have…and it wasn’t pretty. Haha
These tools and rules would make it SO much easier!
I HAVE made layer cakes! The last one I made was your patriotic rose cake.
Yes, I have! I took a couple Wilton classes last year and really enjoyed them. I also made a birthday cake for my sisters 30th birthday last year. I really want to make your rose cake sometime….love those cakes!
I have! Not in awhile… So I’m probably really rusty
Xo
I have made one, but they usually aren’t pretty! I need to work on my skills.
sure have
My very first layer cake is curretly in the oven…I’m going to attempt making it into a Rose cake!! :/
I have made several. Some have come out beautifully and I’ve had a few that were really messy and sliding off. They all tasted good though and I always learn new lessons.
I made a flag cake for the 4th of july this year. I definitely could have used one of those cake levelers. It would have made things so much easier!
I’ve made several. I even made my sisters wedding which is something I don’t want to do again anytime soon. Love layered cakes!
I have – now I’m really wishing I had your tips when I did. I don’t think the top layer is supposed to slide off, is it?
I have made several! Except I always cut it too close time-wise, and try to frost it while the cake is still cooling, so it ends up crumbling easily. What I learned most from this tutorial is to plan ahead better! Thanks for the tips.
I’ve made layer cakes before. They never come out too pretty. Delicious yes, pretty no! lol
My best layer and first was your rainbow cake 2 years ago (remember that) of course our now former, idiot dog jumped up and took a bite out of it, while I was at the store buying more frosting (yeah I didn’t make the frosting I wasn’t brave enough back then). Today I made my 2nd layered cake (take a look at facebook (it was an oreo cake…found on pinterest!) I’m making your rainbow cake again in 2 weeks for my friends daughter, per her request, for her birthday party! I’ll take pictures and will request my friend take a picture when she cuts into it!
i love making layer cakes! i brave it with a knife because i don’t have one of those slicing tools. your best piece of advice is definitely to chill the cake inbetween steps. makes a huge difference!
I *love* layer cakes! I could still use some practice perfecting my layers, though.
I’ve made a few layer cakes, but I don’t have such a fancy set of tools yet!
I have but they are never pretty
I have made tons of layered cakes! I always make my kids birthday cake and am starting to venture out and do weddings and other party cakes. For several years I always use a clean towel and softly smash my cake as soon as it comes out of the oven. Works everytime for even cakes!!
I make doberge cakes for family birthdays. They are 10 or 12 layers. The tricks is disposal cake pans. I use the same number as layers, then stack them(parchment paper between) while still in the pans to cool. Then you can make sure they are level.
I have made a few layer cakes, but none are as beautiful as yours. That is why I tend to stick to cupcakes.
I have! I actually just made a Black Velvet layer cake. http://sweetzees.wordpress.com/2012/07/31/over-the-hill-in-style/
I’ve never attempted a layer cake, because I don’t have any of the necessary kitchen implements (nor the baking budget to invest in them). but, if I were to win your giveaway, I’d enthusiastically give it a shot!
I made a rainbow layered cake for my son’s first birthday and decorated it like a “big top” . The frosting was sliding down the cake but it made the fondant layer look like the big top was gracefully flowing. My mistake turned into a pretty part of the cake! Plus, all the kids gasped when we cut into it! It won’t be my last attempt at a cool cake. Was just the most important!
I have, but it took so long and still turned out lopsided that I haven’t braved the process again.
I made a layer cake once, but I didn’t do a crumb layer and it didn’t look very good. I’m going to give it another try in September for my daughter’s first birthday!
I make a layered carrot cake that is wonderful.
I’ve made lots of layer cakes but did not always know about cutting them flat to even out the layers. To me a birthday cake needs to have layers. I’d love to win some real equipment to make my cakes even better.
I have made many layer cakes, but torting is new for me and it definitely takes practice!
Yes! Just made one last weekend when we had family in town. I loved this one because I just poured the ganache frosting over the top and had chocolate mousse in the center with Heath Bar sprinkled on the top. Turned out great and I didn’t have to do any fancy decorating.
Lots of layer cakes…lots of torting. I have yet to get an even torte layer…then there’s the attempt to line up the uneven halves. Good times! My grandmother used to have a trick with string and make perfect, beautiful layers. But even when I try that they still come out wonky. Oh well. That’s what icing is for, right?!
I’ve made a couple of layer cakes. None have ever looked half as good as yours, though
I have made just a few
I only want the cake leveler… you can divy up the rest! ha!
I’ve made many ugly layer cakes in my day, and a few not so ugly
You have some GREAT advice.
3 layer cake is the most I’ve ever made! I’d like to win this set and try out more though!
Blogging Cakes makes eating them easier. I love making Layered cakes! They are the most fun!
I’m making a layer cake right now and just learned a lesson I thought I already knew, but I got lazy. I only sprayed the pans with Pam. I needed to flour them too, or use parchment paper. All three layers stuck to the bottom of the pans!! erg!! But I’ll fix it with plenty of frosting.
I just made a layer cake tonight-am practicing the rose swirl for my niece’s bridal shower. Am going to invest in the tools you’ve listed-unless of course I win them
yes, I have. At first it wasn’t very pretty, but it’s getting better.
I have never tried to make a layer cake. You make it look so easy.
Yes I have — unfortunately I used a lemon filling and the cake slid. It was for my daughter’s birthday and she still lovingly refers to it as the “snot cake” because the yellow lemon filling oozed out looking like, well you know….
I am going to be making my first layer cake this weekend for my daughters first birthday! Glad I came across these tips! Perfect timing!
No, but I’ve always wanted to!
Yes I have! I really like the tip about chilling the cake between the crumb coat and the final coat, can’t wait to try it.
I have made a few layer cakes with varying degrees of success. Tools would make life so much easier, though!
yes, i make them all the time
I am a baker too!
Yes, I have made layer cakes but mine were quite ugly compared to yours. I must try again!
Yes, I’ve made lots of layer cakes over the years, but still don’t have any of these tools you’re offering. My cake pans are probably close to 40 years old and I just make do with the rest.
I’ve baked a two layer cake for Mother’s Day once.
I haven’t had a chance to make one…yet!
yes, but not with all these amazing tools! i’m sure that with these it would turn out so much better!
I’ve made some before, it’s all tricky. I’ve learned that the freezer is my friend!
no, i’ve always been scared to try it! but you make it seem easy with the right tools…
Just last week
yep, I’ve tried and failed. And tried and succeeded. I need lots more practice though.
I love making layered cakes. It’s so fun. I to like a lot of frosting between my layers. Thanks for the great post.
I made one…didn’t turn out that great!
I’ve made layer cakes… some failures and some successes… always looking for any tricks/tips to keep me going:) Thanks!!
I’ve made layer cakes before. This tools would inspire me to make much more!
I love to make multiple layer cakes. Winning would be great!
My layered cakes have never looked as good as yours. I love what you come up with and I hope one day I can get close to what yours look like.
never have. But I’d love to try someday for the right occasion!
Yup!
This is my bamboo cake: http://www.ironwhisk.com/2012/02/chocolate-bamboo-cake/ (unfortunately I don’t have a photo of the layers inside, just the ouside & preperation) so here’s another one with that photo just in case – an Earl Grey Chiffon Cake with Maple Meringue http://www.ironwhisk.com/2012/07/earl-grey-chiffon-cake/
Thanks!
I have made quite a few layer cakes and I really enjoy it! I liked this post because now I know I’m doing it “right”.
I would love to win this giveaway, I think all of my cake tools are from the dollar store! :/
Anna
http://www.askannamoseley.com
I’ve been too scared to try one!
I have made a lot of layer cakes, it is one of my favorite thing to do!
Ive made plenty of layer cakes (plenty being like five haha). None turned out to terrible until i tried making mini layer cakes last week. It turned out so bad i just threw it away. It was falling over and the frosting was too runy. Wasn’t my day.
I have made layer cakes. Not 13 layers like in your picture though. Maybe my next project.
Yes…. I have. But only thanks to you have they been pretty! <3 My mom taught me how to make a layer cake when I was little… her fudge frosting in OUT OF THIS WORLD! But… since reading your blog, I've been able to branch out and try some more creative decorating techniques! So THANK YOU!
(I hope I win! I could really use the spatulas and rotating stand!! xoxo)
I have made a few and the crumb coat explains why everything went wrong.
I am making a layer cake this weekend -ugh I am such a perfectionist and can never get my frosting flat on the sides
Yes, just once. I improvised by using my microwave’s rotating plate as the turntable so winning a real one would be great
I’ve attempted to make a layer cake before. Emphasis on the word ‘attempted’. In the end I gave up and dumped the cake into a bowl to share with my friends!
I’ve made several layer cakes, especially after getting some inspiration from some of the blog posts here.
I have made a layer cake a few times. I think the hardest part for me is keeping the final icing layer even. I will take your advice and just keep trying.
I attempted one once. It was not pretty. Lopsided, crumbly, oof.
I’ve made a couple of layer cakes. Can’t seem to get the hang of the crumb coat, though.
I’ve never made more than a 2 layer cake but I really want to try! I usually make cupcakes, which are so much simpler to me, but cake decorating is something I want to conquer next.
I love beautiful “bakery-style” layer cakes and, even though though I typically blog about cupcakes, they are my favorite thing to create! Love your tutorial!
Yes, I have made a couple of layered cakes.
The “fanciest” I’ve ever done is a two layer cake. B’s birthday is this month and she’s been finding pictures of what she wants me to recreate… mostly lots of layers… tiers… and more tiers… We’ll see how adventureous I get…
This tutorial is perfect timing for me as I’m about to embark on making a wedding cake for my sister. It’s going to be small but I’ll take all the advice I can get!
Yes, I’ve been making layer cakes since I was a very small child, however, I’ve never taken the time to level a cake and I’ve never done a crumb coat so I’m excited to try these tips to make my layer cakes look nicer. Thanks!
What’s not to love here. Cake is and has always been one of my great weaknesses. And layers upon layers, just make it that much better.
But, to me, besides all you’ve illustrated here, the recipe itself, especially the frosting part, has to be fantastic.
Which is why I love coming here. I’m never disappointed.
When I was young and newly married, the only kind of cake I ever made was a layered cake. I don’t even think we had the 9 x 13 inch pan then. I must have made a cake at least once a week. I miss that and am looking forward to getting back to the “good” old way!
