Crafting A Tall Wedding Cake: Tips And Tricks

A wedding cake is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and a tall wedding cake is a recent trend that can make the overall design of the cake lean and elegant. Making a tall wedding cake is not difficult, but there are a few precautions to keep in mind, such as cake boards, dowelling, and stacking.

A tall cake is usually a cake whose height has been extended by adding one more layer. A double-barrel cake, on the other hand, is made by stacking two or three cakes on top of each other. This type of cake can be about 8 to 10 inches tall.

When making a tall wedding cake, it is important to use cake circles or cake boards to provide support for each tier of the cake. The number of layers in each tier will depend on the desired height, but it is recommended to use a cake circle for every two or three layers to provide stability. Additionally, it is crucial to use support dowels, such as bubble tea or coffee straws, to prevent the cake from collapsing.

To assemble a tall wedding cake, start by stacking and frosting your cake layers. Mark the centre of the first tier and outline where the next tier will go. Cut your dowels to the height of the tier they will be supporting and insert them into the base tier. Centre your middle dowel and slide the next tier on top. Repeat these steps until all tiers are stacked.

With the right tools, ingredients, and techniques, anyone can create a beautiful and stable tall wedding cake.

Layering and stacking

Cake Layers:

Before you begin stacking, ensure that your cake layers are level and evenly baked. Each layer should be approximately 2 inches thick. You can use a cake leveller to achieve a straight and even surface. If you're creating a tall cake, you'll need to stack multiple layers, typically ranging from four to six layers in total.

Cake Circles/Boards:

Place a cake circle or board at the bottom of each tier. These can be made of cardboard or plastic but should be sturdy enough to provide support. The base tier's cake circle should be an inch or two larger than the cake itself, making it easier to transport. For the middle and top tiers, use cake circles that are the same size or slightly bigger than the cake tier.

Dowelling and Support:

Dowelling is crucial for providing stability to your tall wedding cake. For cakes taller than 4 inches, it's recommended to use support. You can use bubble tea straws, coffee straws, or wooden dowels as support. Insert these dowels into the bottom tier, ensuring they are cut to the height of the tier they will be supporting. Place them at least 1/4 inch inside the outline of the tier above. For additional stability, consider using a central dowel that goes through all the tiers and into the cake base.

Stacking the Tiers:

Now, it's time to stack your tiers! Start by marking the centre of your base tier and outlining where the next tier will go. This will help you place the support dowels in the correct positions. Cut your dowels to the appropriate height and insert them into the base tier. Centre your next tier on top of the dowel and gently slide it down, ensuring it's centred. Repeat this process for each additional tier.

Final Touches:

Once your cake is stacked, use a bench scraper or spatula to smooth out the buttercream on the sides and top of the cake. You can also add decorations, fresh flowers, or other embellishments to enhance the overall design. Remember to chill your cake before transporting it to ensure it stays firm and stable.

Choosing the right cake board

Size:

It is recommended to use a cake board that is slightly larger than the cake tier itself. For the base tier, opt for a cake board that is an inch or two bigger than the cake. This makes it easier to pick up and move the cake. For the middle and top tiers, the cake board should be the same size or just slightly bigger than the cake tier. This ensures that the cake fits snugly on the board and doesn't slide around.

Material:

Cardboard cake circles are the most common type, but plastic cake boards are also an option. The key is to choose a material that is sturdy and doesn't bend easily. A flimsy cake board can lead to a cake collapse, so it's worth investing in a good quality, thick cake board.

Number of Cake Boards:

For a tall wedding cake, it is essential to use multiple cake boards to provide adequate support. As a general rule, it is recommended to use one cake board for each tier of the cake. Additionally, if your cake tier is particularly tall (more than 6 inches), it is advisable to use another cake board in the middle of the tier for extra support.

Using the Cake Board:

When assembling your cake, place a small amount of frosting or melted candy melts in the centre of the cake board to help adhere the cake layer and prevent it from moving. Repeat this process for each tier, stacking them on top of each other with the support of dowels.

