Creating Wedding Cake Magic With Chocolate Decorations

Chocolate wedding cakes are a decadent and unexpected twist on the traditional wedding cake. While vanilla is often associated with weddings, there is no rule that says a couple must have a vanilla cake. Couples can feel empowered to select a wedding cake that suits their tastes, and if cocoa calls to them, there are endless ways to make a chocolate wedding cake their own.

Chocolate decorations are one of the easiest ways to elevate the appearance of a cake, adding flavour and texture.

Chocolate drippings

Ingredients:

• 6 oz (1 cup or 169g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (or 4 oz) heavy whipping cream
• 6 oz (1 cup or 169g) white chocolate chips (optional, for white chocolate drip)
• 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream (for white chocolate drip)

Instructions:

• Prepare the chocolate ganache: Place the chocolate chips in a medium-sized bowl and set aside. Heat the heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup for about 1 minute, being careful not to let it boil over. Pour the warm cream over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 3-5 minutes.
• Mix the ganache: Gently stir the cream and chocolate together until they form a smooth consistency. Avoid over-mixing to prevent air bubbles in the ganache. If using white chocolate and there are lumps remaining, heat the mixture in 10-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth. Allow the ganache to cool for about 10 minutes before using.
• Chill the cake: Place your frosted cake in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes before applying the drip. This helps set the chocolate and prevents it from dripping too far down the sides.
• Test the ganache temperature: The temperature of your ganache will determine the thickness of your drips. It should feel just barely warm to the touch, not hot. If it's too thin, let it sit for a few more minutes to thicken. If it's too thick, you can heat it up for 10-15 seconds.
• Prepare your tools: You can use a piping bag, a plastic bottle, or even a spoon to apply the chocolate drip. Each tool will create a slightly different look. A piping bag produces thin drips, while a spoon will give a more natural look. Have an offset spatula or spoon ready to smooth out the top of the cake after piping the drip.
• Create the drips: Place the piping bag or bottle just a couple of centimeters above the top edge of the cake and gently squeeze to release the ganache. The more you squeeze, the longer the drip will be. Create a few test drips to get a feel for the amount of pressure and chocolate needed.
• Fill in the center: Work quickly to fill in the center of the cake, as the ganache will start to firm up. You can use your squeeze bottle or simply pour the chocolate into the center. If needed, heat the chocolate for 10-15 seconds before adding it to the center. Use an offset spatula to spread the chocolate ganache evenly.
• Adjust as needed: If you prefer thicker drips, let the ganache cool for a bit longer before applying. For thinner drips, add a little extra cream to thin out the ganache.
• Smooth and chill: Once you've created the drips and filled in the center, use your offset spatula to smooth out the top of the cake. Place the cake back in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the chocolate.

With these steps, you'll be able to create beautiful and impressive chocolate drippings for your wedding cake. Remember to practice beforehand and adjust the amounts and temperatures as needed to achieve the perfect drips!

Chocolate shavings

Once you have your chocolate shavings, you can sprinkle them on top of your cake or, if your cake is frosted with buttercream or fondant, you can sprinkle them on the sides as well. For a more dramatic look, you can create a chocolate cage by sticking the shavings vertically on top of your cake or on its sides.

If you want to get creative, you can use different types of chocolate to create a marbled effect, or decorate your chocolate shavings with sprinkles, edible flowers, or other designs of your choice.

Chocolate shards

To make chocolate shards, start by melting 250 grams of chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, or a Bain-Marie. You can also melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, heating it in 30-second intervals and stirring in between. For tempering the chocolate, use a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. The slow heating of chocolate to its melted stage and subsequent cooling will result in a glossy finish. However, tempering is not necessary, as untempered chocolate will result in a more rustic, jagged look.

Once the chocolate is melted, spread it onto a large sheet of baking parchment or parchment paper. The size of the sheet will depend on how large you want the shards to be. Spread the chocolate to a thickness of about 2-3 mm. Before the chocolate sets, carefully roll up the paper and secure the ends with paper clips. Place the roll in the refrigerator to set for a couple of minutes or until needed.

When the chocolate is set, remove the roll from the refrigerator and start to unroll the paper. The chocolate shards will begin to break off as you unroll. You can break the shards into the desired sizes as you unroll, or you can leave them as large sheets and carefully use the back of a butter knife to break them into smaller pieces.

Any unused chocolate shards can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To prevent untempered chocolate shards from melting, keep them refrigerated and dip your hands in cold water while handling them.

Chocolate cigarettes

Ingredients and Tools:

• Good-quality compound chocolate (dark, milk, or white)
• Silver sanding sugar or silver sugar crystals
• Red candy coating
• Black gel paste food colouring
• Vegetable or coconut oil
• Heatproof cup
• Microwave
• Tall, narrow cup
• Tray
• Marble work surface or slab
• Long, heavy knife
• Shallow tray
• Plastic wrap

Method:

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

• Melt your chosen chocolate in a heatproof cup in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
• Once partially melted, remove from the heat and continue stirring until it is completely melted.

Step 2: Create the Chocolate Ribbon

Pour the melted chocolate onto a marble work surface, forming a ribbon that is 3-4 inches wide, 10 inches long, and 1/4-3/8 inch thick.

Step 3: Allow the Chocolate to Cool

Let the chocolate cool at room temperature until it is no longer soft or sticky.

Step 4: Cut the Chocolate

• Using a long, heavy knife held at a 45-degree angle, slowly and firmly cut down across the width of the chocolate ribbon, close to one end.
• The chocolate will naturally curl around itself in a paper-thin roll as you cut.
• Repeat this process, always placing the blade close to the cut end.

Step 5: Transfer and Store the Chocolate Cigarettes

• Transfer the chocolate cigarettes to a shallow tray.
• Cover the tray with plastic wrap.
• Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Tips and Variations:

• You can use a combination of dark and white chocolate to create alternating stripes for a more decorative effect.
• Chocolate cigarettes are perfect for adding a unique touch to wedding cakes, celebration cakes, cupcakes, or even desserts and ice cream.
• For a more realistic "ash tray" display, dip pretzel sticks in white chocolate and red candy coating, and then roll them in black and silver sanding sugar.
• You can find chocolate cigarettes and cigarillos online or at specialty baking stores.

With these steps and a bit of creativity, you can make impressive chocolate cigarette decorations for your wedding cake!

Chocolate-covered strawberries

Flavour Combinations

When it comes to the type of chocolate used, there are various options to choose from. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and white chocolate are all popular choices. You can even get creative and use different types of chocolate for different effects. For example, a combination of dark and white chocolate can be drizzled over the strawberries for a decadent look. Additionally, consider adding a drizzle of caramel or a dusting of crushed pistachios for a salty, crunchy element.

Presentation Ideas

Preparation Tips

To ensure the strawberries are fresh and at their best for the wedding, it is recommended to prepare them as close to the event as possible. Wash and thoroughly dry the strawberries before dipping them in melted chocolate. You can use a variety of chocolates, such as Belgian chocolate or gourmet varieties, to enhance the flavour and quality. After dipping, place the strawberries on a tray lined with parchment paper and allow the chocolate to set. For an extra touch of elegance, place the strawberries in elegant boxes or display them on a beautifully decorated table.

Frequently asked questions