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If you need to cut cake layers in half, there is a simple and accurate method that does not involve messing with knives or having your cake roll across the countertop. With floss and some toothpicks, you can slice the cake in half with ease.
Things You Should Know
- Start by sticking toothpicks into the edges of the cake around its halfway point.
- Wrap unflavored dental floss around the cake where the toothpicks stick out and pull each end of the floss so that it cuts the cake as it tightens.
- Slide cardboard or a baking sheet between the newly-cut layers of the cake so you can cleanly lift off the top layer.
Steps
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1Place toothpicks at the halfway point around the edges of the cake layer, as shown in the image.[1]
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2Align unflavored dental floss around the row of toothpicks. If you're making a spongy cake, it helps to make a few cuts with a serrated knife along the toothpick row, to give the floss something to bite into.Advertisement
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3When the floss is fully wrapped around the cake, cross the ends of the floss and hold each end in each hand. Pull each end out and away from the cake, so the floss cuts through the cake as the circle of floss tightens. Move the floss slightly from side to side to help the cutting movement.[2]
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4Now you have two layers of cake.
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5Slide a piece of cardboard or a baking sheet (with no sides) between the two layers and lift off the top layer.
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6Finished.
Community Q&A
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QuestionShould the cake be completely cool before I cut it?
Community AnswerYes. Leave it to cool overnight if possible. The fat hardens when it cools, thus firming up the cake. -
QuestionWill this method work on a loaf cake?
Community AnswerIf the cake is on the harder side, it will likely not work. However, if it is spongy like the one in the picture, this method should work. -
QuestionWhen do I take the cake out of the pan?Community AnswerYou should take the cake out the pan as soon as it comes out of the oven and put it on a cooling rack.
Warnings
- Be sure to remove all the toothpicks before frosting or serving––never poke the toothpicks so far in that you miss them.⧼thumbs_response⧽
Things You'll Need
- Toothpicks
- Unflavored dental floss
References
About This Article
To cut a cake layer in half, start by placing toothpicks at the halfway point around the edge of the cake. Then, take some dental floss and wrap it around the edge of the cake so it's resting on the toothpicks. Finally, cross the ends of the floss and pull them in opposite directions to cut through the middle of the cake. To learn how to lift the top layer of cake off the bottom layer, scroll down!
