Cutting the cake is a cherished wedding tradition. It usually happens just before or in the middle of the dance party and it’s a moment to celebrate that you’re now officially a married couple.
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Use a Sharp Knife
When it comes to cake cutting, the right knife makes all the difference. Though it may seem simple enough to use a standard chef’s knife, choosing a dedicated cake knife ensures clean cuts that maintain the integrity of the delicate dessert.
The best knife for slicing cakes is one that’s thin and long, with a smooth blade that glides through the frosting like butter. It should also have a comfortable handle that reduces hand strain during extended cutting sessions. Look for options with a durable, food-grade stainless steel blade that’s safe to use in the dishwasher.
Serrated knives are a popular choice for cutting cakes because they grip the surface of soft foods with small, saw-like serrations. These teeth minimize compression and prevent squashing, which is especially important for delicate cakes like sponges and chiffons.
A good knife will also have a flat tip that helps it slice through the centre of the cake without damaging or tearing it. This technique is called a “clean cut,” and it’s the secret to getting even slices that are ready to serve.
To prep your knife for slicing, run it briefly under hot water before starting. This will prevent tearing, uneven slicing, and frosting sticking to the knife. For the best results, dip the knife in a container of warm water (like your sink or a pitcher) before and after each slice.
Run Your Knife Under Hot Water
There’s a reason you’ve heard someone say, “like a hot knife through butter.” A warm blade cuts smoother and cleaner than a cold one. It also prevents frosting and crumbs from sticking to the knife’s surface, which can cause smears. The easiest way to ensure a clean, smooth cut is to run your knife under hot water before each slice. Just dip the blade in a jug of hot water for a couple of minutes and wipe it dry before cutting again.
This trick works for most cakes, though some types of cake benefit from using specialty knives that are designed to slice through dense or densely frosted layers without excessive force. In these cases, it’s a good idea to consult a professional baker for slicing tips that are tailored to their recipes and ingredients.
If you don’t have a sink nearby or a jug of hot water available, use a clean kitchen towel to wipe the knife between each slice. It’s normal for the knife to collect frosting and crumbs as you slice, but the smears can become permanent if you don’t clean the knife before resuming your slices. The extra effort is worth it, especially since a clean-cut slice looks more impressive and makes it easier to serve to your guests.
Wipe Off Your Knife Between Slices
Even with a sharp knife and a well-planned cake cutting session, there may be some frosting smudges on your beautiful cake. Luckily, it’s easy to fix. If you have a clean kitchen towel or paper napkins nearby, keep wiping down your knife between each slice to remove any crumbs or frosting from the blade.
If you don’t have access to a sink, simply bring a pitcher of hot water with you and dip the knife in between each cut, then wipe it off again. This trick will prevent tearing, uneven slicing, and frosting sticking to the knife and ruining your next slice.
It’s also a good idea to have an assistant with you when you’re cutting a large cake. They can help with the heavy lifting and keep the plates from tipping over. This is particularly important for round cakes, which are more susceptible to smushing as they’re being cut.
Finally, remember to take into account any specific directions your wedding photographer has about the cake cutting session. They’re there to ensure you get the best possible images (and memories) from this special moment, so be sure to follow their instructions. This includes positioning the couple in a way that will work best for your particular space, and following their suggested sequences for cutting the cake. For example, they may ask you to start in the middle and then cut around each tier, or vice versa.
Keep Your Knife Clean
The frosting on a cake is sticky, and it is easy to drag all that debris along the blade during your first cut. During the next slice, that debris can smear across the cake layers and make them look messy. So, it’s important to wipe off the knife between slices.
Using a clean knife for each cut will help prevent smearing the cake. It also makes the cutting process more enjoyable. For example, if you have a cake with an intricate design, such as flowers or characters from a movie, it will be much easier to cut neatly with a clean knife.
Even if your cake is not especially decorative, wiping off the knife after each cut will keep it from getting dirty or stained with frosting or crumbs. This is one of the most important things you can do when cutting a cake!
The wedding cake cutting ceremony is a very special moment that symbolizes the couple’s love and commitment to each other. Traditionally, the groom holds the knife in one hand and the bride places her hand over his to guide him during the cut. After the cake is sliced, the groom feeds the bride her first bite and they eat together as a married couple. The couple is then encouraged to share each other’s foods and drink to show their love for one another.