Crafting A Column Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making a wedding cake with columns is a great way to create a stunning and impressive display. Columns, also known as pillars, are used to separate the tiers of a wedding cake, adding height and visual interest. There are a few different types of columns to choose from, including Grecian, Roman, and square filigrees. When using columns, it is important to also use cake boards between the tiers for added support and stability.

To assemble a wedding cake with columns, start by marking the placement of the columns on each tier. Then, place each tier on its own separator plate and secure it with icing. Next, position the columns at the marks and insert them into the tiers. Finally, stack the tiers on top of each other, placing the feet of the separator plate on the pillar openings.

In addition to columns, you will need several other supplies to make a wedding cake, including cake pans, parchment paper, a large serrated knife, cardboard cake boards, and a platter to serve the cake on. It is also important to use a recipe specifically designed for wedding cakes, as they need to be sturdy enough to support the weight of the columns and additional decorations.

Use a recipe designed for wedding cakes to ensure sturdiness and sufficient batter and icing

Using a recipe designed for wedding cakes is crucial to ensuring that your cake has the necessary sturdiness to support columns and multiple tiers, as well as yielding sufficient batter and icing for a grand, multi-tiered cake.

A wedding cake recipe will typically yield a larger quantity of batter and icing than a standard cake recipe. For instance, a simple homemade wedding cake recipe may yield 8-9 cups of batter for a 9-inch cake and 4 cups of batter for a 6-inch cake. This is enough to create a two-tier cake with three layers in each tier.

The recipe should also produce a sturdier cake that can withstand the weight of additional tiers and decorations. To achieve this, the recipe may call for a slight variation in the proportion of ingredients or baking time. For example, a wedding cake recipe may include additional eggs or egg whites, which can contribute to a denser and more stable cake.

Additionally, a wedding cake recipe will typically be designed with the understanding that you should make each tier separately to avoid overwhelming your mixer. It is also important to allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling and decorating.

When selecting a recipe, opt for one that is specifically designed for wedding cakes or multi-tiered cakes. This will ensure that you have the right amount of batter and icing, and that your cake has the necessary structural integrity.

Prepare your tools: ingredients, cake pans, parchment paper, cardboard cake boards, a large serrated knife, non-flexible straws, a platter, piping equipment, and decorations

To make a wedding cake with columns, you'll need a variety of tools and ingredients. Here's a detailed list to help you prepare:

Ingredients:

• For the cake, you'll need standard baking ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and flavourings such as vanilla extract.
• For the frosting or buttercream, you'll require butter, confectioners' sugar, milk or cream, and flavourings.

Cake Pans:

• You'll need multiple cake pans in different sizes, typically round pans with a depth of 2 inches (5 cm). The most common sizes for wedding cakes are 6-inch and 9-inch pans, but you can also use 8-inch or 10-inch pans, depending on your desired cake size.
• It's recommended to use three pans of each size to create three layers per tier, ensuring your cake has height and stability.
• Choose pans made from materials like aluminium, steel, or non-stick coatings for even baking and easy release.

Parchment Paper:

• Parchment paper is essential for lining your cake pans before adding the batter. It guarantees that your cakes will release seamlessly from the pans.
• Cut parchment paper rounds that fit the bottoms of your pans by tracing the pan's bottom on the paper and cutting out the circles.

Cardboard Cake Boards:

• Cake boards provide a sturdy base for your cake tiers and make it easier to transport and handle them.
• You'll need two cake boards: one for the bottom tier (9-inch or 10-inch board) and one for the top tier (6-inch board).
• You can also use a cake board between the tiers for added support and stability, especially if you're transporting the cake.

Large Serrated Knife:

A large serrated knife, preferably 12 to 14 inches in length, is ideal for slicing and levelling the cakes to create a flat surface for stacking.

Non-Flexible Straws:

• Also known as cake dowels, these are essential for supporting the top tier of your wedding cake.
• You'll need four straws or dowels, cut to match the height of the bottom cake tier.
• Plastic cake dowels are easier to cut and can be found at baking supply stores or online.

A Platter or Cake Stand:

A large platter or a decorative cake stand will serve as the base for your finished wedding cake.

Piping Equipment:

• Piping bags and tips in various sizes and shapes (round, star, leaf, etc.) will help you create decorative patterns and borders on your cake.
• Couplers are useful for easily switching piping tips without emptying the bag.
• A piping bag stand or holder will keep your workspace organised and prevent frosting from smudging your counters.

Decorations:

• Fresh flowers, artificial flowers, berries, or other decorative pieces can be used to enhance the beauty of your wedding cake.
• You can also pipe frosting dots or "pearls" between the tiers and around the bottom of the cake for a polished look.

