Working with people from ALL walks of life I encounter a lot of confusion regarding cake terminology, and rightfully so. Each Cakery seems to have their own method, format, and assembly of cakes. I hope to help you understand the difference between our SHEET, LAYER and TIERED CAKES, as well as, how they are most beneficial to your event or celebration.
SHEET CAKES are comprised of a 2” high cake, baked in a rectangular pan. They can be decorated for your special event OR scored. We refer to SHEETS by their DIMENSIONS, since they are NOT standard quarter, half and full sheet sizes. There are 3 size options to choose from, posted on our cake menu. Sheet cakes are not typically filled, BUT we do offer a filling as an upgrade. Costs will vary depending on the size of the sheet cake. Adding a FILLING requires cutting the cake horizontally and creating room for a flavored crème, preserve or frosting to be incorporated. SCORING the cake simply means the cake is pre-marked into servings, with a small decoration on each piece. SCORED CAKES are often used for larger parties where the DECORATED CAKE will not provide all the servings needed for the event. Ease of cutting and serving sheet cakes makes them appealing for those events where guests will be serving themselves.
LAYER CAKES are comprised of 2 layers of cake with a flavored filling OR buttercream frosting (sandwiched) between them. These cakes are referred to by their diameter. A typical layer cake is 4 1/2” high. We offer various shapes and sizes, which are posted on our cake menu. LAYER CAKES tend to have more visual appeal than sheet cakes and allow for more design work on the sides. Small LAYER CAKES can be cut into wedges (like a pie) BUT our layer cakes are larger and we recommend cutting them into slabs measuring approximately 4 ½” H X 2” D X 1” W. Ask for a cutting guide when you pick up your order. These cakes are better cut and plated for your guests rather than self serve. LAYER CAKES have a formal presentation and are used for those special occasions that call for celebration!
TIERED CAKES consist of multiple layer cakes of different sizes stacked on top of each other like a traditional wedding cake. Tiered cakes must be handled with TLC and prefer to be transported on a LEVEL SURFACE. We allow pick up for small tier cakes BUT we recommend delivery service for anything over 45 servings. There is structural support placed in ALL tiered cakes with a dowel rod through ALL tiers and into the baseboard. We will help you get your tiered cake situated in your vehicle but after that, she is ALL yours. PLEASE drive cautiously!!
KITCHEN CAKES are layered sheet cakes that INCLUDE a flavored filling and are frosted, but NOT decorated (other than borders). These cakes are tailored specifically to weddings. KITCHEN CAKES are not displayed, but held in the prep area with your catering staff. The beauty of KITCHEN CAKES is their affordability & presentation. What guest would prefer a plain sheet cake to an elegant cake with yummy flavors bursting from between the cake layers?
Layers refer to the inside of a cake, which can be anywhere between two and six layers of sponge, sandwiched together by buttercream before being decorated. Tiers refer to the number of cakes of increasing size that are stacked on top of each other.
This is a post I’ve been meaning to write for quite some time, but, well…life. Anywho – what on earth is the difference between layers of cake, and tiers of cake you ask? It’s a great question and makes all the difference in the final product depending upon how many people you want to feed with your cake.
All of our cakes are comprised of three layers of cake, and two layers of filling. This creates a taller cake (usually between 4 1/2-5 1/2” tall) that in turn gives you more servings than those cakes readily available at the grocery store, but is still a single cake. However, depending upon how many guests you want to feed, or your occasion, you may want a tiered cake. A tiered cake is multiple, differently sized cakes, stacked atop one another to create height and drama that lends itself to becoming a focal point of the party.
Why are tiered cakes so much more expensive? Let’s say you’re having a party for 60 guests – we can make a single cake to feed all 60 guests, but to create a tiered cake means we’re having to bake, assemble, finish, & decorate not just one cake, but multiple cakes, and often multiple flavors (we have to stack it too!). The amount of labor is significantly higher, and therefore the cost of the cake is as well. However, we do our utmost to work with your budget, so don’t be afraid to ask for some different options!
