Whipped Cream Wedding Cake Decorating: Simple Tips And Tricks

Decorating a wedding cake with whipped cream is a great option for those who want a light and fluffy finish. However, there are a few things to consider when using this type of frosting. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the whipped cream is firm enough to spread and decorate without slopping off the cake. This can be achieved by whipping the cream to stiff peaks with sugar. Additionally, food colouring does not take well to whipped cream, so it is best to avoid adding any colour to the frosting. Finally, whipped cream is not suitable for outdoor weddings in warm weather, as it will quickly melt.

How to make whipped cream frosting

To make whipped cream frosting, you will need a food processor to "whip" the cream. Place 2 cups of heavy cream, 2 tablespoons of confectioners sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Process the ingredients, checking every few seconds by lifting a small amount of cream with a metal spatula or spoon. The mixture should look thick and creamy and form a slight peak when lifted. It will not be fluffy. Use it right away.

You can frost with it and do simple piping. However, food colouring does not take well to whipped cream frosting, so it is not recommended. Whipped cream frosting is also not suitable for outdoor weddings in hot weather, as it will melt.

How to pipe with whipped cream

To pipe with whipped cream, it's important to make sure the bowl is very cold. You can fill your bowl with ice and then dry it once it's cold. The heavy whipping cream should also be very cold, as it may get gloopy if it's not. You can add a tiny amount of cream cheese (2 teaspoons per cup) and a little confectioner's sugar to help stabilise the cream. Whip the cream until it's slightly stiffer, making it possible to pipe. You can then take a piping bag and pipe away.

It's worth noting that food colouring does not take well to whipped cream, so it's best to avoid this. If you're making a wedding cake, it's also advised not to use whipped cream for an outdoor wedding in the summer, as it will melt.

Adding food colouring to whipped cream

You can decorate a wedding cake with whipped cream by frosting and simple piping. However, food colouring does not take well to whipped cream and will make it look curdled.

To add food colouring to whipped cream, start by pouring one cup of heavy whipping cream into a measuring cup. Add the food colouring at this stage. You only need a tiny amount of food colouring to achieve the desired shade. Mix the food colouring into the cream with a spoon until it is fully incorporated. Place the coloured whipping cream into a chilled metal mixing bowl. Add powdered sugar to taste. You can then use the cream to decorate a cake.

Using whipped cream for outdoor weddings

Using whipped cream to decorate a wedding cake is a great way to achieve a simple yet elegant look. However, there are some important things to keep in mind when using whipped cream, especially for an outdoor wedding.

First, it is crucial to stabilise the whipped cream to ensure it holds up well, especially if the wedding cake has multiple tiers. A stabilised whipped cream recipe typically includes ingredients such as gelatin, agar agar powder, or cornstarch, along with sugar and vanilla for flavour and sweetness. It is important to whip the cream to stiff peaks to achieve the desired consistency for piping and decorating.

Second, while food colouring can be added to whipped cream, it is not recommended as it can cause the cream to look curdled and splotchy. If you wish to add colour to your wedding cake decorations, consider using natural food dyes or opting for fresh flowers or edible decorations that complement the colour scheme of the wedding.

Additionally, when using whipped cream for an outdoor wedding, temperature control is essential. Whipped cream is highly perishable and can quickly become runny in warm temperatures. To prevent the cream from melting, keep the wedding cake refrigerated for as long as possible before serving. If the wedding is taking place outdoors in hot weather, consider setting up a shaded area or using a cooling system to maintain a cooler temperature for the cake.

Finally, when transporting the wedding cake to the outdoor venue, ensure that it is securely packaged and kept cool during transit. It is advisable to transport the cake in a refrigerated vehicle or a well-insulated cooler to maintain its integrity. By following these tips, you can successfully use whipped cream to decorate a wedding cake for an outdoor celebration, ensuring a beautiful and delicious centrepiece for the happy couple's special day.

Stabilising whipped cream

To decorate a wedding cake with whipped cream, you can frost with it and do simple piping. However, food colouring does not take well to whipped cream, so it is best to avoid this.

Whipped cream can be stabilised to make it last longer and hold its shape. To do this, you can add gelatin, which stiffens the whipped cream and makes the texture seem fuller and slightly spongy. For every cup of heavy or whipping cream, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of gelatin over 1 tablespoon of cold water in a small heatproof bowl and let it rest for 5 minutes, then heat in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds until the gelatin melts. You can also add 1 tablespoon of melted marshmallows or marshmallow fluff for every cup of whipping or heavy cream during the soft-peak stage, as marshmallows contain gelatin. Alternatively, whisk 1 tablespoon of nonfat milk powder with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar before adding to 1 cup of heavy or whipping cream. The milk proteins will stabilise the whipped cream without changing the texture too much.

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