Thranks for a great tutorial. I have made many layer cakes, mostly unsuccessful. I keep trying.
Mary
Yes – I’ve made many a layer cake! I could definitely use some of those tools – thanks for the giveaway!
Yes I have made a layer cake, but you are an artist!! I love that you share your secrets with all of us.
I make later cakes all the time!
Yes! They are my faves.
Yes I have made a layer cake or 2. No, it they don’t look anything near the perfection that is your beautiful cake. But thank you so much for the tips – they really helped out.
Yes, a three layer checker board cake! I used red velvet and white cake box mixes, it wasn’t a crisp looking checker board but it tasted great!
Oh for sure I’ve made a layer cake or two or three….still trying to perfect them! Thanks for the tips!
Your rose cake tutorial has inspired me to go cake crazy! I’ve recently made a beautiful pink cake and another yellow cake– both big WOW! factors at dinner parties. Am planning a Hello Kitty layer cake for my 3-year old grandaughter with chocolate cake and frosting inside, then pink buttercream on the outside. Wish me luck! And thank you so much for sharing the cake-baking love.
I’ve made a layer cake that was *supposed* to look like a U.S. flag when you cut into it…let’s just say it’s a really great thing that I have enthusiastic, gracious, and encouraging friends.
I made layer cakes, but never as beautiful as yours.
Yes, I too have made layered cakes. However, frosting them is something yet I have not mastered. Your tutorials are making me think …… I can do this!
Yes, lots and lots but never as beautiful as yours. I love the roses and you make it look so deceptively easy.
Because of your rose cake tutorials, you might say I’ve gone cake crazy. In the past couple of months, I’ve made a Barbie layer cake and a yellow rose cake with lemon filling and pale yellow frosting. They were big on the WOW factor at parties. Am planning a Hello Kitty chocolate layer cake with pink ruffle frosting for my 3-year old grandaughter soon. Wish me luck! And thank you for sharing the cake baking love!
I have made many layer cakes. Your recipes and tutorials have been so helpful. Thank you for making me a better baker.
Yes, I have made lots, but not as pretty as yours!
I have once, but it was only two layers because I only have one cake pan and I didn’t want to be make a layer, wash the pan, and repeat more than twice!
Yep! I’ve made quite a few layer cakes, but I don’t have the proper tools which would really help! Thank you for all of your wonderful blog posts!
I made a cake for my husband before but it didn’t taste like the ones he was used to from his mother and grandmother. So now I just go to Sams and buy them there. I wish I could cook to the standards that were set for him growing up. My mom was not a cook and it was carry out every night. Needless to say I am a little behind on learning how to cook and bake.
Yes, I have made them many times. I love your photos, they are so yummy looking.
Great giveaway.
Thanks
Yes! A DIY wedding cake!
Yes, I have, but I usually get, ahem, lazy and don’t trim off the excess to make the layers flat! I put the one with the most rounded top face down on a dinner plate so that the flat side is up. I do the same with the other layer so that the flat side is up!
Yes! I love love love to make cakes and I have attempted most of the cakes you have posted.
I have made many layer cakes, but would love to win the tools so the next time I can get one to come out looking like yours!!!
I’ve made them many times, but somehow I end up sawing into the cake too deeply when I try to level…or never leaving them in the fridge long enough and having warm icing between the layers, causing them to move all over the place!
I’ve made one but it looked nothing like yours! It was really slanted…
I have made lots of layered cakes and an improving every single time. You are such a inspiration !!! I would love these tools to become even better!!
yes, i have made a layer cake – my favorite – german chocolate!
http://jsgrey.com/blogg/german-chocolate-cake-ive-been-craving-one/
I have! Momma used to make wedding cakes in our home, so I have helped her assemble many, but it is not my favorite thing to do…especially since my oven is off I always get a lopsided cake ; ( so trimming is necessary. I would love to win!
I love making layer cakes! I wish I had more reasons to make them, as I’ve come to enjoy making those cakes more than cupcakes. My favorite layer cake was one of the five I made for my brother’s wedding, using your rose icing tutorial.
I think I have, just two layers, Im not the greatest at making things look nice, they taste good though. Thanks for the giveaway.
I love making layer cakes. My favorite is your Christmas tree ruffle cake! Thank you for your tutorials and please keep them coming!
Um, yeah I have. Thanks for reminding me. I still have nightmares. Luckily, I now know where I went wrong (crumb coat? They don’t teach you that in wife/mommy class)!!!
I love layer cakes, pretty much all I bake but I need a leveler….I’m always trying to fix a lopsided cut job. lol Last week I made a chocolate cake with whipped vanilla frosting. I decorated it using a verticle ribbon technique and it wasn’t bad for a first try. Tody my bestie is getting a key lime layer cake and cupcakes for her little man’s first birthday party.
I have tried several times to make a layer cake and have only been successful twice. The last time I made one was probably my worst attempt. The cake sort of melted… And was completely lopsided. It tasted good though, so that was a good thing. My most successful one was one of my first cakes, and it has just gotten worse since then. It was a cookie dough buttercream vanilla cake. SOOO good. I would love to win this contest so that I could improve my cake decorating skills.
My very first layer cake was delicious but looked like a complete mess, that’s what happens when you don’t let the cake cool enough before frosting it!
I’ve made layer cakes before but with the tips you provided they’ll now be spectacular!
I make layer cakes occasionally but they don’t look very good!
I always make layer cakes, but never made a thin layer cake.
I’ve made many layer cakes. (never made a thin, gorgeous one like the one above…) and mine have NEVER looked as beautiful as yours! I just never really knew how, I guess!
Thanks for the tutorial!
I love making layer cakes! I’ve made a red velvet cake using the rose swirls you introduced, too!
Yes, I’ve made layer cakes and I love creating them. You are one of my inspirations.
no…but i’d love to!
FANTASTIC tutorial!
I have…a few times, but I’m horrible at frosting, so I usually opt not to.
I have made a layer cake…a few times. The most was a 7-layer cake for my daughter’s 7th birthday. She wanted 12, so we compromised on 7! I did rainbow layers…I LOVE all things rainbow! It came out super cute!! I love ALL your cakes! They are gorgeous!
I used an old kitchen turntable and found I could do the first “sealing” coat of frosting almost like the pros! I love do ing a special cake for someone, though I am far from a professional and love your photo of the Neopolitan cake!
I have made several layer cakes in my day, but I must say that none have been as pretty as yours. I’ll keep trying though.
I’ve just started making them this summer – just made my second last week! I’m determined to get it down by my niece’s 5th birthday in late september
I haven’t ever leveled a cake but have made a couple of layer cakes before. Yours are so pretty! Thank you for the how-to.
Gina
I have made many layer cakes, but none as beautiful as yours! Would love the give away, to step up my baking!! Love your blogs..
Yes I’ve done layer cakes. I wasn’t able to duplicate your fabulous rose cake but I did the multi color cake & frosting and it was quite splashy! I’ve received many subsequent requests for it! Thx for the chance. You’re the best!
No, I love making cakes, but layer cakes have always intimidated me! Of course, having the right tools for the job is crucial!
yes i have!
Yes, I have made two or three layer cakes so far. They worked out okay, and the prettiest one was the one frosted with your rose cake technique!
) Thank you so much for the tutorial and all of the other great tips on your site!
I made a 10″ three-layer cake for my grandson’s first birthday last March. Got it frosted and was going to decorate it in the morning but when I woke up, there was a HUGE crater in the top layer. I filled the crater with icing and it looked great…..until a couple of hours later. The crater got even bigger and eventually the whole cake fell apart. I.WAS.DEVASTATED. I think it was a combination of the wrong kind of cake (not dense enough) and not cutting the dome off (thought I could fill the extra space between layers with icing). I put skewers in it so that the layers wouldn’t slide off. Got any other suggestions?
Yes, I’ve made layer cakes before but they’ve only been 2 layer cakes. I want to start doing more layers in my cakes.
yes I’ve made layer cakes, some prettier than other but really they were all delicious!
never have, but now i feel like i could!
I have made many! My only point of disagreement is to let the filling spill out the sides. I like to keep it inside the cake layers a little and then “fill” it in when I do my crumb coat. I find my cakes are more even and settle more evenly when I use that method.
Yes I have made layer cakes. So yummy!
Yes, I make layer cakes all the time. Some are beautiful on the outside and some are not. Sorta like people. But, like most people I know – they are good on the inside.
I worked for a bakery in High School and College so I used to make them all the time. I haven’t made a layer cake in so many years, I’m embarrassed to say! This makes me want to make one today
I believe I have made a layered carrot cake before and it wasn’t bad for my first try!
I have made a few layered cakes but they never look as nice as yours! Thanks for the tips!
I make a carrot (layer) cake several times a year from scratch! Thanks for the give a way
I have made a few layer cakes but not recently. I am inspired!
Thank you so much for the giveaway!!
I have made a layer cake once and I had no idea what I was doing.
I decided I’d make it easy on myself and do only 2 layers. Well, it only lasted about 15 seconds before the top layer literally slid off! It made such a mess, looked horrible, but it still tasted delicious! haha
Yes Mamm, many, many layered cakes … more layers = more Icing and cake tops = cake balls … Yummmm
I’ve made a couple but never with such small and intricate layers as yours!
I’ve made a layer cake!! My favorite is chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and oreos!!!
I’ve made a few and I know what you mean by the cakke falling apart! I will try your trick of putting it in the fridge before cutting the layers and between the frostings. Thank you for the tips!
Only 1 truly successful layer cake to date (meaning, I wasn’t so ashamed of it that I wouldn’t take it to my in-laws). And it was from following all this wonderful advice. Oh chilled layers and crumb coat, I’m sorry I never listened to you before!
Yes, I’ve made lots of layer cakes.
I make layer cakes for everyone’s birthday but my layers are never flat after baking. I will use your tips next time! Thank you for sharing them!
Yes! I have made many layer cakes. Some 2 layer, some 3 layer and one 4 layer!
I have made several layer cakes, and even took a Wilton cake decorating class last year, but your tip about chilling the layers is GOLD. I must remember that next time!
Yes! They are never perfect. Thanks for the tips.
layered cakes are my favorite. i make them all the time but i still have a lot to practice.
Yes, I have made many layered cakes, but their aren’t beautiful like yours!
