Baking A Beautiful 2-Tier Wedding Cake

Baking a two-tier wedding cake is a challenging but rewarding task. It requires a sturdy cake recipe, careful levelling of the layers, and plenty of frosting. You'll also need to consider how to support the top tier, using dowels or straws, and how to decorate the cake.

How to bake a sturdy cake

To bake a sturdy two-tier wedding cake, you will need to start with a sturdy cake recipe and level your layers. Preheat your oven to 350° F and spray 3 8-inch round cake pans and 3 6" round cake pans with baking spray or line with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine eggs, yolk, oil, and sugars and mix well until combined. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl and slowly add to the mixture on low speed. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the tops are springy and a toothpick comes out clean.

Once the cakes have cooled, place one of the 8" or 9" rounds on your cake plate and frost the top. Then place the second 8" or 9" round on top of the lower layer and frost the top and sides. To ensure the cake doesn't fall over, place a cake board under each tier and insert dowels or straws into the bottom tier to support the top one. Stack carefully and chill the cake before transporting it to help everything stay in place.

How to stack a two-tier cake

To stack a two-tier cake, you will need to bake two 8" rounds for the bottom tier and two 4" rounds for the top tier. Once all the cakes have cooled, place one of the 8" rounds on a cake plate and frost the top. Then, place the second 8" round on top of the lower layer and frost the top and sides.

Next, place a cake board under the top tier. Insert dowels or straws into the bottom tier to support the top one, and stack carefully. Make sure to frost each layer well, so the cake is sturdy. Chill the cake before transporting it to help everything stay in place.

To make the cake, preheat your oven to 350° F and spray three 8" round cake pans and three 6" round cake pans with baking spray or line with parchment paper. In a stand mixer or large bowl, combine eggs, yolk, oil, and sugars until combined. Then, slowly add a mixture of flour, baking soda, and salt to the wet ingredients on low speed.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tops are springy and a toothpick comes out clean. If you are adding extra layers, you will need to make more frosting.

How to make cream cheese frosting

To make a two-tier wedding cake, you will need to bake four cakes: two 8" rounds for the bottom and two 4" rounds for the top. You will also need to make sure you have enough frosting to cover all four layers.

To make cream cheese frosting, you will need cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. You can also add a dash of salt to taste. First, combine the cream cheese and butter in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Then, add the powdered sugar and vanilla and mix until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. For a stiffer frosting, beat in additional powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

It is important to let your cream cheese and butter come to room temperature before you start mixing. This will ensure that your frosting is smooth and creamy without any lumps. You can leave the cream cheese out for at least two hours, but the butter will need longer, so it is best to take it out of the fridge the night before.

Once your cakes have cooled, place one of the 8" rounds on a cake plate and frost the top. Then, place the second 8" round on top of the lower layer and frost the top and sides. Repeat this process with the 4" rounds to create the second tier.

To assemble the two tiers, use a cake board under each tier and insert dowels or straws into the bottom tier to support the top one. Stack carefully and chill the cake before transporting it to help everything stay in place.

How to decorate a wedding cake

To decorate a two-tier wedding cake, you'll need to start with a sturdy cake recipe and level your layers. Frost each layer well, then place a cake board under each tier. You can use a delicious cream cheese frosting that will be perfect for many desserts. Add the butter and cream cheese and mix until creamy. Add the powdered sugar and milk and mix until creamy. Spread on cooled cake.

If you are adding extra layers, you will need to make another half batch of frosting or times the original recipe by 1.5 to have enough to frost all four layers. Once all of the cakes have cooled, start by placing one of the 8″ or 9″ rounds on your cake plate. Frost the top of the cake. Then place the second 8″ or 9″ round on top of the lower layer and frost the top and sides.

To make the cake more decorative, cut 2 pieces of ribbon that are 30″ long. Tie one piece in a bow and place in between some roses on the very top on the right-hand side. Allow the ribbon ends to cascade down the cake, winding in and out of the roses. Repeat on the left. You can also add some gold ribbon and pearl ribbon to make it more wedding-ready. If you want to make it more of a garden cake, try to find lace butterflies and place them in a couple of spots. Lastly, surround it with a pretty mirror to catch its reflection, add some candles and champagne glasses and you are set!

How to transport a two-tier cake

To transport a two-tier wedding cake, it's important to ensure that the cake is sturdy and well-supported. Here are the steps to follow:

• Start by baking a sturdy cake recipe and levelling your layers. It's recommended to use a cake recipe that is firm and not too soft or delicate.
• Once your cakes are baked and cooled, frost each layer well. A cream cheese frosting can be a good option, providing a delicious and stable base for your cake.
• Place a cake board under each tier. This will provide a stable surface for transportation and prevent the cake from shifting during transport.
• Insert dowels or straws into the bottom tier to support the top tier. This is a crucial step to prevent the top tier from sinking into the bottom layer and causing the cake to collapse.
• Stack the tiers carefully, ensuring that they are aligned properly.
• Chill the cake before transporting it. Chilling helps to set the frosting and keeps everything in place, reducing the risk of the cake layers shifting during transport.

By following these steps, you can safely transport your two-tier wedding cake and ensure that it arrives at its destination intact and looking beautiful.

Frequently asked questions