Creating A Candy Wedding Cake: A Sweet Guide

A wedding cake made out of candy is a fun and creative alternative to a traditional wedding cake. It is also a great option for those who want to avoid serving cake altogether. A candy wedding cake is usually made by stacking various candies, such as candy bars, on top of each other to create a cake-like structure. This can be done using a variety of candies, such as Snickers, Twix, Kit Kats, and even cotton candy. The colours of the candies can also be customised to match the wedding's colour scheme, creating a stunning and eye-catching display.

Choosing the right candy

Variety

It's essential to offer a variety of candies to cater to different taste preferences. Include a mix of sweet, sour, and chocolate options. You can also add some salty treats like trail mix or salted nuts to balance out the sweetness. This ensures that you have something for everyone.

Colour Scheme

If you want to incorporate your wedding colours into the candy cake, you'll need to choose candies that match your scheme. For example, if your colours are blush pink, baby blue, and gold, look for candies in these shades. This adds a cohesive and elegant touch to your display.

Amount

When deciding on the amount of candy to purchase, consider the number of guests, the presence of other desserts, and the duration of access to the candy bar. As a rule of thumb, buy around a pound of candy per guest. Leftovers are always welcome, as you can enjoy them after the wedding!

Storage

It's crucial to store your candy properly before the wedding and on the day itself. Keep it in a cool place to prevent melting, especially if your wedding is during the summer or in a warm location. Additionally, if you're using candy with wrappers, consider the impact of the weather. For example, chocolate might not be the best choice for an outdoor wedding in hot weather.

Presentation

The presentation of your candy cake is essential for a visually appealing display. Use varying container heights to make the arrangement more interesting and ensure each candy type is visible. Glass apothecary jars with ornate stems are a beautiful option. You can also use tall skewers or display candies in glass jars and bowls. Don't forget to provide bags or boxes for guests to take treats home as wedding favours.

Building a sturdy structure

Use the Right Cake Boards

Place each tier of your wedding cake on its own cake board. The bottom tier can go directly onto a coated cardboard cake board, while the other tiers will need to be placed on cake boards covered with plastic wrap, parchment paper, or something similar. This prevents the bottom of the cardboard from touching the tier beneath it.

Insert Cake Dowels for Support

For a tiered wedding cake, insert wooden or plastic dowels into the bottom tiers (all tiers except the top one). Cut the dowels to the size of each tier and carefully insert them with clean hands. The dowels will make your cake stronger and more stable, providing crucial support for the upper tiers.

Create a Sturdy Cake Recipe

When choosing a cake recipe, opt for one that results in a denser and sturdier cake. For example, a cake flour-based recipe that uses baking powder and soda as the main leavening agents will create a firmer cake. If you're making a chocolate cake, you may need to test a few recipes to find one sturdy enough to support the weight of the tiers.

Level and Refrigerate the Cake Tiers

Before assembling your candy wedding cake, level the frozen cake layers and place them on their respective cake boards. Then, frost each tier and refrigerate them to allow the crumb coat to set. This step helps to prevent crumbs from mixing into your outer layer of frosting.

Assemble the Cake Carefully

When you're ready to assemble the cake, carefully stack the tiers. Pipe a little extra frosting onto the seam between the tiers to cover any gaps, and gently level it out with an offset spatula.

By following these steps, you'll be able to create a sturdy and stable candy wedding cake that not only looks impressive but also tastes delicious!

Adding decorative touches

Colour Scheme

Incorporate the wedding colour scheme into your candy cake design. If the wedding colours are blush pink, baby blue, and gold, for example, use candies in these shades to create a cohesive and elegant look. You can also use candy to add a pop of colour to a neutral-coloured cake.

Flowers

Fresh flowers are a popular choice for wedding cake decorations. You can use edible flowers, such as rose petals, pansies, or lavender, or opt for non-edible flowers made from materials like felt or fabric. Just be sure to clean and disinfect any non-edible flowers thoroughly before placing them on the cake.

Drip Icing

Drip icing is a trendy and eye-catching way to decorate a wedding cake. Simply melt some candy melts in a colour that complements your cake, and use a spoon to drip it over the edges of the cake. This technique adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to your candy creation.

Toppers

Cake toppers can be a fun and unique way to personalise your candy wedding cake. You can find a variety of toppers online or in specialty cake decorating stores. Look for toppers that reflect the theme of the wedding or the interests of the couple. For a playful touch, consider a custom topper with the couple's names or a cute message.