I have made layer cakes, but never more than 2 layers!
I am going to make one today, for the first time! Your cakes are such an inspiration…thank you!!!
Yes, but I usually opt for other varieties that are less labor intensive.
I have been making layer cakes since I was 8. I am no pro, but I just love a layer cake on a tall cake stand!
I have made a few layer cakes. They don’t always look great, but that never stops me drone eating them!
Ohmygoodness, I have been obsessively baking layer cakes since I was about 9, so that’s about 16 years of cake making! I would even bake my own birthday cake so I could get exactly the cake of my dreams, LOL. Nothing makes me happier than turning out a towering, fluffy layer cake…there’s something so festive and grand about it! I have recently begun branching out into doing wedding cakes for people (EEEP!) and I could SO. TOTALLY. USE. the rotating cake stand. Pleasepleasepleaseprettyplease.
What a fun giveaway! I have made a layer cake a number of times because I love a challenge! And it makes any occasion special when there’s a fancy(ish) cake.
i’ve never made a layer cake before. i’ve been itching to try!
I’ve made layer cakes and would LOVE one of those cake saw thingies!
I’ve tried to cut a cake while still warm in the center, and it broke all apart. It was very heart (and cake) breaking!
Love your blog, thanks for the tips!
Hi! I love your beautiful cake pictures and cute colors! I make layer cakes for my go to celebration cakes. The more layers the better! I would love to win….
I have made quite a few layer cakes. I love to bake and make different cakes. My husband loves being my taste tester!
Over the years I have attempted many non-professional looking layer cakes…from young childrens birthday cakes when their innocense led them to believe the cakes were fabulous, to downhome cakes for families, new neighbors, etc. I have always wanted to take classes but life has not allowed that…then you came along and I am constantly learning something…I use my butter knife and old pans…how exciting it would be to have professional tools…I drool over the idea of one day owning wilton cake pans
The only “layer cakes” I’ve ever made were just removed from the round cake pans! I love baking and have always wanted to learn how to decorate cakes! I would absolutly love to win these tools! I’d start baking as soon as I got them! Thanks for the chane to win!
Yes, but my layer cakes tend to lean to the side.
I make a carrot cake several times a year from scratch!
More than I can count!!
There is a three layer cake that my grandmother taught me when I was little that I make all the time. I always try to fill in the “extra space” between layers (mine end up kind of domed) with extra frosting. haha!
blessings
~*~
Never made one that looked like yours…..super job…..great talent.
Thanks for the info. I have never had any luck making layer cakes and these tips are very useful:)
I have but I would love to try to find a cream filling that doesn’t soften so fast.
I’ve always been too terrified to ever attempt one! Perhaps I can now (:
i have made a layer cake before. it didn’t turn out that well
not very successfully
What a sweet giveaway. I made a layer cake for my son’s 9th birthday last year. He loved it, even though it was a little slanted!
I baked a layer cake for my birthday last year, it tasted amazing, but unfortunately I know what you mean about cake falling apart in your hands… better luck this year!
Yes, but never as pretty as yours!
I have only made two layer cakes, but would love to own a leveler so that I can try some of your more ambitious creations – if only to get more frosting in each slice I eat!
I have but definitely need to make more!! I love layer cakes!
I have made a few layer cakes. My first couple crumbled apart and it never even occurred to me to freeze them! I’m getting better at it now though. Practice makes perfect, right?
I sure have! Lots of layer cakes too. There fun and yummy to make! Loving your helpful tips! ^_^
I have made a few layer cakes. The first one didn’t turn out so well because my frosting was too thick. The second one turned out better, but the frosting was too thin. The third, I used your tutorial and made a rose cake to take to my parent’s and it turned out a lot better. It was a hit! Thanks for the tutorial and wonderful ideas and inspirations!
I have made several, even when I had no idea how to make them. I just did what I thought I was supposed to do and hoped for the best! I think ALL cakes should be layer cakes with a HUGE layer of buttercream in between.
I made lots of layer cakes, but I rarely leveled the layers, and you could tell… This is really helpful
I’ve made layer cakes before, but more homemade, like carrot cake or red velvet. Nothing as fancy as yours.
I have made layer cakes, but I am still working on making the icing perfectly smooth. I have tried the paper towel method but find that more difficult than trying to smooth the icing with a spatula. When all else fails I just use some of the scrap cake crumbled up, or some type of garnish on the sides of the cake. Fake it till you make it!
My mom and I made a 10 layer cake for my Grandpa for his birthday years ago! It was delicious. We used pie tins to make each layer, they were really thin. The frosting was more of a glaze. The cake was yellow and the frosting/glaze was chocolate.
Love that Neapolitan one by the way I think we’ll try to make something like that for my birthday.
I have made a couple layer cakes now, they come out nice. I am still learning though, and I have trouble with making even layers, I would love to have that set!
I just made a layer cake today! It was my first 2-tier one. The bottom was four layers of 9″ rounds and the top was an inverted bowl cake frosted to look like a ladybug.
My first scary layer cake was a rainbow cake for my daughter, though. That thing used a LOT of frosting: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2007887072898&l=2ae68a59a0
I’m still having trouble getting the sides really smooth. My dollar store baking pans have sloped sides and interfere with stacking.
I have but both times they came out fairly lopsided and struggling with even layers. Thanks for the tips!
I have made a simple layer cake quite a few times. However, they were not very pretty.
I appreciate all of these tips on how to deal with the issues, especially the layer with crumbs and then the real layer.
I would love one of the cake carousels. What a great way to make things easier!
My sister is a baker, and does such fabulous things. What a great tool!
I have tried layer cakes in the past, and have never been very successful. Either the layers are too thick, too thin or uneven. They tasted great…just didn’t look too good!
After reading your tips, I am anxious to give it another try!
Yes!! My Favorite!!
I love cake! I’ve made lots of layer cakes…and have used many of your tips. I especially liked a raspberry truffle tuxedo cake I found on the web. The rotating cake stand makes a big difference…also, chilling the cakes and the crumb cake.
I totally have! My max is 3 layers, though!
Thanks for the good tips. I tend not to do layer cakes because I have trouble with all the crumbs but will try again.
Yes, I have! Not one as pretty as yours. . .thanks for the giveaway and tutorial!
I make layer cakes all the time. I had a mother who made layers cakes for birthdays. I still use her mother’s recipes and my mom’s 8 inch cake pans. Nothing says special occasions or birthday like a beautiful layer cake.
I have made many layer cakes in the past. I tend to do more fondant cakes so I am rusty with working with frosting decorations. I always get inspiration from your cakes when working with frosting!
I have made many of layered cakes, but I never level them and it definitely shows in the finished product.
Yes I have made a few not my favorite to make and you can tell!
It’s been a loooong time since I made a layer cake, but I was inspired by your rose cakes and was going to make one for my best friend’s birthday this weekend. But lo and behold – she requested my banana pudding instead of cake. Oh well. I would especially love the cake leveler since that has always been my weakness in producing straight cakes. Thanks for the giveaway.
Never, I’m too intimidated!
I have! They look so awesome when cut
Yep, but 2 layers has been my limit!
I have a couple times, but they are alway lopsided messes.
Yes! But they are never as even as yours…
I’ve made a few layer cakes, but haven’t yet been ambitious enough to try with more than 2 layers. I’ll definitely have to remember to try the crumb coat next time, I always get too hasty and just do the cake as is
I have made a layer cake and I’ve had them fall. Nothing more horrible than watching your creation fall apart right in front of you.
Yes! But I need more practice!!
Yes, I make them all the time–especially for my family on their birthdays!
I have made layer cakes before. My biggest problem is getting the layers even and level. I am not the most patient when it comes to being fiddly and just rush it.
I have never made one, but definitely want to some day. Thanks for the tips!
I have made a couple of layer cakes before- a tiered mountain cake with a train track around it for my sons 2 birthday, and a simple white bridal shower cake. This is a great compilation of tips, and I would love to have your fancy tools! I will be pinning this for future reference
I’ve made a few, but they never turn out right. I’m too excited to wait for them to cool down enough!
I do make them on occasion — think they’d be a lot easier with your tools! Thanks for doing the giveaway!
I have attempted to make layers cakes many times. Mine always seem to turn out lopsided. Practice, practice, practice is in no doubt the answer. And don’t give up!
I have made many over the years, but I must confess that I avoid having to as much as possible! They turn out okay, but it just is more work to frost layers and make them look presentable. I love your tip about refrigerating or freezing the layers first and adding a crumb coat….I am going to try that next time!! Thanks!
I have made a 2 layer cake which tasted better than it looked! Now I want to try again.
I made one and made my mother frost it! I’m deathly afraid of doing frosting wrong!
No, I have never! Too chicken to. =P
I’ve made several and thank God they tasted amazing, because they looked so sad!
Yes, but it wasnt great… I REALLY want to try your beautiful neapolitan cake! Love it.
I have (attempted) to make a layer cake before. It wasn’t pretty…
I have made tons! I love all your ideas! I used your roses on a 5oth anniversary cake (along with the vertical ribbons) and it turned out great! Thank you so much for all your tips! I would love to share my pictures with you!
Hi Amanda.. I love love love the chocolate cake you made here.. I have made only 2 layer cakes..but using a knife and they aren’t nearly as perfect as yours. I guess I need a cake leveler…I made a 1/2 sheet 2 layer cake for my daughter’s birthday party, but I baked two 1/2 sheet cakes and then layered them.. thanks for the giveaway!
Yes – only 2 layers though!
I’ve made quite a few, but nothing too fancy. These tools would be a huge help!
I tried using a knife to cut the layers, but they all turned out uneven. My family still loved it though!
I have made one, but it didn’t turn out very pretty.
I’ve made a few layer cakes. The last one I made turned out pretty good, but I cut my layer too high up. Call me crazy but sometimes I think layer cakes are easier than cupcakes lol.
The tallest I’ve made was 6 layers. With fresh strawberries in between the 2 halves [3 layers]. It was for a bunco night and it was delicious.
Yes I have made a layered cake….No it was NOT as amazing as yours! I attempted to create a rose layered cake for my daughters birthday…it was nice but not gorgeous as yours are. I made the roses a rainbow pattern as my daughter loves rainbows. These tips would have helped my poor little cake
LOL 
Yes! They are so much fun and very festive!
