A shaped cake is different from a standard layer cake because the molded surface is part of what makes the finished dessert special.
Decide which side matters most
Before trimming anything, identify which surface will be displayed and which surface can safely be adjusted. The goal is stability without cutting away the details you want to decorate.
Use small adjustments
If the cake needs leveling, a small correction is usually easier to control than a deep cut. Work slowly and keep the cake fully cooled according to the recipe.
Think about the serving board
A flat, stable board can solve some presentation problems without aggressive trimming. Once the cake is positioned, you can use frosting and decorations to visually balance minor unevenness.
Perfection is not the point
With The Tomte Cake, the shaped house is meant to become a family decorating project. A slightly uneven edge can disappear under snow, candy, or frosting and may even add character.
For Tomte Cake baking, use the official recipe as your primary guide and let the family fun build around it.