How to Make the Perfect Layer Cake!

I made my daughter's 1st birthday cake, and made her a cupcake to really dig into. It is cute in the pictures, a little girl with a little cake.

For a big cake, the key I've found so successful frosting is to have a very first frosting layer that you use JUST to hold the cake together and hold the crumbs in. Then you go back and refrost for the "showing" part.

Also, I put the rounded side of the cake on the bottom,against the plate and on the top - allowing the flat sides to be against each other, which helps the stability.

The great thing is it doesn't matter, your daughter and guests will love it anyway!

A.,

The easiest way to make a layer cake is to use 2 - 8 or inch pans. When the cakes come out of the oven, let them cool completely on a rack. Then wrap them very well and chill, either in the fridge or freezer. When you're ready to assemble the cake, let them thaw (still wrapped) if frozen. While still chilled just shave off the top to get an flat cake top, do the same to the other cake. For the top layer, flip the second cake upside down and put that on top of the first cake, with some filling in between. If you want more layers, slice each cake in half. you can get a cake leveler at Michaels for $3. Hope this helps....

My husband, a chef, uses dental floss instead of a knife. Slowly and steadily drags it through. Hope it works!

The "Old Fashioned Chocolate Cake" recipe in Cooks Illustrated from last winter/spring is *amazing*. But a little fussy. You can access it online if you have a subscription. Otherwise, the chocolate cake recipe on the Food Network website is quite good too. I mostly love chocolate, so I can't help much with any other kinds of cake...

Hi A.!

I LOVE baking for my little guy too! I've made all 3 of his bday cakes and everyone will love them no matter how they turn out! Kraftfoods.com has some great instructional videos if you want to see how to make a good layer cake. They also show how to frost it without crumbling. The best recipe i've tried is on the kraft food site called "the most requested chocolate cake". It is UNBELEIVABLE!! The secret to making it sooo moist is miracle whip! I know, sounds weird, but it really keeps the cake moist. Good luck and happy baking!