How to cut a cake into even layers
Learn how to easily and accurately cut your cake in half into even layers. All you’ll need are simple tools you already have in your house to achieve perfectly stackable cake layers.
Want to make your layer cakes more impressive? Adding extra layers instantly makes any cake more exciting. Just as a two-layer cake looks more elegant than a basic sheet cake, three or four layers are even more extraordinary.
Instead of baking more individual cakes, which requires more pans and oven space, we’ll simply cut a single cake layer horizontally into two even layers. There are lots of different ways to do this, but my easy method requires just a few knives you already have in your kitchen.
What you’ll need
- Small paring knife
- Large serrated knife
- Baked cake layers at least 2 inches tall (any thinner and they become harder to work with.)
Tip: Cakes are more firm, sturdier, and easier to handle when they have been chilled. If you are working with a delicate cake, or if you’re feeling apprehensive, chill your cake layers for at least one hour.
Remove cake dome first
I usually use this trick to bake my cakes with flat tops, but if your cake layers have a domed top you’ll need to remove them with a serrated knife before slicing the layers in half.
How to cut cake layers in half
Step 1: Score a line to guide your cut
Think of this as tracing with pencil because going in with something more permanent. Use a small knife to score the entire outside edge of the cake halfway up the side. Go ahead an eyeball it, but go slowly, and get down at eye-level if necessary. Don’t cut too deeply, as this is simply serving as a marker.
Step 2: Cut cake in half with large knife
Take the serrated knife and cut through the cake along the indentation made with the paring knife. Again, go slowly to maintain accuracy, there’s no need to rush. I recommend a knife that’s longer than the size of your cake so you can make longer even cuts, instead of smaller cuts which leave more room for error.
Step 3: Remove top layer
Use the knife to lift the top layer off of the bottom layer (another reason to use a large knife!). Your cake should be sturdy enough to lift easily without any buckling or crumbling, however if you’re working with a cake round larger than 8 or 9 inches, or cake layers that are extremely thin, you may need to use a little extra care.
Use split cake layers immediately
Once you expose the tender insides of cake, I feel that it dries out faster. So I only recommend cutting your cake layers right before you plan to assemble your cake.
Tip: If you want to bake your cake layers ahead of time before (before splitting and assembly), see all of my tips for freezing and storing cake layers here.
FAQs
Make sure you’re not trying to cut a cake that is too thin or delicate, and chill it in the fridge if necessary to keep it firm while slicing. If it still breaks or crumbles, you can always trim uneven edges or use frosting to smooth things out during assembly.
This happens sometimes to me, especially if I try to rush it (so don’t do that!). If your cut cake layers are uneven or have a slant to the cut, do your best to stack the layers during assembly so the uneven edges match up as closely as possible and achieve a flat top.
Yes, you are welcome to use a cake level tool if you want! This method is for people who don’t want to purchase and store a one-use tool.
Layer cake recipes
Now that you’re more comfortable working with baked cake layers, here are some cake recipes to try!
What a fantastic tutorial! Achieving perfectly even cake layers has always been a challenge for me, but your step-by-step guide makes it seem so achievable. I especially appreciate the tips on using toothpicks and a serrated knife for precision. Can’t wait to try this out for my next baking project! Thanks for sharing this blog with us.
Thank you for this very important info. You have answered my question of not having enough pans for doing several cakes. I will definitely use either the dental floss or the gently cutting through. Grateful!