Yes, and it’s usually a failure! One of my husband’s birthday cakes is still referred to as “The Butt Cake” because the top layer cracked down the middle. -_-
I have made layer cakes before but, they never turn out straight…it is very frustrating. Thanks for the tips…I will freeze my cakes before putting them together.
I have made a layer cake. I am getting better with practice. There is nothing better than making a layer cake for somebody special!
I’ve made a layered cake slightly followed this routine
I love making layered cakes! I do and find that I learn every time. My cakes are usually “works in progress”. LOL
There’s nothing better than a layer cake! I’ve made lots of them!
I have made a layer cake before. I think the Neapolitan one should be next on my list.
Yup, it was kind of a fail.
I make a mean red velvet and italian cream. I love icing and it helps hide the cake layer flaws so it’s win-win to me
)
I do make layer cakes, but they are always uneven. I will try the tip on freezing ahead of time!
yes…many times…the latest was a blue velvet cake for my son’s graduation (blue and white is his school’s colors.
I’ve made layer cakes before, but don’t think I’ve done any of the things you mention here, and I think it shows!
I have made a few……. And if I may say so myself, they were actually pretty nice!!
I have made quite a few but my last one was rushed and did indeed fall apart in my hands. I was so upset but my family tried to eat it anyway, insisting that it was still good.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=4027116809660&set=a.3792276658803.2150350.1633755853&type=1&theater
here’s my wilton course one ‘final’ cake. i was trying so hard to get the frosting level and i didn’t quite make it. i need clearly need more practice, lol.
I make them as often as i can. I like that the frosting can hide all the “problems.”
I made one in a cake decorating class. Let’s just say I wasn’t an “A” student!
I work mostly with cookies, but lately I’ve really been interested in learning how to make and decorate cakes, too. This was a great beginners tutorial! Thank you!
Oh, I’ve made them, but none that look as beautiful as yours! Love this tutorial AND the chance to win. Fingers crossed!
This article is perfect timing as I’m making a layer cake this week! And I’ve made them before for a few birthdays/office events- once with Nutella in between layers, yum- but erred on the simple side of things so I’m glad you’re sharing your knowledge
i have, a few times. but they haven’t come out all that great. need to try it again with your tips. thanks!!!
I made a layer cake for my friend’s birthday one year. She wasn’t going to have a party so I threw one for her! The cake was pretty lopsided, but we smothered it in buttercream icing and it tasted fantastic!
Yes, but it came out uneven. Very excited to have found your website. The tutorial was very helpful so now I can’t wait to make my next cake!
I’ve made a layer cake with yummy buttercream… never as pretty as ones that you make!
Your tools would sure help!
I sure have! I made the chocolate covered cherry layer cake from your blog
. Loads of fun and it turned out great!
Yup, but I have the worst time with crumb coats!
I made a layer cake this weekend for my son’s birthday. I wish I had read this first.
I used to watch my Grandmother bake cakes and even attended classes with her. She made her first layer cake when I was twelve and it was my Uncle’s wedding cake. So beautiful. I have made many layer cakes and each time I pull out my Grandmother’s cake pan’s and remember how she used to love to make those layer cakes.
Yes, but mine have never looked as good as yours!!
I have made just a couple of layer cakes, my first one being a 13-layer cake for my nephew’s 13th birthday!
I LOVE making layer cakes. I enjoy eating them even more!
My most recent layer cake (finished yesterday!) was for a wedding! It was a three-tier cake, each comprised of 4 layers filled with a raspberry buttercream and iced with vanilla buttercream in shades of blue, and a design piped in black, resembling the couple’s invitation artwork. Would love to share a photo!
I love making layer cakes! I made Smitten Kitchen’s triple layer chocolate peanut butter cake for this weekend…I dream about that recipe!
I’ve made layer cakes but its never looked neat like yours… oh and i’m definitely going to try to make all those tiny layers.. just hope my cake doesn’t fall off one side…
I’ve made a layer cake before.
We love cake, so I’ve made many layer cakes. They are never very pretty, though, so I’m definitely going to take your advice ad try again.
This is one of the times I wish I was living in the US, so I could participate in your awesome giveaways.
I’ve made only one layer cake so far, and it was far from perfect; but it looked and tasted fine enough.
I definitely want to practice more.
I’ve made both two and three layer cakes, though mine never come out looking that good! I do a lot of cheating – sprinkle coconut over the sides, top with lots of chocolate shavings, etc. Anything to look like I have a clue what I’m doing
I’ve made lots of simple 2 layer cakes, but my most memorable cake was a 3 layer cake that I made for a friend’s baby shower. I didn’t refrigerate the mousse filling long enough and after I decorated the cake all the layers slid off.
I have made several layer cakes but my issue is always getting the cake layers the same height! Also I always frost the sides before the top…maybe that’s why I am never happy with my frosting job!!!1
yes, I’ve made lots of two layers cakes. I’ve never attempted more than 2 layers. I would say my layer cakes are “ehh”. The biggest problem is that I never knew one should chill the cake after the crumb coat.
I’ve only made a couple layer cakes but my best one was this past fourth of july with red, white and blue layers. Your tips are soo helpful though and will definately keep them in mind, especially refridgerating the cake.
YES! And my cakes didn’t look like yours! These tips are priceless. Thank you for this post!!!
I have made a bunch, but they always come out lopsided. I think it’s because of my oven. I don’t want to waste any cake so i just turn the other layer and place it on top of the first layer to “even it out” and for the top, i try to trim as little off as I can. If the cake tends to crumble (because I’m not so patient when it comes to the cooling process), I just place frosting on that cake and reassemble the crumbles. In the end, my cake is slightly lopsided or sometimes not lopsided at all if I get luicky, but still pretty enough to eat haha! Thanks for the giveaway!
I have made a layer cake, but these rules and tools would definitely help with my next attempt!
Oh yes, I love making layer cakes!
Recently, and struggle with getting it leveled. These tools would be awesome!
Wow – I would really love to have a rotating cake stand. I have made layer cakes. I like to think they were beautiful in their imperfection.
I have made my share of layer cakes, and while they taste good, they are certainly NO where near as beautiful as your cakes. I will definitely use your tips and techniques when making my next cake. Thanks for the awesome information.
I love making layer cakes, especially using your tutorials for decorating!
I have made quite a few and still read all your tips and learned some new ones. Never have my cakes cold before I assemble but that is a great idea.
I’m the birthday cake maker where I work, everyone picks out their choice of cake for their b-day. I could really use some cake making tools!!!
I have – it was *reasonably* successful.
i have not made one yet
Um once….. is was interesting looking
YES, YES, YES! Love layer cakes!
No, but I really want to! However, i don’t have the tools/pans to make one.
Oh yeah, I’ve made quite a few layer cakes in my day.
I sure have and I love them because you get so much MORE icing with layer cakes. Most of the time they turn out OK, but I’ve have a few “leaners.” Thank you for the chance.
I actually have been meaning to email you all week, I made my Dad’s wedding cake last week, I have done layered cakes before, but this was my first stacked cake so leveling was important and I made it with your rose cake tutorial, came out beautiful, will e-mail you a picture soon!
I don’t usually make traditional looking layer cakes, but I have made many layer cakes that I later carve for my kids’ birthdays. It gets easier each time, especially once you find the perfect recipes.
I do make cakes. Typically I make 2-layer cakes but I recently made a 2-tier cake for the first time each cake had 2 layers. It was for my parent’s 30th Anniversary Party. I also made a 5-layer ombre cake just this weekend for a friend’s bridal shower. I’m so inspired by your tiny layers. I may have to do some baking soon!
Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
Not really a baker, but the desire to learn is there, which is how I found your blog many months ago.
Yes, but not quite as nice looking
I’m new to your blog, but I love, love, love your tutorials! The only problem is finding a reason to make a cake, because I really shouldn’t eat the whole thing myself!
I make layer cakes several times a year I’d say, although my method is more of a combination of smashing into submission while sobbing over a glass of wine…it’s a method though
Some turn out better than others, and I usually camouflage it by picking designs which do not rely on a perfectly round, layered or iced version…
The copious amounts of frosting are another key piece to my method…the more the merrier and allows for easier adjustments of the layers.
too bad I can’t crumple my comment to increase my odds of getting “picked”…finger crossing will just have to suffice….
Love the post and tips! Will definetely keep checking back!
Amy
I’ve made dozens in my lifetime…. some definitely better than others haha! I never chill my cakes though, I will have to start trying that!
I’ve made many layer cakes,mbut those tools would certainly come in handy.
I have not yet tried making a layer cake. I keep dreaming up fillings but haven’t tried it.
All of my cakes are layer cakes. Go big or go home! Seriously, tho, I do prefer a layer cake for prettiness over a sheet cake. Thanks for the giveaway.
I have made a few level cakes, but I still need help perfecting my leveling and icing. Thanks for the chance to win.
Yes I have made layer cakes but it was not a professional job, just baking 2 cakes and putting some frosting in between. I love to bake and would like the stuff I bring into work to look more put together.
I’ve built plenty of layered cakes! The most recent was for a friend’s birthday in which I entitled “What Zombies Eat For Lunch.” It turned out pretty gruesome, but tasted deeeeelish! :]
http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/553614_4415527304270_1899464631_n.jpg
I have made many layer cakes. After the cake has cooled about 10 minutes in the pan, I trim the top off while it is still in the pan (no matter what cake pans I use, it still rises higher in the center), using a large bread knife. My family then has “cake tops” to munch on–they don’t last long.
I have made many cake with flips and flops! I love all aspects of baking (even the flops) My biggest dream is to take classes.
I love making layer cakes. they’re always domed though.. but still taste good!
My last layer “cake” was a boston cream crepe cake! I should have chilled it… it slumped over right before the final piece- the chocolate ganache… It still tasted delicious, but looked terrible!
I have made a layer cake. Usually only for my daughter’s birthdays, and they look like you’d expect from someone who doesn’t know how to do it. A little saggy and sloppy. Ha! Thank you for the tips and the awesome giveaway!
I have not made a layer cake before but your tutorial really makes me want to! I will probably be heading to Michaels’s this weekend to look for supplies
Thanks!
I had never made layered cakes until I had children. Now I make cakes for each of their birthdays and their parties…and I normally make layered cakes.
