Baking Timeline For Wedding Cakes: When To Start?

Wedding cakes are a big deal. They take a lot of time, talent, and planning to create. But how early is too early to start baking? Well, it depends on a few factors. Firstly, the type of cake and icing matters – a simple sponge cake is best baked fresh, while a fruit cake needs to be made months in advance. Secondly, decoration plays a part – a fondant-covered cake should be decorated within a day or two of the event, while a buttercream-covered cake can be done up to three days ahead. Finally, storage is key – a well-wrapped cake can be frozen for months, but an unfrosted cake will only last a few days at room temperature. So, if you're planning on baking a wedding cake, consider the type of cake, decoration, and storage, and you'll be able to work out how early to start!

Cake ingredients

The ingredients you will need for a wedding cake depend on the type of cake you are making. Here is a list of ingredients for some common types of cakes:

Sponge Cake

Sponge cakes are very popular and easy to make. They are light, airy, and traditionally made with just flour, sugar, and eggs. They are best baked fresh and served the same day as they go stale quickly. If you must bake in advance, it is recommended to bake the day before and store overnight in an airtight container at room temperature.

Butter Cake

Butter cakes are denser than sponge cakes but still moist and delicious. They are typically made by creaming butter and sugar and can be decorated with heavier frosting and other elements. These cakes can be made comfortably 2-3 days in advance and stored well-wrapped or in a container. If you need to make them earlier, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Fruit Cake

Fruit cakes are typically made for weddings and need to be made well in advance. They should be baked and allowed to cool completely, then wrapped in a double layer of greaseproof or parchment paper, followed by a double layer of aluminium foil. The cake is then "fed" every week by brushing it with alcohol or sugar syrup to keep it moist during the maturing process, which can take up to 5 months.

Chocolate Cake

Chocolate cakes are typically made with cocoa powder, flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and a leavening agent such as baking powder or baking soda. They can be made in advance and stored similarly to butter cakes.

Red Velvet Cake

Red velvet cakes are also considered butter cakes as they are made with oil. They can be made in advance and stored in the same way as butter cakes.

Custom Cake Designs

Custom cakes may include additional ingredients such as food colouring, fondant, or other decorations. These cakes often require more planning and preparation time, and it is important to source fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Remember, the above information is a general guide, and you should refer to specific recipes for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

Cake baking

Wedding cakes can be a stressful endeavour, but with the right preparation, you can ensure your cake is both delicious and beautiful. Here is a guide to help you plan your cake baking.

Planning

Planning is essential for baking a wedding cake. Consult with the couple to determine their preferences, including design styles, flavours, and any dietary restrictions. This will help you create a timeline for baking and decorating the cake. Order any non-edible supplies and ingredients in advance to ensure you have everything you need.

Baking

Baking the cake layers can be done ahead of time, especially if you need to focus on assembling and decorating closer to the event. Cake layers can be baked up to three days in advance and stored at room temperature, or frozen for up to a month. If you plan to freeze the layers, wrap them carefully in plastic wrap and aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the layers in the fridge a day before icing so they can defrost slowly.

Icing and Decorating

The type of icing or frosting you use will impact how early you can decorate the cake. If using buttercream or cream cheese icing, it is best to ice the cake within a couple of days, as it will then need to be refrigerated or frozen. Fondant icing, on the other hand, should not be refrigerated, and has a shelf life of about three days at room temperature. If using fondant, plan to decorate the cake within a day or two of the wedding.

Transport and Setup

When transporting the cake to the venue, plan for any potential issues during transport. Bring extra icing and decorations for touch-ups, and ensure you have the necessary tools for any last-minute assembly. It is helpful to have someone assist you with transport and setup to ensure the cake arrives safely and is perfectly presented.

Baking a wedding cake can be a challenging but rewarding experience. With careful planning, attention to detail, and a bit of practice, you can create a beautiful and delicious cake that will be a highlight of the wedding celebration.

Cake assembly

The assembly of a wedding cake is a crucial step in the cake-making process, and it requires careful planning and execution. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to guide you through the cake assembly process:

Prepare the Cake Layers:

Before assembling the cake, ensure that the cake layers are baked, cooled, and levelled. If you have baked the cake layers in advance, thaw them in the fridge a day before icing so they can defrost slowly. It is important to work with levelled cake layers to ensure a straight and stable cake structure.

Create a Stable Base:

Start by placing the largest tier on a cake board or a sturdy cake base. This will serve as the foundation for your wedding cake. It's recommended to use cardboard cake rounds or cake drums for each tier, making it easier to handle and transport the cake.

Apply a Layer of Icing:

Spread a generous amount of icing or frosting onto the first cake layer. This layer of icing acts as a glue to hold the tiers together and prevents the cake from drying out. You can use buttercream, ganache, or any frosting of your choice.

Stack the Tiers:

Carefully place the next tier on top of the iced layer. Ensure that the tiers are centred and aligned properly. Repeat this process for each additional tier, making sure to check for stability after adding each layer.

