Baking A Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

Baking a wedding cake can be a daunting task, but with careful planning and practice, it is certainly achievable. Here are the steps you can follow to create a beautiful and delicious wedding cake:

Step 1: Planning and Preparation:

Start by deciding on the size and design of your cake. Consider the number of guests you need to serve and choose a style that reflects the theme of the wedding. It is recommended to start early, giving yourself ample time to gather the necessary equipment, find the perfect recipe, and practice your baking and decorating skills.

Step 2: Gather the Right Tools and Ingredients:

Ensure you have all the required tools and ingredients before you begin. This includes quality baking pans (in various sizes if creating a tiered cake), parchment paper, cake boards, a stand mixer, frosting bags and tips, and any decorations you plan to use.

Step 3: Choose the Right Recipe:

Select a recipe specifically designed for wedding cakes, ensuring it is sturdy enough to support multiple tiers and yields the desired amount of batter and icing. Practice baking the cake and making the frosting to perfect your technique.

Step 4: Baking the Cake:

Preheat your oven and prepare your baking pans by lining them with parchment paper. Follow your chosen recipe, taking care to measure ingredients accurately and mix them properly. Bake the cakes according to the recipe's instructions, allowing them to cool completely before handling.

Step 5: Assembling and Decorating:

Level the cakes to ensure flat surfaces, then stack them using a crumb coat of frosting between layers. Insert wooden dowels or non-flexible straws for support if creating a tiered cake. Frost the entire cake with a final coat of frosting, smoothing it out for a neat finish. Decorate the cake with fresh flowers, cake toppers, or other decorations of your choice.

Step 6: Transport and Storage:

Clear a large space in the refrigerator for storing the assembled cake, and arrange suitable transport to deliver it safely to the wedding venue. It is essential to communicate with the caterer or venue manager about cake transport and refrigeration requirements.

Choosing the right supplies

Baking Supplies:

• Quality baking pans: Invest in good-quality aluminium pans in various sizes such as 12", 9", and 6" round pans for a three-tier cake. You can also use sheet pans if you prefer a rectangular cake. Don't forget to get cardboard cake boards of the same sizes as your pans.
• Parchment paper: This is essential for lining your pans. Pre-cut rounds can save you some time.
• Baking spray or butter: Use either baking spray or butter to coat your pans before lining them with parchment paper. Some bakers prefer baking spray as it works better than butter for an even coating.
• Cake strips: These are optional but useful if you want to prevent your cake from rising with a dome in the middle and getting hard, crusty edges.
• Mixing equipment: A stand mixer is highly recommended, especially for mixing large batches of batter and frosting. If you don't have one, consider borrowing one or investing in a good-quality hand mixer. You will also need mixing bowls, spatulas, and measuring cups and spoons.
• Ingredients: Buy high-quality ingredients, including good vanilla extract, butter, eggs, flour, sugar, baking powder, and milk or buttermilk.

Decorating Supplies:

• Frosting or icing: Make sure you have enough frosting or icing for both the crumb coat and the final coat. You can make buttercream frosting or choose another type of frosting that complements your cake.
• Decorating tools: Invest in a cake decorating stand or a rotating cake stand, as well as an icing spatula for smooth frosting application. You will also need frosting bags and tips for adding decorative details.
• Decorations: Fresh flowers, cake toppers, or other decorations can be used to enhance the beauty of your cake. Keep it simple, especially if you are a beginner.
• Refrigeration and storage: Clear enough space in your refrigerator to store the cake layers and assembled cake. You may need to remove a shelf to accommodate the height of the cake. Additionally, get some industrial-sized plastic wrap for storing and transporting the cake.

Remember to read through your recipe carefully and make a list of all the supplies you will need. It is always better to be over-prepared than to realise you are missing something halfway through your baking project!

Finding inspiration

Pinterest is a great source of inspiration for wedding cakes, with many users pinning images of their dream cakes. You can also find inspiration from wedding magazines, blogs, and cookbooks. If you have a specific flavour in mind, searching for recipes can be a great way to find inspiration for your cake's design. For example, if you want a white cake with a fresh strawberry filling, you can search for recipes that incorporate those ingredients and imagine how you could decorate the cake to highlight those flavours.

Another way to find inspiration is to think about the wedding's overall theme and colour scheme. If you are having a rustic-themed wedding, for example, you might want a cake with simple, rustic decorations like fresh flowers or buttercream frosting. If you are having a more formal wedding, you might want a cake with more elaborate decorations like fondant or sugar flowers.

Finally, don't be afraid to think outside the box! Your wedding cake doesn't have to be traditional – it can be a reflection of your unique personality and style. So if you want to add a fun twist, like a hidden layer of rainbow sprinkles or a surprise flavour, go for it! The most important thing is that you love your cake and that it reflects your taste and style.

Selecting a recipe

When selecting a recipe, consider the size of your wedding cake. For a three-tier cake, you will need to bake three cakes of 12", 9", and 6" respectively, as well as a large quantity of icing. Most three-tier cake recipes provide a step-by-step schedule for baking and assembling each tier. It is also essential to consider the number of guests you need to serve and plan accordingly. You may need to bake additional sheet cakes to serve a large number of guests.

The flavour and texture of the cake and icing are also important considerations. Choose a cake recipe that is firm enough to support multiple layers but not too dense. If you plan to freeze the cakes ahead of time, select a recipe that tastes just as good after being frozen. For the icing, consider the temperature and conditions at the wedding venue. If it will be a warm day, opt for a frosting that will not disintegrate or melt easily.

