Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

Hello Everyone, I’m planning on buying some ganache plates – I’ve seen a couple of ‘kits’ available that are supposed to give perfectly smooth sides to cakes but I’m not sure they’re good value or necessary. However, I do think ganache plates would be useful. I’m just a little confused about which sizes to buy. I want plates for 6” and 8” cakes and would like to use them for ganache and buttercream. The cakes may be tiered (with dowels for support). What would you recommend the thickness of buttercream or ganache should be on the side of cakes please? I thought a quarter of an inch all round for ganache but I’m not sure if that’s enough for buttercream. Any advice about ganache plates (or kits) please? Many thanks

Hi BerneseGirl

I don’t use the plates but they’re very popular.
The following link gives good advice on how to choose plates for your personal needs. They have many sizes.

https://www.thevanillavalley.co.uk/cake-decorating-tools/ganaching-plates-round.html

I allow approximately quarter of an inch covering for ganache and fill in as required. I don’t use buttercream at all. I would think it would be about the same as the ganache. ?

Hi Madeitwithlove,

Thanks for your advice and such a fast response too. I’ll look at the video from Vanilla Valley thanks but can I just check please that when you say you allow approximately a quarter of an inch, do you mean that and 8” cake would become 8.5” in diameter? Sorry if I sound stupid but I’ve looked at so many websites now that I’m not even sure I know what day it is! Thanks very much,

Best Regards,
BerneseGirl

Yes, exactly. So you’d need that .5 to give the quarter inch ganache cover. Vanilla valley explains it in their instructions.

…… and you don’t sound stupid at all. ?

Hi Madeitwithlove,
Thanks very much for your help and advice. You’re a star ⭐️
Take care
Best Regards,
BerneseGirl

You are most welcome ??