Creating A Dreamy Pillow Wedding Cake

Pillow cakes are a neat and simple design. They can be made with straight or curved sides and can be made from almost any shape cake. This introduction will explain how to make a pillow wedding cake, including the equipment and ingredients you will need, as well as the steps to follow.

Carving and shaping the cake

Firstly, it is recommended to freeze the cake before carving. For a square pillow cake, use an 8-inch, 2-layer, filled cake. Once the cake is frozen, measure 1 inch in from each edge of the cake and place a toothpick in the centre. Repeat this process for all four sides.

Using a serrated knife, score a curved line from one corner of the cake to the toothpick and then to the opposite corner. Repeat this step for the remaining sides. Cut straight down along the curved line, and don't worry if your cuts are angled; you can always trim more cake later. Repeat the cutting process for the other sides.

Now, use the serrated knife to begin carving and tapering the edges of the cake. Flip the cake over and repeat the carving process on the other side. Some bakers choose to purposefully bake their cake with a hump to reduce the amount of carving needed.

Once you are satisfied with the shape of your cake, it's time to attach the cake to a board. Use a thin layer of buttercream to ice the cake, ensuring that you cover the underside as well. This buttercream layer will help the fondant stick to the cake.

The carving and shaping process is essential to creating the distinctive pillow shape for your wedding cake. By following these steps and taking your time, you will be well on your way to creating a beautiful and elegant pillow wedding cake.

Covering the cake with fondant

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

Prepare the Fondant:

Firstly, you can use store-bought or homemade fondant for your cake. If you opt for homemade, a rolled marshmallow fondant is a good option, but keep in mind that it won't have the same stretch and elasticity as store-bought. Before kneading, rub your hands with a little vegetable shortening to prevent sticking. Knead the fondant until it becomes pliable. This is also the step where you would add food colouring if you want a specific colour for your cake.

Measure the Fondant:

To determine how much fondant you need, measure the diameter and height of your cake. Plug these numbers into the formula: DIAMETER + HEIGHT (x 2) = Diameter of fondant. For example, an 8-inch round cake that's 4 inches tall would require 16 inches of fondant.

Roll the Fondant:

Prepare your work surface by dusting it with cornstarch or confectioner's sugar to prevent sticking. Start with the fondant in the shape of the cake; for instance, a rounded shape for a round cake. Use a plastic fondant roller to roll out the fondant to the desired size, aiming for a thickness of about 1/8 inches. Always roll from the centre outwards, turning and lifting the fondant to maintain a consistent shape.

Cover the Cake:

This step requires quick movement, as fondant will dry out if left out for too long. Ensure your cake is frosted and ready. Using both hands, fold one side of the fondant over the roller, then lift the roller and place it behind the cake. Working from the back of the cake to the front, drape the fondant towards you, centring it as much as possible. Gently roll out the fondant, guiding it as it covers the cake.

Smooth the Fondant:

Use a fondant smoother to smooth the top first, preventing the fondant from shifting as you work on the sides. To smooth the sides, gently pull and stretch the fondant away from the cake, using the edge of your hand to smooth and remove creases. Once a section is smooth, lightly press it to the side of the cake. As you work around the cake, move any creases towards the lower edges. If the sides aren't sticking, dampen your fingers with a small amount of water and rub the inside of the fondant as you lift and press it to the cake.

Trim and Finish:

Use a fondant trimmer, pizza cutter, or paring knife to trim the excess fondant, staying slightly outside the edge of the cake. To create a crisp edge, press the flat edge of the fondant smoother against the bottom of the fondant and smooth it section by section, pushing down any excess. Finally, run your knife around one more time to remove the excess fondant for a clean finish.

Troubleshooting:

If you encounter any issues, here are some tips:

• If a seam forms, gently rub it with your finger to minimise its appearance.
• To fix cracks or tears, make a "fondant adhesive" by soaking a small amount of fondant in water and applying it to the crack with a spatula or decorating bag.
• To remove air bubbles, use a clean pin to poke from the side of the bubble, then smooth it with your finger.
• If your fondant dries out, add a small amount of vegetable shortening to moisten it.
• For sharp edges on your pillow cake, use a sharp knife or scalpel to trim the excess fondant neatly.

Creating a quilted effect with fondant

Tools and Materials:

Before you begin, gather the following tools and materials:

• Fondant in your desired colour(s)
• Ruler
• Toothpicks
• Stiff paper or cardboard
• Sculpting tool or knife
• Optional: impression mat, quilting or embossing tool

Step 1: Prepare the Fondant

Start by preparing your fondant. You can use a pre-made fondant or make your own. If you want to add colour, mix in your chosen food colouring until you achieve the desired shade. You can also flavour your fondant with extracts or flavourings if you wish. Knead the fondant until it's smooth and pliable.

