Cascading Gum Paste Flowers: Create A Blooming Wedding Cake

Gumpaste flowers are a popular choice for wedding cakes, adding a romantic and elegant touch to the special day. Gumpaste is a soft and pliable sugar dough that dries completely hard, making it perfect for creating intricate flowers such as roses and daisies. While making these sugar flowers can be learned from numerous tutorials, arranging them on a cake can be a daunting task for many. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cascade gumpaste flowers down a wedding cake, ensuring a beautiful and stable design.

How to make gumpaste

Gumpaste is a type of sugar paste used to make sugar flowers and other delicate cake decorations. It is made with egg whites, powdered sugar, and shortening, and it hardens as it dries. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make gumpaste:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup egg whites (4 to 5 large eggs) or 2 cups of powdered sugar
• 6 2/3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (plus more for kneading)
• 3 tablespoons tylose powder (also called CMC) or 2 tablespoons of melted shortening
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
• 1/2 teaspoon food coloring (optional)

Method:

• Put the egg whites into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. If using egg whites, mix them for about 5-10 seconds.
• Add powdered sugar to the egg whites and gently mix for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix again for another 30 seconds to 1 minute. Do not overmix at this stage.
• Gradually sprinkle in the tylose powder or CMC 3-4 times over a 5-10 second period. It may look lumpy, but that is okay.
• Take a dough scraper and scrape the gumpaste onto a surface dusted with powdered sugar or cornflour.
• Rub a small amount of vegetable shortening onto your hands to prevent the gumpaste from sticking. You can add more shortening as needed.
• Knead the gumpaste, adding small amounts of powdered sugar if needed, until it comes together and has a smooth appearance and soft, supple texture.
• Wrap the gumpaste tightly in plastic wrap and place it into a zip-lock bag. Expell any excess air and seal the bag.
• Place the wrapped gumpaste into an airtight container and leave it in a cool environment or the fridge for 24 hours. This step is crucial for the gumpaste to mature before use.
• The next day, bring the gumpaste to room temperature before using it. Break off a small piece and knead a small amount of vegetable shortening into it.
• Lightly dust a surface with cornflour or powdered sugar and begin to roll out the gumpaste with a rolling pin.
• Gumpaste dries very quickly, so always keep it wrapped and stored when not in use.
• Gumpaste can be stored in the fridge for up to 6 months or in the freezer for several years.

Tips:

• Gumpaste is best used for decorations that need to hold their shape, such as sugar flowers, spikes, or figures.
• If you are making sugar flowers, you can use a ball tool and foam mat to create delicate petals and leaves.
• Gumpaste is not usually eaten as it dries hard and does not taste very good.
• Always keep gumpaste covered and away from air when not in use to prevent cracking and drying out.
• If your gumpaste becomes too dry or hard, you can heat it in the microwave for a few seconds and knead it with vegetable shortening until it becomes soft and pliable again.
• If your gumpaste is too soft, let it rest for a few hours before adding more powdered sugar.
• Do not put gumpaste items in the fridge after they have been molded as the condensation will cause them to melt or become soft.

How to attach gumpaste flowers to a cake

Gumpaste flowers can be added to cakes in various ways, depending on the size of the flowers and the type of cake. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to attach gumpaste flowers to a cake:

Supplies:

• Gumpaste flowers
• Regular or bubble tea straws
• Melted candy melts or melted chocolate
• A zip lock or piping bag
• A cake – either buttercream or fondant

Steps:

• Plan your design: Before attaching any flowers, decide on the arrangement and style of your cascade. Consider the size and type of flowers you will be using, as well as the size and type of cake.
• Prepare the flowers: If you are using medium or large gumpaste flowers with wires, you will need to arrange them into bunches. Wrap the stems with floral tape, pulling the tape first to activate its stickiness. Group the flowers and leaves together, bending the leaves out slightly for a more natural look. Ensure the stems are not too long or thick, especially if you plan to insert them into the side of the cake.
• Prepare the cake: Mark the placement of your floral bunches lightly on the cake. If using bubble tea straws to insert the flowers, insert the straws into the cake where you want the flowers to go. For buttercream cakes, you can attach tiny flowers directly to the cake using a small amount of buttercream.
• Attach the flowers: If using toothpicks or wires, dip the end into melted candy melts or chocolate, and then insert them into the cake. For heavier flowers, you may want to use bubble tea straws for support. Bend the stems as needed to achieve the desired look. Adjust the flowers as you go to create the cascade effect.
• Final touches: Add any additional leaves or filler flowers to fill in gaps. Ensure the arrangement is secure and stable. Remember to leave a note or card listing any non-edible items used on the cake, so they can be removed before serving.

By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and stable gumpaste flower cascade on your wedding cake.

Gumpaste flower arrangement inspiration

Gumpaste flower arrangements on wedding cakes can be a daunting task, but with the right techniques and inspiration, it can be a satisfying and enjoyable process. Here are some tips and ideas to guide you:

Choosing the Right Flowers:

Start by selecting the types of gumpaste flowers you want to use. Consider the size, colour, and shape of the flowers that will complement your cake design. You can create a mix of small, medium, and large flowers to add interest and dimension to your arrangement. Remember that gumpaste flowers can be time-consuming to make, so plan accordingly.