Ribbons and Bows

Ribbons and bows can add a touch of elegance or whimsy to your candy wedding cake. Choose ribbons that complement the colour scheme of the wedding and use them to wrap around each tier of the cake or to create bows that cascade down the sides. For a rustic or vintage-inspired wedding, consider using burlap or lace ribbons.

Candy Skewers

For a unique and interactive touch, consider adding tall skewers of candy to your cake. This idea can be a fun way to incorporate a variety of candies and colours into your design. Simply insert skewers of candy into the cake at varying heights for a playful and mouth-watering display.

Transporting and storing the cake

Transporting and storing a candy cake require careful planning and execution to ensure it arrives at its destination intact and in the same condition it left your hands. Here are some tips to help you transport and store your candy cake successfully:

Transporting the Cake:

• Use a suitable container: Invest in a designated cake carrier or cake box, such as the Sugarworks Cake Porter, to transport your cake safely. These containers are designed to keep cakes stable, protected, and at a controlled temperature during transit.
• Stabilise the cake: Use non-slip mats, such as yoga mats or shelf liners, inside the container and under the cake box in your vehicle to prevent sliding. You can also use toothpicks inserted into the cake and draped with aluminium foil to create a tent.
• Maintain temperature: If your cake has frosting or is made with chocolate, keep it cool during transport, especially in hot weather. Use ice packs or dry ice inside the cake carrier to maintain a cold temperature.
• Plan your route: Choose a route that avoids excessive bumps or potholes, which could damage the cake. Also, consider the time of day and traffic conditions to minimise the time the cake is in transit.
• Secure the cake: If your candy cake has multiple tiers, use wooden dowels or skewers through the layers for added stability during transport.
• Handle with care: Place the cake on a flat, level surface in your vehicle, such as the back seat or trunk. Avoid placing it on the passenger seat, where it could slide off during sudden stops.

Storing the Cake:

• Store in a cool, dry place: Keep the cake away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Store it in a cool, dry place, especially if it has frosting or chocolate, which can melt in warm temperatures.
• Use proper containers: If storing the cake at room temperature, cover it with a cake keeper or an overturned bowl to protect it from dust, dirt, and pet hair. Ensure the container is large enough to accommodate the cake without disturbing any decorations.
• Refrigerate if necessary: If your cake has fresh fruit, whipped cream, or mascarpone, it's best to refrigerate it. Chill the cake uncovered for 15 minutes to harden the icing, then loosely wrap it in plastic wrap before placing it in the fridge.
• Consider freezing: If you need to store the cake for more than a few days, consider freezing it. Wrap unfrosted layers in plastic wrap and place them in freezer bags. For frosted cakes, freeze for an hour to set the icing, then wrap in plastic wrap and aluminium foil or store in a cake keeper.
• Handle leftovers carefully: If you have leftover candy cake, cover the sliced edges with frosting to prevent moisture loss. Alternatively, press plastic wrap directly onto the sliced sides and store the cake as mentioned above. Leftover candy cake can be stored for about three days at room temperature or a little longer if refrigerated.

Serving the cake

When it comes to serving your candy cake, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the cake is stable and secure, especially if it is a tiered cake. This can be achieved by using wooden dowels or cake dowels inserted into the bottom tiers of the cake. These provide support and stability to the structure.

Another important consideration is the temperature and storage of the cake. If your candy cake contains chocolate or other temperature-sensitive treats, make sure it is stored and served in a cool place to prevent melting. This is particularly important if your wedding is outdoors or in a warm climate. Transporting the cake in a cooler or refrigerated vehicle can also help keep it intact.

When it comes to the presentation and display of your candy cake, creativity and elegance are key. Consider using glass apothecary jars, bowls, or tall skewers to showcase the candy in an attractive and playful manner. Alternating container heights will make the display more interesting and visually appealing, ensuring that each type of candy is visible and accessible to guests.

Before serving the cake, ensure that it is properly sliced and portioned. If you have a large number of guests, you may need to cut smaller slices to ensure everyone gets a taste. It is also a good idea to have extra treats or desserts available in case your candy cake doesn't satisfy everyone's sweet tooth.

Lastly, don't forget to enjoy the moment! Serving the wedding cake is a special tradition and a highlight of the celebration. Whether you choose to cut the cake together with your partner or have a designated cake server, take the time to savour the experience and create lasting memories.

Frequently asked questions