The layered cake is one of the main creations of a pastry chef's repertoire. Layers of cake, circular and uniform, alternating with layers of filling and decorated on the outside make it the most popular recipe for birthday cakes. Making a layer cake is more difficult than it looks, so use these pastry tricks to make your layers fit together well.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Bake the Cake
Step 1. Buy two or three round cake pans
Although it is possible to stack cakes of any shape, the traditional layer cake is circular. 20-22cm molds are best.
Step 2. Prepare your favorite cake recipe
Layer cakes usually combine cakes and matching fillings. You may want to mix lemon with vanilla or chocolate with raspberries.
Use butter, eggs, and room temperature water. Leave them on the counter for about an hour before baking the cake
Step 3. If you want you can use a cake mix instead of a homemade recipe
If you're just learning how to assemble a layer cake, buy some time by buying a cake mix and a ready-made topping.
Step 4. Bake the cake following the recipe instructions
Remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the mold and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready
Step 5. Place the cakes on the wire rack with the top facing down, so they will be flat and not domed
Step 6. Wrap each layer of cake in a plastic bag
Put them in the fridge or freezer overnight. If you are short on time, leave them for at least a few hours.
A cold pie is easier to fill
Step 7. Cut a cardboard circle the same size as your mold
You can draw the cardstock and cut it out, or you can buy a round cake tray at a kitchen supplies store.
If you don't want to use a tray, run some pieces of parchment paper under the cake before stuffing it to cover the base. Remove them before serving the cake
Part 2 of 4: Prepare the Filling
Step 1. Buy the filling or prepare it at home
Any thick topping, such as buttercream, should be fine. To make a quick version at home, mix together 360g of powdered sugar and 225g of softened butter.
Add a teaspoon (5 ml) of vanilla extract and one or two tablespoons (15-30 ml) of whipping cream once the mixture is creamy. Stir with the electric mixer on medium speed for five minutes
Step 2. Place some buttercream in the center of the circular cardboard tray
Step 3. Remove the cakes from the refrigerator
Remove the first from the bag and place it on top of the tray.
Part 3 of 4: Assemble the Cake Layers
Step 1. Decide on the height of the layers
Make sure they are no taller than the lowest cake you made. If you haven't poured exactly the same amount of dough into each pan, one cake may be lower than the others.
You can also cut each cake in two layers if they are thick enough
Step 2. Cut the cake horizontally with a serrated knife
You could measure and mark the topping around the cake if you're not sure you can cut the layers precisely. Make sure you carefully cut off the dome that formed on top of the cake.
If your cake comes out of the oven with a flat surface, you can skip this step
Step 3. Sprinkle 130g of topping on the first layer
Use a spatula and start by placing a large amount in the center. Then spread it and spread it on the sides.
Step 4. Make sure the layer is even
Then, place the second layer of cake on top of the topping.
Step 5. Add another 130g of topping on top of the cake
Alternate layers of topping and cake until you reach the top with the last cake. Remember that the more layers you have, the more filling you need to prepare.
Part 4 of 4: Glaze the Layer Cake
Step 1. Place the cake with its tray on a turntable
Step 2. Sit down and rotate the base while you glaze the cake
If you have the cake in front of your eyes, it is easier to decide how much frosting to use.
Step 3. Add 130g of topping on top of the cake
Smear it up to the edges.
Step 4. Glaze the sides 8 to 10 cm at a time
Be generous with the topping. Finish a section before rotating the turntable and moving on to the next section.
Step 5. Make a layer of crumbs if you are adding them to the topping
Remove excess frosting with a spatula. Cover with an even layer of icing and then put the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Take it out of the fridge and sprinkle it with a fresh layer of buttercream
Step 6. Lift the cardboard tray and place it on a backsplash
Step 7. Decorate it however you like
Serve her.