Step 2: Mark the Upper Edge

Take your ruler and tape two toothpicks onto it, 1 inch apart. Use this ruler to mark the upper edge of your cake by poking holes at 1-inch intervals. Ensure that you always have one toothpick in the previous hole to maintain even spacing.

Step 3: Create a Template

Create a template for your desired angle using stiff paper or cardboard. The template should be able to bend around the cake while still having a firm edge to guide your tools. Measure the height of your cake and mark a point 2 inches away from the edge along the bottom of the template. If you want steeper quilting, move this point to 1 inch from the edge.

Step 4: Mark the Angled Lines

Place your template against the cake, starting at one of the 1-inch marks at the top. Angle it down towards the base of the cake and use a sculpting tool or the back of a knife to mark a line along the edge of the template. Repeat this process, marking angled lines from each of the 1-inch marks.

Step 5: Create the Crisscross Pattern

Once you've made your angled lines all around the cake, flip your template over and begin working in the opposite direction. This will create the crisscross pattern of a quilted design.

Step 6: Embellish (Optional)

At this point, you can leave the quilting as it is or add embellishments at the crossing points. You can create buttons, pearls, or other decorations to enhance the quilted effect.

Tips and Variations:

• If you have an impression mat, you can use it to create a quilted pattern by pressing it into the fondant before draping it over your cake.
• For a more defined quilted effect, use a quilting or embossing tool to gently go over the lines and deepen them.
• You can also use a cutting/embossing tool to create perforated lines or straight seams in your fondant.
• To create smaller or larger quilted squares, adjust the distance between your lines by moving your template or triangle guide closer together or further apart.

Decorating with tassels and bows

Tassels and bows are a fun way to decorate a pillow wedding cake. Here are some tips and ideas to get you started:

Choosing the Right Tassels and Bows:

• Select tassels and bows that complement the overall colour scheme and theme of your wedding. You can choose matching colours or go for a contrasting look.
• Consider the size of your cake and select tassels and bows that are proportionate. You don't want them to overwhelm the cake or be too small to notice.
• Opt for food-safe materials, especially if they will be placed directly on the cake.
• Play with different textures and fabrics to add visual interest.

Placement Ideas:

• Cake Corners: Attach tassels to each corner of the cake for a stylish touch. You can use gum glue or royal icing to secure them.
• Edges: Decorate the edges of each tier with a string of tassels or a delicate bow to create a fancy border.
• Cake Topper: Create a statement cake topper by combining multiple tassels or bows. You can vary the lengths and colours to add depth and visual appeal.
• Tier Separators: If your pillow wedding cake has multiple tiers, use large bows or tassels to separate and decorate each tier.
• Combine with Other Elements: Tassels and bows can be combined with other decorations such as pearls, flowers, or edible glitter for an elegant and whimsical look.

Final Thoughts:

Pillow wedding cakes offer a lot of creativity when it comes to decoration. Tassels and bows can be used in a variety of ways to add texture, colour, and dimension to your cake. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your design!

Using fondant to make crowns

Crowns are a great way to add a regal touch to your pillow wedding cake. Here are some tips and instructions on using fondant to create elegant crowns that will impress your guests and make your special day even more memorable.

Choosing the Right Fondant

When creating crowns for your pillow cake, it's important to use a fondant that will dry hard and hold its shape. You can use fondant or gum paste, but if you choose fondant, be sure to add Tylose to strengthen it. This will ensure that your crowns have the structural integrity needed to sit atop your cake without sagging or losing their form.

Shaping the Crowns

To shape your crowns, start by taping a smooth layer of wax paper around a can. This will serve as your mould. Prepare your fondant by kneading in the desired colour and ensuring it's not too thin or thick. Roll out the fondant and cut around your chosen crown template using an Exacto knife.

Next, rub shortening onto the wax paper and carefully wrap your fondant strip around the can. Ensure the bottom of the crown is level with the bottom of the can. Let it set for at least 24 hours. After this, gently remove the wax paper and slide the crown off the can.

Drying and Painting the Crowns

To ensure the back of your crown dries thoroughly, brush on some cornstarch and let it sit on a flat surface for another 24 hours. Once it's completely dry, it's time to paint! Mix edible lustre dust with lemon extract and paint your crown, allowing it to dry between coats. For an extra shiny finish, use a dry brush to buff on more lustre dust.

Embellishing the Crowns

Now it's time to add some bling! Create jewels for your crowns by pressing fondant into a jewel mould and popping them out. Paint your jewels with a mixture of edible silver lustre dust and lemon extract. Attach them to your crown using a bit of water, starting with the centre jewel and working outwards for even spacing.

Final Touches and Display

Your fondant crowns are now ready to adorn your pillow cake! Just be sure to add them to the cake once you've reached your event location to avoid any travel-related mishaps. With their elegant shape, lustrous paint, and sparkling jewels, these crowns will be the perfect finishing touch to your wedding cake.

Frequently asked questions