My favorites to date are probably a Superhero Cake my husband and I collaborated on together and a 4-layer hot pink, light pink, light turquoise, deep turquoise cake I made for my daughter’s vintage birthday party. 
I have made several layer cakes… though I need LOTS more practice before I can show them to anyone other than family!!!
I have made a few in my time but never anything that could remotely be considered a show piece. I definitely would love to try the leveler!
I made layer cakes often with different filing
Andreja
I have been baking homemade layered cakes for awhile now trying to look for new think to prefect my decorate skills adding need designs and different thing to it that is not store bought. Red Velvet and mandine orange cake is my family favorites cakes
I did made a layered cakes. I usually do it by using simple thread to level my cake
Would love to win this giveaway though
I have made a layer cake! I’m still trying to perfect my skills – I have trouble getting it really smooth -I always have some sort of line in the sides…Thanks for this tutorial though – the turntable is a great place to start i think -as I don’t have one yet
I’ve made several layer cakes…still waiting for the day i finally get the frosting smooth!
I’ve made one. Of course now that I’ve read this, it will be a LOT easier.
)
I’ve made layer cakes, but with out the leveler – That sure would come in handy !
I never made a layer cake
but now I want to!
I have indeed!
I’ve made a lot of layer cakes. None near as wonderful as yours
Yes! Layer cakes are my favorite thing to bake! A layer cake can make any day festive!
LOVE layer cakes but my husband isn’t a fan so i don’t make them all that often! thanks for the great tips!
I have never made a layer cake. I was checking web looking a cake ideas for a co-worker’s up coming birthday. Thanks for the tips, I’ll be attempting a layer cake very soon.
Yes, but unfortunately not many look as lovely as yours. The proper equipment would help.
Layer cakes are just one of my weaknesses. As are gobs of homemade frosting whipped to creamy perfection. I find myself planning get-togethers as an excuse to whip up yet another.
Thanks for a great giveaway!
That chocolate cake looks scrumptious! I make layer cakes but I have to try my hand at the multi layer chocolate-wish me luck!
I make layer cakes but I will have to try my hand at that multi layer chocolate. Wish me luck!
My favorite to make is a poppy seed layer cake that does not involve having to frost it!
Yes and it ended terribly!
I have made a few layer cakes, but it seems that I’m only successful when coconut is involved. *convenient coincidence!
I made a two layer cake for July 4th to look like a watermelon. I put food coloring in the cake to make it pink along with chocolate chips to look like the seeds. For the icing I used canned icing but I took watermelon jello mix and put it in the icing to make it taste like watermelon. I then iced the top with pink icing and the sides with green icing and put chocolate chips on top to look like seeds.
I’ve only made one or two before, and they were tasty but definitely not leveled or pretty!
Dang not being an US resident!
Yes! I just finished taking Wilton Course 1 cake decorating class and can’t wait to practice using your tips. Thank you for passing these along!
I have never made a layer cake, I am studying up for my first one! Can’t wait.
I’ve, um, tried to make a layer cake. Several times, in fact. I guess technically the end result was still a layer cake, but it definitely didn’t turn out the way I wanted it to! Mine always seem to end up lopsided, and my frosting techniques still need work. Oh well, practice makes perfect, right?
At least they still tasted good!
I love making layer cakes! It’s so much fun to do for any occasion! Oddly enough, I don’t particularly like eating cake (I know, weird) so I only make them for other people.
I have made a few layers cakes, not as pretty as yours but I’m having fun practicing!
I make layer cakes all the time….the hardest part is finding space in my tiny fridge to chill it properly without bumping it into anything.
I made a 3 layer strawberry cake a few years ago. It was not as beautiful as yours, but everyone seemed to like it. Will have to try again with your tips. Thanks for the chance!
I have made plenty. Mostly lopsided and crumby. Good information . I will try again
Here is the sad, sad truth. I have only made three layer cakes in my 32 years of life…
Once when I was 15 – I used a Martha Stewart recipe for a chocolate cake with raspberries and cream, and it was great! The other times were for my kids’ “birthday cakes” (when I only had two kids, making them their own special little cakes to decorate on their actual birthday was a tradition, but now that I have four… Well…).
I am a cupcake maker, a bundt cake maker, a cobbler maker… I need to branch out. I love and ooh and aah at all of the lovely layer cakes out there.
I have made layered cakes, but not nearly as neat and pretty as the cakes you have featured. Back to the drawing board again.
I’m making my sister’s wedding cake next week! I’m definitely enjoying the practice!
Layer cakes are fun I’ve improved over the years but have a long way to go.
I have made a layered cake before, but I really need the cake leveler!!
I made my first layer cake when my sister and I took a cake decorating class at JoAnn Fabrics.
I have not made a layer cake, but it is on my 31 while 31 list!
Ooh! These tips are quite helpful. The last cake I made was a flag cake decorated as a white rose cake, and that was the first time I’d used a leveler. But I definitely need more cake pans. I’ve been working with some old ones that have removable bottoms, and they’re not as convenient as one would like to think…
Yes, I make layer cakes often, but could use some better tools for sure!
I love cake but never seem to get them as pretty as I want them…..but practice makes perfect!
I made a rainbow layer cake using this type of technique. It was only a four layer because I was afraid to go more. It was actually easier than I thought it would be and now Im itching to make some more
Thanks for all the helpful techniques Amanda!
I made an enormous red velvet cake for thanksgiving, but leveling the layers is not something I even thought of at the time. So it was very wonky. But delicious!
I have made several layer cakes. None that were gorgeous however. I’m good with flavor, still working on the pretty part.
I have made many layer cakes, some level, and yet, some were not.
I have – a rainbow “cookie” cake. Very hard to make even layers, though. Great tips!
I’m 18 and going to culinary school for baking and pastry arts and just got my first cupcake baking job for a 40th birthday party. I’m going to focus, for now, on smaller sized desserts – cupcakes, cakepops, mini tarts, mini bundts and mini layer cakes.
Your blog is great and has so much inspiration; thanks!
I’ve made a couple layered cakes, one just last night for my friends birthday. hah. i was wishing i had a rotating cake stand the entire time i was trying to frost the thing.
I have made a couple layer cakes. I am still new at making cakes, so they don’t come out as beautifully as yours do. I love your cake leveler! I’m going to try chilling my layers and the cake after crumb coating…i’m sure my cakes will turn out better.
I’ve made a layer cake but my biggest issues are getting the cake level and making super smooth icing. These tips will sure help me out!
I have — generally, plenty of frosting and some candy on top satisfy the folks who eat them. I’m blessed with a bunch that’s far from picky!
I attempted to make a Tiramasu cake for Valentines Day. I just had to eye ball the layers
I have made a few layer cakes, but without the proper tools they never turn out as pretty as yours…the favorite is a vanilla chocolate chip cake with peanut butter frosting.
HAH umm yes, I have. I made a Rainbow layer cake…I made a rainbow layer cake that I decided surely I needed pretty much a full cake batter for each colour of the rainbow…and then when I finished assembling realized the cake was over a foot tall.
I have problems.
I’ve made a few, but it’s been difficult without a rotating cake stand!
I’ve made two layered cakes in my life… 1st one, (many moons ago) came out quite lopsided and I became very discouraged. Then just this year I made one for my birthday, a Purple Ombre 4 layer cake. I discover the “Crumb Coat”!!… cake still came out lopsided but the Crumb coat hid all the flaws!!! Yeay! Too bad the cake recipe wasn’t as tasty. Next one will be from a box! (I’ll be sure to post my purple birthday cake!)
Going to try the Towel tip you mentioned! Thank you sharing all your beautiful work!!
Yes! I’ve made several fun ones and am excited to post a picture! Although I don’t know how to pick which one was the best!
Yes I have… and you could tell I had no idea what I was doing. It was fairly topsy turvy.
Does it count if it only had two layers? I’ve made plenty of those but not as pretty as yours have been.
I have made several layer cakes, all pretty much the wrong way, but I am reformed. Acutally, I am quite excited to make one now that I have these great tips!
Thanks for the opportunity
I’ve made a few layer cakes, but I never seem to make enough frosting to do in betweens, a crumb coat and and actual decorative frosting. Seriously! Also, how the heck do you have enough space in a freezer on a regular basis to get an entire cake and stand in there?
Never made one, always been too intimidated at the thought of it, but would love to start!
I’ve made layer cakes… Or at least I’ve tried. They’re never pretty, but they usually taste good.
Yup. I’ve made a bunch… started with my daughter’s 1st b-day cake. I’m still trying to perfect my stacking… I’m not consistent. Bubble straws? SPS? So many choices.
I have made several layer cakes but thankfully my daughter is only 7 and hasn’t been picky, yet. This year, though, she wants a rainbow layer cake… ALL 7 colors… and your giveaway would help tremendously!
I’ve made a few layer cakes – I think my best was the layered Snitch cake I made for a friends birthday. Working with a rounded cake was new. I’m still not crash hot at making even layers, I would love the cake leveler!
Oh yes I have made many but have so much room for improvement, like making things easier. All these things would really help! Question……do you press the cake when its still in the pan or after you take it out and what does it do? I just love you and your blog!!!!!
While its still hot and in the pan!
Love you too Kelly!!!
Over the years, I’ve made many layer cakes. Many of them have sunk in the middle! And I’m always misjudging how much icing to put in the middle!
I’ve never made a cake with more than two layers. Yours look so yummy though that I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to try making one with more layers!
I have made a few layer cakes this one was for my sons wedding.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=126099050799522&set=a.100893089986785.1387.100001982823545&type=3
Yes, a few…with mixed results.
Yes! Sometimes that’s exactly what you need. There is nothing as stunning as a good layer cake.
Oh goodness, so many layer cakes as a kid. My mom kinda let me do whatever with them — though she did teach me how to use that floss leveler thing. lol! They all looked so silly, but I’m glad I got the practice. Now that I’m older, I tend to make cupcakes more often because I remember how hard it was to get layer cakes right. This tutorial is definitely going to be used.
I’ve made a layer cake, but NEVER made a pretty one. Freezing sounds like an important thing to try next time.
The only layer cakes I make are for my kids’ birthday cakes so I’m getting better slowly. Twice a year isn’t enough practice.
I have made several layer cakes before. My favorite is a 4 layer carrot cake!!!
I have made a layered cake! In fact, a couple of times. The last time I made one I was pretty much muttering at myself for not buying a rotating cake stand!
