How to cut a cake

1. Determine before you start cutting how many pieces you'll want. Most round cakes easily cut into 8 to 12 pieces. Think about how many people you're serving when you choose the number of pieces so there is enough for everyone.

2. Run a thin-bladed knife under hot water. Not only does this help ensure the knife is clean, it will also help the knife to glide more easily through the cake as you slice. A longer knife (especially one made to cut cake such as a 10- to 12-inch serrated) is best so you will not have to make multiple motions for one cut.

3. Dry the knife (to prevent crumbling) and make your first slice. Keep a steady hand and try to be as even as possible. The best place to begin to keep the pieces even is down the middle (either horizontally or diagonally).

4. Wash the knife under hot water and dry it again between every slice to continue to cut smoothly. Continue making even pieces by placing a light mark on the cake where you'll be slicing. This ensures you'll cut the right number of pieces.

5. Know that an alternative method when you do not have a good knife is to cut off a piece of unwaxed dental floss slightly longer than the cake. Wrap the floss tightly around each of your hands and slice through the cake by keeping the line straight.

6. Slice the cake into as many pieces as you need. Use a small cake spatula (usually triangle shaped) to easily lift each piece of cake onto a plate.