Creating A Stanley Cup Wedding Cake: Step-By-Step

If you're a hockey fan, why not bring your passion to your wedding with a Stanley Cup cake? It might look difficult, but it's super easy to make. You can use PVC for the structure, and cover it with marshmallow fondant and silver luster dust to get that authentic Stanley Cup shine. For the top bowl, you can use chocolate, gumpaste, or even rice krispie cake. And if you really want to impress your guests, you can add their names along the sides, just like on the real trophy! So go ahead and add a little hockey flair to your big day with a Stanley Cup wedding cake.

Scaling the cake to feed a large number of guests

Scaling a Stanley Cup wedding cake to feed a large number of guests is a challenging task. The unique shape of the Stanley Cup, with its tiered structure and curved top, requires careful planning to ensure structural stability and sufficient servings. Here are some considerations for scaling the cake while maintaining its distinctive design:

Firstly, determine the number of guests you need to serve. A standard serving of wedding cake is a slice measuring 1 inch by 2 inches, while a larger party-size slice is 1.5 inches by 2 inches. As not all guests may want cake, it is generally recommended to plan for 75 to 85% of your guest list to want a slice.

To achieve a Stanley Cup shape, you will likely need to create a tiered cake. Tiered cakes offer flexibility in the number of servings and can be combined in various ways. For example, a combination of 10-inch, 8-inch, 6-inch, and 4-inch tiers can feed around 84 people. If you need to feed more guests, you can opt for larger tiers, such as 12-inch, 9-inch, and 6-inch tiers, which can feed up to 100 people.

When creating the tiers, consider the height of each tier and the spacing between them. For a Stanley Cup design, you may want to have a significant height difference between the tiers to mimic the shape of the cup. This will also allow for the placement of decorations, such as flowers, between the tiers.

The top part of the Stanley Cup cake presents a unique challenge due to its curved shape. To achieve this, consider using lightweight materials such as chocolate, gumpaste, or rice crispy cake, which can be covered in icing to create the desired shape without collapsing under its own weight.

Additionally, structural support is crucial for a stable Stanley Cup cake. Consider using dowel rods that run through the entire cake, from the top to the bottom tier, to provide stability. Intermediate cake boards can also be used to ensure the cake is securely held in place.

Finally, don't forget to consider the overall aesthetic of the cake. The size of the cake should be proportional to the venue and any decorations you plan to add. If you have intricate decorations, a larger cake may be necessary to balance out the details.

By carefully planning the tier sizes, considering structural support, and factoring in the desired aesthetic, you can successfully scale a Stanley Cup wedding cake to feed a large number of guests while maintaining its unique design.

Choosing the right materials for the cake's structure

Cake Boards and Dowels

Using cake boards and dowels is essential for providing support and stability to your tiered cake. Cut cake boards to the size of each tier and place them between the layers. For extra stability, you can use a wooden base for the bottom tier. Insert dowels through the entire cake, from top to bottom, to help bear the weight of the upper tiers. For the best results, use at least three or four dowels, and consider using a centre dowel that runs through the entire cake for added support.

Lightweight Materials for the Top

The top bowl of the Stanley Cup can be made from lightweight materials to prevent it from collapsing under its own weight. You can use chocolate or gumpaste to create a chocolate dome, or try rice crispy cake, which can still be iced over. Another option is to use marshmallow fondant, which will give you the desired texture and can be made metallic silver with silver luster dust.

PVC for Structure

To create a sturdy structure, consider using PVC pipes for support. This material is strong and can help you achieve the desired shape of the Stanley Cup.

Styrofoam for Full Size

If you want to make a full-size Stanley Cup cake, you can use styrofoam to make it the correct size. Cover the styrofoam with buttercream or fondant and add silver luster dust to achieve the iconic silver finish.

