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
1 / 40
Favorite Coconut Cake
When I need an impressive dessert for a special occasion, this is the recipe I depend on. My guests are glad I do! —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Lemon Orange Cake
I like to bake this lovely three-layer cake instead of a more traditional pie for Thanksgiving. It has that tangy Florida citrus flavor and isn't any more difficult to make than a two-layer cake. —Norma Poole, Auburndale, Florida
Malted Chocolate & Stout Layer Cake
If you want a dessert that will "take the cake" at your St. Patrick's Day celebration, 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
Marvelous Marble Cake
Pound cake and chocolate make the best marble cake. — Ellen Riley, Birmingham, Alabama
Chocolate Pecan Torte
This impressive dessert looks lovely on a buffet table. It takes some time to prepare, but it’s worth the effort. —Lois Schlickau, Haven, Kansas
Rainbow Layer Cake
Fruity gelatin helps create the rainbow effect for this pretty cake. Lemon frosting is a nice and springy finishing touch. —Dawn Shackelford, Fort Worth, Texas
White Chocolate Christmas Torte
Talk about a scene-stealer! This raspberry-filled cake, an exceptional dessert for any meal, is an especially lovely ending for a holiday feast. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Chocolate Spice Cake with Caramel Icing
I found this recipe back in the late '80s and knew it was a special cake. The caramel icing can be a little tricky because you have to work quickly, but it's so worth it! —Mariann James, Ferguson, Missouri
Chocolate Bavarian Torte
Whenever I take this eye-catching torte to a potluck, I get so many requests for the recipe. —Edith Holmstrom, Madison, Wisconsin
Pink Lemonade Stand Cake
If you love a moist and creamy cake, this is it. Lemon juice and lemonade give the layers a tangy touch, and the subtle pink frosting makes it beautiful. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Citrus-Kissed Sweet Potato Cake
I came up with this spiced cake to use up leftover sweet potatoes after Thanksgiving. Cover the grated sweet potatoes with a damp paper towel to prevent discoloration.—Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska
Raspberry Lemon Layer Cake
Cooking is my best and biggest hobby – trying recipes with different flavor combinations like pound cake with lemon curd and raspberries. — Janice Baker, London, Kentucky
Southern Lane Cake
I just love this southern-style dessert, and so do dinner guests. With pecans, cherries and raisins in the filling and topping, this version reminds me of a fruitcake—only so much better! —Mabel Parvi, Ridgefield, Washington
Toffee Bar Brownie Torte
Heads will turn when you serve this showstopping cake. The mild espresso frosting nicely complements the bittersweet brownie layers.—Megan Byers, Wichita, Kansas
Red, White 'n' Blue Torte
Guests will see fireworks when you turn a frozen pound cake into a patriotic pleaser. Assemble this tempting torte early in the day and keep it in the refrigerator until it's time for dessert. —Margery Bryan, Moses Lake, Washington
Pineapple Breeze Torte
This lovely torte features ladyfingers, a creamy filling and a crushed pineapple topping. It's a special treat for my large family and a must at Christmas. —Barbara Joyner, Franklin, Virginia
Strawberry Cake
Garnish the top of this strawberry cake with fresh strawberries to hint at the flavor of this pretty pink cake before you cut it—or let it be a surprise! —Pam Anderson, Billings, Montana
Fourth of July Ice Cream Cake
This eye-catching dessert is actually easy to prepare and keeps well in the freezer for days. It's nice to be able to serve cake and ice cream in one slice.—Anne Scholovich, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Fancy Fuss-Free Torte
Thanks to frozen pound cake and a can of pie filling, this torte's easy to make. If layers slide, keep them in place with toothpicks around the edges as you build. Just remove before serving. —Joan Causey, Greenwood, Arkansas
Icebox Cake
You don't have to bake to serve a wonderful dessert! This "cake" is made from chocolate wafers and whipping cream. It is so delicious.—Cindy Hawkins, New York, New York
Coconut Italian Cream Cake
I’d never tasted an Italian cream cake before moving to Colorado. Now I bake for people in the area, and this beauty is one of my most requested treats. —Ann Bush, Colorado City, Colorado
Strawberry Poke Cake
