Gluten-Free Wedding Cake: Baking And Decorating Guide

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to catering to specific dietary requirements. If you or your guests are gluten intolerant, it is important to know that there are plenty of options for delicious gluten-free wedding cakes. You can either opt for a gluten-free bakery that specialises in such cakes, or you can ask your chosen baker if they can make a gluten-free option. Many people choose to have a small gluten-free cake for those who need it, alongside a larger regular cake for the rest of the guests. You could also consider other gluten-free dessert options, such as cupcakes, pies, brownies, cheesecakes, or even a macaron tower!

Gluten-free cake recipes

Firstly, it is important to choose the right ingredients. A good gluten-free flour blend is essential, such as King Arthur Measure For Measure Gluten-Free Flour Blend. You will also need xanthan gum or guar gum if your flour blend doesn't already contain it. Other key ingredients include aluminium-free baking powder, pure vanilla extract, large eggs, a mild oil such as avocado or canola oil, milk or non-dairy milk, and cream cheese or butter and powdered sugar for the frosting.

For a simple gluten-free vanilla wedding cake, preheat your oven to 350º F. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of gluten-free flour blend, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ⅛ teaspoon of sea salt, and 3 cups of powdered sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs, ¾ cup of light oil, ¾ cup of milk or non-dairy milk, and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just barely mixed to keep the batter fluffy.

Line the bottoms of two small cake pans with parchment paper and pour in the batter. Bake the cakes for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool on a wire rack. For the frosting, use a standing mixer to combine 1 cup of butter or dairy-free alternative, 4 cups of sifted confectioners' sugar, ¼–⅓ cup of milk or non-dairy milk, 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, and bourbon to taste. Mix on low speed until creamy, adjusting the consistency with additional milk or confectioners' sugar if needed.

To assemble the cake, use a cake spinner and a small dab of frosting to secure the first layer. Add a generous amount of frosting to the top of this layer, along with optional flavourings such as lemon curd, fresh strawberries, or seedless raspberry jam. Repeat with the remaining layers, then frost the sides and top of the cake. Decorate with fresh flowers or piped frosting designs.

If you are making a large wedding cake, you may need to triple or quadruple the recipe. You can also add additional tiers or serve cupcakes on the side to accommodate a larger guest list. For a gluten-free chocolate cake, substitute cocoa powder for some of the flour in the recipe.

Gluten-free cake decorating

Flavours and fillings

Gluten-free cakes can come in a variety of flavours, such as vanilla, chocolate, lemon, carrot, banana, almond, and hummingbird. You can also add fillings between the layers, such as lemon curd, fresh strawberries, or seedless raspberry jam. If you want to make a chocolate gluten-free cake, be sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder to provide a deep, rich chocolate flavour.

Frosting

A delicious fluffy buttercream frosting is a great option for gluten-free cakes. You can flavour and colour your frosting to match the theme of your wedding. For a dairy-free option, use vegan butter or dairy-free milk in your frosting. You can also use different-sized frosting tips to create decorative patterns and designs on your cake.

Cake design

When it comes to the design of your gluten-free wedding cake, you have several options. You can choose to have a traditional tiered cake with frosted sides or go for a "naked" cake, where most of the frosting on the sides is scraped off. You can also use a cake scraper to create a decorative pattern in the frosting. If you want to add some elegance to your cake, consider decorating it with fresh flowers that match the wedding colours.

Cake toppers

To make your gluten-free wedding cake even more special, consider adding a cake topper. You can find a variety of cake toppers online or in specialty stores. Some popular options include monogram cake toppers, Mr. and Mrs. cake toppers, or even custom cake toppers that feature your names or wedding date.

Presentation

To present your gluten-free wedding cake in style, use a cake spinner or a disposable tall cake box for transport. You can also use a cake lifter to move the cake easily. If you want to offer your guests a variety of dessert options, consider setting up a dessert table with gluten-free cupcakes, brownies, cookies, or even a cheese wheel!