Additionally, consider any dietary restrictions or preferences of the wedding party and guests. You may need to adjust the recipe or offer alternative options, such as a vegan or gluten-free cake, to accommodate different dietary needs.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different recipes and practice baking and decorating before the big day. You can find inspiration online or in cookbooks to help you decide on the perfect recipe for your wedding cake.

Practising assembly and decoration

Levelling the cakes

You want the top of each cake to be as flat and level as possible. This can be tricky, but there are some tools that can help with this process, such as a levelling tool or a long serrated knife.

Stacking the layers

Decide how you want to stack your layers to create the most even and flat cake. The top layer should be upside down so that the part of the cake that was in the pan is the top of the cake, creating a super flat surface. Play around with the positioning of the cakes until you find the most stable arrangement. Once you're happy, put toothpicks in the sides that line up so that you know how to line your cakes up when you re-assemble them after frosting.

Frosting the cake

Start with the bottom layer. The first layer of frosting is called the "crumb coat", which is a super thin layer of frosting that seals in all the cake crumbs. Even if you're doing a crumb coat, try to minimise the amount of crumbs that get into your frosting. Start with a large dollop of frosting in the middle, then turn the cake as you spread the frosting to the sides, allowing the frosting to hang over the edge to help you frost the sides.

Adding fillings

If you want to add a filling, use a piping bag to pipe a ring of frosting around the outside edge to hold it in. Then, spread your filling generously in the middle.

Assembling the tiers

Use a cardboard round to trace out where the top tier will sit on the bottom tier. Then, put wooden dowels into the bottom tier to support the top tier. Make sure the dowels are flush with the top of the cake. Put a tiny bit of icing in the middle of your traced circle to act as glue for the top tier. Keep the top tier on its cardboard round when you stack it, so it's easier to remove later.

Final touches

Use your piping bag to add frosting where you can see the cardboard of the top tier. You can also decorate the cake with fresh flowers, cake toppers, or other decorative items.

Freezing and transportation

Freezing a wedding cake is a great way to preserve the top tier to enjoy on your first anniversary. However, it's important to note that freezing your cake for a whole year may impact its taste and texture. Delicate cakes, such as angel food cake, are more likely to become stale, while heartier cakes like chocolate, carrot, hazelnut, and almond will fare better in the freezer.

Here's a step-by-step guide to freezing your wedding cake:

• Pre-freeze the cake: Immediately place the top tier of your wedding cake in the freezer until the icing hardens. Remove any decorations, such as sugar flowers, to prevent them from getting in the way.
• Chill the cake: Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight to chill. This will prevent the icing from sticking to the plastic wrap. Clear out any foods with strong odours from your fridge to avoid the cake absorbing those smells.
• Wrap the cake: Remove the cake from the freezer and loosely wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap. Do not use aluminium foil, as it can cause freezer burn.
• Seal the cake: Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe airtight container. You can also wrap the box in several layers of plastic wrap for added protection.
• Label and freeze: Mark the cake with a ribbon or label so you don't accidentally throw it out. Place it in the freezer, turning off any defrosting settings to ensure uninterrupted freezing.

To defrost the cake for your first anniversary:

• Remove from freezer: Take the cake out of the freezer 24 to 48 hours before you plan to eat it, allowing enough time for it to defrost.
• Unwrap the cake: Take the cake out of its airtight container and slowly remove all the plastic wrap.
• Refrigerate: Place the cake back into the airtight container and put it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight to ensure it's fully defrosted and soft.
• Bring to room temperature: On the day you plan to eat the cake, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about two hours before serving.

Now, let's talk about transporting your wedding cake to the venue. This process requires careful planning and execution to ensure the cake arrives safely and in perfect condition. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Select appropriate packaging: Choose sturdy cake boxes designed for travel that can support the weight and structure of the cake. Ideally, each tier should be packed separately in boxes matching the size of each tier to prevent movement inside the box.
• Chill the cake: Before placing the cake in the box, thoroughly chill it. A cold cake is firmer and less prone to damage during transport.
• Prepare the vehicle: Choose a vehicle with a spacious and flat loading area, such as an SUV or a van. Pre-cool the vehicle with air conditioning, especially if it's warm outside, to prevent the icing from melting. Ensure the cake is shielded from direct sunlight.
• Load the cake: Place the cake on a flat surface in the vehicle, preferably in the centre where movement is minimised. If travelling alone, place it in the trunk or on the floor in front of the passenger seat, ensuring it's secured and stable.
• Drive smoothly: During the journey, drive cautiously without sudden accelerations or brakes to reduce the risk of cake damage. If possible, have a second person to monitor and support the cake.
• Handle long-distance transportation: For longer distances, choose a cake covering that offers stability and is less prone to melting, such as fondant or buttercream. Transport the tiers separately and assemble them at the venue if your cake has intricate decorations or delicate structures.
• Maintain temperature control: Keep an optimal temperature during transit, especially in warm climates or hot weather, using insulated covers or portable refrigeration units. Monitor the internal temperature and avoid opening the windows to prevent dust and fluctuating temperatures.
• Communicate with the venue: Confirm setup details, including table location, stability, and setup time, with the venue in advance.
• Final inspection and handover: Upon arrival, conduct a final inspection to ensure the cake hasn't shifted or been damaged. Have a repair kit with extra icing, decorations, and tools to fix any minor issues. Perform a thorough final inspection, ensuring the cake is stable and the decorations are secure, before handing it over to the venue staff or event coordinator.

Frequently asked questions