Creating A Two-Tone Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

Two-tier wedding cakes are a popular choice for weddings, and can be adapted to suit the number of guests, the colour scheme, and the couple's tastes. This type of cake is a blank canvas for customisation, from the shape and size of each tier to the type of frosting used.

A two-tier wedding cake can serve anywhere from 20 to 50 guests, depending on the height and width of each layer. This type of cake offers more surface area than a single-tier cake, allowing for more intricate designs and decorations.

When making a two-tier cake, it is important to let the layers chill and set adequately. The cake must also be properly supported with dowels to prevent the layers from sliding into each other.

Two-Tier Cake Sizes: 6, 8, 10 or 12 cakes

A two-tier cake is a great option for a wedding cake, as it can feed a large number of people and offers a lot of flexibility in terms of serving sizes. The number of servings will depend on the size of each tier, and whether you plan to use the top tier for the couple's first anniversary.

• A 6-inch cake as the top tier and an 8-inch cake as the bottom tier will yield around 30-35 servings.
• If you use a 10-inch cake as the bottom tier and an 8-inch cake as the top tier, you can expect to serve around 84 people.
• A combination of a 12-inch cake and a 10-inch cake will serve about 100 people.
• Using a 12-inch cake as the bottom tier and an 8-inch cake as the top tier will also serve around 100 people.

When planning your two-tier cake, it is important to consider the height of each tier as well. Most ceremonial wedding cakes have two or more layers of cake, with icing between each layer. The standard serving size for a wedding cake is considered to be a slice that is 4 inches high, 2 inches long, and 1 inch wide.

To create a two-tone effect for your wedding cake, you can use different colours of frosting, fondant, or even fresh flowers to decorate your cake. You can also get creative with the cake batter itself by using food colouring to create a two-tone effect within the cake layers.

• Use cake dowels for support: When placing the smaller tier on top of the larger one, it is important to use cake dowels to provide support and stability. Cut the dowels to match the height of the bottom cake and insert them into the cake, spacing them evenly apart.
• Create a crumb coat: Apply a thin layer of frosting around the cake to protect the outer layer of frosting from catching any crumbs. Refrigerate the cake after applying the crumb coat to help it set.
• Use simple decorations: Stick with simple decorating techniques, such as using a bench scraper to create a textured look or adding fresh flowers or berries as a topper.
• Make each cake separately: To avoid overwhelming your mixer and to ensure even baking, it is best to make each tier separately, including the batter and frosting.
• Use the right pan size: The recommended pan size for a two-tier cake is three 9-inch round cake pans for the bottom tier and three 6-inch round cake pans for the top tier.

Two-Tier Cake Flavours: Chocolate, vanilla, lemon, red velvet, carrot, marble or chocolate chip

A two-tier cake is a perfect choice for a small wedding, serving around 30-35 guests. There are endless flavour combinations to choose from, and you can even mix and match! Here are some mouth-watering options for each of your chosen flavours:

Chocolate

A chocolate cake is a classic choice and can be paired with a variety of fillings and frostings. For a rich, indulgent option, pair it with a chocolate ganache and chocolate buttercream frosting. If you want to balance the sweetness, you can opt for a chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting or mint buttercream. For a fruity twist, you could fill the cake with crushed Oreo crumbs and buttercream or even a raspberry or strawberry mousse.

Vanilla

Vanilla is another classic choice and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. For a simple yet elegant option, fill and frost the cake with vanilla buttercream. If you want to add a twist, you could add almond or lemon flavouring to the buttercream. For a fruity option, fill the cake with raspberry or strawberry mousse and top with fresh berries.

Lemon

Lemon cake is a refreshing option, especially for a summer wedding. You can fill and frost the cake with lemon curd and lemon buttercream for a zesty kick. Alternatively, fill the cake with lemon mousse and fresh blueberries for a lighter option.

Red Velvet

Red velvet cake is a striking choice and can be paired with either vanilla buttercream or cream cheese frosting.

Carrot

Carrot cake is a great option for those who want something a little different. It is typically paired with cream cheese frosting, but you could also fill the cake with salted caramel for a unique twist.

Marble

A marble cake is an excellent choice if you want the best of both worlds. You can fill it with chocolate ganache and vanilla buttercream or even banana mousse and fresh bananas.

Chocolate Chip

A vanilla chocolate chip cake filled and frosted with chocolate ganache and vanilla mousse is a delicious option. Alternatively, fill the cake with crushed Oreo crumbs and buttercream for a unique twist.

When making a two-tier cake, it is essential to use cake dowels for support and to assemble and decorate each tier separately before stacking them. Happy baking!

Two-Tier Cake Frosting: Buttercream, ganache, fondant or cream cheese

Two-tier wedding cakes can be frosted in a variety of ways, and the best option for you will depend on your taste preferences, design preferences, and the weather conditions. Here is a comparison of four popular frosting options: buttercream, ganache, fondant, and cream cheese buttercream blend.

Buttercream

Buttercream is a mixture of butter, powdered sugar, and either milk or cream. It is a versatile option that can be finished in a variety of ways. American buttercream is a classic and affordable choice, suitable for both indoor and outdoor weddings. It can be used to create elegant or rustic designs and typically costs around $6 per slice. However, some people may find it too sweet.

