Do you want to know what size cake pans to use for a two-tiered cake? Fortunately, this is a topic that even seasoned professionals often ask.
Tiered cakes are popular because they are an easy method to serve dessert to a big group.
Tiered cakes also have a certain wow effect. Choosing the correct cake pan is critical since the incorrect size might mean catastrophe for you.
This is why it is important to choose the cake pan carefully. This may have a big impact on the final appearance depending on the kind of cake you’re constructing or the style you’re striving for.
So, if you’re wondering what size cake pan to acquire for a two-tiered cake, our comprehensive guide is here to assist.
Contents
- Two Different Size for Two Tiers
- Standard Sizes for Cake Tiers
- Two Major Factors That Affect Cake Pan Size
- Other Tools Needed for 2 Tiered Cakes
- FAQs
- What sizes should tiered cakes be?
- What is the difference between a 2 tier cake and a 2 layer cake?
- What is a common 2 tier cake size?
- Do you need a cake board for a two tier cake?
- How tall should tiers on a two tier cake be?
- What is the difference between a layered cake and a tiered cake?
- What kind of cake boards to use for tiered cakes?
Two Different Size for Two Tiers
One thing to keep in mind is that tiered cakes generally come in two sizes to accentuate the tiers. Layered cakes and tiered cakes are not the same thing.
Layered cakes typically consist of two cakes of the same size piled on top of each other.
Tiered cakes, on the other hand, may have up to 5 shelves, although 2 is generally the most popular number of tiers.
Shelves are a popular feature in tiered desserts. Tiered cakes, on the other hand, have two distinct cake sizes that, when stacked on top of one other, provide an attractive aesthetic effect.
If you want two layers, you’ll need two different sized cake pans. The top layer of the cake is often the smallest, while the bottom tier is typically the biggest. Given this consideration, you will need to purchase two different cake pan sizes for a two-tiered cake.
However, you must keep your money in mind, especially if you choose this choice.
Some cake pans may be rather costly, so be sure you have enough money to purchase a variety of cake sizes. It’s also a good idea to acquire two pans that are the same size, particularly if you’re creating more than one cake.
This allows you to save time by baking two cakes at the same time instead of waiting for one to finish.
Fortunately, most cake pan sets with a variety of cake pan sizes are available and are reasonably priced.
Standard Sizes for Cake Tiers
Tiered cakes often have a standard size for each layer.
While it is always possible to mix and combine, these basic proportions are proven to produce visually beautiful, stacked cakes that are also simple to decorate.
Based on this, you may use the following cake pan sizes for tiered cakes:
- Small
1st Tier (top) 6-inch Cake Pan
8-inch cake pan (second tier) - Medium
1st Tier (8-inch) Cake Pan
10 inch cake pan (second tier) - Large
1st tier (top) 10-inch cake pan
12 inch cake pan (second tier)
As you can see, each of these sizes guarantees that the top and bottom tiers are separated by two inches.
Many individuals, though, like mixing and matching and experimenting with different sizes.
Some individuals combine a 6-inch cake pan with a 10-inch cake pan to make a larger shelf. In any case, you are not required to adhere to the above-mentioned sizes.
However, if you’re just getting started, they might be wonderful guidelines to follow.
Two Major Factors That Affect Cake Pan Size
You can simply acquire layer cake pans now that you know the proper sizes for tiered cakes.
Before you decide on the kind of cake pan you desire, keep in mind that certain elements will also affect your selection.
You may experiment with various sizes based on the following to find what works best for you:
Number of Guests
First and foremost, the size of the cake pans should be determined by the number of guests anticipated. You must ensure that there is enough cake for everyone.
If we stick to the two-tier cake sizes we described previously, you can easily accommodate the following amount of guests:
- Small Perfect for 12 to 16 people
- Medium Perfect for 28 to 34 people
- Large Perfect for 46 to 54 people
The dimensions given above are for deep cake pans. You may decrease the number of visitors in half if you use shallow cake pans.
Also read: Shallow Baking Pan Vs Deep Baking Pan
The shallowness and depth of the pan will be proportional to the number of individuals being fed. Shallow cake pans are ideal for parties of less than ten people.
You may easily mix and match cake sizes based on the amount of attendees. However, if the majority of your visitors will be between 5 and 7, a two-tier cake is not a smart option.
There will be an abundance of leftovers. In such cases, a well-decorated single cake is a superior choice.
Cake Design
Another issue that will impact your selection on what size cake pans to use for a two-tier cake is the cake design.
If you want anything ornamental, you’ll need broader shelves to accommodate not just fondant but also other decorative objects.
Furthermore, if you’re using edible flowers or even actual flowers, make sure the cake shelf is broad enough.
