Creating A Book-Themed Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

A book-themed wedding cake is a fun and unique idea, and you can make one at home with the right tools and techniques. The first step is to decide on the flavour and style of your cake, whether it's a simple chocolate cake or something more elaborate like a cheesecake or coffee cake. Then, you'll need to bake the cake layers, using a rectangular pan for the book shape. You can cut and shape the cake to create the desired effect, and cover it with a crumb coat of icing. To create the book effect, you can use fondant, which can be rolled out and placed over the cake. Fondant is easy to work with and can be coloured and shaped to create the binding and pages of the book. With some careful planning and creativity, you can make a stunning book-themed wedding cake that will impress your guests.

Baking the cake layers

Baking the layers of a book wedding cake is a fun and creative process. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through it:

Firstly, decide on the flavour of your cake. You can opt for a simple chocolate or banana cake, or get creative with a unique flavour combination like a Double Espresso or Hazelnut Dacquoise cake. Prepare the batter and bake your cake layers in a 9 x 13" pan. You will need two layers for the main book cake and one layer for the smaller cake.

Once your cakes are baked, it's time to start carving! Using a bread knife, make a small cut in the centre of each cake and cut downwards from each side to create a V-shaped valley. Then, cut the sides of the cake at an angle, sloping downwards. Smoothly round each side using a knife, shaping the cake into a book-like form.

Apply a crumb coat of icing to your cakes. This will help the fondant stick better and create a neater finish. You can use peanut butter icing or any other flavour that complements your cake.

Now, it's time to work with fondant. Making your own marshmallow fondant a day in advance is a good option, as it will have time to set. Take the fondant and knead it well to ensure it's flexible and smooth. Use a rolling pin to roll out the fondant, keeping it thick enough to cover your cake. Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with corn starch to prevent sticking.

Gently lift the fondant onto your rolling pin and then carefully roll it over your cake, starting from the centre crease. Use your hands to press the fondant gently onto the sides of the cake, ensuring a snug fit. Use a pizza cutter to trim off any excess fondant.

With the basic structure of your book cake in place, you can now add some final touches. Use wooden clay tools to create lines along the sides of the cake to resemble book pages. Cut out a small semi-circle where the book binding will go. Roll out some coloured fondant for the binding and cut long strips with a pizza cutter. Attach the binding around the edges of the book using a little water to help it stick.

And there you have it! The basic layers of your book wedding cake are complete. Feel free to add further decorations or personal touches to make your cake truly unique.

Making the icing

• It is recommended to make the icing a day before decorating the cake. This allows the icing to set properly, making it easier to work with.
• Prepare a marshmallow fondant using a recipe from a trusted source, such as Rose Bakes. Follow the directions closely to ensure the fondant has the right consistency.
• Once the fondant is made, store it properly to prevent it from drying out. Fondant can be kept at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to two days.
• If desired, add food colouring to create fun and vibrant colours for decorations. Gel or paste food colouring is recommended as it won't alter the consistency of the fondant.
• Knead the fondant well before rolling it out. This step is crucial to ensure the fondant is flexible and smooth when covering the cake.
• Use a rolling pin to roll out the fondant. The goal is to create a large, thin section of fondant that will cover the entire cake.
• To prevent the fondant from sticking to the counter and rolling pin, use a light dusting of corn starch or icing sugar. This will make it easier to lift and handle the fondant.
• Gently lift the fondant by rolling it onto the rolling pin, and then unroll it over the cake. Ensure the cake has been frosted with a crumb coat of buttercream or other icing to help the fondant adhere.
• Starting from the centre of the cake, use your hands to gently press the fondant down and smooth it out towards the edges. Take your time with this step to avoid any air bubbles or wrinkles.
• Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to trim off any excess fondant from the base of the cake.

Decorating the Book Cake:

• Use wooden clay tools or a similar implement to create lines and textures in the fondant to resemble book pages. Be creative and experiment with different patterns.
• Cut a small semi-circle or any desired shape where the book binding will go. This will add depth and dimension to the cake design.
• Roll out fondant in a contrasting colour for the book binding. Cut long, thin strips to create the binding detail. Use a small amount of water to help the fondant pieces stick together.
• For additional decorations, create different colours of icing and pipe designs using a plastic bag or piping tips. Get creative and add personal touches to the book cake.

Remember to enjoy the process and don't be afraid to experiment. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can create a stunning book-themed wedding cake that is sure to impress!

Carving the cake into a book shape

Now comes the fun part: using a bread knife, make a small cut in the centre of the cake and cut downwards from each side to form a V-shaped valley. Cut the sides of the cake at an angle, sloping downwards, and use these cuts as a guide to round off each side smoothly. Cover the cake with a crumb coat of icing, which will help to fill in any gaps and create a smooth surface for the fondant.

Repeat these steps for each layer of the cake, ensuring that the layers are securely stacked before proceeding to the next step.

Covering the cake with fondant

Covering a cake with fondant is not difficult, but it does require some preparation. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a smooth and flawless finish:

Prepare the Fondant:

Knead your fondant until it becomes a pliable ball. If you are using store-bought fondant, you can add food colouring at this stage. It is important to ensure that your hands are clean and dry, and if necessary, rub a small amount of vegetable shortening on your hands to prevent the fondant from sticking.

Measure the Fondant:

To determine how much fondant you will need, start by measuring the diameter and height of your cake. Use the following formula:

> DIAMETER + HEIGHT (x 2) = Diameter of fondant

For example, if your cake is 8 inches in diameter and 4 inches tall, you will need a fondant piece that is 16 inches in diameter.

Roll the Fondant:

Prepare your work surface by dusting it with cornstarch or confectioner's sugar to prevent sticking. Roll out the fondant into a circular shape, using a plastic fondant roller. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 of an inch. Too thin, and the fondant may tear or crack; too thick, and it will be difficult to work with.

Cover the Cake:

Place your cake on a board, preferably one that is the same size as the cake. Lift the fondant over the cake, centering it as much as possible. Gently lower it down, being careful not to pull or stretch the fondant. Use a fondant smoother to remove any air bubbles and create a smooth surface.

Smooth and Trim:

Once the fondant is in place, use your hands to gently smooth out any wrinkles or folds. Start from the top of the cake and work your way down. Use a sharp knife to trim away any excess fondant along the bottom edges, ensuring a clean finish.

Troubleshooting:

If you encounter any issues, such as drying or cracking, you can add a small amount of vegetable shortening to the fondant and mix thoroughly. For cracks, you can also mix a small amount of fondant with clear extract to create a paste and apply it to the affected area. To remove air bubbles, use a thin needle or pin to poke a hole and gently release the trapped air.

With these steps, you will be well on your way to creating a beautifully covered cake for your wedding or any special occasion!

Decorating the cake

First, you will need to make a crumb coat of icing to cover your cake. This will act as a base for the fondant to stick to. You can use any flavour of icing for this, such as peanut butter or vanilla.

Next, roll out your fondant with a rolling pin. Use corn starch to stop it from sticking to the counter and pin. Then, gently roll the fondant onto the rolling pin and unroll it over your cake. Use your hands to press the fondant gently onto the sides of the cake, starting at the centre crease. Cut off any excess fondant with a pizza cutter.

Now, use some wooden clay tools to draw lines on the sides of the cake to look like book pages. Cut a small semi-circle where the book binding will go. Roll out some fondant in a contrasting colour for the binding and cut long strips with a pizza cutter. Attach the binding to the edges of the book using a little water.

Finally, decorate your book cake with some piped icing in fun colours. You could also add some extra decorations, such as flowers or ribbons, to give it a unique touch.

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