Creating A Square Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

Square wedding cakes are a unique and modern alternative to traditional round cakes. With their crisp, straight edges and perfect 90-degree angles, square wedding cakes offer a contemporary and sophisticated look. This type of cake allows for endless customisation and creativity, from flavour to design. Square cakes can be decorated with fresh flowers, fruit, ribbons, rhinestones, geodes, lace, and unique cake toppers. They can also be covered in fondant or buttercream, with the option to add intricate piping or metallic accents. The number of tiers can vary depending on the number of guests and desired look, typically ranging from two to five tiers, but can go up to seven.

Choosing a design: art deco, boho, naked cake, etc

When it comes to choosing a design for your square wedding cake, there are several styles to consider, including art deco, boho, and naked cakes. Each style can be customised to reflect your wedding theme, whether it's a rustic barn wedding, a modern soirée, or something in between.

Art Deco

Art deco wedding cakes are chic, refined, and eye-catching. They often feature bold geometric patterns and a colour palette of black, white, gold, copper, silver, emerald, or navy. To enhance the art deco style, consider adding metallic touches, such as gold or silver, to represent the roaring 20s. Square wedding cakes are particularly well-suited to art deco weddings due to their geometric design. You can also incorporate pearls, vintage brooches, feathers, and rhinestones for a refined and elegant look.

Boho

Boho wedding cakes embrace organic details, earthy vibes, greenery, dried florals, and natural elements. They often feature colour palettes of jewel tones or earth tones, such as terracotta clay. You can incorporate textured buttercream, dried grasses, and thistles for a subtle, nature-inspired design. Boho cakes can also be moody and dark, or bright and colourful, adorned with edible blooms. For a simple and sweet boho vibe, decorate a textured white cake with dainty daisies and sprigs of greenery.

Naked

Naked wedding cakes omit the traditional exterior frosting, leaving the cake layers exposed for a fresh and delicious look. This style can be customised to fit any wedding theme, from rustic barn weddings to modern soirées. Naked cakes are often paired with fresh flowers, fruit, or a drizzle of chocolate, caramel, or fruit sauce. For a semi-naked cake, a thin layer of frosting is added, allowing the cake layers to show through for a chic appearance. This style is perfect for couples who want to reduce the sweetness of their cake or cut down on overall cake costs.

No matter which design you choose, a square wedding cake is a unique and modern way to celebrate your special day.

Selecting the number of tiers: 2-5 is typical, but larger cakes can have 7

Selecting the number of tiers for your square wedding cake is a crucial step in creating a stunning and functional dessert for your big day. The standard number of tiers for a square wedding cake typically ranges from two to five. This classic tier range offers a versatile option that can accommodate varying guest counts while maintaining a visually appealing structure.

If you're planning a more intimate wedding with a smaller guest list, opting for a two-tier cake can be a delightful choice. Two-tier cakes provide ample servings without overwhelming the overall design. They strike a perfect balance between elegance and simplicity, making them a popular option for couples seeking a refined yet understated dessert.

For larger weddings with a substantial guest count, consider increasing the number of tiers to three, four, or even five. These additional tiers not only enhance the visual impact of your cake but also ensure that there are enough servings for all your guests. A five-tier cake, for example, can serve a guest list of over 200 people, making it a practical and impressive choice.

However, if you're dreaming of a grand and extravagant wedding cake, you can take it up a notch and opt for a square wedding cake with seven tiers. This option is ideal for those with a lengthy guest list or those who simply want a show-stopping dessert that will leave a lasting impression. While a seven-tier cake is less common, it can be a breathtaking focal point at your wedding reception.

When deciding on the number of tiers, it's essential to consider not only the number of guests but also the overall aesthetic you wish to achieve. Each tier adds visual interest and provides an opportunity for creative decoration. Whether you choose to embellish your cake with intricate piping, fondant flowers, edible pearls, or metallic accents, the tiers provide a canvas for your chosen design elements.

In conclusion, selecting the number of tiers for your square wedding cake involves considering both practical factors, such as guest count, and design preferences. Whether you opt for the classic two-to-five-tier range or go for a more extravagant seven-tier creation, your cake is sure to be a memorable part of your wedding celebration.

Baking the cake: use good-quality pans, weigh batter for even layers

To bake a square wedding cake with even layers, it is important to invest in good-quality pans. Using cake pans with straight sides, such as square or rectangular pans, will ensure that your cake layers bake evenly and have straight edges. Look for pans made of sturdy materials such as aluminium or stainless steel, with a non-stick coating to ensure easy cake release.