LAYER CAKES are comprised of 2 layers of cake with a flavored filling OR buttercream frosting (sandwiched) between them. These cakes are referred to by their diameter. A typical layer cake is 4 1/2” high. We offer various shapes and sizes, which are posted on our cake menu. LAYER CAKES tend to have more visual appeal than sheet cakes and allow for more design work on the sides. Small LAYER CAKES can be cut into wedges (like a pie) BUT our layer cakes are larger and we recommend cutting them into slabs measuring approximately 4 ½” H X 2” D X 1” W. Ask for a cutting guide when you pick up your order. These cakes are better cut and plated for your guests rather than self serve. LAYER CAKES have a formal presentation and are used for those special occasions that call for celebration!
Working with people from ALL walks of life I encounter a lot of confusion regarding cake terminology, and rightfully so. Each Cakery seems to have their own method, format, and assembly of cakes. I hope to help you understand the difference between our SHEET, LAYER and TIERED CAKES, as well as, how they are most beneficial to your event or celebration.
KITCHEN CAKES are layered sheet cakes that INCLUDE a flavored filling and are frosted, but NOT decorated (other than borders). These cakes are tailored specifically to weddings. KITCHEN CAKES are not displayed, but held in the prep area with your catering staff. The beauty of KITCHEN CAKES is their affordability & presentation. What guest would prefer a plain sheet cake to an elegant cake with yummy flavors bursting from between the cake layers?
TIERED CAKES consist of multiple layer cakes of different sizes stacked on top of each other like a traditional wedding cake. Tiered cakes must be handled with TLC and prefer to be transported on a LEVEL SURFACE. We allow pick up for small tier cakes BUT we recommend delivery service for anything over 45 servings. There is structural support placed in ALL tiered cakes with a dowel rod through ALL tiers and into the baseboard. We will help you get your tiered cake situated in your vehicle but after that, she is ALL yours. PLEASE drive cautiously!!
SHEET CAKES are comprised of a 2” high cake, baked in a rectangular pan. They can be decorated for your special event OR scored. We refer to SHEETS by their DIMENSIONS, since they are NOT standard quarter, half and full sheet sizes. There are 3 size options to choose from, posted on our cake menu. Sheet cakes are not typically filled, BUT we do offer a filling as an upgrade. Costs will vary depending on the size of the sheet cake. Adding a FILLING requires cutting the cake horizontally and creating room for a flavored crème, preserve or frosting to be incorporated. SCORING the cake simply means the cake is pre-marked into servings, with a small decoration on each piece. SCORED CAKES are often used for larger parties where the DECORATED CAKE will not provide all the servings needed for the event. Ease of cutting and serving sheet cakes makes them appealing for those events where guests will be serving themselves.
The EASIEST way to Tier a Cake!
FAQ
What is the difference between tiered and layered cake?
How many layers does a tiered cake have?
What is a tiered cake?
What is a cake with layers called?
How many layers are in a cake tier?
Baked and prepared cake layers made into tiers. (I like to use three layers of cake for each tier and I used an 8″ cake tier for the bottom and a 6″ cake tier for the top.) Remember that tiers are made of layers, so you’ll have multiple cake layers with filling between them that make up a tier.
What is a cake tier?
A cake tier is basically one section of a larger cake. Tiers are meant to be stacked upon each other. Each tier is comprised of multiple layers. Sometimes I make a simple layer cake like the ones pictured below. I’m a fan of 9-inch cakes. Layered cakes usually don’t require a cake board between the layers. Tiered cakes always do.
What is the difference between a layer and a tier?
There’s been some confusion when it comes to “layers” and “tiers” so let’s clarify. A cake tier is basically one section of a larger cake. Tiers are meant to be stacked upon each other. Each tier is comprised of multiple layers. Sometimes I make a simple layer cake like the ones pictured below.
Does a cake board go under each tier?
A cake board will go under each cake tier (not layer). (Remember that tiers are made up of cake layers.) The cake board that goes under each tier will be the same size as the cake tier that’s on top of it.