Crafting A Single-Tier Wedding Cake: A Simple Guide

A one-tier wedding cake is a great option for small weddings or as a cutting cake for more intimate celebrations. They can be just as beautiful and elegant as a multi-tiered cake, and you can still have fun with the design and decorations. Whether you're a professional baker or a DIY enthusiast, there are a few key steps to follow when making a one-tier wedding cake. Firstly, decide on the flavour and size of your cake. The cake should be big enough to serve all your guests, with some left over. Then, gather your ingredients and bake your cake layers, ensuring you prepare your pans properly to prevent the cake from sticking. Once your cake layers are baked and cooled, you can assemble and decorate your cake. This may involve filling, crumb coating, frosting, and adding fresh flowers or other decorations. Finally, don't forget to transport and display your cake on a suitable cake stand or platter.

Choosing a flavour for your cake

Choosing a flavour for your wedding cake is an important decision, and there are many options to consider. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you choose the perfect flavour for your one-tier wedding cake:

Popular Wedding Cake Flavours

Vanilla is a classic choice for wedding cakes and can be paired with a variety of fillings and frostings. It is a versatile flavour that can be tailored to your taste. Chocolate is another popular option and can be paired with unique flavours like hazelnut, matcha, or berries. Red velvet is a rich and decadent choice that is often served with cream cheese frosting. Almond is a great alternative to vanilla or chocolate and can be paired with cherry filling or other nutty flavours like pistachio. Lemon is a perfect choice for a summer wedding and can be paired with raspberries, elderflower, or lavender. Carrot cake is a classic that can be paired with cream cheese frosting or a fluffy vanilla frosting. White chocolate cake, spice cake, and strawberry or mixed berry cakes are also popular choices.

Underrated Wedding Cake Flavours

Some unique flavours that are gaining popularity include strawberry yuzu, lychee, and passionfruit. These combinations may surprise your guests and offer a memorable taste experience.

Seasonal and Cultural Considerations

Consider the season of your wedding when choosing a flavour. Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove in a spice cake are perfect for autumn, while lemon or other citrus flavours are ideal for a summer wedding. You can also incorporate flavours that speak to your cultural heritage or personal food preferences. For example, ube, coconut, or pandan can add a unique twist to your cake.

Cake Filling and Frosting

Don't forget to consider the filling and frosting when choosing your cake flavour. Vanilla cake with homemade lemon curd is a popular combination, as is chocolate cake with salted caramel filling. Raspberry, elderflower, lavender, and blueberry are other filling options that can complement your chosen cake flavour.

Trust the Experts

Finally, don't be afraid to trust the experts! Professional bakers can guide you in choosing flavours that will delight your guests. They can offer suggestions and options that pair well with your chosen cake flavour, so be open to their recommendations during your tasting.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a flavour that you and your partner love. It's your special day, so indulge in your favourite flavours and create a cake that reflects your unique taste!

Selecting decorations, such as flowers or macarons

Selecting decorations for your one-tier wedding cake is a fun and creative process. Here are some ideas to inspire you, focusing on flowers and macarons:

Flowers

Flowers are a timeless and elegant choice for wedding cake decorations. Fresh flowers can be used to adorn your cake, or you can opt for handcrafted sugar flowers, pressed flowers, or even paint flowers onto your cake using cake-safe watercolours. If you're looking for a more rustic or whimsical touch, consider using dried or pressed flowers in natural hues. For a unique twist, you can even use edible flowers like chamomile or peonies.

When selecting flowers, consider your wedding theme and colour palette. For a sleek city event, you might choose monochrome orchids, while a rustic barn wedding could feature wildflowers and rusty foliage. You can also use flowers to reinforce your colour scheme by matching them to your event's florals or other decorative elements.

There are endless ways to arrange flowers on your cake. A single statement bloom or a small cluster of flowers at the base of the cake can be a simple yet effective choice. For a more dramatic look, opt for a floral sash, wrapping a cluster of blooms around each tier. Alternatively, go for a cascading design with flowers arranged diagonally down the sides of the cake. If you want to save on your floral budget, you can place flowers around the cake rather than on it, creating a "cake meadow."

Macarons

Macarons are another delightful option for decorating your one-tier wedding cake. They can be used to add colour, texture, and a touch of whimsy. Consider an ombré wash of macarons in colours that match your chosen flowers, or go for a custom macaron cake with macarons doubling as seating cards for your guests. Gold leaf accents and heart-shaped macarons are a sweet choice for a Valentine's Day wedding.

Whether you choose flowers, macarons, or a combination of both, these decorations will undoubtedly bring your one-tier wedding cake to life and wow your guests.

