Does A Stacked Cake Require Doweling?

I am making a 3 tier wedding cake, fruit on the base and 2 tiers of sponge. I know I have to put doweling in the tiers but some people put a dowel through all 3 tiers. Do you have to do this with a stacked cake covered in sugar paste?


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Answer:

For the best support and stability, you could put a dowel in the centre of the cake along with the dowels in the bottom two tiers.

However this is not essential and many wedding cakes are created without putting a dowel right the way through the cake, particularly if the cakes are stacked or sitting on top of each other without pillars.

If you want to put dowels right through for added stability, then once the layers are stacked on top of each other, measure a dowel the size of your whole cake. Cut the length and sharpen one end.

 

Insert it into the cake in the centre, pressing it through each tier. When you get to the cardboard tier between each layer, give it a little hit with a mallet to pierce the cardboard until it meets the wooden base. Cover the top of the dowel with a little icing for a smooth finish. Good luck with your cake!

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Wedding day: © Tom Schmucker | dreamstime.com