Crafting A Heart-Shaped Pillar Wedding Cake

A heart-shaped wedding cake is a unique and romantic option for your big day. While square, rectangle, and round cakes are more common, a heart-shaped cake is a fun and creative way to celebrate your love. To make a heart-shaped pillar wedding cake, you'll need a few key ingredients and supplies.

First, you'll need to bake your cake layers. You can use a heart-shaped cake pan or follow a tutorial to create a heart shape using round cake layers. If you're making a multi-tiered cake, you'll need to bake multiple layers in different sizes. Once your cakes are baked and cooled, you can begin assembling your pillar cake.

To create a pillar cake, you'll need to use pillars or dowels to support the weight of the tiers. You can purchase cake pillars online or at a baking supply store. The number of pillars you need will depend on the size and number of tiers you have. Place the pillars or dowels into the cake, making sure they are secure and can support the weight.

Once your pillars are in place, you can stack your cake tiers, using a thin layer of buttercream or frosting between each layer to help them stick together. You can also add a crumb coat of frosting to your cake to lock in crumbs and create a smooth surface for decorating.

After your cake is assembled, it's time to decorate! Heart-shaped wedding cakes often feature intricate details and decorations, such as Lambeth piping, fresh flowers, cherries, and personalised messages. You can also add colour to your cake with fondant or buttercream in your chosen shade. Don't be afraid to get creative and add your own unique touches.

Finally, finish your cake with a custom message or monogram on the top tier. Heart-shaped wedding cakes have more surface area on the top, providing the perfect space for customisation.

Baking the cake layers

To bake the cake layers for a heart-shaped pillar wedding cake, you will need a few special tools and ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide:

First, you will need to decide on the number of tiers and layers you want for your wedding cake. A traditional wedding cake usually has multiple layers, with pillars for support and added elegance. For a heart-shaped cake, you can opt for a single-tier or go for a more grand display with multiple tiers.

Once you've decided on the size of your cake, gather your ingredients and tools. You will need a heart-shaped cake pan or multiple pans if you're making a tiered cake. You can also use two round cake layers of any size and cut them into a heart shape, as described in the Sugar and Sparrow tutorial. Other tools you will need include a serrated knife, a cutting board, a turntable, and an angled spatula.

For the cake batter, you can use your favourite recipe or try one of the many available online. A simple vanilla or chocolate cake is a popular choice, but you can also experiment with different flavours like citrus olive oil, lemon lavender, or a fruity cake with prunes, currants, cherries, and raisins.

After preparing your batter, grease your heart-shaped cake pan(s) and pour in the batter. Make sure to fill the pans no more than halfway to allow for the cake to rise. Bake the cake layers according to your recipe instructions, and let them cool completely before decorating.

If you are using the round cake layers method, use a serrated knife to cut two clean lines that will form the bottom point of the heart. You can use the rounded cake trimmings to form the top curves of the heart, attaching them with a little buttercream.

Repeat this process for all your cake layers, and don't forget to trim your cardboard cake base in the same way if you plan to serve the cake on it.

Tips for baking the cake layers:

• Use a heart-shaped cake pan specifically designed for baking, such as the Wilton aluminium baking pans, to ensure even heat conduction and a light golden finish.
• If you're making a tiered cake, use different-sized pans to create a visually appealing cake.
• To ensure your cake layers are evenly baked, make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature before baking.
• Allow your cake layers to cool completely before decorating to prevent the buttercream or frosting from melting.
• If you're making a large quantity of cake layers, bake them in batches to ensure consistency.

Assembling the cake

To assemble a heart-shaped pillar wedding cake, you will need to bake multiple heart-shaped cakes, prepare buttercream frosting, and gather pillars and a base plate for support. Here is a step-by-step guide to putting together your cake:

Step 1: Bake and Trim the Heart-Shaped Cakes

Start by baking your heart-shaped cakes. You will need at least two cakes for a simple two-tier cake, but you can add more tiers for a grander display. Once your cakes have cooled, use a serrated knife to trim the cakes and create a more defined heart shape. The trimmed pieces will be used later, so set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Base Plate

If you plan to serve your cake on a turntable, trim a cardboard cake round to match the shape of your heart cakes. This base will make it easier to transfer the cake after decorating.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake Layers

Place your base plate or cardboard base on a turntable or serving dish. Spread a small amount of buttercream onto the base and position the first cake layer on top. Use buttercream to adhere the trimmed, curved pieces to the top of the heart shape.

Step 4: Fill and Crumb Coat

Add a layer of filling and then place the next cake layer on top. Repeat this step for any additional tiers. Use buttercream to adhere the curved pieces of the heart shape on each layer. Apply a thin layer of buttercream to the entire cake to crumb coat it, and then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the frosting firm up.

