Planning

5 simple steps to plan your next cake

A calm, practical checklist helps you avoid surprises when you move from idea to oven.

When a cake is on the calendar, the best approach is to plan the finishing details before you start mixing. That way, your batter, filling, and decoration all work together.

1. Choose the size first. Decide how many people you need to serve and how tall you want the cake to be.
2. Match the recipe to the pan. If your pan changes, your bake time and batter volume can change too.
3. Work out the finish. Buttercream, ganache, and piped details each require a different amount of frosting.
4. Check the timeline. Bake the cake, cool it fully, fill it, and then decorate with a little breathing room.
5. Keep a note for next time. Record what worked so your next cake feels easier and more predictable.

Planning does not need to be complicated. A few simple estimates can save a lot of stress on the day.