The Ultimate Guide To Making A Wedding Cake

Making a wedding cake is a fun and exciting project, but it can also be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you are doing it for the first time. The process involves careful planning, from choosing the right ingredients and equipment to creating a smooth finish and adding those final decorations.

There are many different ways to approach making a wedding cake, from simple, rustic designs to more complex, traditional styles. The type of cake you choose to make will depend on your skill level, the time you have available, and the number of guests you need to serve.

This guide will take you through the entire process, from choosing a recipe and preparing your cake pans to assembling and decorating your cake, with plenty of tips along the way to help you create a beautiful and delicious wedding cake.

Plan your time

Planning your time is key when making a wedding cake. You'll need to work out how much time you have in the week leading up to the wedding and plan accordingly. Some decorations, such as flowers, toppers, and royal icing shapes, can be made well in advance, reducing stress as the big day approaches.

The type of cake you choose will affect how you plan your time. Filled sponge cakes are best baked as close to the wedding day as possible, and baking enough tiers can take a lot of hours in mixing, baking, and cooling. Opting for a traditional fruit cake, on the other hand, allows you to make the cake further in advance. Fruit cakes benefit from being fed a regular spoonful of brandy or sherry every few days for a couple of weeks before the wedding, to make them gorgeously moist and alcoholic.

If you're short on time, you may want to opt for a fondant covering, as this will keep the cake fresh for a couple of days. Buttercream or ganache, on the other hand, should be applied as late as possible—at the earliest, the night before the wedding—which could add last-minute panic if anything goes wrong.

Once you've decided on the cake flavour, you need to make sure you've got enough of it. This simple wedding cake recipe is for a two-tier cake that serves 30-35 people. If you are planning on being more generous with your portions, make more cake.

If you're making your own wedding cake, allow yourself some extra time and manage expectations. You're likely not going to be able to craft a fondant-covered confection worthy of a magazine spread. Simple, rustic decorations are more achievable.

Choose your decorations

Choosing decorations for your wedding cake is a fun and creative part of the process. You can opt for a simple, rustic look or go for something more elaborate and intricate. Here are some ideas and tips to help you decide on the decorations for your wedding cake:

Flowers:

Fresh flowers are a popular choice for wedding cake decorations. You can match the flowers used in the bridal bouquet or choose blooms that complement the wedding theme and colour scheme. If you opt for fresh flowers, be sure to order them from a florist in advance, and choose varieties that are safe to use on cakes. Another option is to make sugar flowers or use silk flowers, which can be purchased from cake or craft stores. Sugar flowers are delicate and time-consuming to make but can add a unique and elegant touch to your cake.

Cake Toppers:

Cake toppers can be a fun or sentimental addition to your wedding cake. You can choose something traditional, like a bride and groom figurine, or go for something more personalised, such as initials or a meaningful quote.

Piping and Icing:

Piping and icing can be used to create intricate designs, patterns, or even words on your cake. You can use different tips and techniques to create dots, pearls, ruffles, or swirls. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try your hand at creating piped flowers or other decorative shapes. Practising your piping skills in advance is a good idea, and don't be afraid to experiment with different colours and techniques.

Ribbons and Sprinkles:

Ribbons wrapped around the base of each tier can add a touch of elegance and hide any imperfections. Choose a colour that complements your overall wedding theme or matches the flowers or icing. Sprinkles can also be used to add texture and colour to your cake.

Edible Decorations:

There are endless possibilities when it comes to edible decorations. Fresh berries, chocolate chips, or other small treats can be used to decorate your cake. You can also use gold or silver leaf for a luxurious touch.

Remember, when choosing your decorations, consider the overall theme and colour scheme of your wedding, as well as your own personal style. Practising your decorating skills and techniques in advance will help you feel more confident on the big day.

Prepare your pans

Preparing your pans is an important step in the wedding cake-making process. You will need cake pans in the following sizes: 12", 9", and 6", each 3" tall. These can be purchased at craft stores and baking supply stores.

