How to Cut a Cake

Key Takeaways

• Classic triangle or “pie-style” cake slices may not be the best way to maximize your cake. It can also leave you with crumbled slices and ruined frosting.
• You can make slab cuts or geometric cuts to get more slices from wedding cakes and other large-tiered cakes.
• Run your knife under hot water before cutting to help it slice through the cake with minimal resistance. 

Most of us think we know how to cut a single layer or tiered cake. But how many times have you sliced a cake and ended up with plates of crumbs and smeared frosting? And how many times have you struggled to cut enough slices for your group? It’s harder than it looks! But with a few tips, you can cut the perfect slices with ease. Learn how to cut a wedding cake, birthday cake, and other tiered cakes with The Bold Bakery!

When to Use Classic Triangle Cuts

Classic triangle cuts, also known as wedges or pie-style slices, are the go-to when most are faced with round gourmet cakes. While this isn’t necessarily wrong, this method can create crumbly cake slices and smear frosting. It may also make it difficult to make enough slices for larger groups. However, these cuts are great for:

• Children’s birthday parties or parties where you want generous cake slices
• Those who want consistent slices with the same amount of cake and frosting
• Small round cakes

How to Cut a Wedding Cake and Birthday Cake

Traditional Method: Triangles (8-12 Slices)

• Cut down the center of your cake to create two equal halves.
• Make a horizontal cut, followed by two diagonal cuts. 
• (Optional) For 12 slices, make two diagonal slices instead of one after you’ve made the horizontal cut.

You can also make triangle cuts from rectangular cakes. Simply cut your cake into your desired number of squares and cut each square diagonally!

Decorative Method: Geometric Cuts

This method will make 32 slices from an 8” round cake.

• Cut your cake down the center, and then horizontally to create 4 equal wedges.
• Make a diagonal cut within each of your 4 sections. You should now have 8 equal wedges.
• Then, cut each wedge diagonally from the center to the outer edge. Repeat this all the way around the cake, creating diamond-shaped pieces in the middle and triangular pieces around the edges.

Simplest Method: Slab Cuts

Slab cuts are great for getting more slices from round wedding cakes. They're also simple to make! Here’s how to cut a cake into slabs:

• Cut one of the round edges off the cake (about 2 inches in) and transfer to a cutting board.
• Cut this portion into three equal slices. These slices are perfect for buttercream lovers!
• Cut another slab from the cake and repeat your slices until you’ve reached the end of the cake.
• (Optional) For more slices, cut your slabs in half or into 4 pieces.

Inner Circle Method: The Ring Method

• Cut a ring within a few inches of the outer edge of your cake to make an inner circle. 
• Cut the ring into your desired number of slices.
• Slice the inner circle into wedges or geometric cuts for more portions.

How to Cut a Tiered Cake

You can create triangle, geometric, or slab cuts on your tiered cake. While you can make your triangle/wedge slices while your tiers are still intact, you’ll need to separate the tiers for other cuts with an offset spatula or cake lifter. Slice underneath the cake below the cake board it’s sitting on, and place this tier on the table or counter. From there, you can create your desired slices.

Cake-Cutting Tips

Now that you know how to cut a single layer and tiered wedding/birthday cake, here are some must-know cake-cutting tips:

• Use a serrated knife (like a bread knife) for clean cuts without smushing your fresh baked goods.
• Run your knife under hot water prior to slicing to help it slide through.
• Wipe your knife clean between slices to prevent frosting from smearing.
• Position your cake on an even surface for easier slicing.
  
  

Create Your Perfect Cake Slices

How you choose to cut a cake all depends on how many slices you need and your preferred aesthetic. Just remember to sit your cake out at room temperature for 2 hours prior to serving if it’s been stored in the refrigerator for optimal flavor and freshness. Come pick up your handcrafted cake at our artisan bakery, or get your event catered with our specialty catering in Chantilly, VA!