Ganache

Ganache is a mixture of chocolate and cream, perfect for chocolate lovers. It has a glossy finish that looks beautiful in photos and can handle high levels of heat. However, it is important to avoid external temperature changes during transport. The cost of ganache varies depending on the quality of the chocolate used.

Fondant

Fondant is a sweet sugar paste that is rolled out to create a flawless, smooth finish on a cake. It is ideal for intricate designs and can be used in warm weather conditions. However, it is often the most costly option, and some people may find it too thick or sweet. Fondant typically costs around $10 per slice.

Cream Cheese Buttercream Blend

Cream cheese buttercream blend is a delicious option, especially for those who love carrot cake or red velvet cake. However, due to the nature of cream cheese, this frosting may have a yellowish tint. When properly blended with buttercream, it creates a soft white hue. This option typically costs around $6 per slice.

When choosing a frosting for your two-tier wedding cake, consider the weather conditions, your design preferences, and your budget. It is also important to note that different types of frosting can be mixed and matched to create a unique and personalised cake.

Two-Tier Cake Decorations: Flowers, foliage, berries, gold foil, chocolate drip, sprinkles, macarons or doughnuts

Flowers, foliage, berries, gold foil, chocolate drip, sprinkles, macarons, and doughnuts are all fantastic ways to decorate a two-tier cake. Here are some ideas for each:

Flowers

Fresh flowers are a classic way to decorate a wedding cake, and they can be used to match any wedding style or colour scheme. For a rustic wedding, consider using wildflowers and rustic foliage, while for a sleek city event, orchids or monochrome flowers would be a stylish choice. You can also use sugar flowers, which are crafted to look like real flowers, or mix fresh flowers with buttercream or sugar flowers for a unique look. Pressed flowers are another option for a minimal, two-dimensional effect.

Foliage

Foliage can be used to add texture and interest to a wedding cake, and it can be matched to the season, such as autumn leaves for a fall wedding or eucalyptus for a summer celebration. Greenery such as eucalyptus, palm leaves, or rustic foliage can also be used to create a natural, organic feel.

Berries

Berries can be used to add a pop of colour and freshness to a wedding cake. They can be mixed into the frosting, piled on top of the cake, added to piping, or used as cake toppers. For a more dramatic look, the entire cake can be covered in berries, or they can be used as accents or in clusters for a more subtle effect. Cooked berries can also be spread around the cake for a bright, textured effect.

Gold Foil

Gold foil is an elegant way to decorate a wedding cake, and it can be used to create a classic and sophisticated look. It can be used as a base for white flowers or other decorations, or it can stand on its own as a simple yet stunning design.

Chocolate Drip

A chocolate drip cake is a popular choice for weddings, as it adds a touch of sweetness and indulgence to the celebration. The drip can be paired with fresh flowers, foliage, or other decorations, or it can be left plain for a more understated look.

Sprinkles

Sprinkles can be used to add colour and fun to a wedding cake. They can be mixed into the batter, creating a confetti cake, or used as a topping. Sprinkles come in various colours and sizes, so they can be matched to any wedding theme or colour scheme.

Macarons

Macarons are a delicate and elegant way to decorate a wedding cake, and they can be used to create a tiered effect. They can be filled with buttercream or jam and stacked to create a unique and colourful cake.

Doughnuts

Doughnut cakes are a popular alternative to traditional wedding cakes, and they can be decorated in various ways. Doughnuts can be stacked to create a tower, or they can be used as a topper for a small cake. They can be glazed in a pretty palette or topped with decorations to match the wedding's aesthetic.

Two-Tier Cake Assembly: Use dowels, cake boards and a crumb coat to assemble and stabilise the cake

To assemble a two-tier cake, you will need to use dowels, cake boards, and a crumb coat to ensure the cake is stable.

Firstly, you will need to prepare your tools. You will need wooden dowels, wood cutters or something similar to cut the dowels, buttercream or royal icing, and a spatula. You will also need cake boards, with the bottom tier placed on a sturdy wooden cake board or surface that can withstand the weight of the finished cake.

Next, prepare your cake tiers and ensure they are ready to stack. You can decorate the cake as you wish, but make sure that each tier, except the bottom one, is sitting on a foam or cardboard cake board.

To stabilise the cake, you will need to use dowels. For a two-tier cake, you will not need a central dowel, but you will need to ensure that the dowels are evenly spread so that the load is distributed evenly. Mark the height of the tier on the dowel and cut it to size. Repeat this process for each tier. Insert the dowels into their places and get ready to stack the cakes on top of each other.

Spread some buttercream or royal icing onto the tier and stack the next tier on top, using a spatula to help you. Repeat this process for each tier.

Finally, to secure the cake and ensure it won't slide, take a large wooden dowel and sharpen one end. Carefully hammer it through all the layers until it reaches the cake board at the bottom. Cover the hole with buttercream.

Before decorating your cake, apply a crumb coat to protect the outer layer of frosting from catching any crumbs. A crumb coat is a thin layer of frosting spread over the cake first. After applying the crumb coat, refrigerate the cakes to help it set.

Frequently asked questions