Dowel Support:

Dowel support is crucial for tall wedding cakes. Insert dowels or straws into the cake tier before placing the next tier on top. Mark the height of each tier and cut the dowels accordingly. This will ensure that the dowels are the same height as the cake tier they are supporting. Use one dowel for every 2-3 inches of cake. For example, a 10-inch cake would need 4 or 5 dowels.

In summary, choosing the right cake board for a tall wedding cake involves selecting the appropriate size, using a sturdy material, and utilising multiple cake boards for each tier. Adequate dowel support and proper placement of the cake boards are also key factors in creating a stable and impressive tall wedding cake.

Using dowels for support

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Tiers

Before you begin dowelling, your cake tiers should be baked, levelled, and ready for assembly. Each tier should be placed on a cake circle, which can be made of cardboard or plastic and should be sturdy enough to support the weight of the cake. The cake circle for the base tier should be one to two inches larger than the cake itself, making it easier to move the cake. For the middle and top tiers, use cake circles that are the same size or slightly bigger than the cake tier.

Step 2: Mark the Centre of Each Tier

Always start by making a hole in the centre of each cake base. This hole should be the same diameter as the dowel you will be using. This step will help you centre your dowel and ensure even weight distribution.

Step 3: Determine the Number and Placement of Dowels

The number of dowels you need will depend on the size and weight of your cake tiers. A good rule of thumb is to use one dowel for every 2-3 inches of cake. For example, a 10-inch cake would typically require 4 to 5 dowels. Place one dowel in the centre of the cake and then space the remaining dowels evenly around it. For larger or heavier cakes, you may need to use multiple layers of dowels to distribute the weight evenly.

Step 4: Cut the Dowels to the Correct Height

Measure the height of each dowel carefully. They should be exactly level with the top of your cake and of equal height to each other. This ensures that the next cake tier sits securely and levelly on top. You can mark the dowels with an edible colour marker at the correct height and then cut them using a PVC cutter, a serrated knife, or a small saw.

Step 5: Insert the Dowels into the Cake Tiers

Start by inserting the dowels into the bottom tier. Place one dowel in the centre and then space the others around it. Repeat this process for each subsequent tier, always ensuring that the dowels are centred and level. If you are using a central dowel that goes through all the tiers, sharpen one end of the dowel and push it through the cake, making sure it goes all the way down into the base tier.

Step 6: Secure the Cake Tiers Together

Once all the dowels are in place, you can begin assembling your cake. Start from the bottom tier and work your way up, inserting each tier onto the central dowel. You can use a small amount of royal icing, melted chocolate, or buttercream between the tiers for added stability and to help them adhere to each other.

Step 7: Final Touches

Once your cake is stacked, use a level to ensure that it is straight and stable. You can also add decorations or a cake topper of your choice. If you are transporting the cake, it is recommended to chill it for a bit to firm it up before moving it.

How to calculate the right amount of cake

When making a tall wedding cake, it's important to calculate the right amount of cake to ensure you have enough servings for your guests. Here are some tips to help you determine the appropriate amount:

Determine the Number of Guests

Start by finalizing your guest list and determining the number of guests you expect to attend your wedding. This will give you a baseline for calculating the amount of cake needed.

Calculate the Number of Servings

A common calculation for wedding cake servings is to allow for one slice of the bride's cake per guest and a half slice of the groom's cake. So, if you have 100 guests, you would need 100 servings of the bride's cake and 50 servings of the groom's cake. However, it's important to note that some guests may decline a slice of cake, so you can usually order enough cake for about 80% of your guest count.

