Designing An Ice Cream Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

An ice cream wedding cake is a unique and fun alternative to a traditional wedding cake. However, it can be challenging to execute, especially for larger weddings. There are several factors to consider, such as the venue's freezer space, the cake's tendency to melt, and the difficulty of cutting frozen ice cream. Some couples opt for a small ice cream cake for themselves and a separate dessert for their guests, while others choose an ice cream bar or sundae station to involve their guests in the experience. To make an ice cream wedding cake, one must first create a custard, freeze it, and then layer it with cake pieces and cream cheese icing.

Ice cream cakes are difficult to cut and melt quickly

Ice cream cakes are notoriously difficult to cut and they melt quickly, so it's important to be prepared. Firstly, you'll need to ensure you have the right equipment to cut the cake. A large, sharp metal knife is best—plastic knives will not cut through the ice cream neatly and will only make the process more difficult and messy. You will also need a glass of hot water and a clean towel.

Next, you'll need to work quickly. Take the cake out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a maximum of 10–15 minutes. Any longer and the ice cream will become too soft and watery, making it messy and tedious to slice. After the allotted time, dip your knife into the hot water, making sure to wipe it dry before slicing. Repeat this process before each slice, as the residue on the knife will be sticky and gooey, making cutting more difficult.

If you're serving an ice cream cake at a wedding, there are some additional considerations. It's worth noting that ice cream cakes can be hard to cut if they haven't been able to thaw for a while beforehand, and they will melt quickly if left out of the freezer for too long. If you're set on having an ice cream cake, you'll need to ensure your venue has a suitable freezer and a system for slicing and serving the cake to guests. Alternatively, you could have a small ice cream cake for the happy couple to cut, with a regular cake for everyone else.

Ice cream bars are a good alternative

Secondly, ice cream bars are a great way to accommodate different preferences and dietary restrictions. By offering a variety of flavours and toppings, you can ensure that everyone can find something they enjoy. This can be especially useful if you have a large number of guests with varying tastes and dietary needs.

Additionally, ice cream bars can add a playful and nostalgic element to your wedding. They are perfect for a relaxed celebration, especially if you're planning an outdoor wedding during the summer. Your guests will appreciate the opportunity to cool down with a delicious ice cream treat.

Furthermore, ice cream bars can be a more practical option than an ice cream cake. As mentioned in some sources, ice cream cakes can be challenging to serve at weddings due to melting, cutting, and storage issues. Ice cream bars eliminate these concerns, as they can be served individually and don't require the same level of preparation and coordination.

Finally, ice cream bars can be a unique and unexpected twist on traditional wedding desserts. They allow you to showcase your personality and creativity, especially if you incorporate signature flavours or nods to your loved ones, as suggested by Sunna Yassin, owner of Bash Please. Whether you opt for a vintage caravan, a self-serve gelato cart, or a modern food wall, ice cream bars can be tailored to fit your wedding's theme and aesthetic.

Ice cream trucks can be hired for weddings

Firstly, you'll need to find a reputable company that offers ice cream truck hire for weddings. Some companies, like Billy Van Creamy, specialise in events and can cater to a large number of guests, ensuring there's enough ice cream to go around. They also take care of all the necessary equipment, including ice cream, cups, cones, and service.

You'll also want to consider the type of ice cream served. You could opt for traditional ice cream flavours or go for something more unique and personalised, like a signature ice cream cake flavour that represents your favourite flavours as a couple.

Timing is crucial when it comes to serving ice cream. To avoid melting, coordinate with the ice cream truck to arrive as close to serving time as possible. You may also want to consider having a backup plan, such as a freezer on-site to store the ice cream until it's time to serve, especially if your wedding is during the hotter months.

Additionally, think about how your guests will be served. Will they line up at the truck, or will servers be on hand to distribute the ice cream? If you're having a more casual wedding, having guests collect their own ice cream can be a fun and interactive experience. However, for a more formal affair, you may prefer to have servers circulate with pre-prepared servings.

Finally, don't forget to include the ice cream truck in your wedding timeline and communicate the plan to your guests. They'll want to know when and where to find this delicious treat!

Ice cream cakes need to be kept frozen until serving

Ice cream cakes are a delightful combination of cake and ice cream, but they can be tricky to serve. They need to be kept frozen until it's time to eat, so make sure your freezer is big enough to store it. If you're serving an ice cream cake at a wedding, it's best to keep it frozen until you're ready to cut it. This will prevent it from melting and becoming a mess. Take the cake out of the freezer about 10 to 30 minutes before serving to let it thaw and soften.

When it's time to cut the cake, use a long, serrated knife with a pointed tip, warming the knife in hot water beforehand and drying it off before slicing. Rewarm the knife after every few slices. Cut round cakes into triangular wedges and square or rectangular cakes into squares. Serve the slices on plates or in small bowls to catch any melting ice cream. Keep the cake and the guests cool by serving it out of direct sunlight.

If you have any leftovers, wrap them up and place them back in the freezer in an airtight container. This will keep your ice cream cake edible for several months.

Ice cream cakes may be too impractical for large weddings

Ice cream cakes are a tasty alternative to traditional wedding cakes, but they may be too impractical for large weddings. Here's why:

Firstly, ice cream cakes are difficult to serve at large weddings due to the risk of melting. Ice cream is a frozen treat that requires constant refrigeration to maintain its shape and texture. At a large wedding with many guests, it can be challenging to ensure the cake remains frozen until it is served. The longer it is left out, the higher the risk of it melting, creating a messy and unappetizing display.

Additionally, ice cream cakes need to be served in smaller slices compared to regular cakes, making them impractical for large weddings. With a higher number of guests, a larger cake would be required, and even then, it may not be possible to serve everyone a slice of the ice cream cake. Regular cakes can be easily cut into smaller pieces, ensuring that there is enough to go around.

Furthermore, the venue may not have a freezer large enough to store the ice cream cake, especially if it is a large, multi-tiered cake. This can create logistical challenges, as special arrangements would need to be made to keep the cake frozen until it is served.

Another issue is the timing of serving the cake. With large weddings, guests are often spread out across different areas, and it can be challenging to gather everyone at once. This can result in the ice cream cake melting while waiting for everyone to be seated or returning from the dance floor.

Lastly, ice cream cakes may not be as photogenic as traditional cakes. Couples often want to capture memorable photos with their wedding cake, but ice cream cakes can be challenging to work with due to their tendency to melt. The frosting and decorations on traditional cakes can be more easily customized and tailored to the couple's preferences, making for better photo opportunities.

While ice cream cakes may be a fun and unique idea for a small, intimate wedding, they may present too many logistical challenges for large weddings. Couples who still want to incorporate ice cream into their celebration could consider an ice cream sundae station, ice cream truck, or individual ice cream treats for their guests. These options provide the fun and flavour of ice cream without the challenges of serving a large ice cream cake.

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