Chequered cake

[PinkCloudDweller]

How do I get a really neat finish? I was thinking if I freeze and cut it when it's starting to thaw, it might be easier to get cleaner edges. But will it dry out? I've never frozen a cake before.

As long as the cake is cool, you should get a decent clean finish on it. The icing you use to stick each ring together will help as well, as you won't get any crumb transfer.

It was much easier (and more effective) than I thought it would be - good luck!

So you don't think freezing the cake is necessary?

I cut the rings out with biscuit cutters. That makes a neat finish.

No, I don't. I think it'll be fine as long as you don't cut it straight from the oven.

I'm making one tomorrow, not planning on freezing it, but have cut frozen cakes before and it's easier to do.

Have just assembled mine and wish I had frozen it. The chocolate cake was very crumbly, making it hard to work with.

Luckily this is just my own birthday cake so it doesn't matter, but not happy with the finish...