That classic spring treat—strawberry shortcake—takes on a wonderful new twist with this recipe. Strawberry gelatin and strawberries liven up each pretty slice of this lovely layered cake that's made from a convenient boxed mix. —Mary Jo Griggs, West Bend, Wisconsin
Sandy's Chocolate Cake
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
Deluxe Strawberry Shortcake
This tasty shortcake is perfect for the Fourth of July. I love the moist texture and from-scratch flavor. It's foolproof and always brings lots of compliments. —Janet Fant, Denair, California
Rainbow Sherbet Angel Food Cake
Talk about a dessert that pops. Sometimes, I make this easy cake even more eye-catching by coloring the whipped cream, too. Use whatever sherbet flavor combination you like. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Aunt Murna's Jam Cake
I remember Aunt Murna telling me that she created her jam cake recipe as a young girl. She made improvements over the years, such as soaking the raisins in crushed pineapple. This cake is a favorite at our annual family reunions. —Mrs. Eddie Robinson, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Strawberry Walnut Torte
This is a special treat I love to make and everyone looks forward to a nice slice with lots of fresh berries. —Bonnie Malloy, Norwood, Pennsylvania
Pina Colada Cake
As an avid baker, I wanted to create something that was mine and from my heart. I wanted to make a cake that tasted like the perfect pina colada drink, and I feel like I accomplished just that with this recipe. —Stephanie McShan, Apopka, Florida
Coffee-Chocolate Cake
This dark, moist cake is perfect for birthdays. The basic buttery frosting has an unmatchable homemade taste. With a few simple variations, you can come up with different colors and flavors.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cranberry Layer Cake
I adapted a Bundt cake recipe to create this layer cake. Cranberries, walnuts and homemade frosting make it taste so delicious that you'd never guess it starts with a convenient cake mix. —Sandy Burkett, Galena, Ohio
Pineapple Coconut Cake
This coconut cake is a guaranteed showstopper at any holiday meal or special occasion. The beautiful flakes of coconut are reminiscent of snow. But one taste of the sunny pineapple will transport you to the tropics. —Monica Kennedy, Johnson City, Tennessee
Deep & Dark Ganache Cake
My ode to all things chocolate, this is a phenomenally rich and satisfying chocolate ganache cake recipe. — Tarra Knight, Benbrook, Texas
Very Chocolate Torte with Raspberry Cream
Here's a way to take a simple cake mix and make it look spectacular! The filling and frosting are really quite easy to make so there's no reason to shy away from this dessert. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cranberry Coconut Cake with Marshmallow Cream Frosting
Filled with a homemade cranberry curd and smothered with one of the fluffiest frostings you've ever had, this tall cake will make a memorable impression at any gathering. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Lady Baltimore Cake
I first made this cake for my fathers' birthday and now it is the only cake that he requests. This cake has complex flavors and is very unique. —Cleo Gonske, Redding, California
Mamaw Emily's Strawberry Cake
My husband loved his Mamaw's strawberry cake recipe. He thought no one could duplicate it. I made it, and it’s just as scrumptious as he remembers. —Jennifer Bruce, Manitou, Kentucky
Best Chocolate Cake
With a tender crumb and rich frosting, a layered chocolate cake always impresses, no matter the occasion. One bite and you'll agree this cake recipe is awesome! —Elvi Kaukinen, Horseheads, New York
Grandma's Red Velvet Cake
In our family no one thinks it’s Christmas without this Red Velvet Cake recipe. I baked the first one for Christmas in 1963 when I found the recipe in the newspaper and my Mother kept the tradition going into the ’80s. It’s different than other Red Velvet Cakes I’ve tasted over the years, since this one tastes only mildly chocolate and the icing is as light as snow. —Kathryn H. Davison, Charlotte, North Carolina
Marvelous Cannoli Cake
A luscious, chocolate-studded cannoli filling separates the tender vanilla layers of this rich cake, which starts with a package mix. It’s best when served well chilled.—Antoinette Owens, Ridgefield, Connecticut
Mint Patty Cake
Each slice of this dreamy layer cake is full of cool peppermint. The chopped peppermint patties in the frosting are a refreshing surprise. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The post This Little Gadget Is the Secret for Flat, Evenly Baked Cake Layers appeared first on Taste of Home.
Camille Berry