• Assemble all the necessary tools and ingredients.
• Line your pans with parchment paper. Cut out parchment paper rounds that fit the bottom of your pans.
• Lightly spray the bottoms and sides of the pans with non-stick spray or grease them with butter.
• Place the parchment paper rounds in the pans and grease the parchment as well. This step ensures that the cakes will release seamlessly from the pans.
• Repeat the above steps for each pan, ensuring that you have three pans prepared for baking.
• Preheat your oven to the required temperature. Most cakes bake at temperatures between 300-350°F (150-177°C).
• If using a recipe that requires the pans to be greased and floured, do so after lining them with parchment paper.
• If your recipe calls for a water bath, prepare a larger pan with water that will accommodate your cake pan.
• Have your ingredients measured and ready to go before you begin baking.
• Follow the specific instructions of your chosen wedding cake recipe for batter preparation and baking.
• Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared pans, ensuring that you fill them to the appropriate level to prevent overflow.
• Place the pans in the oven and bake according to your recipe's instructions, monitoring the cakes closely to avoid over-baking.
• Remove the cakes from the oven when they are done and allow them to cool before removing them from the pans.
• If you are making multiple tiers, repeat the above steps for each tier, ensuring that you have all the necessary pan sizes and ingredients.

By following these steps, you will have successfully prepared your pans and be well on your way to creating a beautiful and delicious wedding cake.

Bake your cakes

Baking a wedding cake is a fun but challenging task. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you bake your wedding cake successfully.

Firstly, you will need to decide on the flavour and type of cake you want to make. Filled sponge cakes are best baked as close to the wedding day as possible, whereas traditional fruit cakes can be made in advance and fed with a spoonful of brandy or sherry every few days to keep them moist and flavourful.

For a three-tier cake, you will need to make three cakes of 12", 9" and 6", which will require a large amount of batter and icing. It is recommended to use a recipe specifically designed for a wedding cake to ensure it is sturdy enough and that you have the right amount of batter and icing.

Before you start baking, make sure you have all the right tools and ingredients. You will need cake pans in the appropriate sizes (12", 9" and 6", each 3" tall), parchment paper to line the pans, a large serrated knife, cardboard cake boards, non-flexible straws, and a platter to serve the cake on.

When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to the temperature specified in your recipe. Grease your cake pans with butter or non-stick spray, and line them with parchment paper. The pans should be at least two-thirds full to prevent overflow.

Follow your chosen recipe to make the batter, and pour it into the prepared pans. Place the pans in the oven and bake according to the recipe's instructions. The baking time will depend on the size of your cakes and your oven's temperature, but as a guideline, the larger the cake, the longer it will take to bake. For example, at 350 F, 6-inch cakes may take 25-30 minutes, 8-inch cakes 35-40 minutes, and 10-inch cakes 55-60 minutes.

To test if your cakes are done, insert a toothpick into the centre of each cake. If it comes out clean, your cakes are ready. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

If you are baking your cakes in advance, they can be wrapped tightly and stored in the freezer for up to a week. Working with frozen layers is often easier as they are less prone to crumbling, and the crumb coat will go on more smoothly.

Make your frosting

Making your frosting is a crucial step in creating a wedding cake. The type and amount of frosting you'll need will depend on the size and style of your cake. For a three-tier cake, you will require a large quantity of icing. It's recommended to use a recipe specifically designed for wedding cakes to ensure the correct consistency and amount.

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Shortening
• Powdered/Confectioner's Sugar
• Milk/Heavy Cream
• Vanilla Extract
• Salt (optional)
• Almond Extract (optional)

Method:

• Cream the Butter and Shortening: Begin by creaming the butter and shortening together in a large bowl. Use a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle or whisk attachment for best results. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
• Gradually Add Sugar: Next, gradually add the powdered sugar (also known as confectioner's sugar). Add the sugar a little at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This will ensure a smooth and lump-free frosting.
• Add Liquid Ingredients: Now, it's time to add the liquid ingredients. Pour in the milk or heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (if desired). You can also add almond extract for a unique flavour. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined and the frosting is smooth.
• Adjust Consistency: Depending on the desired consistency of your frosting, you may need to adjust the amounts of sugar and liquid. If your frosting is too thin, add a little more sugar. If it's too thick, add a small amount of milk or cream.
• Beat the Frosting: For a lighter and fluffier texture, it's important to beat the frosting for a few minutes. Use a mixer on medium to high speed for about 3 minutes. This step will give your frosting a lighter and airier texture.
• Colour and Flavour Variations: You can customise your frosting by adding food colouring and different extracts. For example, you can add a few drops of lemon extract for a citrus twist or tint your frosting with pink food colouring for a delicate blush hue.
• Store Leftovers: If you have any leftover frosting, be sure to store it properly. Frosting can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days. Before using it again, bring it to room temperature and give it a quick mix to restore its creamy consistency.

Remember, it's essential to make each batch of frosting separately to avoid overwhelming your mixer. Additionally, always refer to your specific recipe for accurate ingredient measurements and detailed instructions.

Frequently asked questions