Remember, when choosing materials for the structure of your Stanley Cup wedding cake, it's important to consider both stability and the overall appearance of the cake. By using a combination of cake boards, dowels, lightweight materials, and structural supports like PVC, you can create a stable and impressive cake.

Adding the names of guests to the cake's design

Planning and Design:

Before you start adding names, it's essential to sketch out your design and plan where you want the names to appear. Consider the overall layout of the cake, the number of tiers, and the spacing available for the names. You may want to allocate a specific tier or section for the names, ensuring they are clearly visible and easy to read.

Name Placement and Arrangement:

Decide on the order in which you want to display the names. You can arrange them alphabetically, by table number, or even create a unique seating arrangement with names corresponding to their positions on the cake. If you have a large number of guests, consider writing smaller names or using abbreviations to fit everyone.

Name Writing Techniques:

You can use a variety of techniques to add the names to the cake. One option is to pipe the names using icing or frosting in a contrasting colour to the cake. You can also use edible ink pens, which allow for more precise writing and finer details. If you want a more elegant and subtle look, consider using a simple script font, or get creative with different fonts and styles to make each name stand out.

Additional Decorations:

To enhance the overall design, consider incorporating hockey-themed decorations or motifs alongside the names. For example, you could add small fondant hockey sticks, pucks, or even a miniature Stanley Cup replica. These additional details will tie the theme together and showcase your attention to detail.

Final Touches and Presentation:

Once you've added all the names and decorations, step back and review your work. Ensure that the names are legible and that the overall design is balanced and visually appealing. Present your cake on a suitable stand or platform, and don't forget to take plenty of pictures to capture this unique and personalised creation.

By following these steps and adding the names of your guests to your Stanley Cup wedding cake, you'll create a memorable and delightful centrepiece that celebrates your love of hockey and your special day.

Creating a lightweight 'cup' for the top of the cake

To create a lightweight cup for the top of your Stanley Cup wedding cake, you have several options.

One suggestion is to use chocolate or rice krispie cake, as these are lighter than a traditional cake. You could also use styrofoam, which can be covered in buttercream and silver lustre dust to achieve the metallic look of the Stanley Cup.

Another option is to make the cup out of a lightweight material such as cardstock or paper. This can then be decorated with glitter or paint to achieve the desired look. If you want to add a shaker element to your topper, you can use clear acetate and confetti.

For a more natural look, you could try using floral wire and fresh thyme to create a delicate, organic topper.

Finally, if you're looking for a simple and chic option, stars made from glittered cardstock or pipe cleaners can be a great choice.

Using fondant or buttercream for the icing

When it comes to icing, you have two main options: fondant or buttercream. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for your Stanley Cup wedding cake will depend on the specific look and taste you want to achieve.

Fondant has a smooth, elegant finish that can be perfect for a wedding cake. It can be easily shaped and moulded, making it a great choice for creating intricate details and decorations. For example, you could use fondant to create the bowl shape of the Stanley Cup or to add textured details such as the names of the guests, as seen on the cake that went viral on Twitter. Fondant also provides a good base for painting with food colouring or lustre dust to achieve a metallic silver effect. Marshmallow fondant is a good option for a Stanley Cup cake as it will give you the desired texture.

However, fondant can be more expensive and may not be as popular with some people in terms of taste. It also requires a certain level of skill to work with, especially when covering larger cakes or creating intricate details. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option or prefer a simpler approach, buttercream could be a better choice.

Buttercream is a classic choice for cakes and can be used to create a smooth or textured finish, depending on the technique you use. It is generally easier to work with than fondant, making it a good option if you're less experienced with cake decorating. You can spread or pipe buttercream onto your cake, and it can be tinted with food colouring to achieve your desired colour. For example, you could tint it silver to resemble the Stanley Cup.

Ultimately, the decision between fondant and buttercream depends on your personal preference, the specific design of your cake, and your level of cake decorating experience. Both options can be used to create a stunning and delicious Stanley Cup wedding cake.

Frequently asked questions