Otherwise, you will have difficulty adhering these decor components. While basic tiered cakes are beautiful in their own right, decorating two-tiered cakes can also be a lot of fun.
As a general guideline, it is recommended that each shelf be spaced 2 to 4 inches apart. This will provide you with lots of space to decorate.
Even if you don’t, it will assist to create a more visually acceptable design for the two-tiered cake stand.
Other Tools Needed for 2 Tiered Cakes
Once you’ve decided on the cake pans, keep in mind that baking tiered cakes is not a simple operation. There’s a reason why it’s not the first cake pick for many bakers.
You don’t only need cake pans to build a tiered cake, given the evident skill level.
It is a good idea to invest in some additional specialty equipment that will assist you in properly stacking and stabilizing the cake.
The collapse of tiered cakes is a big concern, particularly if the weight is not equally distributed.
As a result, you’ll need the following specialised equipment to make two-tiered cakes:
Cake Boards
These are particularly important for cake stabilization and stacking. They make it easy to set each layer, and if you need to make any changes, you can quickly move the stacks using the cake board.
Cake boards may be purchased uncut or trimmed to the size required for your cake.
Cake boards may also assist you in visualizing the arrangement of the cakes before stacking them on top of each other.
Take a top layer cake board and set it on the foundation to have a good concept of where the cake will go. This helps to avoid errors and eliminates the need to make the cakes around.
Always ensure that the cake board’s material is robust and will not bend. When arranging cakes on a cake board, be sure you use one board for each cake tier.
Overcrowding on cake boards may also lead to cake collapse.
Dowels are another essential technique for constructing two-tier cakes. These may be constructed of plastic or even wood.
Dowels also aid to support the cake and, when placed at strategic spots, may help to spread the cake’s weight more equally.
A common rule of thumb for utilizing dowels is to insert one dowel for every 2 inches of cake.
This implies that for an 18-inch cake, you’ll need around 8 dowels.
Similarly, if the cake is 10 inches in diameter, just 6 dowels will be required.
Before placing a dowel into a cake, be certain that it is well sharpened. Sharpening dowels enable them to easily pass through the cake board and into the foundation layer.
Dowels may be sharpened using a pencil sharpener or by making a rough point on one end with a knife.
However, while doing so, be sure that all of the dowels are the same size. Irregularities in this area might also jeopardize the cake’s stability.
By following these guidelines, you will not only be able to determine what size cake pans for a two-tiered cake you need, but you will also be able to prevent other frequent cake stacking issues.
Other related articles that you may like:
- How Much Batter to Use for Cake Pans?
- How to Remove Cheesecake from a Springform Pan?
- Best Pans for Cooking Pancakes
- Best Jelly Roll Pans for Cakes and Cookies
- How to Get Cake Out Of the Pan When Stuck?
- What Size is a Brownie Pan?
FAQs
What sizes should tiered cakes be?
Tiers of Cake and Serving Sizes
40-60 servings per 12-inch cake tier.
30-40 servings each 10-inch cake tier.
20-25 servings per 8-inch cake tier.
10 servings per 6-inch cake tier.
What is the difference between a 2 tier cake and a 2 layer cake?
This is the answer to the question of what the difference between a layered cake and a tiered cake is. A LAYERED cake is made out of identically sized stacked cakes with a filling between each layer. A TIERED cake is made up of two or more different sized tiered cakes that are piled on top of one another.
What is a common 2 tier cake size?
20 people (3 layer 2015 portions) 25 servings 8″ round – 2 layer cake serves 1512 (3 layer 1210 servings) 7-inch round – 2-layer cake serves 108 (3-layer 86 servings) 6 inch round – 2 layer cake feeds 65 (3 layer) people 2 layer 55 inch circular cake serves 4
Do you need a cake board for a two tier cake?
In a nutshell, sure. Yes, you should utilize cake boards in between levels if you intend on stacking any hefty cake or anything more than 6″ in diameter. Even for smaller cakes, we suggest utilizing cake boards since you don’t want your cake to sink or be crooked.
How tall should tiers on a two tier cake be?
Typical cakes
Most cakes have two layers with a cake board on the bottom. Each layer may be 2 inches or 3 inches tall. As a result, two layers may be used to create a 4 to 6 inch tall cake.
What is the difference between a layered cake and a tiered cake?
LAYER CAKES have a formal appearance and are utilized for significant events that deserve to be celebrated! TIERED CAKES are made up of numerous layer cakes of varying sizes placed on top of each other, similar to a conventional wedding cake. Tiered cakes should be handled with care and carried on an LEVEL SURFACE.
What kind of cake boards to use for tiered cakes?
Masonite cake boards are constructed of compressed wood fibers and are exceptionally sturdy, making them ideal for ornamental baseboards since they can support the weight of the whole cake. Tiered cakes look great on MDF cake boards.