Finding a gluten-free baker

• Specialty gluten-free bakeries: Opt for a bakery that specialises in gluten-free products. These bakeries will have the expertise and focus on creating delicious gluten-free options that are not just an afterthought. They will also have procedures in place to prevent cross-contamination, ensuring your cake is safe for guests with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
• Local recommendations: Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or other gluten-free individuals in your area. Word-of-mouth referrals can be a great way to find trusted gluten-free bakers who have already proven their ability to create delicious cakes.
• Tasting and testing: Before finalising your baker, it is essential to taste their gluten-free offerings. Some bakeries offer taster boxes or samples, allowing you to try different flavours and evaluate their quality. This step ensures that your wedding cake not only looks good but also tastes amazing.
• Dedicated gluten-free facilities: Inquire about the bakery's facilities. Ideally, choose a bakery with a dedicated gluten-free kitchen to minimise the risk of cross-contamination. If they also handle gluten-containing products, ask about their procedures to prevent cross-contamination.
• Communication and understanding: Choose a baker who understands your dietary needs and takes them seriously. They should be knowledgeable about gluten-free ingredients and baking techniques, ensuring your cake is safe and delicious. Clear communication is key to ensuring your cake is prepared to meet your specific requirements.
• Reviews and testimonials: Check online reviews and testimonials from previous customers. Look for feedback specifically related to gluten-free cakes to gauge the baker's expertise and the taste of their gluten-free offerings. Positive reviews from gluten-free individuals can provide valuable insight.

Remember, it is essential to plan ahead and start your search for a gluten-free baker early. This will give you ample time to find the right baker, discuss your requirements, and conduct tastings to ensure your wedding cake is perfect for your big day.

Gluten-free cake alternatives

If you're looking for a gluten-free wedding cake, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Cheesecake with a gluten-free crust: A rich and creamy cheesecake is always a crowd-pleaser, and by using a gluten-free crust, you can make it suitable for those with gluten intolerance or allergies.
• Fruit tart with a gluten-free crust: Fresh fruit tarts are a delightful dessert option, especially for a summer wedding. Just be sure to use a gluten-free crust or base.
• Macarons: Macarons are naturally gluten-free, as they are typically made with almond flour and confectioner's sugar. They can be arranged into a beautiful tower, providing an elegant and unique alternative to a traditional cake.
• Ice cream sundae bar: Why not forgo the cake altogether and set up a fun ice cream sundae bar? Your guests will love creating their own customised sundaes, and it's a great option for a casual or outdoor wedding.
• Mousse: Light and airy mousse is a perfect gluten-free dessert option. You can offer different flavours to suit a variety of tastes.
• Brownies: Rich and fudgy brownies are a great gluten-free alternative to cake. You can even create a brownie tower for a unique display.
• Cheesewheel cake: For a savoury option, consider creating a tower of stacked cheese wheels. It's a unique and unexpected choice that your guests will surely remember.
• Cupcakes: Cupcakes are a popular alternative to traditional wedding cakes, and they can easily be made gluten-free. You can offer a variety of flavours and decorations to suit your wedding theme.
• Gluten-free bakeries: If you want a classic wedding cake but need it to be gluten-free, your best option is to find a dedicated gluten-free bakery. They will have the expertise and knowledge to create a delicious and safe cake for you and your guests.

Gluten-free cake care and transportation

Before Transporting the Cake:

• Inspect the cake carefully to ensure all the details are correct and meet your expectations.
• Inform the baker if you have specific questions or concerns about the care and handling of the gluten-free cake.

During Transportation:

• Place the cake in a spacious vehicle, preferably on the flattest part like the floorboard or SUV flatbed. Avoid placing it on seats, as they are usually sloped and can cause damage during transport.
• Ensure the cake box is securely held, distributing the weight evenly with both hands underneath.
• Avoid squeezing the sides of the cake box, as it may affect the frosting borders and sides.
• Keep the cake away from direct sunlight, heaters, or floorboard heaters. Maintain a temperature below 72 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent melting.
• Drive directly to the final destination. The decorations and buttercream are delicate and can be affected by bumps and curves during transport.
• If travelling long distances, consider freezing the cake beforehand to stabilize it. Then, refrigerate it for an hour upon arrival to firm it up.

Storing the Cake:

• If the cake contains fresh fruit, cream cheese icing, Swiss meringue frosting, or perishable fillings, refrigerate it if not served within two hours for food safety.
• Check the cake ingredient label for refrigeration requirements. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving and promptly wrap and refrigerate leftovers.
• If your event is postponed, wrap the cake box with cling film to preserve moisture and reduce condensation. You can refrigerate it for up to two days or freeze it for about a week.

Additional Tips:

• Always handle the cake delicately and with care.
• Keep the cake out of the reach of pets and children.
• If you need to postpone your event, contact the baker for specific instructions on cake preservation.

Frequently asked questions