The Ultimate Guide To Making A Wedding Cake

Making a wedding cake can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to plan ahead and be flexible. Whether you're baking for yourself or a friend, creating a wedding cake for the first time can be intimidating. It is important to understand the level of commitment and work involved in the process. Before offering to make a wedding cake, it is crucial to ensure you are truly dedicated to the task.

There are several key steps to making a wedding cake, from choosing the right recipes and calculating the amount of cake needed to creating a detailed plan for the week of the wedding and assembling the cake. It is also essential to have the right tools, such as cake pans, cake strips, a rotating turntable, frosting spatula, and piping bags.

Additionally, planning and preparing decorations, such as fondant flowers, fresh flowers, or ribbon, is an important aspect. The cake should be baked well in advance, and fillings and frostings should be made accordingly, with extra portions for any last-minute adjustments.

Overall, making a wedding cake requires a significant amount of planning, dedication, and flexibility. By following these steps and staying organised, anyone can create a beautiful and delicious wedding cake.

Choosing a recipe

There are a few things to consider when choosing a recipe. Firstly, decide on the flavour of the cake. A simple, moist white cake is a popular choice for weddings, but you could also opt for a vanilla or chocolate cake. If you want to get more creative, consider adding flavour with a syrup – this will also add moisture and extend the cake's shelf life. Vanilla, spice, liquor or herb syrups can be a great way to infuse extra taste.

Next, think about the type of frosting you want to use. Whipped cream is easy to make but may not be stable enough for a wedding cake. Buttercream is a common choice, but it can be tricky to make. An alternative is cream cheese frosting, which is a combination of cream cheese and butter and is simpler to make. You could also add extra flavour to your frosting, such as orange zest and juice.

When choosing a recipe, opt for one that is foolproof and simple. This is not the time to attempt a cake that requires delicate folding and perfect timing. You want a recipe that is straightforward and leaves you with one less thing to worry about.

Finally, consider the size of the cake. A three-tier cake is a standard choice for weddings, but you will need to make sure you have the right-sized pans and enough ingredients. Each tier will require two layers, so for a three-tier cake, you will need to bake six cakes in total.

Remember to always do a test run of your chosen recipe and practice your decorating skills before the big day.

Baking and assembling

Baking a wedding cake is a fun but challenging task. Here is a detailed guide to help you with the process:

Baking the Cake

First, decide on the size of your cake. For a three-tier cake, you will need to bake three cakes of 12", 9", and 6". Each tier will consist of two layers, so you will need to bake two cakes for each tier. You can also opt for a two-tier cake, with 10-inch and 6-inch layers.

Prepare your cake pans by spraying them with cooking spray and lining the bottoms with wax paper or parchment paper. This will ensure that your cakes don't stick to the pans.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (165°C). The baking time will depend on the size of your layers:

• 6-inch cakes: 25 to 30 minutes
• 8-inch cakes: 35 to 40 minutes
• 10-inch cakes: 55 to 60 minutes

Keep in mind that these are just guidelines, and the actual baking time may vary depending on your oven. It is recommended to use an oven thermometer to ensure that your oven is at the correct temperature.

To test if your cakes are done, insert a toothpick into the centre of the cake. If it comes out dry, and the cakes are golden brown, with edges pulling away from the sides of the pan, they are ready. Let the cakes cool for about 10 minutes, then loosen them from the pans and transfer them to a cooling rack to finish cooling.

You can bake the cakes ahead of time and freeze them, well wrapped in plastic, for up to a week. Working with frozen layers is often easier, as they are less prone to crumbling.

Assembling the Cake

To assemble the tiers, use a long (14-inch) serrated cake knife to level the tops of the cakes, ensuring they are flat and even. Flip the cakes so that the bottoms are facing upward, as this will give you a straighter edge.

If you plan to split the layers and fill them, use a serrated knife to carefully slice them horizontally while they are on a turntable. Apply a crumb coat, a thin layer of frosting, to each layer, and chill the cakes for 15 to 30 minutes.

To assemble the tiers, start by placing the bottom layer on a cake board or drum. Pipe a buttercream dam around the perimeter of the top layer to prevent the filling from leaking out. Place the next layer on top, and repeat until all the layers in that tier are stacked.

To add extra stability, insert wooden dowels, plastic drinking straws, or non-flexible straws through the tiers. Cut them to the height of each tier and drive them all the way through, so their tops are flush with the cake.

Finally, apply the final coat of frosting to each tier, working quickly to keep everything cool. Use a palette knife or an icing smoother for a smooth finish, or create a rustic swirl effect by holding the tip of the palette knife against the sides of the cake while rotating it.

Frosting and decorating

The most challenging part of making a wedding cake is the decoration. If you are a beginner, it is best to leave the frosting roses and fondant covering to the professionals. However, frosting a casual wedding cake is similar to frosting a layer cake. The key is to use a crumb coat, which seals the cake with a thin layer of frosting. Once covered, more frosting can be added to ensure no crumbs are visible. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to create decorative swirls, or keep it simple by using an offset spatula to smoothly cover the cake.

