Money Cake: A Creative Way To Gift Cash At Weddings

A wedding money cake is a fun and creative way to gift money to the happy couple. While there are many ways to save money on a wedding cake, a money cake is a unique and versatile gift that can be personalised for the couple. It is easy to make and requires no baking or cake decorating skills. All you need are some crisp dollar bills, a hot glue gun, and a bit of patience. You can use bigger bills for a larger gift and add decorations to suit the occasion.

Supplies and ingredients

For a money cake:

• Crisp dollar bills (use bigger bills for a larger gift)
• Small clear hair rubber bands (check dollar stores)
• 2-3 large rubber bands
• 2-3 round Styrofoam discs of various sizes or round cookie tins
• Removable tape or glue dots
• Glue gun or double-sided tape
• Embellishments to decorate the ribbon and top of the cake
• One round cake board or paper doily (optional)

For a traditional wedding cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
• Baking powder (not baking soda)
• Kosher salt (not iodized table salt)
• Butter (unsalted or regular)
• Heavy cream (or whipping cream)
• Vanilla and almond extracts (or lemon extract)
• Egg whites (or whole eggs)
• Sour cream (or full-fat Greek yogurt)
• Powdered sugar (or granulated sugar and cornstarch)
• Vegetable oil (any neutral-flavoured oil)
• Cake pans (6" and 9" round)
• Plastic dowels
• Bench scraper
• Offset spatula
• Cake rounds
• Cake turntable (or Lazy Susan)

Roll the dollar bills

Rolling the Dollar Bills

Now that you have your supplies and have cut out your base and circles, it's time to roll the dollar bills! The tighter you roll the bills, the more money you will end up spending on your cake. If you are working with a tight budget, consider rolling the bills a bit more loosely. You can also increase the value of each bill if your budget allows.

To start rolling, place a dollar bill flat on a table in front of you. Take the edge of the bill closest to you and gently but firmly roll it away from you, keeping the roll as tight or loose as you desire. Once you have rolled the bill all the way, place a small piece of tape or a rubber band around the roll to secure it. Repeat this process until you have rolled all your dollar bills.

Pro tip: Use about an inch of tape for each bill. It is also recommended to tear off all the tape you need and have it ready before you start rolling to make the process easier.

Attaching the Rolled Bills to the Cake

Now that you have your rolled dollar bills, it's time to attach them to your cake! Apply long strips of double-sided tape around each layer of your cake base. You can do one or two rows, depending on your preference. Then, stick the rolled bills against the tape, with the taped side facing the back, to secure them in place. You can use your finger to gently press each roll against the tape to ensure they stick.

Adding the Final Touches

Once you have attached all the rolled bills, use the paper party streamer to wrap around each layer of the cake. Slightly pull the paper before taping it together to help secure the money even better. Feel free to add any additional decorations or embellishments that fit the occasion. For a wedding, you might want to add some flowers, ribbons, or other romantic touches.

And that's it! You now have a beautiful and unique money cake that is perfect for any wedding celebration. This fun and creative gift idea is sure to impress and will surely be appreciated by the happy couple.

Stack the tiers

Now that you have your cake layers, it's time to assemble them into a tiered cake. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Use a dab of frosting to attach the bottom layer of the cake to a cardboard cake round. This will provide stability and make it easier to transport the cake.
• Add a layer of frosting between each layer of cake, spreading it out to the edge. This will act as a "crumb coat" and help keep the cake layers together.
• Apply a thin layer of frosting to the outside of the cake, using an offset spatula or bench scraper to smooth it out. This is your base layer of frosting.
• Once the base layer of frosting is complete, it's time to insert the dowels. Measure the height of your cake and cut the dowels to size. You will need enough dowels to support the weight of the top tier, spaced about 2 inches apart.
• Place the top tier onto the bottom tier. Gently press the top tier into the frosting to help it adhere to the base layer.
• If you are transporting the cake to a different location, this is a good point to stop. You don't want to risk damaging your cake during transport!
• Add a final layer of frosting to the outside of the cake, covering any imperfections and creating a smooth finish.
• Decorate the cake with flowers, berries, or a cake topper. Fresh or sugar flowers and berries are great options, but be sure they are not poisonous.
• Your money cake is now complete! This unique and practical gift is sure to impress the recipient.

Decorate the cake

Now for the fun part: decorating your DIY wedding cake!

If you're going for a rustic look, keep it simple. A naked cake, for instance, requires only a thin layer of frosting between the layers, leaving the sides of the cake exposed. A semi-naked cake adds a crumb coat on the exterior.

If you're feeling more adventurous, try a fully frosted cake. Easy frosting decorations include swoops, swirls, dots, or petals. You can also keep the exterior flat and add flowers, berries, or a cake topper.

Fresh flowers and berries are a great way to add a pop of colour to your cake. Be sure to choose non-poisonous flowers and wash them thoroughly before use. You can also opt for edible flowers or sugar flowers.

For a unique touch, try making pineapple "flowers". These are a Southern staple for decorating Hummingbird Cakes and can be made up to two days in advance.

If you want to add some sparkle to your cake, consider using sprinkles or larger pearl jimmies.

Don't forget to leave enough time for your frosting to set, especially if you're transporting the cake to a different venue.

And there you have it! A beautiful, budget-friendly wedding cake that you can be proud of.

Transporting the cake

Transporting your wedding cake is a crucial aspect of the cake-making process. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to ensure safe transportation:

Prepare the Vehicle:

Before placing the cake in the vehicle, ensure that the transportation area is clean and free of any objects that could damage the cake. Cover the area with a non-slip mat or a clean cloth to provide a stable surface.

Box the Cake:

Place the cake in a sturdy box that is slightly larger than the cake itself. Line the box with a non-slip material, such as a rubber mat or a non-slip shelf liner. This will help keep the cake from sliding during transport. It is recommended to use a box with a lid to prevent any external elements from ruining the cake.

Secure the Cake:

Use cake dowels to ensure the stability of the cake, especially if it has multiple tiers. Place the cake on a cake board that is slightly larger than the base of the cake. Secure the cake to the board with a small amount of royal icing or melted chocolate, allowing it to set before transportation.

Protect the Cake:

Place the boxed cake on a flat surface in the vehicle, preferably the floor of the passenger seat or the back seat. Avoid placing it in the boot as the suspension may cause damage during transport. Ensure that the cake is secure and will not roll or slide during the journey. If possible, transport the cake in a vehicle with air conditioning to maintain a cool temperature, especially during hot weather.

Drive with Caution:

Drive smoothly and cautiously, avoiding any abrupt stops, sharp turns, or speeding. Treat the cake as you would a fragile package, ensuring that it is handled with care. If possible, have someone accompany you to monitor the cake during transport and keep it stable.

Final Preparations:

Upon arrival at the venue, carefully remove the cake from the vehicle and bring it to the designated area. Ensure that the cake is level and stable on its final display table. Make any necessary final touches and ensure that the cake is presented as intended.

Remember, it is always better to be over-prepared when transporting a wedding cake. Take your time, and if possible, do a trial run of the route to anticipate any potential challenges or obstacles.

Frequently asked questions