Baking A Wedding Cake: Time And Techniques

Baking a wedding cake is a time-consuming process that can take several days or even years from start to finish. The process includes consulting with the couple, designing the cake, sourcing ingredients and equipment, baking, decorating, and delivering the cake. The baking time for a wedding cake depends on various factors such as the number of tiers, the complexity of the design, and the type of decorations used.

For example, a plain three-tier fondant-covered wedding cake without any decorations can take around 7 hours to mix, bake, wash up, make ganache, buttercream, fill, and cover. However, if you add decorations such as sugar flowers, stencilling, or ruffles, the process can take several days.

Baking, mixing, and prep

The baking, mixing, and prep time for a wedding cake can vary depending on several factors, including the number of tiers, flavours, decorations, and complexity of the design. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

Baking:

Baking a wedding cake typically involves baking multiple tiers, with each tier requiring a certain amount of time in the oven. For example, a three-tier cake might include 6", 8", and 10" cakes, with each cake taking around an hour or more to bake. This means that the total baking time for all tiers could be around 3.5 hours. It's important to note that baking times can vary depending on the size and number of tiers.

Mixing:

Before baking, the cake batter needs to be mixed. Mixing ingredients and preparing the tins can take about 15 minutes per cake. So, for a three-tier cake, the mixing process could take around 45 minutes.

Cooling and Prep:

After baking, the cakes need to cool down before they can be decorated. Cooling times can vary depending on the size of the cake, but it typically takes around 2 to 4 hours. Once the cakes are cooled, they are often wrapped and left overnight before cutting, filling, and covering the next day.

Filling and Covering:

The next day, the cakes are cut, filled, and covered with a crumb coat, such as buttercream or ganache. Cutting the cakes usually takes a few minutes per cake, while making the filling and covering the cakes can take longer, depending on the number of tiers and the type of covering used. For example, covering each cake with fondant might take around 15 minutes per cake.

In summary, the baking, mixing, and prep time for a wedding cake can vary from several hours to a full day or more, depending on the size, number of tiers, and complexity of the design. It's important to plan ahead and allow ample time for each step of the process to ensure a beautiful and delicious wedding cake.

Cooling and filling

Cooling, filling, and crumb-coating a wedding cake can take several hours. The cooling time depends on the size of the cake, ranging from 2 to 4 hours. Once the cake is out of the oven, cover it with a clean tea towel and let it cool. After cooling, wrap the cake in cling film and leave it overnight. The next day, cut the cakes, make the buttercream, and fill them. The cutting process takes about 5 minutes per cake. It takes about 5-10 minutes to make a standard vanilla buttercream and another 10 minutes to make a ganache. Filling each cake takes about 5 minutes, after which they are chilled in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. The cakes are then covered in ganache, which takes about 20-30 minutes per cake, and returned to the fridge for 20 minutes before the fondant is applied. If using different flavoured buttercream for each cake, the equipment must be washed in between.

Covering and coating

Cooling and Preparation:

After baking, it is essential to allow the cakes to cool completely. This can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size of the tiers. Once cooled, the cakes are wrapped and left overnight to rest. This resting period helps the cake settle and makes it easier to cut, fill, and crumb coat the next day.

Cutting and Filling:

The first step in the covering process is to cut the cakes evenly. A sharp cake-cutting tool, such as an Agbay, ensures precise and level cuts. After cutting, a thin layer of buttercream or ganache is applied to fill any gaps and provide a base for the coating. The cakes are then chilled for 20-30 minutes to allow the filling to set.

Ganache Coating:

The next step is to apply a coat of ganache, which serves as a smooth surface for the fondant to adhere to. This step can be done using a Profroster, creating a nice, even finish. The cakes are then returned to the fridge for another 20 minutes to allow the ganache to set.

Fondant Covering:

Fondant is then rolled out and carefully applied to each tier, ensuring sharp edges and a smooth finish. This step should be done slowly and meticulously, taking around 15 minutes per cake. Any air bubbles should be smoothed out, and sharp edges can be created using fondant smoothers or tools.

Final Details:

Once the fondant is in place, additional decorations can be added. This may include sugar flowers, stencils, ribbons, or other embellishments. These final details can take several hours, depending on the complexity of the design. It is important to allow sufficient time for the fondant and decorations to set before stacking the tiers.

Timing and Planning:

The covering and coating process for a wedding cake can vary depending on the number of tiers and the complexity of the design. For a plain three-tier wedding cake without decorations, the covering and coating process can take around 2 hours. However, if you are adding intricate sugar flowers, stencilling, or other detailed decorations, the process can easily take a full day or more.

It is important to plan the timeline accordingly, allowing enough time for each step and taking into account the drying and setting time required for fondant and decorations. Additionally, the coating process may vary depending on the type of coating chosen, such as buttercream, ganache, or fondant.

In conclusion, the covering and coating of a wedding cake is a meticulous and time-consuming process that requires patience and attention to detail. It is a crucial step in creating a beautiful and delicious wedding cake that will be the centrepiece of any celebration.

Decorating

More intricate decorations, such as sugar flowers, can take up to three hours per flower. Creating a shimmer effect on the tiers requires time between coats to dry, and piping intricate patterns takes a significant amount of time and a steady hand. Ruffles are another time-consuming decoration, requiring four or more hours to cover a single cake. Stencilling on a tier can take about an hour, and adding final touches like ribbons, covering the cake drum, and dowelling each tier can add further time to the process.

The entire process of decorating a wedding cake, from making the buttercream and ganache to adding intricate details, can easily span several days. It is essential to plan and create any complex decorations well in advance to ensure the cake is ready in time for the wedding.

Delivery and setup

The delivery and setup of a wedding cake can be a complex process, especially if there are multiple suppliers involved. It is crucial to coordinate with other suppliers, such as florists, to ensure smooth and timely delivery. The cake designer might need to arrive at the same time as the florist if flowers are required for the cake setup. Additionally, it is important to confirm with the venue that a suitable table will be available and set up for the cake's display.

The setup time for a wedding cake can vary depending on the complexity of the decoration. It can take anywhere between 1 to 3 hours to set up a wedding cake. During the setup process, the cake designer might also be responsible for dressing the table, arranging candles, flowers, and foliage around the cake. This process can be time-consuming and intricate, especially when working with multiple suppliers.

Transporting the wedding cake to the venue is another critical aspect of delivery and setup. The designer must ensure the cake is securely packaged and transported to prevent any damage during transit. This may involve carefully wrapping the cake, using specialised cake boxes, and even travelling long distances, considering the return journey.

The entire process of creating a bespoke wedding cake, from initial consultation to final delivery and setup, can take several years. It requires meticulous planning, attention to detail, and coordination with various suppliers and the venue to ensure a seamless and timely execution.

Frequently asked questions