Cheesecake Wedding Cake: A Unique, Delicious Creation

A cheesecake wedding cake is a fun and creative way to showcase the couple's style and likes. While a traditional cheesecake is the first thing that comes to mind, there is a new iteration of this cake alternative: a stacked cake made from wheels of cheese. This option is perfect for couples who want to incorporate the traditional stacked cake look while offering something different and delicious. When choosing cheeses for your cake, consider firmer varieties, as they hold up well and allow for stacking. Harder cheeses are also easier to stack than wet or fruit-flavoured cheeses. Cheeses like triple creme brie or herbed chèvre can be saved for the top tier as they will be much softer. It is also important to consider how smellier cheeses might interfere with other cheeses in the stack. Decorating the cheese cake with seasonal fruits, such as grapes, figs, citrus, or stone fruits, can elevate the display and create a memorable and fun presentation.

Choosing a cheesecake style

Type of Cheesecake

Firstly, decide on the type of cheesecake you want to make. There are various types of cheesecakes to choose from, such as New York-style, Italian-style ricotta, no-bake, or baked cheesecakes. Each type has a distinct flavour and texture, so choose one that aligns with your taste preferences and the overall theme of your wedding.

Flavours and Toppings

Consider incorporating different flavours and toppings to make your cheesecake wedding cake unique. You can experiment with various ingredients, such as chocolate, raspberries, strawberries, peanut butter, or even eggnog, to create a cheesecake that appeals to your palate. Additionally, think about adding edible flowers or colourful toppings to make your cake visually appealing.

Number of Tiers

The number of tiers in your cheesecake wedding cake will depend on the size of your wedding and the desired impact. A single-tier cheesecake can be a simple and elegant choice, while a multi-tiered cake creates a grand and impressive display. If you opt for multiple tiers, ensure that the cheesecakes are evenly incorporated and baked properly to avoid structural issues.

Decoration and Presentation

Enhance the visual appeal of your cheesecake wedding cake by focusing on its decoration and presentation. Consider using fresh flowers, greenery, fruits, or edible decorations that complement the flavours of your cheesecake. You can also use cake stands, ribbons, or chalkboard backdrops to elevate the overall presentation of your wedding cake.

Serving Size and Storage

Calculate the appropriate serving size for your guest list, typically around 70g-100g of cheese per person. If the cheesecake is the main dessert, you may want to double this quantity. Additionally, consider the storage requirements, as cheesecakes need to be refrigerated or frozen until serving. Plan ahead to ensure you have adequate refrigeration space and that the cake is served at the ideal temperature.

By considering these factors and getting creative with your choices, you can design a cheesecake wedding cake that is not only delicious but also visually stunning and memorable for you and your guests.

Selecting a cake stand

Type of Cake Stand

There are various types of cake stands available, each offering a unique style and aesthetic to complement your wedding theme. Here are some popular options:

• Modern Cake Stands: These stands feature minimalist and streamlined designs with clean lines and simple shapes. They often lack ornate details, creating a sleek and sophisticated look. Modern stands can be made from various materials, including metal, acrylic, glass, or wood, and may feature unconventional shapes.
• Rustic or Wooden Cake Stands: Wooden cake stands add a natural, rustic touch to your wedding cake display. They can be made from different types of wood, left unfinished, or painted and stained. Wooden stands are customisable and can be carved or decorated with intricate designs or personalised messages.
• Plinth Cake Stands: Plinths provide a modern and contemporary alternative to traditional tables for displaying wedding cakes. They offer a sleek and elegant aesthetic, emphasising the cake's design features. Plinths can be dressed up with draped fabric, florals, or candles to match the wedding's colour scheme.
• Hoop Cake Stands: Hoop stands consist of a metal or acrylic hoop suspended over the cake, creating a unique and dramatic effect. They allow for an elegant display of the cake, providing an unobstructed view from all angles.
• Gold Cake Stands: Gold cake stands add a touch of luxury and elegance to the wedding cake display. Typically made from brass or gold-plated steel, they complement other gold accents in the wedding decor, such as tableware or candlesticks. Gold stands can range from simple to ornate designs, with some featuring crystals, pearls, or intricate scrollwork.
• Traditional Cake Stands: Traditional stands include the classic large round or square flat silver stands often provided by wedding venues. There are also more classic options, such as milk glass or melamine cake stands, which offer height and come in various colours, including white, a popular choice in the UK.
• Tiered Cake Stands: Tiered stands consist of multiple layers, each supporting a single cake or smaller treats like cupcakes or brownies. They come in various materials, including metal, acrylic, and wood, and can be decorated with flowers, ribbons, or greenery for a personalised touch.

