Creating A Cupcake Wedding Cake: Tiered Delight

Cupcakes are a fun and unique alternative to a traditional wedding cake. They can be a more affordable option and are perfect for casual weddings, avoiding the mess and formality of cutting a cake. Cupcake wedding cakes also allow couples to offer their guests a variety of flavours, colours, and designs.

However, there are some drawbacks to choosing cupcakes over a traditional wedding cake. For example, couples will miss out on the traditional cake-cutting ceremony and won't have the option to freeze the top tier of the cake to enjoy on their first anniversary.

To create a tiered cupcake wedding cake, you will need to assemble and frost multiple cupcake tiers, using cake circles, support dowels, and a central dowel for stability. This process can be tricky, and it is important to use the correct tools and techniques to avoid a collapsing cake.

Choosing flavours and colours

First, consider the flavours. You can choose from a variety of options, such as vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, lemon, marble, carrot cake, or even chocolate chip. If you want to mix and match flavours, it's usually best to stick with a vanilla cake on the bottom and then get creative with the top tier. You can also bring multiple flavours into the mix, especially if you're choosing a cupcake wedding cake. Part of the beauty of cupcakes is that you can offer a variety of flavours to your guests.

Now, let's talk about colours. You can go for a simple and elegant monochromatic look, with white or ivory cupcakes, or you can experiment with unique colour combinations. Consider the overall theme and colour palette of your wedding and try to incorporate those colours into your cupcake design. You can use coloured icing, sprinkles, fresh flowers, or edible decorations to add a pop of colour to your cupcakes.

Don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. You can even match your cupcakes to your wedding colour palette or add a touch of glamour with gold or silver accents. The possibilities are endless!

Using cake circles

For the base tier, a cake circle that is an inch or two larger than the cake base is ideal. This allows for easier transportation and provides a stable foundation for the rest of the cake. For the middle and top tiers, the cake circles should be the same size or slightly bigger than the cake tier. This ensures that the cake remains stable and secure.

When stacking the tiers, it is important to use frosting or filling underneath each tier to help adhere it to the cake circle. This creates a strong bond between the cake and the circle, preventing any slipping or movement. It is also recommended to use a crumb coat, a thin layer of frosting, to seal in any crumbs before applying the final layer of frosting.

Additionally, it is important to note that some sources suggest not stacking more than two cake layers on a single cake circle. If your tier is taller than 6 inches, consider using an additional cake circle in the middle of the tier for extra support. By following these tips and using cake circles correctly, you can create a stable and stunning tiered cupcake wedding cake.

Adding support dowels

Choosing the Right Dowels:

• You can use wooden dowels, plastic dowels, or even bubble tea or coffee straws as support dowels.
• Plastic dowels and straws are lighter, cheaper, and easier to cut than wooden dowels, and they come in bright colours, making them easy to find and remove.

Number and Placement of Dowels:

• Use one dowel for every 2-3 inches of cake. For example, a 10-inch cake would need 4 or 5 support dowels.
• Place one dowel in the centre of the cake to ensure even stacking.
• Mark the centre of your base tier and outline where the next tier will go. This will help you place the dowels where they won't be visible.
• Mark and space the dowels at least 1/4 inch inside the circle where the next tier will sit.

Cutting and Inserting the Dowels:

• Cut the dowels to match the height of the tier they will be supporting.
• Evenly space and insert the dowels into your base tier, pushing them straight down.
• Centre your middle/central dowel with the help of a ruler.

Stacking the Tiers:

• Centre your next tier on top of the central dowel and slide it straight down, ensuring it is centred on the base tier.
• Repeat the above steps for each additional tier.

By following these steps, you will create a sturdy and stable foundation for your tiered cupcake wedding cake, preventing any sinking or collapsing.

Stacking and frosting

Stacking:

Before you begin stacking, it is important to have your cupcakes prepared and ready. Decide on the number of tiers you want and the number of cupcakes in each tier. For structural support, use sturdy cake circles, preferably cardboard or plastic, at the bottom of each tier. The base tier's cake circle should be one to two inches larger than the cake itself, making it easier to transport. For the middle and top tiers, use cake circles that match the size of your cupcakes or are slightly larger.

