Almond Icing For Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

Almond icing is a popular choice for wedding cakes, adding a buttery flavour to a vanilla cake. There are many recipes for almond icing, but most require standard baking ingredients such as butter, sugar, milk or cream, and almond extract. The process is also similar across recipes: beat softened butter and add in extracts, then alternately add in the sugar and cream, beating until smooth. This light and fluffy almond buttercream frosting can be tinted with food colouring if desired, and can be spread over cakes or cupcakes with a flat or offset knife. Piping bags can be used to add decorative borders, stars, or other accents.

Choosing the right almond extract

Almond extract is an essential ingredient in baking, especially when it comes to creating that signature wedding cake flavour. Here are some tips for choosing the right almond extract for your special cake:

Types of Almond Extracts:

Firstly, it is important to understand the different types of almond extracts available:

• Pure Almond Extract: This is the most authentic option as it is made from bitter almonds, water and alcohol. It has a strong, sweet flavour. However, bitter almonds are technically inedible and can be toxic in large quantities.
• Natural Almond Extract: This variety contains cassia bark essence, which provides a natural almond flavour.
• Imitation Almond Extract: This synthetic option mimics the flavour of almonds using chemicals. While it may not have the same intensity as pure extract, it is a great alternative for those with almond allergies or if you're looking for a more affordable option.

Taste:

Taste is, of course, a key factor when choosing an almond extract. While pure almond extract offers a strong and sweet flavour, imitation extracts can sometimes have a bitter aftertaste or an overly sweet, candied taste. Natural extracts, meanwhile, may provide a more subtle almond flavour. It is worth sampling different types to determine which suits your palate and the overall flavour profile of your wedding cake.

Intensity:

Almond extract is known for its intense flavour, so a little goes a long way. When choosing an extract, consider the concentration and how it will impact your recipe. You may need to adjust the amount used based on the potency of the extract to avoid overpowering the other flavours in your cake.

Brand and Price:

There are various brands offering almond extracts, from well-known names like McCormick to smaller speciality brands. While price can sometimes be an indicator of quality, it is not always necessary to choose the most expensive option. In fact, some affordable imitation extracts have been known to outperform their pricier counterparts in taste tests.

Allergies:

If your wedding cake is intended for guests with almond allergies, it is crucial to select an almond extract that is safe for them. Imitation almond extracts, which are made without actual almond oil, can be a good alternative in this case. Always be sure to check the ingredient list and, if in doubt, contact the manufacturer to confirm the absence of allergens.

Getting the right consistency

Achieving the right consistency for almond icing is crucial for a wedding cake, and here are some detailed tips to help you get it just right:

Start with room temperature butter: Ensure that your butter is softened and at room temperature before beginning. This will allow it to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, resulting in a smooth and creamy frosting.

Use cream instead of milk: Opt for cream over milk to create a richer flavour and texture in your almond icing. It will enhance the overall mouthfeel and indulgence of your wedding cake.

Sift your powdered sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar is an important step to avoid lumps in your final frosting. It ensures a smooth and uniform consistency throughout your almond icing.

Salt to taste: If you're using unsalted butter, add a pinch or two of salt to balance the sweetness. This step is especially important if you plan to generously ice your wedding cake.

Maintain thickness: It's easier to adjust the consistency by adding a splash of cream or milk, but start with a smaller amount to prevent your frosting from becoming too runny. You can always add more liquid, but it's challenging to salvage overly thin icing.

Allow to come to room temperature: If you've made your frosting ahead of time, bring it to room temperature before using it. This will ensure the most spreadable and pipeable consistency for decorating your wedding cake.

By following these tips, you'll be able to achieve a beautiful and delicious almond icing with the perfect consistency for your wedding cake. Remember to adjust and taste as you go, and don't be afraid to make it your own!