Step 5: Final Frosting and Decoration

After the crumb coat has set, apply a final layer of frosting to the cake, using an icing smoother to create smooth and level sides. Use a small angled spatula to swipe frosting that accumulates around the top of the sides inward, creating sharp edges. Refrigerate the frosted cake for at least 20 minutes to set the frosting.

Now, you can decorate your cake as you wish! You can keep it simple with smooth buttercream and tonal hand-piping, or go for a more intricate design with Lambeth-style piping, fresh flowers, cherries, or personalised messages.

Step 6: Adding Pillars

If you are creating a multi-tiered cake, you will need to use pillars for support. Carefully insert the pillars into the appropriate spots on your cake, following the instructions for your chosen pillar kit. Ensure they are secure before proceeding to the next tier.

Step 7: Stacking the Tiers

Once the pillars are in place, carefully stack the next tier on top, ensuring it is stable and secure. Repeat this process for any additional tiers.

Your heart-shaped pillar wedding cake is now assembled and ready to be displayed!

Frosting and decorating

Now for the fun part: decorating your heart-shaped pillar wedding cake!

First things first: the frosting. You can go with a simple buttercream or get creative with flavours like citrus olive oil, blood orange curd, citrus praline buttercream, or lemon lavender buttercream. If you're feeling extra fancy, you can even do a drip ganache.

Once your cake is frosted, it's time to start decorating. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Monogram the top tier with your and your partner's initials.
• Add a custom message, like "Just Married" or "Married AF."
• Pipe on intricate details and decorations using a variety of cake piping tips. You can create scallops, dots, and swirls of icing along the border of the cake. Don't be afraid to go overboard!
• Add fresh flowers or scatter flowers around the cake stand and table.
• Use pearls or pearlescent accents to give your cake a vintage or classic feel.
• If you're feeling fruity, add cherries, strawberries, or other red berries for a pop of colour.
• Ribbons or bows can add a soft, delicate touch to your cake.
• For a more modern look, try a minimalist design with smooth buttercream and tonal hand-piping.
• If you want to make a statement, choose a bold colour for your frosting or add edible sparkles.
• For a rustic wedding, display your cake on a wooden cake stand.

Choosing a cake topper

Style and Personality

The cake topper you choose should showcase your taste and reflect your personality as a couple. Whether you prefer something elegant and script-based, playful and unique, or a more traditional design, there are many options to choose from.

Materials

When selecting a cake topper, opt for high-quality, sturdy materials that complement your wedding aesthetic. For example, a rustic wooden topper would suit a barn wedding, while a formal affair might call for a ceramic or acrylic topper.

Figurines

Traditional cake toppers often feature figurines of the bride and groom, but you can modify this classic design by adding a figurine of your pet, for instance. You can also find toppers with figurines doing various activities, such as dipping the bride or rollerblading.

Words and Phrases

Laser-cut words and phrases are a popular choice, allowing you to display a quote, your names, or initials. You can also use wire letters or banners to spell out your desired message.

Flowers, Fruit, and Greenery

Flowers, fruit, and greenery are all excellent natural décor options for your cake. Bright red fruits like strawberries and cherries complement a heart-shaped cake, adding a pop of colour and tying into the romantic theme. Fresh blooms work better than dried flowers, which can crumble and leave residue on the frosting.

Customisation

Customisation is a great way to make your cake topper even more unique and meaningful. You can include your wedding date, a meaningful quote, your names, or initials. You can also opt for custom colours and metallic finishes like gold, silver, or rose gold.

Other Ideas

• Candles
• Trophies
• Sparklers
• Banners
• Ribbons
• Pineapples
• Bells
• Sugar sculptures
• Photos of the couple

Selecting a cake stand

Size and Weight

The most crucial factor when choosing a cake stand is ensuring it is the right size for your cake. Opt for a stand that is larger in diameter than your cake—you don't want your cake to overhang the stand as this will make it unstable. Additionally, consider the weight of the stand; it needs to be sturdy enough to hold the weight of your wedding cake.

Shape and Material

The most common shape for a cake stand is a pedestal, which gives elevation and has a classic design. However, if you don't want to add too much height to your display, especially if you have multiple tiers, a flat cake plate might be a better option. Traditional silver and gold plates are timeless choices. Solid colours such as black, white, clear, metallic, or wood are all great options, and you can also opt for a stand that complements your wedding colours or theme. For instance, a rustic wooden stand would be perfect for an outdoor, woodland-themed wedding, while a sleek, modern acrylic stand would suit a contemporary wedding.

Think Outside the Box

If you want something unique, you can explore options like a clear floating pillar or even hanging your cake from the ceiling! Just ensure your baker is on board with the concept and that your cake will be secure.

Where to Find a Cake Stand

Many bakeries offer stands for rent, or you can purchase one from sites like Etsy or retailers like Home Goods, Crate and Barrel, or Prop Options. You could also ask your family if they have a stand that has been passed down through the generations! Be sure to double-check with your baker before purchasing to ensure it meets their requirements.

Frequently asked questions