Cut a Cake Layer in Half
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.
Steps
- Place toothpicks at the halfway point around the edges of the cake layer, as shown in the image.
- Align 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.
- When 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.
- Now you have two layers of cake.
- Slide a piece of cardboard or a baking sheet (with no sides) between the two layers and lift off the top layer.
- Finished.
Tips
- This method is extra useful for sticky or delicate cakes that might pull apart when using a knife or get stuck to the knife.
- If you have a frozen cake, you can use a serrated (bread) knife, but be extra careful not to cut yourself.
- When pulling the floss across the cake, make sure you are tightening it into a circle of floss.
- You can also use a thin wire, invisible sewing thread, or heavy fishing line in the same manner.
Warnings
- Be sure to remove all the toothpicks before frosting or serving––never poke the toothpicks so far in that you miss them.
Things You'll Need
- Toothpicks
- Unflavored dental floss
