An unconventional method for cutting cakes cleanly

Cutting the first slice of a birthday cake can be an awkward task, because soft cakes are difficult to handle and the knife often tears through the crumb and frosting. Instead of delegating the task, it's worth changing how you use the knife.

Instagram baker Dan Langan shared a video demonstrating a simple method. Instead of dragging the knife diagonally, which separates the crumb, he aligns the side of the blade with the multi-layered red velvet cake covered in buttercream frosting. He slices in half with a swift motion, without tilting the knife, resulting in a clean, crumb-free cut. According to him, "When you cut a cake from the sides, there's no friction, and you get perfectly defined layers."

For best results, use a sharp knife and chill the cake in the refrigerator before cutting. Otherwise, as one comment on Langan's Instagram post points out, the slice can end up disastrous and crumbly.

Laura Rege, a contributor to Martha Stewart's magazine, adds other tips. In addition to sharpening and chilling, she suggests scoring the surface to achieve uniform slices. Before cutting, she recommends dipping the knife in hot water, comparing this step to serving ice cream with a warm spoon, which is much easier. She also advises wiping the blade between each slice to prevent crumbs from forming.