Consider Other Factors

When calculating the amount of cake, also consider the following factors:

• Type of Cake: The type of cake and frosting you choose can impact the serving size. For example, a cake with dense, rich flavours might result in smaller slices, while a lighter, fluffier cake could allow for larger slices.
• Other Desserts: If you plan to serve other desserts in addition to the wedding cake, such as a dessert table or a different dessert with dinner, you can order significantly less cake. In this case, you may only need about 50% of the cake servings and can supplement with other dessert options.
• Cake Serving Size: Discuss with your baker about the size of the cake slices. Smaller slices can help stretch your budget further, especially if you anticipate that guests might not finish larger slices.
• Saving the Top Tier: If you plan to save the top tier of your wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary, as is a common tradition, be sure to account for those servings. You can either save the entire top tier or just a couple of slices, depending on your preference.
• Self-Serve vs. Plated: The way the cake is served can also impact the amount you need. If you're having a self-serve cake station, you may need slightly less cake than if you're serving plated slices with dinner.

Consult a Professional Baker

While these guidelines can give you a starting point, it's always best to consult a professional baker to get their expert opinion. They can help you calculate the right amount of cake based on your specific needs and guest count.

Decorating with fresh flowers

Fresh flowers are a beautiful way to decorate a wedding cake and can help to create a cohesive look for your special day. When choosing flowers, opt for in-season blooms that are organic and free from pesticides. It's also important to avoid toxic flowers such as lilies, foxglove, delphinium, and yellow jasmine, as these can be harmful to guests if consumed.

When adding flowers to your cake, it's best to place them as close to the event as possible, ideally the same day, to ensure they look their best. You can add flowers directly into the cake using bubble tea straws or floral tape around the stems. Alternatively, you can place a cake board on top of the cake and arrange the flowers on that, making it easier to remove them before serving.

If you want to incorporate fresh flowers into your wedding cake, here are some specific tips and tricks to achieve a beautiful and safe result:

Choose the Right Flowers:

When selecting flowers for your wedding cake, opt for blooms that are in season and easily accessible from your local florist or farmer's market. Organic flowers that haven't been treated with pesticides are ideal, as you want to avoid any chemicals coming into contact with the cake. It is crucial to steer clear of toxic flowers, such as lilies, foxglove, delphinium, and yellow jasmine, as these can be harmful if consumed.

Timing is Important:

Fresh flowers have a limited lifespan, so it's best to add them to your wedding cake as close to the event as possible. Ideally, add the flowers on the morning of your wedding or a few hours before the celebration. This will ensure they look their best and don't start to wilt.

Methods for Adding Flowers:

There are two main methods for adding fresh flowers to your wedding cake:

• Directly into the Cake: You can insert flower stems directly into the cake by using bubble tea straws. These are thick, plastic straws that provide stability and help position the flowers at different angles. Simply trim the straws to the desired length, insert them into the cake, and then slip the flower stems into the straw openings. Clear straws are preferable to avoid any colourful peek-a-boo effects!
• Using a Cake Board: If you'd like to avoid inserting stems directly into the cake, you can place a cake board on top and arrange the flowers on that. This method makes it easier to remove the flowers before serving and prevents any contact between the flowers and the cake itself.

Food Safety Considerations:

When adding flowers to a cake, it's crucial to wrap the stems to prevent any fluids from leaking into the cake or frosting. You can use floral tape, which sticks to itself and comes in different shades of green. Wrap each stem tightly and twist the end of the tape to prevent leakage. Additionally, ensure that the flowers are free of pollen, as it can ruin the aesthetic of the cake.

Design Inspiration:

When it comes to designing your floral wedding cake, the possibilities are endless. You can coordinate the flowers with your bouquet and centrepieces for a cohesive look. Opt for a simple yet elegant design with a few well-placed blooms, or go for a more elaborate display with cascading flowers or floral tiers. You can also incorporate flowers into the cake topper or use them to add height to the overall design.

Final Thoughts:

Fresh flowers on a wedding cake create a timeless and elegant look. They bring a sense of occasion and can help tie together the theme of your wedding. Remember to choose safe, non-toxic flowers and add them to the cake as close to the event as possible to ensure their beauty and freshness. With a bit of creativity and careful preparation, your floral wedding cake is sure to be a stunning centrepiece at your celebration!

Frequently asked questions