The difference between a cake board and a cake drum: everything you need to know

It's a question that many bakers wonder about, but often don't dare ask: what exactly is the difference between all those different bases? You've spent hours working on a beautiful cake, and the last thing you want is for the base to sag and your buttercream to crack. A good presentation starts with the right foundation. In this blog post, we'll explain the difference between cake cartons, cake boards, and drums and help you choose the perfect option for you.

The three different options

There are three common options in the baking world for supporting your cake. Each option has its own strengths and purpose.

1. The cake board

This is the simplest and most affordable option. Cake boards are thin and made of sturdy cardboard. They're ideal for small pastries or light cakes that require little support. You can find this affordable option here: View all cake boards .

2. The MDF cake board (our specialty)

At Cupcakedozen.nl, we consciously choose MDF cake boards. These wooden boards are incredibly sturdy and won't bend at all. This is crucial for keeping your buttercream or fondant smooth. We offer several options:

• Matte white boards: These are finished with a food-safe varnish. For the truly heavyweights, we also have a 9-millimeter thick version for super-heavy tiered cakes and wedding cakes, up to a diameter of 60 centimeters! View the matte white boards here .
• Glossy white boards: These cake boards have a top layer of food-safe laminate for an extra luxurious look. Check out the glossy boards here .

3. The cake drum

A cake drum is typically 12 millimeters thick and made of compressed cardboard with foil. Because these drums take up a lot of storage space and are practically no stronger than our compact MDF boards, we don't stock them. With an MDF cake board, you get the same strength in a more elegant package.

From baking tin to cake box: the logical dimensions

Determining the right size can be a bit of a puzzle. To ensure your cake stands securely and the box isn't too big or too small, follow this guide:

Baking tin size	Diameter of finished cake	Cake board size	Cake box size
15 centimeter	approximately 17 centimeters	20 centimeter	20 x 20 centimeter
20 centimeter	approximately 22 centimeters	25 centimeter	25 x 25 centimeter
25 centimeter	approximately 27 centimeters	30 centimeter	30 x 30 centimeter
30 centimeter	approximately 32 centimeters	35 centimeter	35 x 35 centimeter
35 centimeter	approximately 37 centimeters	40 centimeter	40 x 40 centimeter

Pro tip: Want a lot of decoration at the bottom of the cake, like thick swirls or fresh flowers? Then choose a cake board (and therefore also the box) that's one size larger than the one in the table above. This will prevent your decorations from pressing against the side of the box.

Special solutions for large projects

For bakers who like to aim high or offer something extra, we have unique solutions:

Stacked cakes and frames

Do you have a tiered cake? Then use our cake boards with a center hole. These fit perfectly with our cake frame for an indestructible construction. View the boards with a hole and the matching Cake Frame .

The finishing touch

Want to literally put your cake on a pedestal? Our special cake board feet instantly give your presentation a professional and exclusive look. View the feet here .

Save with our combination deals

Because a cake board and a box are inseparable, we've put together some handy combo deals. You can buy a set of boards and the perfectly matching cake boxes at a great price. This way, you can be sure the board won't slide around in the box. Discover all the combo deals here .

Conclusion

Whether you choose matte or glossy, a standard board or an extra thick version for a heavy wedding cake: at Cupcakedozen.nl you will always find the sturdy base your cake deserves.