Size, Shape, and Stability

When selecting a cake stand, it is crucial to consider the size and shape of the stand in relation to the wedding cake. Ensure the stand is sturdy and able to support the weight of the cake, providing a stable base. The cake should fit properly on the stand and be in proportion to create a well-presented display.

Complementing the Wedding Theme

Choose a cake stand that complements the overall style and theme of your wedding. Whether it's a rustic woodland wedding or a modern minimalist celebration, select a stand that aligns with your chosen aesthetic. Consider the colour, material, and design of the stand to create a cohesive look that enhances the beauty of your cheesecake wedding cake.

Preparing the filling

For the filling, you will need 2 lbs. of full-fat cream cheese, 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar, 4 eggs, 1/2 cup of full-fat sour cream, and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. It is important that all the cream cheese starts at room temperature, so remember to take it out of the fridge ahead of time. Beat the cream cheese until it is smooth and light, which should take about 3 minutes. Then, add in the sugar and mix until it is completely combined. Make sure there are no lumps or globs of stiff cream cheese at this point.

Next, set your mixer to low speed and add the eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl in between each addition. This is important to ensure that all the ingredients are properly combined. After that, add the sour cream and vanilla extract, and mix well. You can beat the batter for another 2 minutes to ensure that all lumps are removed without introducing too much air, which could cause cracks in the cheesecake.

Baking the cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F. You will want to adjust this temperature for your oven—ovens differ, and you may need to experiment to find the right temperature for your cheesecake.

Beat 2 lbs. of room-temperature cream cheese until it is smooth and light, which should take about 3 minutes. Add in 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of sugar and mix until completely combined. There should be no lumps or globs of stiff cream cheese.

Set your mixer to low speed and add in four eggs, one at a time. Make sure to scrape the bowl between each addition to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Add in 1/2 cup of full-fat sour cream and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and mix well.

You can beat the batter for about 2 minutes to ensure that all lumps are removed without introducing too much air, which could cause cracks in your cheesecake. However, keep in mind that a crack is not a big problem, as this cheesecake will be sandwiched between two layers of cake.

Now, divide the batter among three springform pans of different sizes: 6", 9", and 10". You can use a toothpick to check the depth of the batter in each pan and adjust as needed to ensure that the cheesecakes will bake to the same height (about 1" after baking).

Place the largest pan into the oven and bake for 5 minutes. Then, add the medium-sized pan and bake for another 5 minutes. Finally, add the smallest pan and bake for 20 minutes. Check the cheesecakes by jiggling the pan slightly. The centers should be set, and the tops should be very lightly browned. If they are not done, bake for an additional 2-5 minutes.

Turn off the oven and crack the door to allow the cheesecakes to cool completely inside. Once cooled, transfer them to the freezer. They won't be in the freezer for more than 2 days, so freezer burn is not a concern.

Decorating the cake

Now for the fun part: decorating your cheesecake wedding cake! There are endless ways to style your cake, and you can tailor it to your wedding theme, whether that's rustic, contemporary, romantic, or glamorous.

For a classic wedding cake look, you'll want to create three to five layers of cheese, graduating from large to small, with around a 2cm difference between each layer. You can also add small cheeses between the layers to add height. For the lower layers, choose harder cheeses, as they're easier to stack than softer varieties.

If you want to incorporate some colour, opt for cheeses like Sparkenhoe red Leicester or Shropshire Blue, or decorate with fruits and flowers. You can also add height to your cake by using glass tea-light holders between the layers.

When it comes to flowers, fresh blooms are always a beautiful choice. Consider using greenery, thistle, white roses, or even edible flowers to add a pop of colour. You can also add a chic cake stand to elevate your creation.

If you're feeling creative, you can make cute little markers for each tier to let your guests know what type of cheese they're enjoying. You can also add a cake topper for a fun and whimsical touch.

Don't forget to plan your extras! In addition to flowers and greenery, you can decorate your cake with fresh fruit, dried fruit, herbs, mini bunting, cake toppers, nuts, dripping honey, pretty labels, or chalkboard backdrops.

Get creative and make your cheesecake wedding cake a show-stopping centrepiece that your guests will rave about!

Frequently asked questions