Adding colour

• Food colouring: The most common way to add colour to almond icing is by using food colouring. You can use either gel or liquid food colouring, adding a few drops at a time until you achieve the desired shade. It is important to stir the colouring in thoroughly and to add it gradually to ensure you don't oversaturate the icing.
• Natural colourings: If you prefer to avoid artificial ingredients, you can use natural colourings such as beetroot powder for red, turmeric for yellow, spirulina for green, or freeze-dried berry powder for purple. These natural colourings may affect the taste of your icing, so it is important to add them gradually and taste as you go.
• Flavour and colour combinations: When choosing a colour for your almond icing, consider complementing the flavour of the cake. For example, you could use pink or red colouring for a strawberry-almond cake, light green for a pistachio-almond cake, or yellow for a lemon-almond cake.
• Colour inspiration: Look to the venue, wedding theme, or bridal party outfits for colour inspiration. Using colours that tie into the overall wedding aesthetic will create a cohesive and visually appealing display.
• Colour contrast: If your wedding cake will have multiple tiers, consider using different colours for each tier to create a striking contrast. Alternatively, you can use different shades of the same colour to create an ombré effect.
• Decorations: Once you've chosen your icing colour, you can further enhance the appearance of your wedding cake with decorations such as fresh flowers, edible gold or silver leaf, sugar paste flowers, or piped icing details.

Storing the icing

Storing your almond icing is a crucial step to ensure it stays fresh and usable. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly store your almond icing for a wedding cake:

Storing Almond Icing:

• Room Temperature Storage: If you plan on using the almond icing within a day, you can leave it at room temperature. However, it is essential to cover the icing flush with plastic wrap to prevent it from crusting. Alternatively, you can place it in a piping bag, ready for use.
• Refrigeration: For longer-term storage, you can store your almond icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week. When you're ready to use it, bring the icing to room temperature before using it for the most spreadable consistency.
• Freezer Storage: If you want to store your almond icing for an extended period, you can freeze it for up to one month. Place the icing inside a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn and keep the icing fresh. Thaw the icing in the refrigerator, and then bring it to room temperature before using it.

By following these storage instructions, you can ensure that your almond icing for the wedding cake stays fresh and usable, whether you need it the next day or a few weeks later.

Decorating the cake

Filling and Crumb-Coating the Cake

Before you start decorating, it's a good idea to fill and crumb-coat your cake. This will help you create a neat and stable base for the final icing. Use a thin layer of buttercream or frosting to fill between the layers of the cake. You can also apply a thin coat of frosting all over the cake to seal in the crumbs, then refrigerate it for about 10 minutes until the buttercream is firm.

Applying the Final Icing

Once your crumb coat is set, you can start applying the final layer of almond icing. Use a flat or offset spatula to spread the buttercream evenly over the surface of the cake. Make sure to get a smooth and consistent finish. If you want a perfectly smooth finish, you can use a cake scraper to achieve a flawless look.

Adding Decorative Details

• Piping: Use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to add decorative borders, stars, or other accents. You can pipe swirls, rosettes, or any design of your choice.
• Textured Effects: Create textured effects by using a fork or a cake comb to add lines, swirls, or other patterns to the icing. This can give your cake a unique and elegant look.
• Coloring the Icing: If you want to add a touch of color to your almond icing, use gel or liquid food coloring. Start by adding a few drops at a time until you achieve the desired shade. You can create a gradient effect, ombre, or a two-tone look by using different colors.
• Edible Decorations: Decorate your cake with edible items such as fresh flowers, sliced almonds, whole almonds, or other nuts. You can also use fresh or sugar paste flowers, sprinkles, or gold/silver leaf for a luxurious touch.
• Drizzles and Ganache: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some white chocolate ganache or a complementary sauce, such as raspberry sauce, over your cake. This will add both flavor and visual appeal.

Storing and Transporting the Cake

Once you've finished decorating your cake, it's important to handle it with care. If you need to transport the cake, make sure to package it securely and keep it level during transport. For short-term storage, keep the cake at room temperature, as refrigerating it can affect its texture. For longer storage, you can refrigerate or freeze the cake, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving to restore its intended texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions