Tree Bark Wedding Cake: A Rustic Confectionery Delight

Tree bark wedding cakes are a popular choice for nature-inspired wedding receptions, with their rustic, textured exteriors resembling birch wood. There are many ways to create this bark effect, from using a spatula or a fork to textured sponges and even silicone moulds. For buttercream cakes, a wrinkly waxed paper or foil ball can be used to stamp the icing, while fondant can be painted or airbrushed to achieve the desired look.

Using a silicone mould to create the bark effect

Using a silicone mould is an effective way to create a bark effect on a wedding cake. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to achieve this:

Choosing the Right Silicone Mould

Firstly, select a silicone mould with a detailed tree bark texture. This is essential to achieve a realistic bark effect. The mould should be food-safe, oven-safe, and flexible, making it easier to remove the cake without sticking.

Preparing the Silicone Mould

Before using the mould, wash it with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly. Although silicone moulds are non-stick, you can lightly grease the mould with cooking spray, butter, or oil for extra assurance, especially if your design is intricate.

Filling the Silicone Mould

Use a piping bag or a spoon to evenly distribute the batter into the mould. Fill each section to about 75% to allow for rising. Avoid overfilling to prevent spilling over the edges and maintain the perfect shape.

Baking the Cake

Place the filled mould on a baking sheet or tray for stability before putting it in the oven. Silicone conducts heat differently from metal pans, so adjust the oven temperature slightly or reduce the baking time. Check your cake a few minutes earlier than usual to prevent over-baking.

Removing the Cake from the Mould

Allow the cake to cool slightly in the mould before removing it gently. This helps maintain its shape and prevents cracks or breakage. If needed, bend the flexible mould to remove the cake without damaging it.

Decorating the Cake

You can further decorate your tree bark cake with fresh florals, branches, greenery, or berries to match the wedding's aesthetic and enhance the natural-inspired design.

Storage and Maintenance

To store your silicone mould, keep it flat or rolled to prevent deformation. For cleaning, hand wash with mild soap and warm water, avoiding abrasive cleaners. Silicone moulds are also dishwasher-safe.

Using buttercream to create the bark texture

Creating a tree bark texture on a wedding cake using buttercream can be done in a few different ways. Here are some detailed methods to achieve this unique and rustic look:

Method 1: Wrinkly Foil Stamping

This method involves using a wrinkled piece of foil or waxed paper as a stamping tool. First, apply a rough coat of buttercream to the cake with a spatula, mixing two colours directly on the cake to create a textured effect. Then:

• Create a ball out of foil or waxed paper and crumple it to create a wrinkled surface.
• Use this foil ball to stamp the buttercream, creating a textured pattern.
• Gently use a spatula to remove any excess buttercream or outward-pointing bits.
• For the top and bottom tiers, scrape the pointy bits from bottom to top to create a smooth finish.

Method 2: Sponges and Stippling

For this method, you will need two sponges with different textures: one rough and one fine.

• Start by applying a crumb coat of buttercream to the cake.
• Use the rough-textured sponge to apply buttercream to the cake, creating a stucco-like texture.
• Take the fine-textured sponge and gently press it against the sides of the cake to smooth out the peaks and create a more refined bark texture. It is important to press, not rub, with the sponges.

Method 3: Piping and Spatula Work

This method involves using piping bags and a spatula to create the bark texture:

• Prepare four different shades of buttercream: light brown, medium brown, dark brown, and white.
• Pipe a circle of medium brown buttercream in the middle of the cake.
• Pipe a few rings of light brown buttercream, followed by a ring of medium brown, and finish with more light brown rings.
• Use a straight icing spatula to smooth out the rings, tilting the blade and carefully spinning the turntable for a seamless finish.
• Apply a thick layer of white buttercream along the sides of the cake, being careful not to go above the top.
• Smooth the sides and top of the cake with the spatula.
• Pipe dark brown buttercream horizontally around the cake in thin, random streaks.
• Use a flat edge to smear and smooth the brown lines, repeating until you achieve the desired birch bark appearance.

These methods allow you to create a beautiful and natural tree bark texture on a wedding cake using buttercream. Feel free to add your own creative touches, such as buttercream leaves, initials, or additional decorations to complete the look!

Using fondant to create the bark texture

If you want to try your hand at freehanding the bark texture, you can use tools made from tin foil to create lines and texture. You can also use a heart-shaped cookie cutter wrapped in tin foil to press into the fondant for added detail. If you want to add colour to your cake, you can use thinned dusts in white, black, brown, and moss green to achieve a realistic tree bark look.

Using an impression mat to create the bark effect

Using an impression mat is a great way to create a bark effect on a wedding cake. Impression mats are time-saving tools that help replicate natural wood textures without detailed carving. They are available in silicone and can be purchased online.

• Roll out your fondant: Start by rolling out your fondant to a thickness of about 3/16". The fondant should be thick enough to create a realistic impression.
• Use the impression mat: Place the impression mat face down on the rolled-out fondant. Use a rolling pin to apply even pressure and roll over the mat.
• Lift off the impression mat: Carefully lift the impression mat off the fondant. You should now have a fondant piece with a bark texture imprinted on it.
• Cut out the bark piece: Use a fondant cutter to cut out the piece of bark. You can cut it into the desired shape and size to fit your cake.
• Apply the bark to the cake: Gently place the bark piece onto the cake, blending the seams with a fondant tool to ensure a smooth finish.
• Enhance the colour (optional): If you want to enhance the colour or create a weathered-wood look, you can airbrush the bark piece with silver or use a pastry brush to dry-brush whitener gel colour over the outer bark.

Impression mats are easy to use and can be used with fondant or buttercream. They are a great way to achieve a realistic bark effect without having to hand-carve the texture, making them a popular choice for creating tree bark wedding cakes.

Using chocolate shards to create the bark effect

Creating a tree bark effect on a wedding cake can be achieved using chocolate shards. This technique can be used to adorn cakes and desserts, adding a dramatic 3D effect. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use chocolate shards to create a tree bark effect:

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Chocolate: You can use dark, semi-sweet, milk, or white chocolate. It is recommended to use a non-baking chocolate bar as they melt better.
• Baking parchment: You will need a large sheet of parchment paper to spread the chocolate and roll it up while it sets.
• Paper clips: These are used to secure the ends of the parchment paper when rolling.
• Spatula: This helps to spread the chocolate evenly onto the parchment paper.
• Heatproof bowl and pan: You can use a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water (a Bain Marie) to melt the chocolate.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Melt the Chocolate: Using a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, melt the desired amount of chocolate. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe bowl and melt the chocolate in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
• Spread the Chocolate: On a large piece of parchment paper, spread the melted chocolate thinly and evenly. The size of your spread will determine the length of your shards.
• Roll the Parchment Paper: Carefully roll the parchment paper over the melted chocolate, ensuring that only the paper touches the chocolate. This step is crucial to prevent the chocolate from sticking to itself.
• Refrigerate: Place the rolled-up parchment paper with chocolate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set. You can keep it refrigerated for up to two days.
• Unroll the Paper: After the chocolate has set, unroll the parchment paper. The chocolate will now be stuck to the other side of the paper.
• Break the Shards: Gently break the chocolate into shards of the desired size. If you haven't tempered the chocolate, keep the shards refrigerated and dip your hands in cold water to prevent the chocolate from melting while handling.

Additional Tips:

• Tempering the Chocolate: Tempering the chocolate is optional. It creates a glossy finish and makes the chocolate easier to handle, but it also results in a cleaner break when forming the shards. If you prefer a matte look and more jagged edges, skip the tempering process.
• Storing the Shards: Any unused chocolate shards can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Adhering the Shards to the Cake: You can use frosting or melted chocolate as "glue" to attach the shards to the sides or top of your cake. Keep your hands cold and minimise handling to prevent melting.

Frequently asked questions