Baking the cake

Baking a one-tier wedding cake is an exciting task, and with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a beautiful and delicious result. Here's a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Ingredients and Tools:

Firstly, gather all the required ingredients for your chosen cake recipe. Common ingredients include flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and flavourings such as vanilla. You will also need the necessary tools and equipment, such as:

• Round cake pans in the desired size (e.g., 6-inch, 8-inch, or 10-inch)
• A rotating cake turntable
• Cardboard or foam core cake rounds
• A cake drum for the bottom tier
• A serrated cake knife
• A pastry bag with tips
• A cake smoother or scraper
• Plywood for transporting the cake

Preparing the Pans:

Grease your cake pans with cooking spray or butter. Cut wax paper rounds to fit the bottom of each pan, insert them, and respray. This extra step ensures that your cakes don't stick to the pans.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). The baking time will depend on the size of your cake layers:

• 6-inch cakes: 25 to 30 minutes
• 8-inch cakes: 35 to 40 minutes
• 10-inch cakes: 55 to 60 minutes

Keep in mind that these are guidelines, and the actual baking time may vary based on your oven. It's a good idea to use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the centre of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Allow the cakes to cool for about 10 minutes before loosening them from the pans and transferring them to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

Assembling the Tiers:

To ensure stability, each tier of your wedding cake will consist of two layers. You will need to level the tops of the cakes using a long serrated cake knife and a rotating turntable. Cut the cakes horizontally to create two even layers from each baked cake.

Applying the Crumb Coat:

Before adding the final coat of frosting, it's essential to apply a crumb coat. This initial layer of frosting helps to trap any crumbs, ensuring a neat and professional-looking final product. After applying the crumb coat, chill the cake for 15 to 30 minutes to set the frosting.

Filling the Cake (Optional):

If you plan to fill your cake with a layer of jam, curd, mousse, custard, or cream, do so before applying the crumb coat. Start by spooning a small amount of frosting onto the bottom of the cake board to act as glue. Place the bottom layer on the board and pipe a buttercream dam around the perimeter to prevent the filling from leaking out.

Applying the Final Coat of Frosting:

Now, it's time to add the final coat of frosting to each tier. Place one assembled tier on the turntable and spread a generous amount of frosting on top, rotating the cake as you go. Repeat this process for the sides of the cake. Work quickly to keep the frosting cool. Return each tier to the fridge while you frost the others.

Smoothing the Frosting:

For a smooth and polished finish, use an icing smoother or cake scraper. Rotate the cake on the turntable and run the edge of the smoother along the sides in the opposite direction of the cake's rotation.

Adding Cake Supports:

To provide extra support for your one-tier wedding cake, especially if it's on the taller side, you can use cake dowels. Cut the dowels to the height of each tier and insert them vertically into the cake, ensuring their tops are flush with the surface. A triangle formation with three dowels per tier should provide sufficient support.

Final Decorations:

Your one-tier wedding cake is now almost complete! Add any final decorations of your choice. You can pipe additional frosting details, use ribbon, sprinkles, fresh berries, or even edible flowers for an elegant touch.

Baking a one-tier wedding cake can be a rewarding project, and with careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create a stunning and delicious centerpiece for your special day.

Making the frosting

Types of Frosting:

Before you start, decide on the type of frosting you want to use. Buttercream frosting, made from butter, confectioners' sugar, milk or cream, and flavourings, is a popular choice for wedding cakes as it is versatile and can be piped or spread smoothly. Other options include cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or a glaze made from powdered sugar and liquid.

Making Buttercream Frosting:

For a simple buttercream frosting, you will need:

• Softened unsalted butter
• Confectioners' sugar (also known as icing sugar)
• Milk or heavy cream
• Vanilla extract or other flavourings (e.g. almond, lemon, orange)

• Allow the butter to come to room temperature to ensure it is soft enough to be easily mixed.
• Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until it is creamy and smooth, which should take around 2 minutes.
• With the mixer running on low speed, gradually add the confectioners' sugar to the butter. Take your time with this step to avoid a mess!
• Once all the sugar has been added, increase the mixer speed to high and beat for another 2 minutes.
• Now it's time to add your milk or cream and any flavourings. Start with a small amount of liquid and gradually add more until you achieve the desired consistency. You are looking for a frosting that is smooth, creamy, and easy to spread or pipe.
• If your frosting is too thin, add a little more confectioners' sugar. Conversely, if it is too thick, add a tiny bit more liquid.
• For extra sweetness, you can add a pinch of salt to your frosting.
• If you want to colour your frosting, use gel food colouring, adding a little at a time until you achieve the desired shade.

