How to Cut Cake Cleanly
on Dec 13, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
So you’ve baked a cake, you’ve frosted it, and now you are ready to slice it up to your adoring crowd. And now you are standing, knife in hand…and you really, really want those slices to look picture-perfect. (Believe me, I know!)
Cutting perfect slices of cake is quite easy, in fact. All you need are a few simple tips. This technique works well with your average birthday cake as well as sticky or dense cakes, like this Nut-Free Flourless Chocolate Cake.
How to Cut Slices of Cake Neatly
This technique will result in very neat slices and prevent the cake and the frosting from sticking to the knife.
- First, make sure your cake is at cool room temperature or even chilled. This means the cake will be firm and better able to hold its shape. It’s especially helpful to chill the cake if your frosting is very fluffy, buttery, or soft. Even 20 minutes in the fridge will firm up the frosting or icing, making it easier to cut neatly.
- Get a sharp, thin, long knife or cake slicer. Fill a tall glass or vase with hot water. Wipe the knife clean, dip it into the hot water, then wipe it again to dry it.
- Immediately slice from the center of the cake, using a gentle sawing motion. Repeat slicing, wiping the blade clean, dipping it in water, then wiping it dry between each slice. Even if you forget to dip it into the water, make sure to wipe the knife between each slice for the cleanest slices.
- Use a cake server or large offset spatula to remove the slices from the cake plate. An offset spatula is a slim, flexible metal spatula that is angled at the handle. It is a great tool for various kitchen tasks, such as icing a cake and serving slices of cake or pie.
- Serve any whipped cream or ice cream alongside each slice. It’s not easy to cut a cake with a pile of whipped cream on top!
Tips
- Use a thin, sharp knife. I prefer a straight blade, not a serrated knife.
- Use a gentle sawing motion. Take your time.
- Round layer cakes should be cut into wedges with all of the slices radiating out from the center of the cake.
- Sheet cakes or square cakes should be cut into rectangles or squares.
Kitchen Smarts
Angel food, chiffon, and sponge cakes should be cut with either a special wire cake breaker, also called an Angel Food cake cutter, or a serrated bread knife and a light sawing motion.
Cake Recipes to Try
More Baking Tips
- How to Melt Chocolate in a (Homemade!) Double Boiler
- How to Make a Substitute for Brown Sugar
- How to Substitute Baking Soda and Baking Powder
- How to Substitute for Cream of Tartar
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
