How to turn a 2-layer cake into a 4-layer cake?

[tuckerma]

I am planning to make a red velvet cake for an upcoming birthday (namely, the Lee Bros. Red Velvet Cake recipe, which includes orange zest!), and the recipe calls for the cake to be made as two 9" layers.

I would like to try making this cake as a four-layer cake, because the tall cakes seem elegant and fashionable these days. In fact, it's pictured as four layers online: http://mattleeandtedlee.com/lee-bros/...

Doubling the recipe doesn't seem quite right; that would be a huge cake. I calculated that the area of a 9" cake pan is 63.61" and an 8" pan is 50.27", so one option is to do three 8" layers that are slightly thinner than the 9" layers would be, I guess; alternatively, I could increase the recipe by 50% and make 4 of the 8" layers (since 4 8" layers is roughly the same area as 3 9" layers would be).

But maybe I'm over-complicating this.

Has anyone ever done this successfully, and if so, do you have a formula you could share?

[iluvcookies]

Bake the 2 layers, cool completely and split using the method you are most comfortable with. All the other posters have some very handy tips. (I have a Wilton cake splitter and it works well for me)
I also make double the amount of frosting and use a pastry bag to help apply it evenly to the layers before smoothing.

It will be a little taller than the regular 2 layer cake, because of the extra frosting.

[Karl S]

The other thing you can do is simply cut them in half (freeze them and stack them together when you cut them) and stack them to make a very tall demi-lune cake, with four full-size layers. You then frost up, and decorate the empty half of the plate with whatever you like (chocolate chunks, fruit, nuts, marzipan, flowers, you name it....)

[tuckerma]

Thanks for all the help, everyone! Ya'll have presented a plethora of great ideas. I will be splitting the layers!

[Saluti]

I do this all of the time. I purchased a Wilton cake splitter at Michaels and I use it on all of the cakes I make. It's really easy and the layers come out perfect. Just remember to cool the cake completely first. I wouldn't recommend using a serrated knife unless you've had a lot of practice, otherwise you most likely will have uneven layers. Just remember to make extra frosting!

[rasputina]

I agree with everyone else, just bake it as a normal 2 layer the recipe is written for and then once they are completely cooled split them. It's easiest if you have cake rounds to slide between the cut layers to lift off.

[mattstolz]

based on the fact that you calculated out the volumes, id say yes, you are probably overcomplicating it.

just cut each layer in half and make extra (lots) frosting. can guide your cutting with anything flat and about half the height of a single layer, laid right beside the layer as you cut (the lip of a sheet pan normally works pretty well)

[HillJ]

If you chill the two baked layers for 10 mins and then use non-waxed dental floss to slice thru each you'll have your 4 layers easily.

[sandylc]

Yes. What HillJ said. If you don't think you can get it straight, put some toothpick markers around the layers to guide you.

[greygarious]

In addition to the toothpicks to guide the knife, tape a sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil to the top side of the knife. As you cut, the knife will pull the parchment along with it, so you can safely, easily lift the top half off.

[weezieduzzit]

Oooohhhhhh.... that's smart!

[letsindulge]

The simplest solution is to bake your layers as usual, and split each of the 2 layers horizontally to yield 4 layers. Let cake(s) cool COMPLETELY before attempting to split. Use a long serrated knife, and take care to handle the layers carefully as they will be much more fragile. I noticed in the picture that the top of the cake is domed for a more rustic look, but if you want a more refined look then trim the tops until they are flat.

[weezieduzzit]

Just slice the layers in half with a large serrated knife (easiest done if cake has been in the freezer for a couple hours first so it doesn't tear it up.) Work slowly and evenly across it. Its pretty common to do it this way but I'm impressed that you did the math.

If you want a really big cake (LOTS of height) then you double the recipe and make twice as many cakes so you can use a whole one for each layer.

[biondanonima]

You can also get an inexpensive cake splitter - any store that carries cake decorating supplies should have them for no more than $5. They're basically a piece of wire strung tight between two posts - you set the height of the wire and just sort of drag it through your cake. It's the best way to make sure you get perfectly even layers.

[magiesmom]

Dental Floss !

oh, sorry, redundant.

[HillJ]

word of caution. Wire has cut my palms, dental floss never has.