Plan your decorations: practice piping, secure flowers or toppers, and clear fridge space

Planning your decorations is a crucial step in the cake-making process. Here are some tips to help you plan and execute your decorations effectively:

Practice Piping

It is a good idea to practice your piping skills in advance. Make extra icing and practice creating different shapes and designs on test cakes or silicone mats. This will help you feel more confident when it comes time to decorate the actual wedding cake.

Secure Flowers or Toppers

If you plan to use fresh flowers or other decorative items, such as cake toppers, it is important to secure them well before the wedding. For fresh flowers, order exactly what you want from a florist in advance. If you are using sugar flowers or other edible decorations, make sure you have all the necessary supplies and practice placing them on the cake beforehand.

Clear Fridge Space

Before you begin decorating your wedding cake, ensure you have enough space in your refrigerator to store it. You may need to clear out a shelf or adjust the temperature settings to accommodate the cake's height and size. This is especially important if you are using perishable decorations or fillings that require refrigeration.

Other Decorating Tips

• Keep it simple: Opt for simple, rustic decorations that are more achievable for a homemade wedding cake.
• Use a lazy Susan: Invest in a lazy Susan or turntable to make decorating the cake easier. This will allow you to easily spin the cake as you work, ensuring a more consistent and professional-looking finish.
• Practice with a test cake: If you are unsure about your decorating skills or want to try out a new technique, consider making a test cake. This will give you the opportunity to practice and perfect your decorations before attempting them on the actual wedding cake.
• Use a variety of tools: Experiment with different piping tips, spatulas, and other cake decorating tools to create unique designs and textures.
• Add some height: If you want to add height and drama to your cake, consider using cake pillars or separators between the tiers. This will create a stunning visual effect and give you more space to add decorations.

Assemble the cake: follow a step-by-step schedule for baking and assembly, and use cake boards and pillars for support

To assemble a wedding cake with columns, follow these steps:

Prepare the cakes and icing:

Before assembling the cake, bake and cool the individual cake tiers. Cover and refrigerate the cakes until you are ready to assemble them. You will also need to make a large amount of icing.

Gather the necessary tools and materials:

Ensure you have all the required tools and materials, including cake boards, pillars or columns, a large serrated knife, parchment paper, and any desired decorations such as fresh flowers or cake toppers.

Create a schedule:

Most three-tier cake recipes provide a step-by-step schedule for baking and assembling the cake. Follow this schedule to ensure that you allow adequate time for each step.

Assemble the cake:

• Push-In Pillar Construction: Mark each tier for push-in pillar placement using the separator plate for the next tier above. Place each tier on its separator plate, securing it with icing. Position the push-in pillars at the marks and insert them into the tiers until they touch the cake board. To assemble, start with the tier above the base tier and place the feet of the separator plate on the pillar openings. Continue adding tiers in the same way.
• Center Column Construction: Use cake boards the same size as the tiers or cut boards to fit if the tiers are shaped. Create a waxed paper pattern for each tier to find the exact center for the columns. Test the hole size by slipping it over a column and adjust if needed. Trace and cut out the hole in the prepared cake board. Also, cut a hole in the top tier board for the column cap nut. Prepare and ice the tiers, then position them on the cake boards. Make center holes in the two lower tiers for the columns and mark the top of the cakes with the waxed paper pattern. Cut the holes using a cake corer. Attach the bottom column to the prepared base plate and slip the bottom tier over it. Set a smaller plate on top of the column and add the next tier. Secure it with a top column nut. Place the top tier on the plate.

Finalize the decorations:

Once the cake is assembled, you can add any final decorations, such as fresh flowers or cake toppers. Ensure that all decorations are securely attached.

Transport the cake to the venue: speak to the caterer or venue manager about the details

Transporting a wedding cake can be a stressful experience, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that your cake arrives at the venue safely. Firstly, it is important to check with the caterer or venue manager that there will be space in the refrigerator for your cake. If the cake is particularly large, you may need to check that the refrigerator is large enough to accommodate it. If the venue does not have space for your cake, you could consider a dessert bar with multiple smaller cakes instead.

When transporting the cake, it is important to keep it on a flat surface, such as the floor of your vehicle, and to avoid placing it on a seat or in someone's lap. You should also ensure that the box the cake is in is the same size as the cake base, to prevent the cake from sliding around during transport. If the cake is particularly heavy, you may need to send two people to transport it and have someone sit next to the cake during the journey to hold it steady.

To keep the cake in good condition, it is important to keep the vehicle cool, especially if the cake contains buttercream, as this can melt in warm conditions. If you are travelling a long distance, you could consider freezing the cake before transport and allowing it to thaw slowly overnight once you arrive. You should also give yourself plenty of time to drive slowly and carefully, avoiding any sharp turns or speed bumps.

Finally, it is a good idea to bring an emergency cake kit with extra frosting and icing spatulas, in case any repairs are needed once you arrive at the venue.

Frequently asked questions