If you want to create a smooth finish, an icing smoother or cake scraper can be used. This is a piece of metal with a flat edge and sometimes a serrated edge. While rotating the cake on a turntable, run the edge of the smoother along the sides in the opposite direction of the cake's rotation. For a rustic finish, hold the tip of your palette knife against the sides of the cake while rotating to produce a swirl effect.

For a "'naked' cake", apply the crumb coat and immediately apply the outer coat, then use a scraper to remove most of the frosting. If you want a super-smooth surface, fondant is the way to go, but it can be tricky and time-consuming to make. An easier option is to buy pre-made fondant sheets from baking supply stores.

If you want to add extra piping, fresh or sugar flowers, figurines, initials, or marzipan/fondant fruits, now is the time to do so. Enjoy this part of the process and show off your skills!

Finally, take lots of photos of your creation!

Transporting and storing

Before Transporting:

Before you begin the journey, it is essential to properly secure and package your cake. Here are the steps to follow:

• Ensure your cake is chilled: Place the entire cake or individual tiers in the refrigerator for a few hours before transport. This will help the icing set and reduce the risk of melting or crumbling during transport.
• Use a cake box: Invest in a sturdy cake box specifically designed for transporting cakes. The box should be slightly larger than your cake to avoid damaging the decorations.
• Secure the cake: Place the cake on a non-slip surface within the box. You can use a non-skid mat or a piece of cardboard cut to fit the bottom of the box. This will prevent the cake from sliding during transport.
• Add extra support: If your cake has multiple tiers, consider adding extra support to prevent collapsing. You can use wooden dowels, plastic dowels, or thick straws. Push them through the cake vertically, and mark the height of the cake on the dowels. Then, cut them to size and insert them into the cake.
• Protect the decorations: If your cake has delicate decorations, such as fresh flowers or fondant details, take extra care to protect them. You can use plastic holders to keep flowers from touching the frosting, and bubble wrap or tissue paper to cushion fragile decorations.

During Transport:

Now that your cake is packaged securely, here are some tips for the journey:

• Drive smoothly: Avoid sudden stops, acceleration, or sharp turns that could cause the cake to shift or slide. Drive at a moderate speed and take corners slowly.
• Keep the cake level: Place the cake box on a flat surface in your vehicle, such as the floor or backseat. Avoid placing it on an inclined surface or a seat that can recline.
• Transport the tiers separately: If your cake has multiple tiers, consider transporting them separately, especially if they are very tall or unstable. You can stack the tiers once you arrive at the venue.
• Keep the cake cool: Use a cooler or air-conditioned vehicle to maintain a stable temperature during transport, especially in hot weather. You can also place ice packs in the vehicle to keep the temperature down.

Storing the Cake:

Once you arrive at the venue, you will need to store the cake until it is time to serve. Here are some tips:

• Refrigerate the cake: If possible, store the cake in a commercial refrigerator at the venue. This will keep it fresh and reduce the risk of melting or spoilage.
• Cover the cake: Use a cake dome or a large plastic container to cover the cake and protect it from dust or other contaminants.
• Store fresh flowers separately: If your cake is decorated with fresh flowers, remove them before placing the cake in the refrigerator. Store the flowers in water and reattach them to the cake before serving.
• Allow time for the cake to come to room temperature: Depending on the frosting and filling, you may need to remove the cake from the refrigerator 1-2 hours before serving. This will bring it to room temperature and ensure that the flavours and textures are optimal.

Final touches

Now that you've assembled your cake, it's time to add the final touches! Here are some ideas to make your wedding cake look and taste amazing:

• Extra piping: Using a pastry bag with a round tip, pipe some decorative touches around the edges of the cake. You can create dots, swirls, or even write the couple's initials or names.
• Fresh flowers: Add some fresh flowers to your cake for a romantic and elegant touch. Be sure to order the exact flowers you want from a florist in advance.
• Edible flowers: If you're looking for something a little more unique, use edible flowers as a decoration. You can find these at specialty food stores or online.
• Ribbon: Wrap a satin ribbon around the bottom of each tier of the cake, securing it with a pearl-headed pin. Just be sure to cover the back of the ribbon with clear plastic tape to prevent it from becoming greasy.
• Sprinkles: Cover your cake with rainbow sprinkles for a fun and festive touch.
• Fruit: Add some fresh raspberries or other berries to your cake for a pop of colour and flavour.
• Figurines: Place some figurines on the cake that represent the couple's hobbies or interests.
• Initials: Use fondant or marzipan to create the couple's initials and place them on top of the cake.
• Fondant fruits: Create some fondant or marzipan fruits to decorate the cake.
• Buttercream: If you want a smooth and elegant finish, use buttercream to cover the cake. You can use a paper towel to get a super-smooth finish.
• Royal icing: Create lace designs or a woven pattern on your cake using royal icing.
• Sugar beads: Add some texture and sparkle to your cake with sugar beads.
• Candies: Use candies to decorate your cake and add a touch of colour.
• Dowels: If you need to transport your cake or want to display it for more than an hour, use dowels to keep the layers from wobbling. You can use thick straws or long lollipop sticks as a cheaper alternative.
• Dried flowers: For a unique and rustic look, decorate your cake with dried flowers.
• Sugar crystals: Sprinkle some sugar crystals or edible glitter on your cake for a sparkly finish.
• Fresh herbs: Add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a unique and elegant touch.

Frequently asked questions