This Little Gadget Is the Secret for Flat, Evenly Baked Cake Layers
Updated: Feb. 28, 2019
Here's the baking trick you need for perfect layers every time.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a new baker, we’ve got a clever trick to make sure your cakes bake evenly every time. Just use a flower nail like this one. You’ll never experience the disappointment of pulling your exquisitely crafted cake out of the oven, only to discover it sank or now has a dome shape in the center.
How exactly does it work? Allow us to explain.
Wait—What Is a Flower Nail?
It’s a handy metal tool used to create the gorgeous buttercream flowers that decorate your favorite cakes. But the flower nail isn’t just for sculpting buttercream. You can also use a flower nail to bake perfect cakes every time.
How the Flower Nail Supports Even Baking
When you put your cake in the oven to bake, it’s only natural that the outsides will cook faster than the center. But when you put the thumbtack-like flower nail in the middle of your cake pan, it acts as a heat conductor, helping the cake to simultaneously cook from the inside out, as well as the outside in.
The result? Moist cakes which are baked through to perfection! Basically, a flower nail is like a heat core but serves as a cheaper option which doubles up as a tool for decorating Instagram-worthy cakes. Plus, it can speed up how quickly your cake bakes. Say goodbye to sinking and ta-ta to evenly baked treats!
Looking for more advice on how to avoid cake-related mishaps? Find out how to prevent the most common cake mistakes!
Layer up a Mile-High Masterpiece
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
Mocha CakeWithout a doubt, this is the best cake I've ever made. I share this decadent mocha cake with everyone I can! —Katherine DeLoach, Visalia, California
Raspberry Lemon CakeWant a change from chocolate cake? Try this elegant lemon raspberry cake packed with refreshing citrus flavor, from the cake to the homemade lemon curd and creamy frosting. It won a blue ribbon at the Alaska State Fair and it's definitely a winner with me. —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
Banana Pudding CakeI love to make cakes, and my family loves banana pudding. One day while brainstorming in the kitchen, I came up with this banana pudding cake recipe to combine the two. My family and friends can't get enough of it! If you are pressed for time, you may substitute whipped topping for the homemade sweetened whipped cream. —Tiffany Barbee, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Malted Chocolate & Stout Layer CakeIf you want a St. Patrick's Day dessert that will take the cake, look no further! The rich chocolate cake is incredibly moist and has a nice malt flavor that's perfectly complemented by the Irish cream frosting. —Jennifer Wayland, Morris Plains, New Jersey
When assembling a layer cake, you'll want to follow these tips for torting a cake.
Red Velvet CakeOur red velvet cake recipe is traditionally southern with light, tender, ruby-red cakes held together with a rich vanilla frosting.
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
Favorite Coconut CakeWhen I need an impressive dessert for a special occasion, this is the recipe I turn to. My guests are glad I do! —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Chocolate Bavarian TorteWhenever I take this eye-catching torte to a potluck, I get so many requests for the recipe. —Edith Holmstrom, Madison, Wisconsin
Pink Lemonade Stand CakeIf you love a moist and creamy cake, this one’s for you. The lemon juice and lemonade give the layers a tangy, citrusy touch, and the cream cheese frosting with sprinkles makes it extra pretty. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Lemon Ricotta CakeThis lemon ricotta cake recipe is a family gem that was passed down from my grandmother and mother. Garnished with shaved lemon zest, the moist four-layer cake is the perfect dessert when you want to impress. —Nanette Slaughter, Sammamish, Washington
Chocolate Peanut Butter CakeDecorate like a professional baker and become everyone's favorite host when you bake this sweet and salty chocolate peanut butter cake.
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 pineapple carrot cake is sweet, tangy, fluffy and soft. It's perfect for snacking or when you want a dessert that isn't as sweet as other cakes or cookies.
Mama's Spice CakeThis spice cake recipe has stood the test of time and it's one you'll probably hand down yourself.
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
Lemon CakeThis four-layer lemon cake uses lemon juice, lemon zest, a sweet-tart lemon syrup and a lush cream cheese frosting to make sure there's a sunshiny taste of citrus in every bite.
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
Pumpkin Pie CakeMix boxed cake mix and pureed pumpkin to get this moist, flavorful cake. The frosting is a simple mix of vanilla frosting and cinnamon and you'll want to make this cake on repeat.
Three-Layer Chocolate Ganache CakeThis decadent cake is what every chocolate lover dreams of!
Almond Joy CakeThis is a fantastic Almond Joy cake recipe—tastes just like the candy bar. —Daria Burcar, Rochester, Michigan
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
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Originally Published: February 28, 2019