I love making cakes. Especially tall ones with lots of layers!!
I have made quite a few layered cakes but love the detailed step by step instructions! Even though I’ve made many cakes before i still found myself reading your post and looking forward to trying some of your tips!
I love making layer cakes!! They don’t look as fabulous as yours!
I have made a layer cake! It was a disaster, but now I know how. Thanks for the info.
I recently made 3 layer cakes for 3 friends’ birthdays: a carrot cake, a chocolate ganache salted caramel cake, and a vanilla blackcurrant cake. The coolest one was the vanilla one since I made each layer a different shade of purple, so it was a purple ombre cake! Check it out on my blog here: http://cynthesizingfood.wordpress.com/2012/08/08/q-how-do-you-impress-a-master-cake-baker-a-with-a-purple-ombre-cake/
I’ve made a layer cake, but the most I’ve done is 3 layers.
I’ve made layer cakes. The last one, while a hit with my coworkers, was such a mess. I couldn’t find my cake stand so I threw it in an oversized pie plate making it incredibly difficult to frost. I made up for the sloppy frosting by throwing sanding sugar all over it. It was the ugliest, tastiest cake ever.
Oh yes! And enjoying every moment of it
I baked 2 cakes yesterday. Well I iced them yesterday – baked day before. I practice frequently and I feel like I got the leveling down. I use a toothpick technique that I read about. It works quite well. Time consuming though so I would love to get one of these levelers to speed up the assembly process!
I almost always make layer cakes when I bake…especially for birthdays and holidays! Very time consuming for me but always worth it in the end!
Yes, I make them often, most of the time a layered version of strawberry shortcake, or a good rich chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. yum!
I have made three layered cakes in my life. I can’t say that they were very even. More like tilted messes. But they tasted great!
I have and used the rose technique that you have shown on your website for the frosting. Unfortunately, I got a little carried away with the number of layers and ended up having some balance issues.
My eyes were bigger than my cake stand!!
I’ve made a few two-layer cakes before, but I’ve definitely had some of these tools on my wish list for awhile so that they will come out looking better! Thanks for the tutorial!
I made my first 2 tier fondant cake last weekend. It turned out great. The only thing is hours later at the party, the top layer fell over. What could I have done to prevent this from happening?
I love making layer cakes. Nothing fancy, but I love to use lots of frosting!
I do make layer cakes from time to time, but nothing like yours! My most successful one was a pink lemonade cake from the May BHG. Most are semi-disastrous though
I have made a few. But only when I started reading here did I start to really understand the importance of a crumb coat. And I made a vertical cake for Easter and it was a big hit. Thanks!!
i have made several for friends birthdays but they always have a crown in the middle …
I’m embarrassed to say that my layer cake expertise does not go beyond one of those easy-bake oven type of contraptions from the early 90′s! While I bake a lot now, I’m a bit intimidated by making a layer cake for fear that it will be a horrible disaster!
I’ve never made a layer cake, but I’m dying to try!
Yep, made a layer cake before. But, mine aren’t quite as pretty as yours!
Yes, but I’ll have to try one now that I know about crumb coating!
I’ve made layer cakes a couple of times but never without major mistakes and issues. Thanks for the tips!
Yes, but none were as picture perfect as yours. Thanks for the Tips. I’m going to have to try and make the Neoplolitan cake, it’s beautiful.
I have made a few, but they never come out looking quite right.
My preacher’s wife gave me her mother’s recipe for red velvet cake. I used the recipe to make a layer with whipped cream cheese frosting; I tinted two parts of the icing vintage red & light blue to make an antique red, white, & blue themed cake. I used a 1M tip to make roses on the cake. The cake was beautiful and everyone at church loved it for our fourth of july dinner.
I have also made a layer cake using white cake mix with homemade strawberry preserves between layers topped with homemade whipped cream icing.
I have made many layer cakes but none as beautiful as yours!
I’ve made layer cakes before. Wish I were better at decorating them though! First time I’ve been to your blog and it’s lovely!
I have make layer cakes since I was 7 years old. I’m now 68. Although I’ve been happy with my cakes and thought they looked lovely and tasted fine — yours take the cake! Love chocolate cake with whipped cream/cream cheese frosting. Easy peasy. I have several methods for making sure the cake is level and also for slicing one layer into two layers. (Just use a thread. Wrap around, then pull. Perfect every time.) Never bought a rotating cake turner whatjmacallit. Love one of those.
i have made layer cakes but i still need practice, thanks for the tips.
I’ve made a layer cake only once before and it was tiny (4 inches!)
I can’t wait to try making an ombre layered rose cake using all your helpful tips and tutorials!
I love making cakes. I think the most difficult layer cake I made was my bestie’s wedding cake. It was a HUGE red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting. The thing took me three days to make and ice! The hardest part was icing the cake – it was summer and my house was HOT. The frosting kept on melting as I was putting it on, it was a mess. Fortunately I had an extra fridge that I was able to empty out (I even took out the shelves! That’s how big this cake was!) and use exclusively for the cake. It was fun, but I don’t think I will be making another wedding cake unless I’ve got a commercial kitchen at my disposal!
I am a total layer cake failure. The last one I attempted ended in tears. Delicious, eat with a fork-straight-from-the-platter-at-3am tears.
i’ve never made a layer cake…but now, i feel like i could!
I have made layer cakes. I have made them for my kids over the years and my little sister just asked me to try her wedding cake. YIPEEE!
Yes. I haVe done a rainbow layered cake for my children’s birthday and a three layer pastel Easter cake. I love doing them. So colorful and fun.
I have made a two layer cake. But that doesn’t really count! I would LOVE to make one of these prettier layer cakes, just to impress the eaters!
i never have and my lack of equipment is precisely why!
I’ve made several layer cakes, but I have a hard time making it level. Yours are so beautifully perfect!
I have made lots and lots of layer cakes. Leveling the cakes and getting a smooth top coat are both the bane of my existence!
i never have… but i’d really like to try to!
Yes but it was pretty sloppy looking and maybe a little crooked! Nothing as beautiful as yours!
It was a chocolate cake with a unique (to me) frosting with chocolate chips and a boiled butter added then whipped to a yummy deliousness.
Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Yes, cake is my favorite!
Yes, I do make layer cakes. Could always use new tools though.
I have only made a layer cake once and it was a Peanut Butter, Banana, and Bacon cake for Elvis’s birthday. It was delicious but you could definitely tell that I didn’t know what I was doing! Would love to try it again with the right tools!
Yes I have made a couple layer cakes, but they usually end up a bit lopsided. Thanks for the tips!
Yes I have made layer cakes but find them intimidating – recently for my 7 yo’s birthday, she requested a cake decorating party. we made 16 layers for doubling and decorating amongst her friends. It was a great success!
I have. But they aren’t as pretty as yours. Hopefully one day!
I have never made a layer cake! Recently I decided I wanted to take a cake decorating class . However, due to lack of funds, I had to cancel. Anyway love your blog and I am a new follower
!
Making layer cake is my favorite. Your cakes are so pretty. I love them .
I have! I don’t like much frosting so I only put on a thin layer, which makes things more difficult because all of my mistakes really stand out.
I’ve made several layer cakes, in fact I’m making one today for my daughter’s 1st birthday! Love your tips. Hopefully it will go a bit smoother this time!
I enjoy making a layer cake every once in a while. You are right it takes practice!!
I love your pictures! Yes, I’ve made many horribly ugly layer cakes.
I Love layered cakes, but really have to be in the mood to frost them!
I have done one it….but I didn’t take a picture and I used your rose cake tutorial for the outside decorating that I did take a picture of! =)
I’ve made layer cakes before, but I don’t have any of the right tools, so it never looks perfect! As long as it tastes good, no one complains!
The really tall layer cake that has super thin layers looks like really cool!!
Yes, but I’ve made the mistake of not chilling the cake after applying the first layer and the cake ended up sloping…but was still delish!
I have. I wish I could bake more but people seem to ask for cookies a lot more often. I need to start doing them for myself!
I recently got a job at a bakery in a small local grocery store. I’m not trained to be a cake decorator just yet, but I’m going through the training right now. I’ve watched the other decorators do layer cakes and I always wondered how they did it, and thanks to this post: I know how to too!!! I plan on trying this out as soon as I get home!
I have made them. My way to make them flat is to turn the top cake upside down. HAH. Not all that stable but worked for me. And I have never gone for beauty but your website has inspired me! Thanks!
yep. They’re not fancy, but I make them. Would love to try to do more in the future!
Yes…but only your typical 2 layer…would love to do one w/ more!
I’ve never made a layer cake before, but I can’t wait! I’m already dreaming up a rich red velvet with cream cheese frosting, bright lemon with vanilla bean frosting, or my dream cake: smooth layers of white cake filled with fluffy whipped cream frosting and LOTS of fresh raspberries. Yum!
I tried to make a layer cake for the first time several months ago. I obviously couldn’t be normal and just make a damn layer cake, i had to make a layer cake with gradually increasing colors. The colors sort of worked, but I didn’t spend any time chilling or leveling it so I sort of had the blue edible tower of pizza instead. At least it was small, lol!
Thanks for the chance to enter.
Court
Yes, I have made a few layer cakes and your tips are definitely helpful! I’ve made a 1/2 sheet, 4 layer pool party cake, a 3 layer James Bond Casino Royale cake, and a 3 tiered, 3 layered 30th Birthday celebration cake.
I have and my first few attempts were disastrous. But after trying your tip of chilling the cake layers and the crumb coated cake, my relationship with layer cakes has made a full recovery
My mom is a wonderful cake maker – mine however do not come out as well as hers. However, I do have her buttercream recipe and it is SUPER delish, and I am not sharing it!
I do put lots of icing between my cakes too!
I tried for the first time earlier this month. It did not turn out well but it tasted great! I am planning on trying a second time in the near future.
Yes I have made a layer cake! But nothing ever as beautiful as yours!!
I have never tried to make a layer cake. You are a baker, I am not. LOL
I would love to spend a day cooking with you! I made a layer cake once…twas an interesting experience.
Yes, I have! I recently made one that looked and tasted like watermelon! I got the idea from Pinterest! So much fun!
I’ve tried making a 4 layer mini rainbow cake for my 4 year old’s birthday party and didn’t have any of the right tools. it was a little (a lot) lopsided but edible. would love the chance to make my cakes half as pretty as yours!
