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How to Choose the Right Cake Board for Any Occasion
• Lynsey Macdonald
Knowing how to choose the right cake board for any occasion is a secret weapon for cake pros! But if you're still in the early stages of your baking journey, fear not. We're here with a cheat sheet to help you get it right! From understated birthday bakes to extravagant wedding masterpieces, there's a cake board for every creation.
In some cases, a cake board is meant to go unnoticed. But it doesn't have to! There are so many options in terms of style, colour and materials. Your cake board is a presentation essential, but it can also become a part of the bake itself. By matching (or contrasting!) colours or adding piping or decorations, it can turn into a key feature rather than an uninspiring essential!
You can shop our full range of cake boards here if you're ready to bake!
Contents:
Cake Board Thickness Guide
How to choose the right cake board for an event
Which cake board material is best for a buttercream cake?
What cake boards work best for fondant cakes?
Cake Board Thickness Guide
The first thing to consider when trying to choose the right cake board is the type you need. This is essential for making sure your cake is properly supported. The options you have are a standard cake board, a cake drum board or a masonite board.
If you want to learn more about this, we have an in depth guide to the different types of cake board.
| Board Type | Depth/thickness | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Cake Board | Approx 3mm | lightweight cakes and bakes - single tier |
| Masonite Cake Board | Approx 4mm-6mm | light to medium weight cakes and bakes - single tier |
| Cake Drum | Approx 12mm | heavier cakes and multi-tier cakes |
How to choose the right cake board for an event
After establishing which type of board you need based on the size of your cake, it's time to think about the event itself!
How to choose a cake board for a wedding cake
A wedding cake, more often than not, will be a heavy cake. Whether that's because it has multiple-tiers, or because of an intense filling. Fruit cakes were traditionally a popular option and are still chosen by couples from time to time!
Therefore, most wedding cakes will require a cake drum board for maximum stability. A drum board is 12mm thick and can support a good weight. Be sure to choose a width 2-4" wider than the bottom tier of your cake a) for stability and b) to allow you to do any additional decorating!
Shape is also a consideration! Cake boards come in standard round and square shapes, but can also be found in heart, scalloped or rectangular shapes (among others!).
You can cover the board with fondant icing / sugarpaste if the standard foil finish doesn't work with your design! Using fondant allows you to match your cake colour palette which is a lovely finishing touch. Another cute final option is to wrap the edge of the drum with a ribbon.
Our recommendations: cake boards for wedding cakes!
There are so many options to choose from when it comes to cake boards for weddings. So, we've narrowed down a few of our favourites to help you get started!
Premium Silver Drum Board
Baby Pink Round Masonite Board
White Square Masonite Cake Board
The best cake board for a birthday cake
The right cake board for a birthday cake (or any other celebration cake) depends entirely on the individual bake. If you're creating a multi-tier masterpiece, you want to follow the guide for the wedding cake above. The same rules apply!
If, however, you're creating a more lightweight, single tier cake, you have more options! A colourful masonite board is a great option. It adds a pop of colour and a really professional finishing touch to your cake. We have a stunning range of marble masonites which can really elevate any birthday cake.
Our recommendations: cake boards for birthday cakes!
Ready to choose the right cake board for your next birthday creation? Here are a few of our top picks, in different styles, finishes and sizes!
Standard Silver Foil Cake Board
Matching your cake board to your event theme
It can be a lot of fun to match your cake board to your event theme! Decorative cake boards, which are pre-patterned, can be an amazing option. But you can also do your own decorating using ribbons, piping and sugar decorations to elevate your boards! Take inspiration from your cake colour palette and co-ordinate.
We have an entire post dedicated to how to decorate a cake board. Check it out for the ultimate inspiration!
Which cake board material is best for buttercream cakes?
When you need to choose the right cake board for buttercream cakes, have a look at masonite boards. These sturdy boards provide a good base and a moisture barrier, which is important when dealing with buttercream or frosting. The material will prevent the board from getting soggy due to the moisture in the cake.
Again, however, if you are making a multi-tier, heavy buttercream cake, a sturdy cake drum is essential for support!
What cake boards work best for fondant cakes?
If you have a fondant covered cake and need to choose the right cake board for it, consider the size and weight of it. If it's a very small, light cake, a standard board may cope. However, for extra security even on a small cake, a sturdy masonite cake board can be reassuring.
Again, sugarpaste or fondant icing covered cakes can transfer grease onto the board, which could lead it to bend or soften. So a sturdy thicker board gives you the peace of mind that it will stay solid!
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Looking for more cakey tips and tricks?
What is the Difference Between Cake Boards and Drums?
The Ultimate Guide to Food Colourings for Cake Decorating
What’s the Difference Between Sugarpaste, Modelling Paste & Flower Paste?
