How to Make a Drum Set Cake

A drum set cake is a delicious and creative way to celebrate any drummer’s birthday, especially those who are old enough to remember the era of Woodstock. It also makes an excellent choice for a music-themed party, like the equal parts cool and adorable one that HWTM contributor Leslie threw for her young son.

The drum set is made from several tiers of buttercream frosted cakes, each covered in fondant and decorated with a variety of hand-molded drumming details. Each tier is elevated on a base that resembles the floor of a drummer’s drum kit, complete with a cymbal stand, hi-hats, and snare drum.

While there are a number of different types of cake boards available, drum set boards tend to be thicker than the standard cardboard cake circles, typically measuring around 10mm thick. The thicker construction of the drum set board also makes it ideal for supporting heavier cakes such as large sponges or fruit cakes. A popular in-between option is the masonite cake board, which is usually around 6mm thick and a good choice for sturdier tiered cakes or larger decorative bases.

Depending on the size and weight of your cake, it may be necessary to use a central dowel that runs through all the tiers before stacking them. This ensures that the top tier of the cake is perfectly level with the base, and it’s also an excellent way to help prevent your cakes from sliding when moved or cut. A number of specialized dowel rods are available for cake stacking, but they can be expensive and require a saw to cut them. A better alternative are wooden dowel rods, which can be purchased in lengths to match the height of your tiers. These are often sturdier than cake dowels, and they can be made more aesthetically appealing by coating them in metallic or wood effect laminates.