I’ve never made one. But I’ll try when I win the supplies
i have , could have been better!
Yes I have made a couple, but that set would make it so much easier!
I make layer and checked board cakes about 4 times a yr and I love making them too,they are a work of art to get it even.
I love baking layered cakes- but it’s a lot of work! And I think your skills are far superior to mine
My last layered cake was for my sister-in-law… A 3 layered chocolate cake with raspberry buttercream between the layers, chocolate frosting on the outside, ganache drizzled on the top and running down the sides, and a layer of raspberry preserves on top. And then decorated with more chocolate frosting and fresh raspberries on top!
I love making layer cakes. Not that I’m any good at decorating. I just hope for the best or coat the outside if I can’t get it pretty.
I’ve made a layer cake before, but like you said, the crumb coat can hide a lot of the imperfections. Most times I do end up with that roundness across the top but I usually combat that by doing some kind of fun icing design- all of which I’ve learned from this blog!
When I was growing up, my mom always made the same jello iced sheet cake for birthdays. I dreamed of just once having a standard round layer cake like people on TV had. So now I always make layer cakes! And I love em!!!
Yes I have made a layer cake. I took cake decorating last year and had a great time. I was awful at it. We made a ‘bridal shower’ cake with filling it. I forgot my camera that night so didn’t get a px of it. When I opened the car door, the cake slide. It landed upside down on the pavement.:( I reached down and took a bite of the apricot filling.
When I was 12 mom let me make a 7 layer cake with blue frosting. It was a bit crooked but my girlfriends and I had a great time creating it. Aug 10 I will be 60. No 7 layer cake for me this time.
Bonnie Rogal
I have most definitely made a layer cake before! Every year for my daughter’s birthday! These tools would really help!
I love making layer cakes. The best ones I like to make have “surprises” inside, like a rainbow of layers or an american flag for Independence day.
Yes but I’m not super good at making them.
I have made many layer cakes, but I really love the neapolitan layered one in this blog post!! Thanks for the opportunity!!
I made ONE layer cake… and it was very obvious I had no clue what I was doing!!
I made your rise cake for my daughters birthday and it was wonderful. Thank you for the inspiration
I have never made one but this makes me want to try!
I am trying to remember the last time I made a cake that wasn’t a layer cake!
I have made layer cakes but these tools would be so helpful.
I tried making one and it turned out horribly. I apparently had the wrong recipe for icing and it slipped and went everywhere. One day! I will try again!
I have made a layer cake before, but it didn’t turn out anywhere near as gorgeous as these. Tasted pretty great though.
Wow, I needed this info; always had weak and wimpy ones. But now I will be girded with knowledge! Loved the Matt Redman post BTW.
Yes I have! But not nearly as nice!….probably because I dont have any of those tools! LOL
I’ve never done more than a 2 layer cake. I tried to do a 5 layer mini smash cake for my sons birthday, but the layers were too thin and just fell apart in my hands.
I’ve never made a layer cake, but if I win this grand prize, I’m sure I can make a beautiful layer cake!!
I love making layer cakes! I still have lots to learn, but the good news is that I’m improving with each cake I try.
I made a 14 layer cake for my wife’s birthday (she did help a lot), it was a lot of work, and probably not the best looking final result, but we did it!
I layer! I’ve even layered a Texas sheet cake! My decorating stand got damaged in my move. It was sad. This would cheer me up for sure.
No layer cake for me. I have wanted to do one before, but I don’t have the proper amount of pans to make it happen. This prize would be perfect!
I have made several…following none of the rules…they looked nothing like yours. I do remember the one my Grandmother made for my Dad on his birthday (which was the day my youngest brother was born). One whole side fell (she wasn’t much of a baker)…she turned the fallen side to the back and called it good!
I did years ago and I frosted it when it was still warm so the cake cracked. To this day my brothers still cackle over that cake. It was a white cake with blue frosting that created a deep cavern down the center of the cake. I’ve never made a layer cake since!
I tried before, but I was not interested in baking as much as now. Sunday is my husband birthday so I will definitely follow this steps.
I have made layer cakes. Many times my cakes split in half and I have to paste them together with icing. Usually this does not work… Haha!
Yes I have made layer cakes and I am making my first wedding cake this weekend. Hopefully it turns out like I envision it.
I love to make homemade birthday cake for my kids, they choose the design and I try to make it.
I made a massive 8 layer (tiered) cake with chocolate butterflies for my daughter and niece’s combined first birthday party. It served maybe 50 people. I couldn’t get the layer tops level so it was listing precariously to one side. It reminds me of the scene in Sleeping Beauty when one of the good fairies tried to make a 15 layer cake without magic and had to prop it up with a broom. “of course, it will be a bit stiffer once it’s baked.” she said…. It was an adorable disaster, but that birthday cake was DELICIOUS!! Pics on my Facebook page…
Yes. But i would love to try multiple layers. I tried four once but they slid around a bit. Im guessing too much filling
I love to make layer cakes and have made them, just not as pretty as most of yours!!
Once and it wasn’t very successful but you make it look really easy
)
I’ve made several cakes bc I took the wilton class I absolutely love it
I have only made one layer cake before and it was not the best. I just discovered your website today and find it to be a great inspiration. I hope to gain some valuable insight into the making of cakes!
Does it count if I have attempted to make a layered cake?! These tools would definitely help in this process!
Thank you for the opportunity to enter this drawing. You have been an inspiration to me.
Making layers right now for a princess castle cake!
I have made a layer cake and my leveler broke so I would be thrilled to win a new one!
Thank you for this tutorial. I’ve made a doberge cake which has 8 layers.
I have never really made one but I have tried!
I have . I usually do not get enough filling between the layers.. Your post has helped me!
Chilling the cake is key. I wished I had figured it out alot sooner than I did.
Why yes, I have made a layer cake. As a matter of fact, I’ve made several. But I’ve never made one with as many layers as yours, especially not with such great balanced results. That is fabulous!
Also, today’s my birthday. Just thought I’d throw that out there.
Yes…I have. This giveaway sure would make it easier the next time!!
If I’m not in a hurry and don’t forget to cut off the domed top, my cakes are pretty good. I want to win the prize though….
I make cakes every chance I get. Need a rotating pedestal!
Yes! I love to make birthday layer cakes! But can always use extra tips on perfecting them
Thanks!
I have made a layer cake, but never using the proper method. I’ve been baking more, and will definitely use these techniques.
No, I’ve never made a layer cake. Still an entry-level baker.
I made a layer cake with vanilla cake and filled with lemon curd and strawberry filling. It was so good no one noticed it was lopsided
Made my first decorated, layer cake using your Rose cake tutorial. Used a strawberry cake mix and your buttercream frosting. It was a total hit! Can’t wait to try another iambaker recipe. Keep up the great work!
I have never made a layer cake but I would love to try with these lovely items!
I have made many a layer cake. My favorite being a rose cake!
Your cakes are gorgeous! What an amazing job you do …. AND give inspiration! Thank you for sharing!
I haven’t… I’m a good cook but a miserable baker! One of my friends from elementary school had a home-made SIXTEEN layer cake for her birthday one year. It was incredible!
Yes I have made a layer cake and no, it was not very pretty! But gonna try again this weekend … thanks for the tips! =)
I have made a few…..but they….. in no way ….looked like yours! Thank you for the chance to win.
I make a layer cake every family birthday. I’ve always longed for a leveler!!
I love making layer cakes- not as beautiful as yours, but I have made rainbow layer cakes before, and a three layer orange crunch cake (omnomnom) more practice and patience and I’ll get there!!!
I have made only one layer cake ever. It was a near disaster and I had to make a 2nd batch of cake to revive it, but it was very tasty in the end.
Layered cakes are my favorite thing to make! (However, I could use some help in the decorating department!)
Inspired by your chocolate covered cherry cake I decided to make a 14 layer rainbow cake. It has been a huge hit at many parties ever since. Thank You!
I’ve made several layer cakes….. they normally end up lop-sided.
Yes, I have made layer cakes, but I have never leveled them off or had a rotating stand, but I am ready for them now!!
I have made a lot of layer cakes. They started looking much better when I learned about crumb coating.
Yes I have and would love to try a 10 or 12 layered one sometime!
Yes, I love to make layer cakes!
I’ve made a layer cake! My favorite was making the chocolate turtle cake because the layers were more than just cake
I have! Not as pretty as any of yours but I have!
I have made MANY a layer cake! Probably my favorite thing to make!
I would love this!
I’ve made lots of them. Never anything crazy or hard, but fun none the less.
It’s odd to feel like I “knew” you before. I am so excited for your success on this site. Love ya!
I have made several layer cakes. The first two turned out really well, but the latest two collapsed!
My sister and I baked our nephew a very elaborate wedding cake a few yrs. Ago. We spent about 20 hrs on it, had alot of fun and learned a few things in the process! I know for sure, we would have had much better results had we read these tips first and had these awesome tools!
Ive only made applebutter stack cakes with my granny
I need to be more careful when I make a layered cake. Yours looks awesome!
Love to make layer cakes, but I’m not very good at it yet. These tools would help
I have made a layer cake before. but it was only 2 layers. ahah
YES! I love love love layer cakes – but I don’t have a leveler! I keep on doing it the old-fashioned way: eyeballing it!
I love your blog. And yes. I have layered some cakes in my day; some good, some lopsided.
It’s so rewarding and makes one very popular ; )
My next challange will be making a layered birthday cake at a camp site over Labor Day weekend. Wish me luck!
I have made 2 and 3 layer cakes. Would like to try the thin chocolate one. Looks so good!
I love the look of the many layered cake! My max has been only 4! But I’m not done yet!!!
I have made layer cakes! Just chocolate though. Nothing as fancy as these. LOVE the neopolitan cake! Must try that somtime. I just got myself a cake leveler too. Thanks for the tip on cooling/freezing the cake, I feel kinda stupid that I never thought of that LOL!
I have made a few for the kiddos birthday but they weren’t as pretty as yours:) maybe with the right tools and a lot of practice I can make a pretty cake one day:)
I have made many layered cakes, but don’t seem to have your finesse! You are an inspiration!
Yeah, I make layer cakes a couple times a month. Usually 4 layers. I’ve taken to frosting the outside in chocolate ganache before covering with fondant – delicious!