Finding Inspiration:

Look for inspiration from flower arrangements online, such as on Pinterest, or in magazines. Seek out unique elements, such as a flower protruding in an unusual way, or an uncommon flower that can add a special touch to your cake. Consider the overall style you want to achieve, whether it's minimalist, maximalist, or something else entirely.

Planning the Cascade:

Decide on the shape of your cascade. You can circle the cake with flowers for a full 360-degree effect, create a straight line from the top to the bottom, or go for a snaking cascade along the front. If you're leaving space for a cake topper, plan the arrangement accordingly. For a minimalist look, space out your flowers, and for a maximalist look, fill the cake with plenty of blooms.

Arranging the Flowers:

When arranging the flowers, start with the larger blooms at the bottom and work your way up, filling in the gaps with smaller flowers and leaves. Using leaves can add a natural touch to your arrangement and help fill any empty spaces. You can wire the leaves together to create a stem or insert individual leaves into the cake. If you want to avoid sugar leaves, you can use edible leaves like mint or rosemary for a more cost-effective and food-safe option.

Attaching the Flowers:

There are various ways to attach gumpaste flowers to your cake. For smaller flowers, you can use buttercream, candy melts, or royal icing. Medium-sized flowers can sometimes be attached with melted candy melts, especially on fondant cakes. If your gumpaste flowers have toothpicks or wires attached, you can insert them directly into the cake, which is ideal for creating a cascade effect. When using wires, arrange the flowers into small bunches, wrapping the stems with floral tape, and ensuring they are not too heavy.

Food Safety and Stability:

Always consider food safety when attaching flowers to your cake. Avoid inserting wires directly into the cake. Instead, use straws or bubble tea straws to create a barrier between the wires and the cake. You can also add melted candy melts or chocolate inside the straws for extra stability. Be mindful of the weight of your flower arrangements and the number of holes you make in the cake to avoid affecting its stability.

Final Touches:

Once your flowers are in place, step back and adjust as needed. Remember to leave a note or card listing any non-edible elements in the cake, so they can be removed before serving.

Gumpaste vs fondant

Gumpaste, also known as floral paste, is a soft and pliable sugar dough that dries completely hard, making it perfect for creating intricate and detailed cake decorations like flowers. Gumpaste is slightly more durable than fondant, allowing you to roll it out into thin layers without the fear of tearing. It dries out very quickly, so it needs to be kept covered while being worked with. Although edible, it is not recommended to eat gumpaste decorations as they dry quite hard and can be difficult to consume.

Fondant, on the other hand, is a versatile, ready-to-roll soft paste made from sugar and gelatin that is commonly used as a covering for cakes. It remains soft, making it perfect for consumption. Fondant is available in various colours and can be easily customized with food colouring. While fondant can also be used to create cake decorations and toppers, it cannot be rolled out as thinly as gumpaste and does not dry as hard. Fondant is generally used as a base for cakes, over which gumpaste flowers and other decorations can be placed.

When creating cascading flowers down a wedding cake, it is important to first plan the arrangement and the type of cascade you want to achieve. Consider the size and number of flowers required, with bigger flowers placed at the bottom and smaller ones at the top. You can use leaves and vines to fill in any gaps and make the arrangement look more natural. Additionally, ensure that the stems of the flowers are not taller than the cake itself. To attach the flowers to the cake, you can use toothpicks, wires, or melted candy melts/chocolate, being mindful of food safety regulations.

How to transport gumpaste flowers

Gumpaste flowers are a beautiful addition to a wedding cake, but they can be delicate to transport. Here are some tips to help ensure they arrive safely and in one piece:

Packing and Preparing Gumpaste Flowers for Transport:

• Wrap each flower individually: Use tissue paper, bubble wrap, or quilt batting to wrap each flower gently. This will protect them from knocking into each other during transport.
• Use a sturdy box: Place the wrapped flowers in a sturdy box to provide extra protection.
• Layer with cushioning: Line the box with cheap toilet paper, plastic wrap, or foam sponge, and layer the flowers with more cushioning to keep them separated and protected. Place heavier and larger pieces at the bottom to provide a stable base.
• Secure the flowers: If using a foam base, use dress pins to secure the flowers in place and prevent them from moving around. Alternatively, you can cut slits in a piece of foam and insert the flower stems to keep them upright.
• Make extra flowers: It's always a good idea to make a few extra flowers in case of any breakages during transport.

Transporting Gumpaste Flowers:

• Handle with care: Delicate gumpaste flowers should be handled with care during transport. Place the box in a stable area of your vehicle, preferably somewhere flat and away from direct sunlight.
• Avoid excessive movement: Try to drive smoothly and avoid sharp turns or sudden stops to minimise the risk of flowers shifting and breaking.
• Transport at a comfortable temperature: Extreme temperatures can affect the flowers, so try to maintain a moderate temperature in your vehicle during transport.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your gumpaste flowers arrive safely and ready to be arranged on the wedding cake.

Frequently asked questions