How to Cut a Cake Layer in Half

Co-authored by Jennifer Levasseur

Last Updated: December 16, 2023 Approved

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If you need to cut cake layers in half, there is a simple and accurate method that does not involve messing with knives or having your cake roll across the countertop. With floss and some toothpicks, you can slice the cake in half with ease.

Things You Should Know

Start by sticking toothpicks into the edges of the cake around its halfway point.
Wrap unflavored dental floss around the cake where the toothpicks stick out and pull each end of the floss so that it cuts the cake as it tightens.
Slide cardboard or a baking sheet between the newly-cut layers of the cake so you can cleanly lift off the top layer.

Steps

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If you're making a spongy cake, it helps to make a few cuts with a serrated knife along the toothpick row, to give the floss something to bite into.

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Pull each end out and away from the cake, so the floss cuts through the cake as the circle of floss tightens. Move the floss slightly from side to side to help the cutting movement.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I make sure the cake slices are the same size?

Jennifer Levasseur
Personal Chef
Chef Jennifer Levasseur is a Personal Chef and the Owner of The Happy Cuisiniere based in Breckenridge, Colorado. She has over 12 years of culinary experience and specializes in Mountain and Contemporary Rustic cuisine. Moreover, she can craft dishes and modify menus to accommodate dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and dairy-free diets. In addition to a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Management from the University of Houston, Chef Jennifer holds Associate’s degrees in Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts from Houston Community College.

Jennifer Levasseur

Personal Chef

Expert Answer

To ensure uniform cake slices, you can use a large serrated knife and consider a few key factors. Some professional bakeries opt to trim the cake's top and sides for a flat surface, enhancing crisp frosting edges; however, this step is discretionary. Alternatively, place one hand flat on the cake's top, align the knife-holding hand with the cake's midpoint, and carefully slice through, ensuring a horizontal cut to prevent sloping. For larger cakes, a turntable aids in the process, requiring the gradual rotation of the cake as you slice. Additionally, after slicing, create a small top-to-bottom slit and ensure alignment during layering so that the cake maintains its original cut orientation.

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Question

Should the cake be completely cool before I cut it?

Community Answer

Yes. Leave it to cool overnight if possible. The fat hardens when it cools, thus firming up the cake.

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Question

Will this method work on a loaf cake?

Community Answer

If the cake is on the harder side, it will likely not work. However, if it is spongy like the one in the picture, this method should work.

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Tips

When pulling the floss across the cake, make sure you are tightening it into a circle of floss.

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This method is extra useful for sticky or delicate cakes that might pull apart when using a knife or get stuck to the knife.

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You can also use a thin wire, invisible sewing thread, or heavy fishing line in the same manner.

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Warnings

Be sure to remove all the toothpicks before frosting or serving––never poke the toothpicks so far in that you miss them.

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