Another crucial step is to weigh your batter before pouring it into the pans. Weighing the batter ensures that each pan receives the same amount, resulting in cake layers that are evenly sized. This is especially important when creating a tiered cake, as you want each tier to be level and stable. Place your pans on a scale and pour the batter until each pan reaches the same weight.

Additionally, it is important to prepare your pans properly before adding the batter. Grease the pans generously with butter or non-stick cooking spray, ensuring that all surfaces are coated. Then, line the pans with parchment paper, cutting it to fit the bottom of each pan. This extra step will make it easier to release your cakes from the pans once they are baked, and it will help create a smooth surface on your cakes.

Finally, when it comes to baking your cake layers, it is best to bake one layer at a time. This ensures even baking and prevents the batter from overflowing or becoming overmixed. Allow each layer to bake completely before removing it from the oven and cooling it on a wire rack. By taking the time to properly prepare your pans, measure your batter, and bake your layers carefully, you will achieve beautifully even layers for your square wedding cake.

Stacking the tiers: use cardboard, pillars, and dowels for support

To create a sturdy base for your square wedding cake, start by taping two or three cake boards together. Use cardboard cake rounds or, for heavier cakes, consider using foam core cake boards, which are thinner and lighter than traditional cake drums but still strong enough to support the weight of the cake. The cake base should be at least two inches larger than the largest cake tier. Cover the taped cake boards in Fanci-Foil wrap.

Each tier of your cake should be placed on a cake board that is the same size as the tier. For heavier cakes, use foam core cake boards; for lighter cakes, cardboard cake rounds will suffice.

To stack your tiers, you can use either pillars or dowels. If using pillars, poke each pillar until you feel it touching the cake board on the base cake. Place the next tier on top of the pillars once they are firmly inserted. Repeat this process for each tier.

If using dowels, mark the height of each stacked cake (except the top tier) and cut your dowels to match. Insert the dowels into the cake, spacing them about 1.5 inches from the edge of the cake board. For larger cakes, add at least three additional dowels towards the centre. Ensure the top of all dowels is level with the top of the cake. Repeat this process for each tier.

To provide added support and prevent shifting, sharpen one end of a bamboo dowel rod and insert it through the centre of all cake tiers and cake boards.

When stacking your tiers, gently imprint the bottom cake with the outline of the next size cake board to guide your placement. You can also use a toothpick to trace a guide for adding in the dowels. Place a small amount of melted candy melts or buttercream on the cake board before stacking each tier to help it stick to the tier below.

Decorating the cake: fresh flowers, fondant, buttercream, gold leaf, etc

There are many ways to decorate a square wedding cake. Here are some ideas for a stunning cake:

Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers are a beautiful and elegant way to decorate a wedding cake. They add a special touch and are perfect for a wedding or engagement celebration. When choosing flowers, opt for organic or pesticide-free varieties, which can often be found at farmer's markets or specialty stores. It is important to select non-toxic flowers and avoid any that may be harmful if consumed. To attach flowers to the sides of the cake, wrap their stems with floral tape and use bubble tea straws to secure them at the desired angle. For a simpler method, place a cake board on top of the cake and arrange the flowers on it, ensuring no direct contact with the cake. This way, you can easily remove the flowers before serving.

Fondant

Fondant can be used to create a sleek and modern look for a square wedding cake. Consider using pressed fondant with a subtle lace pattern or adding triangle-shaped fondant panels for a unique, origami-like effect. For a playful touch, use fondant to create cherry blossom branches or sugar cattleya orchids as cake toppers.

Buttercream

Buttercream is a versatile and classic choice for wedding cakes. It can be used to create a smooth or textured finish and is ideal for adding intricate details, such as piped borders or ruffles. If you prefer a more subtle look, a semi-naked or naked cake with a thin layer of buttercream can be a beautiful option. Buttercream also provides the perfect base for adding fresh flowers, fruits, or herbs as decorations.

Gold Leaf

Gold leaf is a stunning way to elevate your square wedding cake. Before using gold leaf, ensure it is edible, as only 23- or 24-karat gold leaf is safe for consumption. Use tweezers or a clean paintbrush to carefully apply the gold leaf to the desired sections of the chilled cake. You can create elegant designs such as gold outlines, frames, or patterns on the cake. For a bold statement, consider covering an entire layer in gold leaf for a "solid gold" effect.

Feel free to mix and match these decorating ideas to create a unique and personalized square wedding cake!

Frequently asked questions