Apply Final Coat of Icing:

Once all the tiers are stacked, it's time to ice the entire cake. Start by applying a thin layer of icing, known as a crumb coat, to seal in the crumbs and create a smooth surface. After the crumb coat, you can apply the final coat of icing to achieve the desired finish.

Add Dowels for Support:

Insert wooden or plastic dowels into the cake to provide additional support, especially if your wedding cake has multiple tiers. Cut the dowels to the height of the cake tier they will be supporting, and place them in a pattern to distribute the weight evenly.

Decorate the Cake:

Now it's time to decorate your wedding cake! You can use fresh flowers, sugar flowers, fondant decorations, or any other embellishments you desire. Keep in mind that some decorations, such as fondant, should be added closer to the event to ensure freshness.

Final Touches and Transport:

Once the cake is fully assembled and decorated, make any final touches, such as adding a cake topper or fresh flowers. Ensure the cake is securely packaged for transport to the venue. It is recommended to have extra icing and decorations on hand in case any touch-ups are needed upon arrival.

Assembling a wedding cake can be a challenging but rewarding task. With careful planning, attention to detail, and practice, you can create a stunning and delicious wedding cake that will impress the happy couple and their guests.

Cake decoration

Planning and Preparation:

Before you begin decorating, it's essential to have a clear plan and timeline in place. Determine the design and style of the cake, including any intricate details or decorations you want to include. This will help you manage your time effectively and ensure a smooth decoration process.

Baking and Cooling:

Bake the cake layers in advance, allowing them to cool completely before proceeding. Baking can be done up to three days before the wedding, and the cakes should be stored tightly wrapped in plastic at room temperature or in the fridge. If you need more time for decoration, consider freezing the cake layers, which can be done for up to three months without losing moisture or flavour.

Filling and Crumb Coating:

The filling and crumb coating step is crucial in achieving a smooth and even finish. Fill and crumb coat the cakes a day in advance and cover the surface with plastic wrap. Store the cakes in the fridge or at room temperature, depending on the stability of the filling. This step will ensure that your cake has a stable base for the final decorations.

Fondant or Buttercream:

If you're using fondant, it's recommended to do a crumb coat with buttercream first. This will help keep the cake moist and provide a better surface for the fondant to stick to. If using buttercream, prepare it in advance and store it in the coolest place in your kitchen. Rewhip the buttercream before use if it has been refrigerated.

Decorating Timeline:

The time required for decoration will depend on the complexity of your design. Simple piped borders and buttercream flowers can be done in 10-30 minutes, while fondant decorations may take 1-2 hours or more, including drying time for any sculpted pieces. If you're using fresh flowers or other perishable decorations, add them as close to the event as possible to ensure freshness.

Storage and Transportation:

After decoration, properly store the cake to maintain its freshness. If possible, transport the cake in a vehicle with a controlled temperature to avoid melting or spoilage. Have extra icing and decorations on hand in case any touch-ups are needed upon arrival at the venue.

Decorating a wedding cake can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. Allow yourself enough time to work, and don't be afraid to seek help from experienced bakers or decorators if needed. With the right preparation and techniques, you can create a beautiful and delicious wedding cake that will impress your guests.

Cake delivery

When it comes to delivering a wedding cake, timing is crucial. The cake should be delivered with enough time to ensure a smooth setup, but not so early that it risks being damaged or spoiling. Here are some factors to consider for timely and efficient cake delivery:

Delivery Time

The delivery time for the wedding cake will depend on the schedule of the wedding and the venue's availability. In most cases, delivering the cake a few hours before the ceremony or reception is ideal. This allows time for any final touches, such as adding the top tier or making necessary repairs. It is essential to coordinate with the venue to find a suitable delivery time, especially if there are multiple events booked on the same day.

Venue Coordination

Communicating with the venue staff is vital to ensure a seamless cake delivery. It is recommended to contact the venue in advance to understand their preferred delivery time and any specific requirements or restrictions they may have. For example, some venues may require the cake to be delivered directly to the kitchen or a designated area, while others may allow setup on the cake table immediately upon arrival.

Freshness and Preservation

To maintain the freshness of the cake, it is best not to deliver it too early. Leaving the cake out for an extended period may cause it to spoil, especially if it has perishable ingredients or fillings. If the venue has a refrigerator, it can be advantageous to deliver the cake earlier and store it there until it is needed. This is a common practice, ensuring the cake remains fresh and tasty for the guests.

Setup and Touch-ups

When delivering the cake, it is crucial to allow sufficient time for setup and any last-minute touch-ups. Final decorations, such as adding fresh flowers or intricate details, are often done on-site. Additionally, there may be minor repairs needed due to transportation, so having extra icing and decorations on hand is always a good idea.

Early Delivery Options

In some cases, early delivery of the wedding cake may be preferred or necessary. If the cake is not perishable and the venue has the appropriate storage space, delivering it the evening before or earlier on the day of the wedding can reduce last-minute stress. However, it is essential to trust the bakery's expertise in determining the ideal delivery time to ensure the cake's quality and freshness.

Frequently asked questions