Frosting Consistency:

The consistency of your frosting is key to achieving a smooth and professional finish. If it is too thin, it may drip down the sides of the cake, while frosting that is too thick can be difficult to spread evenly and may tear your cake. A good buttercream frosting should be light, fluffy, and hold its shape.

Frosting Techniques:

There are several techniques you can use to frost your one-tier wedding cake:

• Crumb coat: This is a thin layer of frosting applied to the cake to trap any crumbs, ensuring the final coat is neat and crumb-free. Chill the cake for 15-30 minutes after applying the crumb coat.
• Smooth finish: For a sleek and elegant look, use a palette knife or icing smoother to carefully spread the frosting evenly over the cake, working from the top down the sides.
• Rustic finish: Hold the tip of your palette knife against the sides of the cake while rotating it to create a swirl effect.
• Naked cake: Apply the crumb coat and then immediately add the outer coat of frosting. Use a scraper to remove most of the frosting, leaving a thin, translucent layer that reveals the cake underneath.
• Textured finish: Use a small icing spatula and run it around the cake while spinning it on a turntable. This will create beautiful, easy ruffles.

Final Decorations:

Once your frosting is complete, you can add some final touches to your one-tier wedding cake:

• Fresh flowers or sugar flowers can be added to the top or sides of the cake for a romantic and elegant look.
• Macarons, meringues, or fresh berries can be used as decorations and will add a touch of colour.
• Gold or silver leaf, sprinkles, or edible glitter can be used to give your cake a glamorous and luxurious feel.
• A personalised cake topper, such as the couple's initials or a fun phrase, can be added for a unique touch.

Remember to plan ahead and make your frosting in advance if possible. This will allow you to focus on the assembly and decoration of your one-tier wedding cake without rushing the frosting process. Happy baking and decorating!

Assembling and decorating the cake

Once you've baked your wedding cake, it's time for the fun part: assembling and decorating! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create a beautiful one-tier wedding cake:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Before you begin assembling, ensure your cake layers are completely cool. If you're making a tiered cake, you'll need to create a flat surface on the top of each layer. Use a long serrated knife and a rotating cake turntable to carefully level off the tops of the cakes.

Step 2: Create a Crumb Coat

Start by applying a crumb coat to each layer of the cake. This initial thin layer of frosting will catch any crumbs, ensuring the final coat is neat and crumb-free. Place your cake on a rotating cake turntable and use an icing spatula or palette knife to spread a thin layer of frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Refrigerate the cake for about 15 to 30 minutes to allow the crumb coat to set.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Now it's time to stack your cake layers! If you plan to fill your cake, apply a dollop of frosting to the centre of your cake board and place the first layer on top. Pipe a buttercream dam around the perimeter of the layer to prevent the filling from leaking out. Add your chosen filling, such as jam, lemon curd, or chocolate mousse, then place the next layer on top. Repeat this process for each layer of your one-tier cake.

Step 4: Apply the Final Coat of Frosting

With your layers assembled, it's time to add the final coat of frosting. Place each layer on the turntable and spread frosting over the top and sides, using your palette knife or icing spatula. Work quickly to keep the cake cool, and return each layer to the fridge while you frost the others.

Step 5: Smooth the Frosting

For a sharp, professional finish, use an icing smoother or cake scraper to smooth out the frosting. Rotate the cake on the turntable and run the edge of the smoother along the sides in the opposite direction of the cake's rotation.

If you prefer a rustic look, hold the tip of your palette knife against the sides while rotating the cake to create a swirl effect. For a "naked" cake, skip the final coat of frosting and use the scraper to remove most of the crumb coat, leaving a thin, translucent layer of frosting.

Step 6: Add Cake Supports

To provide extra support for your one-tier cake, especially if it's on the taller side, you can insert vertical dowels into the cake. Wooden or plastic dowels, or even plastic drinking straws, can be used. Cut the dowels to the height of the cake and insert them through the top, ensuring they're flush with the surface.

Step 7: Decorate!

Now for the fun part: decorating your cake! There are endless options for decorating a one-tier wedding cake. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Fresh flowers or sugar flowers: Add a romantic, elegant touch to your cake.
• Greenery: Eucalyptus, fern leaves, or olive branches can give a modern, rustic feel.
• Berries and fruit: Use fresh or sugar-coated berries and fruit to add a pop of colour.
• Macaroons: Stack macaroons on top or around the cake for a modern, colourful touch.
• Drip glaze: A chocolate or caramel drip glaze is a decadent addition to any cake.
• Cake toppers: Use a custom cake topper with your initials, a fun message, or a romantic quote.
• Ribbons: Wrap a silk ribbon around your cake for a chic, classy touch.
• Gold or silver leaf: Add a shiny, elegant finish to your cake with gold or silver leaf details.

Frequently asked questions