How To Level A Cake – 3 Effective And Easy Methods To Try

Last Updated on February 25, 2022

Wondering how to level a cake? Our guide will not only give you 3 easy ways but also provide some expert tips and tricks for this crucial process!

Leveling cakes can be very difficult if you don’t know what you are doing. Luckily, today we will be covering how to level a cake using a leveler, a serrated knife, and even dental floss.

How To Level A Cake – Why Is It Important To Level A Cake?

Leveling a cake is a crucial step during cake making that very few people seem to be doing these days. And, we don’t really get why! In our opinion, leveling a cake is just as important, if not more important, than the actual mixing process! Without this step, all your work will have been for nothing.

It helps make the cake stable

First and foremost, leveling your cake layers will help you create a much more stable cake that won’t fall over. All too often we see people stack domed cakes and be confused when it tumbles over during transport.

Even when you will the gaps with frosting, the frosting is too soft to actually support the weight of the cake layers (especially if it is very tall).

So, by simply leveling it, you are distributing the weight of the layers more evenly.

Creates a neater looking cake

There are two ways leveling cake layers makes an overall neater cake. First, it will help prevent the layers from cracking. When stacking domed cake layers, it can cause the one underneath or above to crack because of the awkward distribution of weight.

Secondly, you will have beautifully level and sharp edges. These clean and level edges will make it easier to add an even layer of frosting and garnishes too.

How To Use A Leveler?

Okay, so now we get to leveling a cake using a cake leveler. First things first, a cake leveler is a type of saw-like device that will help you quickly and easily create a level cake.

Basically, the metal structure stretches over the entire cake. Between each of the sides is a sharp thin blade or metal wire. Then, using cutting motions, run the legs across a level surface to slice the cake.

When using the leveler, you can also adjust the height of the blade or wire. This means you can level the top of the cake, or slice the entire layer into thinner layers.

How To Level A Cake After Baking? Tips And Tricks

The most thing to remember when leveling cakes (or slicing them in any way) is that they should be completely cool! If they aren’t, the cake will tear instead of slice, ultimately not creating level layers.

So, to properly cool a cake, allow it to first cool inside of the cake pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully remove it, ensuring that the sides are loosened.

Allow the removed cake to cool on a wire rack at room temperature for another 20-30 minutes. While this is a bit time-consuming, it is an essential step that cannot be cheated or skipped.

Do not cool a cake in a fridge. The fridge (or freezer) will dry out your cake. It could also cause the cake to absorb roaming odors which will affect the final flavor of the crumb.

When eventually cutting and leveling the cake layers, make sure to work on a level surface. Otherwise, you will cut the layers at a slant.

Also, when cutting a cake layer into thinner layers, don’t hesitate to use a ruler as you go. It will not only help you ensure the layer is even but also help you ensure that all the layers you are cutting are evenly thick.

PROKITCHEN Adjustable Cake Slicer

How To Level A Cake Without A Leveler?

While a leveler will make your life so much easier, unfortunately not everybody has one at their disposal. And honestly, for those who don’t bake cakes all that often, it is actually just another space-consuming gadget.

It is definitely possible and very easy to slice and level your cake using other tools. Here are some of the best ways.

How to level a cake with a serrated knife?

A serrated knife is arguably the easiest and most accessible way to level a cake without a leveler. Naturally, it was the method used before all of these gadgets came out!

This method only needs a ruler, a knife, and a turntable (if you have one). We like to use a medium serrated knife. Basically, it has somewhere between fine teeth and large teeth. We’ve found it creates the best slices for most cake crumbs.

Place the cake on a turntable and use a ruler to map out where you need to slice. Remember, the cake might be an inch taller on one side than on the other, so measuring is important. You can create tiny slices to help guide you.

Then, while the cake is turning very slowly, start slicing at the one guide mark. You can keep the knife still and just apply slicing motions. If you don’t have a turntable, you will obviously need to move the knife through the cake.

How to level a cake with dental floss?

Yes, you read that right; dental floss! Using dental floss is a make-shift cake leveler.

First, measure out the height of your layer. Then, make sure the dental floss stretches around the entire cake at the correct height Finally, simply pull the dental floss tightly and it will slice through the entire cake.

Always make sure your piece of dental floss is at least 2-inches longer than the diameter of your cake. This makes it easier to grab ahold of the floss and pull hard.

Conclusion – How To Level A Cake?

As you can see, leveling a cake has never sounded this easy! If you have any questions or would like to share some more tips and tricks, let us know in the comments below!

Read more about How to Measure a Cup Without a Measuring Cup?

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