For stability, use support dowels, such as bubble tea or coffee straws, or wooden dowels. The rule of thumb is to use one dowel for every 2-3 inches of cake. Mark the centre of your base tier and the outline of the next tier to ensure the dowels are placed where they won't be visible. Cut the dowels to match the height of the tier they will support, and insert them into the base tier, spacing them evenly and pushing them straight down.

Repeat this process for each additional tier, centering each tier on the dowel and sliding it down carefully.

Frosting:

After stacking, it's time to frost your cupcake wedding cake. Here are some tips for achieving a beautiful and smooth finish:

• Use a crumb coat: Apply a thin layer of frosting to each tier before the final exterior frosting. This will help protect the outer layer of frosting from crumbs. Refrigerate the cake after applying the crumb coat to help it set.
• Use a bench scraper: To achieve a textured, ruffled look on the exterior frosting, use a small icing spatula and run it around the cake while spinning it on a cake turner.
• Pipe frosting: After placing the top tier, pipe frosting around the bottom to cover any spaces or smears. You can also pipe dots of frosting between the tiers to resemble pretty pearls.
• Smooth peaks: If your piped frosting has pointy peaks, moisten your fingertip with water and gently press down to smooth them out.
• Decorations: Add any decorative pieces, such as artificial flowers, sprinkles, or fondant accents, to personalise your cupcake wedding cake.

By following these steps, you will create a stunning and stable cupcake wedding cake that is sure to impress your guests!

Cutting and serving

Cupcakes are a great alternative to a traditional wedding cake, offering a unique and fun way to serve dessert at your wedding. They are also a good option if you are looking for something more affordable. However, there are a few things to consider before deciding to forgo a traditional wedding cake.

One thing to keep in mind is that you won't have a traditional cake-cutting ceremony with cupcakes. The cake-cutting ceremony is a long-standing tradition at weddings, and it can be a special moment for the couple. If you opt for cupcakes, you can still have a small cake on top of your cupcake tower for the cake-cutting ceremony, which can also be saved for your one-year anniversary.

Another thing to consider is the number of cupcakes to order. Most bakers recommend ordering enough cupcakes for each guest to have an average of one and a half cupcakes. For example, for 50 people, you would need 60-70 cupcakes, and for 200 people, you would need around 220 cupcakes. It's also a good idea to order a few extra in case of any last-minute additions to your guest list or if you want to send some home with your guests as a treat.

When it comes to serving cupcakes at your wedding, there are a few ways you can do it. You can have a designated dessert table with a beautiful display of cupcakes, or you can set up a cupcake tower with multiple tiers. This can be a stunning visual addition to your wedding and a great photo opportunity. You can also get creative with your display by using different flavours, colours, and decorations to match your wedding theme.

If you want to include your guests in the fun, you can set up a build-your-own cupcake bar, where guests can choose their cupcake flavour and a variety of toppings. This can be a fun, interactive experience for your guests and a great way to get them involved in the celebrations.

To ensure you have enough cupcakes for your guests, it is recommended to have a mix of flavours that will appeal to different tastes. Some popular wedding cupcake flavours include:

• Chocolate
• Vanilla
• Red velvet
• Carrot cake
• Peanut butter cup
• Lemon poppy seed
• Nutella-filled banana
• Pumpkin spice
• Cider

You can also offer a variety of frosting options, such as buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or a light glaze. Adding some fresh fruit or edible flowers as a topping can also be a nice touch.

When it comes to cutting and serving your wedding cupcakes, it is best to have a plan in place to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Here are some tips:

• Have a designated person or people to cut and serve the cupcakes. This could be a member of your wedding party, a friend, or a hired server.
• If you have a cupcake tower, make sure it is stable and secure before cutting and serving. You don't want any accidents!
• Have a system in place for removing the cupcakes from the tower or display and transferring them to plates or containers for your guests. This could be as simple as having a spare plate or tray to hand.
• If you have a variety of flavours, it is a good idea to label them clearly so guests know what they are choosing. This could be done with small signs, a menu, or even just a simple tag on each cupcake.
• Provide napkins and, if needed, plates and forks for your guests. Cupcakes can be a little messy, so it's always good to be prepared!
• If you have any leftover cupcakes, offer them to your guests to take home or enjoy them yourself as a post-wedding treat.

Frequently asked questions