Creating A Sparkling Diamond Wedding Cake

Decorating a diamond wedding cake is an intermediate-level task that takes around four hours to complete. The process involves layering and ganaching the cake, smoothing the ganache, covering the cake, stacking the layers, and adding finishing touches. The cake can be decorated with sugarpaste roses, moulded leaves, and other sugarcraft elements. It is important to consider the timing and storage conditions of the cake, especially if using edible decorations. Non-edible decorations, such as crystals or rhinestones, should be used with caution to avoid any health risks.

Using edible diamonds

Choosing the Right Edible Diamonds

Edible diamonds are typically made from isomalt, a sugar substitute that forms gorgeous diamonds with excellent clarity. You can purchase these edible gems in various colours, such as clear, sapphire blue, and cherry pink, and in different sizes, ranging from 6mm to 12mm. When ordering, consider the size of your cake and the desired density of the diamonds. For a more subtle effect, smaller diamonds can be used, while larger diamonds can create a bolder and more extravagant look.

Preparing and Handling Edible Diamonds

To ensure the best results, it is important to handle edible diamonds with care. As they are made from sugar, they can be affected by humidity or moisture from your hands, which may cause them to become cloudy. It is recommended to use tweezers when placing the diamonds onto your cake, and try to avoid touching them directly. Additionally, wait until the last minute to place the diamonds on your cake to minimise exposure to the atmosphere.

Attaching Edible Diamonds to the Cake

When attaching edible diamonds to your wedding cake, it is important to consider the type of icing or frosting you are using. Chocolate, royal icing, or CMC mixed into a paste with water work well and provide a strong hold. If using buttercream icing or cream, it is recommended to serve the cake within an hour, as these icings have a higher moisture content that can affect the clarity of the diamonds.

Restoring Clarity

If your edible diamonds become cloudy, you can easily restore their sparkle by brushing them lightly with vegetable oil. This simple step will ensure your diamonds shine brightly on your wedding cake.

Design Ideas

Now for the fun part—designing your diamond wedding cake! You can scatter the edible diamonds all over the cake for a luxurious look, or create elegant borders and patterns. For a more subtle touch, consider using edible diamonds as a finishing touch on sugar flowers or other decorations. You can also use different colours of diamonds to create a unique and personalised design.

Choosing a cake topper

Theme and Style

Start by considering the theme and style of your wedding. If you're having a traditional or elegant wedding, a classic cake topper such as a monogram or a simple decoration might be a good choice. For example, a Swarovski crystal topper in the shape of the couple's initials can be a beautiful and elegant touch. If your wedding has a more light-hearted or whimsical theme, you might choose a cake topper that reflects that, such as a humorous figurine or a topper that incorporates your hobbies or interests.

Colour Scheme

Think about the colour scheme of your wedding and how you can incorporate those colours into your cake topper. For example, if you're using pale pink as one of your wedding colours, you could choose edible pale pink diamonds or gems as a topper, or you could opt for a glitter cake topper in a matching shade.

Sentimental Value

Your cake topper can also be a way to honour a family tradition or include a sentimental item. For instance, you could use a cake topper that has been passed down in your family, or one that you've made yourself. Another idea is to incorporate an item that holds special meaning for you and your partner, such as an engagement ring or a special piece of jewellery.

Size and Proportion

Finally, consider the size and proportion of your cake topper in relation to the cake itself. You don't want the topper to overwhelm the cake, so choose something that is in scale with the size and design of your cake. If you're using a large topper, make sure the cake is sturdy enough to support it, especially if you're using multiple tiers.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing a cake topper for your diamond wedding cake. By taking into account your wedding theme, colour scheme, and personal preferences, you can find or create a topper that perfectly complements your special day.

Layering the cakes

When layering the cakes, it is important to ensure that they are level and even. This will create a stable foundation for the rest of the decorations and ensure that the cake does not topple over. Use a serrated knife to carefully trim the top of each cake layer to create a flat surface. If the cakes are not level, you can also use a cake leveller or a spirit level to ensure accuracy.

Once the cakes are level, it is time to add the ganache. Ganache is a mixture of chocolate and cream that creates a smooth, glossy finish. To layer the cakes with ganache, start by spreading a thin layer of ganache onto the bottom layer of the cake. Place the next layer on top and repeat this process until all the layers are stacked. It is important to work quickly as the ganache will start to set.

After all the layers are stacked, use a spatula to apply a thin coat of ganache to the sides and top of the cake. This is called a "crumb coat" and will help to seal in any crumbs, creating a smooth finish. Refrigerate the cake for about 20 minutes to allow the ganache to set.

Once the crumb coat has set, you can apply a final layer of ganache. This layer should be thicker and more generous, creating a smooth and glossy finish. Use a bench scraper or a large spatula to smooth out the ganache, taking care to remove any air bubbles or imperfections. Refrigerate the cake again to allow the final layer of ganache to set completely.

Ganaching the sides

To ganache the sides of a diamond wedding cake, you will need a slab of lemon cake, cut to your desired size, and a layer of white chocolate ganache.

First, cut out your desired size from the slab of lemon cake. Next, layer the cake with white chocolate ganache. To ganache the sides, use a spatula to add a smooth layer of ganache to the sides of the cake, making sure to cover all areas evenly. It is important to work quickly as the ganache will start to set once it comes into contact with the cake.

Once the sides are completely covered, you can move on to ganaching the top of the cake, followed by smoothing the ganache to ensure a nice, even finish. After the cake is completely covered and smoothed, you can move on to the next step of covering the cake with a textured mould.

Adding decorations

Now that your cake is covered and stacked, it's time to add some decorations! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Sugarpaste roses: Create elegant layered roses using sugarpaste. These can be placed on the cake as a beautiful and romantic accent.
• Moulded leaves: Use a mould to create leaves that can be added to your cake as additional greenery.
• Diamonds: If you want to give your cake a bit of sparkle, consider adding some diamonds. You can find edible diamonds in various colours, such as pale pink, or silver dragees, which are small, edible silver balls. Non-edible options include Swarovski crystals, rhinestones, or diamond-shaped garlands that can be wrapped around the base of each tier. Just be sure to inform the caterers to remove them before serving.
• Ribbon: A sparkly ribbon in a colour that complements your cake's colour scheme can be a lovely way to add some shine and texture. You can wrap it around the base of each tier or use it as a border.
• Cake topper: A cake topper can be a great way to personalise your diamond wedding cake. You can find a variety of options, such as acrylic toppers in the shape of a heart or a couple's initials.
• Lustre dust: If you want to give your cake a subtle shine, you can paint it with dry lustre dust.

When adding decorations to your diamond wedding cake, be sure to use your creativity and personal touch. You can also combine multiple types of decorations for a more elaborate and elegant look.

Frequently asked questions