How to Make a Cake Plate Out of Cardboard
Making a cardboard cake plate or cake board is a great way to display a cake for special occasions that do not require too much formality. Rather than going out to buy a plate, a homemade cake plate can easily be made from materials found in the store or around the house. It can be customized with an appealing wrapping paper that fits the occasion. A well constructed cake board can be used to hold a cake as well as move it from place to place. Cleanup is easy since cake boards can be discarded after they are done being used.
Instructions
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Take the pan the cake will be decorated in and place it bottom side down on the cardboard. Trace around the edges to capture the shape of the pan.
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Take a pencil and make a mark four to six inches outward from each corner of the traced pan. Think about this as extending the pan size by this length in all directions. Use a ruler to draw lines connecting the marks, making a larger shaped pan on the cardboard. This will ensure the cake sits comfortably on the plate without falling off and so the plate can be easily picked up and carried.
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Use a box cutter to cut out the shape of the plate from the cardboard. Do this slowly so the box cutter does not slip and cause a mistake in the process.
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Wrap aluminum foil or wrapping paper around the cardboard cake plate. Be sure to wrap all parts, making sure the brown cardboard underneath is not visible. Aluminum foil works well for wrapping because it will hide stains from frosting that drops onto the plate -- wrapping paper may show these stains. Aluminum foil also has a shiny look giving the cardboard plate style. Kids can decorate the aluminum foil with markers as well -- but the cake should not be put onto the plate until the ink is dry.
Wrapping paper works well too. This is a good option when there is a particular design or pattern wanted on the plate. This may be the best option for a child's birthday cake since wrapping paper is available in many colors and features entertainment characters and objects kids love.
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Place the cake on the cardboard plate. It should fit comfortably without leaking over the edges and there should be enough room to grab the plate on the sides. Make sure the cake is evenly distributed or toward the center so the plate does not become lopsided.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid cutting the cardboard on a surface like a kitchen table or counter. This could leave cut marks on the surface.
Be careful when carrying cake on the plate. A cardboard plate is not as sturdy as a plastic or glass plate. Carry the plate with two hands with one underneath for support.
Do not overload the plate with a cake that is to heavy. Ensure enough cardboard was used when creating the plate.
References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Valueline/Getty Images