Yes I’ve made a layer cake before but never a cake with very thin layers like this one. I am going to make sure to put this cake on my “to do” list. I hope that it will turn out even half as good as yours! I love following all your posts on FB!
You always make cakes look effortless! I have made layer cakes with mixed results. The crumb coat is really important! Thanks for all you do!!
computer issues, not sure if last comment posted but… I made a Whopper cake, first two layer cake in over a year, baked it at a lower temp to try to get cake to come out more level., in fact it did work and came out pretty good. went over well at work.
My mom was the first person to teach me how to make a layer cake. I’ve always loved making them because I had a good teacher.
Only two layers.
Yes! I’ve made several but my favorite was a six layer rainbow cake for my little sister’s graduation.
I have yet to make a layer cake, but I am very inspired to try after reading your post!
I have made far too many leaning towers of cake…
Only tried a layer cake once, turned out pretty awesome, but these new tools would definitely help!!
I’ve definitely made one, but I need a lot more practice on leveling and icing the cake.
Unfortunately, I have never made a a layer cake. I’ve been dying to try it though, but I don’t have the right tools… yet
My daughter and I took a cake decorating class this summer at the local fabric store and had a ton of fun, I just love doing filled cup cakes.
I’ve never made a layer cake – I’ve been afraid to without the right supplies! Fingers crossed that I can win and try it out!
xo Sam
“Have you ever made a layer cake?”
Why, yes I have. It’s tricky to have even thickness layers.
I love your posts.
I have made a few layered cakes-but the most layers was 3. Definately in need of more practice. This cake is beautiful!
I have only attempted to make two layer cakes. They tasted great, but did not look as good as I would of liked. I will be using a cake leveler on my future attempts!
I’ve never made a layered cake like this, but now I can’t wait to try!!
Just made a coconut cream layer cake this morning. Delicious!
Yes I have, however your tips, tricks and tools would make it a whole lot prettier:)
I absolutely love layer cakes! Only practice makes perfect though, and let me say I have had a lot of practice. There’s nothing like a showstopping mile high layer cake for birthdays and celebrations!
Yes, I have made a few layer cakes, nothing too spectacular. However, one was a “creeper” face minecraft cake for my husband’s birthday. It was pretty awesome, even if my fondant squares weren’t entirely the same sizes.
I made a rainbow cake for my daughter’s birthday last month. Small layers, but loved the surprised looks on faces when it was cut into. Totally fun cake to make!
I’ve made a layer cake once, and it definitely didn’t turn out well. That’s why I stick with cupcakes.
Yep I’ve made a layer cake. It was delicious but quite crooked, so I could definitely use more practice!
Oh heck yeah. My problem is this. I make a wicked good cake. But my decorating talents are just about zilch. Winning this would be a great help toward remedying that situation! I CAN do your roses on cupcakes though. Kinda proud of myself with that!
Yes, I do! Crumb coats are one of the best tips I ever learned.
I have made a layer cake a few times…both horizontal and vertical thanks to your awesome tutorial!
I love making layer cakes…they are so much more impressive when they are served, and not that much more work. Just this summer, I made birthday cakes for my kids, a wedding cake for my brother-in-law’s parents, and a graduation cake for my niece. They turned out not too shabby for being 3-4 tiers of layer cakes, first time! In the words of Ferris Bueller, “never had one lesson!”
YES, I have made several layer cakes. I started making rainbow cakes and then I found that one of my favorite layered cakes to make was a chocolate turtle cake. Layers of cake and ganache and caramel.. mhmm!
Yes, I have! My family isn’t too fond of frosting (tsk!), but I just love looking at cakes filled with sweet white frosting
I’ve always made cakes with two layers only. You made it so easy that makes me wanna try!
I have and lately they have been lopsided too much :/
Yes, but without the charming decorations that you have shown us!
I have made several layer cakes, many inspired by ones you have made. LOVE your cakes. So gorgeous. Can’t wait to try more!!
The most I have done is a two layer cake. I’m still starting up as a cake decorator. I have done quite a number of cakes and have a very important cake to make end of this month, our first wedding anniversary cake. It would be great if I win this set, it’ll be really helpful for me. I’m planning to make a big and a special cake for our special day.
I have! And I don’t have matching layer pans, so that did not work well. I would so use this to bless people at church with cakes!
I’ve mad a few.
I love making layered cakes! I have made them before. My favorite would be the key lime cake I made for my two fathers for Father’s day!
I have “dabbled” in making cakes for many years. My Uncle actually would pay me $1 to bake his girlfriends a birthday cake when I was just 12! (Pretty sweet deal for both of us!) I’d decorate it with the candy decorations you buy at the store. I have since taken some decorating classes and would love to do more!
I have. I made a beautiful rainbow cake a few weeks ago and am making a layer cake right now!
I have made layer cakes before, but now I can make fabulous layer cakes thanks to your great tips!
yes, I have made german chocolate layer cakes and three layer chocolate cakes…but
never as pretty as these. Thanks for the tips! Hubby makes a wonderful carrott cake and I have been trying to get him to get brave and do layer so maybe this will inspire him!
I’ve made a few but I never seem to get the frosting in between layers even. I keep trying, though!
I have made several layer cakes but have never really felt like I have mastered the process… I’m thinking it’s because I don’t have all the proper tools!
I love making layers.
Yes I have attempted to make a layered cake. Your tips and these tools would be wonderful. Would love to win.
I made a rainbow layer cake for my daughters bday that I loved!
I LOVE YOU! Thank you so much for this awesome give-away! What a treat! Love your tips here! Will be pinning it (though, I too knew all of them. It’s still a great reference!) I’ve made MANY layer cakes
Love to make layer cakes 
I’ve made different character cakes over the past 5 years and most of them have been layer cakes as well 
Yes, I’ve made lots of layer cakes. They are so elegant at birthdays and special occasions. Your cakes are stunning!
I made a layer cake for my group’s preprom dinner
I love making a layer cake. I made your patriotic cake for July 4th this year and everyone loved it!
I have made layered cakes! They always taste better than they look. My frosting skills could use some work.
I made a blue 7 layer cake for my 12th birthday. Aug 10 will be my 60th birthday and I have made many layer cakes since then. Bonnie
I have made many layered cakes. I am looking forward to trying again after seeing your wonderful tutorial!
Ive made a couple! Im still working to get better
Mine will never look as good! I need to bake a tall cake for a friend’s baby shower tmrw. Fingers crossed mine look as good as yours this time. thanks for sharing, you are amazing.
Loved finding this site! Thanks so much for sharing
My first layer cake was in Feb of this year for a friends birthday. She loved it and it was super fun to make!
I have attempted to make a layer cake, and I need alot of practice on mastering the art. Which I hoping with your tips I will improve my skill level. Really want to try the Neopolitan Cake. So traditional looking in a new way. Thanks!
I have made a few one of my favorites was Ben Starr’s Pumpkin Carrot Cake with Candied Hazelnuts. It was delicious.
I have made several layer cakes. The first two slid apart because the icing was too soft, lol. The last one was doweled to death and I think it came out pretty good! http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=391525254241124&set=a.127715067288812.20415.100001509576992&type=3&theater
Yes, but I don’t think I’ve ever used enough frosting!
I have made layer cakes – two for two different weddings. I wish I had the use of these tools back when I made them!
Yes I have made layer cakes, but I have never leveled them off. That is something that I am going to start doing to see if me cakes look better.
Leveling them off does help. I have always used a large knife. It’s not perfect, but it works.
Yes I’ve made a layered cake before. The first one I’ve ever made was in college. We called it the volcano cake because we didn’t let the cake cool enough and it melted the frosting. Though it didn’t turn out the way we wanted, it brought laughter and fun… and it was still very tasty
I made a layered rainbow cake recently. each layer was different color and the icing was also rainbow. I’m guessing that you could have done it a lot faster than I did.
I have made a few layer cakes. You are right it takes practice to frost cakes. I helped my mother make her wedding cake and it was perfect until we left the house and she had it sitting on the table. Normally that wouldn’t be a problem except that it was June and she turned the air conditioning off. We came back from the wedding and the cake was on the floor. It was so hot the frosting melted.
I have made a few layer cakes in my day and learn something new each time! They are soooo much fun!
Yes, I have, but none have turned out anywhere NEAR as gorgeous as yours do! Well, practice makes perfect, right?
I have!!! But not enough and I didn’t have the right tools or technique so with this post and if I win, I should get better
love your blog by the way 
I’ve made a layer cake. My biggest challenge is getting it even and level. :-/
I’ve never made a layer cake but would love to try it! The crumb part is the hardest for me when icing – I’m going to watch your video on that now
I can’t enter this give away, seeing that I’m living in Norway
But wanted to share my latest layered cake because you are one of my great inspirations 
So thank you for a WONDERFUL blog and lots of ideas 
My latest cakes are in my blog, this entry: http://www.lenesfritidsblogg.blogspot.no/2012/07/keep-calm-and-bake-more-cake.html
Keep up the good work and GOD HELG (meaning: Happy Weekend in Norwegian)
Beautiful! Great job!
Yes, I have! Just last weekend I made one for my uncle’s 50th birthday party!
Absolutely but I’, trying to learn to do a smith island which is addition to being the state cake of maryland and amazingly delicious is also a ton of layers so tips are useful
I make layer cakes all the time, and I’m getting better at making them look as good as they taste.
I’ve made 1 layer cake in my life. I think I’m up to the challege, if I have the right tools.
I love looking at your creations–so perfect! I would love to win the baking set!
I have made a layer cake and it wasn’t pretty….at all.
I love your blog. You so totally embrace dessert. What a nice thing it is, to have someone who loves to bake as much as I do, and inspires so many.
Forgot to add that I have made many layer cakes. My favorite is a chocolate chip cherry concoction topped with chocolate covered cherries and whipped cream frosting.
I have made a layered cake too!
I have made at least one (in a few cases too many!) layer cake a month this year. I decided to pick up gluten free baking as a hobby and now I get all sorts of requests from friends and family! I love that they can easily go from homespun and imperfect to classy and sophisticated and STILL get lots of “oohs” and “aaahs” from everybody. After all, even ugly cake still tastes great so who cares!
HECK YEAH I’ve made a layer cake…or two…or 30!
PS- Amanda, you are truly in