Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

Hi there,
I’ve just watched Paul’s “Stacking Cakes” tutorial. I’m just wondering why he hasn’t put each tier on a thin board before stacking on top of the dowels?
Perhaps he has and I’ve missed it?!
Many thanks,
Deane-Mae

Hello Deane-Mae

Paul does have cake cards under each tier, it just looks like he hasn’t. If you listen carefully you can hear the card releasing from the temporary drum when Paul prises it off. If the cake wasn’t on a card, firstly you wouldn’t hear that unsticking sound and secondly you wouldn’t see such a clean lift, some of the cake would stick horribly to the drum. The chocolate which you see on the palette knife is from the ganache used as glue between the drum and card.
Sometimes I wish my cards would fit so neatly under my cakes, invariable there is a slight overhang which needs trimming otherwise it sticks out like a step when the cake is iced. Some will fit exaclty and others don’t. It depends on the suppliers and where they get the cards from. I’ve taken to getting one size smaller and find that does the trick. Hope this helps. x

Hello madeitwithlove,

Lovely to be in touch with you again after a while now, and thank you for such a speedy reply.
I’ll listen out for that sound effect from the board when I watch again!
Hope you are well. xx
Did you ever make that horse’s head cake?

Hello Deane-Mae

I hope you’re well too. Haven’t seen you on here for a long time! I had an accident back in September, broke my leg and smashed my ankle. I’m being taught to walk again but it’s very slow. I’m told because the break was so complex the recovery time will be two years +. It will never be the same again. This happened while we were hill walking. Being up a steep hill I was air lifted off to Salisbury hospital. The ankle may have to be re-operated on, the metal work is drivng me nuts! Apart from this we are both well and looking forward to the cake show next week. Poor hubby will be exhausted pushing me in wheel chair.
Alas, the horse was never made. The family who wanted it went through some kind of personal crisis, all very sad, understandably no longer wanted the cake in the circumstances. I’m hoping I will still make it even if it’s just for us. I’ve just finished a two tier ‘In the night garden’ themed cake, my hands are killing me from making sixteen models and pagoda. Now making flowers for a beautiful May wedding.
I saw you in the promotional youtube video, I hope you had a great time learning directly with Paul. Lucky you!
Nice to catch up, take care. xx

Oh madeitwithlove,

I am so so sorry to hear about your accident. Glad it hasn’t stopped you baking though.

I have attended a couple of courses taught by Paul and had an amazing time at both; what a fantastic experience.

I’m looking forward to Cake International; will be going on the Sunday.

You take extra care please!
xx