This Secret Trick Lets You Cut Cake Layers Like a Charm
Updated: Mar. 20, 2019
Here's how to cut cake layers like a boss...with no knives or expensive gadgets required!
The perfect layer cake starts with flat, even tiers. We’ve got a genius tip here that will help you achieve that straight out of the oven. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, your layers can still turn out lopsided, in which case there’s no choice but to even them out.
Other times, a recipe calls for cutting your existing layers into thinner layers. For example, this chocolate pecan torte‘s four layers start out as two baked layers. So the question becomes: How to cut cake layers horizontally?
The classic way to cut cake layers
To cut your cake layers horizontally, you can use a long, flat, serrated knife—such as a bread knife—and follow the directions here. You can also use a gadget called a “cake leveler” (Wilton makes a really nifty one you can purchase here).
But wouldn’t you know it? We have a new way!
The dental floss way
The dental floss way? That’s right. Dental floss. Without further ado, this is how to cut cake layers using dental floss:
- Start by prepping your cake the same way you would if you were using a knife or other cake leveling gadget.
- Measure and cut your dental floss, making sure you cut a piece that is long enough to go completely around the perimeter of the cake, plus a few inches extra on each side. You may also want to insert four to six toothpicks into the side of the cake as a guideline for where you’ll want to cut.
- Holding one end of the floss in each hand, wrap the floss around the far edge of the cake, crossing the ends in front of you.
- Pull the two ends of the floss together until you’ve sliced through the entire cake.
A note about which dental floss to use
Waxed dental floss slices cake more smoothly than unwaxed. To avoid interfering with your cake’s flavor, you’ll want to steer away from the flavored dental floss, like mint.
Now you’re ready to tackle these layer cake recipes we know you’re going to love!
Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania
Best Red Velvet CakeIt's just not Christmas at our house until this festive cake appears. This is different from other red velvet cake recipes I’ve had; the icing is as light as snow. —Kathryn Davison, Charlotte, North Carolina
Chocolate Hazelnut TorteMost cake recipes feed a crowd. So we came up with this elegant little cake that serves six. That's enough for two…with just the right amount of leftovers! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Moist Chocolate CakeThis moist chocolate cake recipe with coffee reminds me of my grandmother because it was one of her specialties. I bake it often for family parties, and it always brings back fond memories. The cake is light and airy with a delicious chocolate taste. This recipe is a keeper! —Patricia Kreitz, Richland, Pennsylvania
Peanut Butter ‘N’ Jelly CakeI made this fun and flavorful peanut butter and jelly cake for my son's first birthday. He just turned 33, and he still has to have his favorite treat. Kids of any age have a hard time turning down peanut butter and jelly—especially when it comes tucked into cake and frosting! —Linda Graybill, Sebring, Florida
Chocolate Bavarian TorteWhenever I take this eye-catching torte to a potluck, I get so many requests for the recipe. —Edith Holmstrom, Madison, Wisconsin
Rich Chocolate Peanut Butter CakeThe combination of mocha and peanut butter will satisfy every sweet tooth at your table. The garnish is a little extra work, but what are special occasions for? —Tammy Bollman, Minatare, Nebraska
Italian Cream Cheese CakeButtermilk makes every bite of this awesome Italian cream cheese cake recipe moist and flavorful. I rely on this recipe year-round. —Joyce Lutz, Centerview, Missouri
Pineapple Carrot CakeThis moist cake with cream cheese frosting is the best I've ever eaten. It's so simple, too, because it uses two jars of baby food instead of fresh carrots that need to be grated. —Jeanette McKenna, Vero Beach, Florida
Mama's Spice CakeWhenever I get a craving for a tasty old-fashioned treat, I make this cake. Great cooks in my family have been baking it for generations, and their families have been enjoying the wonderful spice flavor and rich frosting.
—Nancy Duty, Jacksonville, Florida
Come-Home-to-Mama Chocolate CakeYou'll spend less than a half hour whipping up this cure-all cake that starts with a mix. Sour cream and chocolate pudding make it rich and moist, and chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate make it decadent comfort food at its finest. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Hummingbird CakeThis impressive hummingbird cake is my dad’s favorite, so I always make it for his birthday. It makes a memorable dessert for any celebration and is lovely with a summer meal. —Nancy Zimmerman, Cape May Court House, New Jersey
If you like trying different cake recipes also try making Faith Hill's coca-cola cake and Ina Garten's mocha chocolate icebox cake.
Spiced Devil's Food CakeOne of my mom's friends gave her this recipe when I was a child and it has been a family favorite ever since. When your "chocolate sweet tooth" acts up, this really hits the spot! —Linda Yeamans, Ashland, Oregon
Contest-Winning Chocolate Potato CakeI won grand champion honors in a potato festival baking contest with this moist chocolate cake. The icing recipe can be doubled if you have a real sweet tooth. —Catherine Hahn, Winamac, Indiana
Million Dollar CakePineapple and mandarin oranges give this easy cake a refreshing, tropical twist. With cake mix and pudding mix as ingredients, it is a breeze to put together when you're short on prep time. Plus, it needs to chill before serving, so it's a perfect make-ahead dessert for potlucks and parties! —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
