Creating A Homemade Wedding Cake: Tips And Tricks

Making your own wedding cake can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to plan and prepare to ensure success. Here are some tips to help you create a beautiful and delicious homemade wedding cake:

- Consider your skills and interests: Ask yourself if you enjoy baking and have the necessary skills to make a wedding cake. It's important to be honest with yourself, as attempting a complex cake without the right experience can be stressful.

- Keep it simple: Opt for a simple design and flavour that you are familiar with. Avoid experimenting with new recipes or elaborate decorations. A simple, rustic cake can be just as beautiful and tasty as a complex one.

- Practice and plan: Make a practice cake to ensure your design is feasible and to familiarise yourself with the process. Plan out the ingredients, tools, and time required, and consider doing a trial run to refine your technique.

- Choose the right ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients and consider the climate when selecting your recipe. Adjust recipes as needed to account for humidity or heat, which can affect the final product.

- Prepare in advance: Bake and freeze cake layers and prepare buttercream up to a month in advance. This will reduce stress and give you more time to focus on decoration and final touches.

- Transportation and assembly: Plan how you will transport the cake to the venue, and consider assembling the tiers on-site to reduce the risk of damage during transportation. Use cake dowels and cake boards for stability.

- Decorate with care: Fresh flowers, berries, and simple piping techniques can elevate the look of your cake. Use edible flowers or wrap floral stems in floral tape if using fresh flowers.

- Have a backup plan: Even experienced bakers can have off days. Know when to call it quits and have a backup plan, such as a simple store-bought cake or cupcakes, in case things don't go as planned.

- Enjoy the process: Remember to have fun and don't stress too much about perfection. Your guests will appreciate your effort, and the most important thing is to celebrate your love and commitment.

Choosing a simple design

Keep it Classic

A simple wedding cake often means sticking to a classic design. This could include a traditional white cake with minimal decorations or a cake with a single coloured tier to add a subtle pop of colour. A smooth buttercream finish or naked cake design is also a great way to achieve a simple and elegant look.

Less is More

When it comes to decorations, remember that less is more. A simple cake with a few well-chosen embellishments will make a statement without being overwhelming. Fresh flowers or greenery, for example, can add a touch of elegance and romance to your cake. You can also use fruit, such as bright citrus, berries, or moody figs, for a classic and simple touch.

Think Outside the Box

While a simple wedding cake often means minimal decorations, you can also think outside the box with your design choices. For example, instead of a traditional round cake, consider a square cake for a modern and chic look. You could also add a unique twist with a blue middle tier or a marble pattern.

Personalise it

Adding a personal touch to your simple wedding cake can make it even more special. This could be as simple as adding your initials to the cake or including a meaningful recipe. You could also add a fun cake topper, such as a fondant portrait of your pet, or opt for a romantic "Just Married" cake topper.

Stick to a Single Tier

If you're worried about the complexity of a multi-tiered cake, consider sticking to a single-tier cake. This will make the baking and decorating process much more manageable, especially if you're short on time or prefer a more understated look.

Practice Makes Perfect

Finally, remember to practice your cake-making and decorating skills ahead of time. This will help you feel more confident and ensure that your simple wedding cake turns out exactly as you envisioned.

Baking and assembling the tiers

Baking the cake tiers

Firstly, you will need to decide on the number of tiers and the size of each tier. The number of tiers will depend on the number of guests you need to serve, and the size of each tier will depend on the size of your cake pans. For a three-tier cake, you will typically need a 6-inch, 9-inch, and 12-inch pan.

Once you have determined the size of each tier, you can start baking the cakes. It is important to bake the cakes separately to avoid overloading your mixer and to ensure even baking. Use cake pans that are greased and lined with parchment paper to prevent the cakes from sticking.

For a simple wedding cake, a classic choice is a vanilla-flavoured cake with vanilla buttercream frosting. However, you can also experiment with different combinations, such as carrot cake, red velvet cake, lemon cake, marble cake, or chocolate chip cake.

When preparing the batter, it is crucial to use room temperature ingredients, as this will ensure that the batter mixes easily and evenly. Mix the dry ingredients, including the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt, in a large bowl. Then, add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand. Next, add the eggs, sour cream, extracts, and milk, and mix until combined. Finally, divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans, making sure not to overfill them.

Bake the cakes according to the recipe instructions, ensuring that they are fully baked by inserting a toothpick into the centre and checking that it comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling and decorating.

Making the frosting

To make the frosting, start by beating the softened butter until it becomes light and fluffy. Then, add the powdered sugar in stages, alternating with the cream or milk, until everything is well incorporated. Finally, add the extracts and mix until combined. If you desire a thicker frosting, add more confectioners' sugar, and if you prefer a thinner consistency, add more cream or milk.

Assembling the tiers

To assemble the tiers, start by levelling off the tops of the cakes using a large serrated knife to create a flat surface. Then, place one layer of the largest cake on a cake drum or board. Spread a thin layer of frosting on the top of the cake and add a ring of frosting around the edge to hold in the filling. You can use a variety of fillings, such as lemon curd, buttercream, or preserves.

Add another cake layer on top and repeat the frosting and filling process. Flip the top cake upside down over the other two layers. To support the weight of the tiers above, insert bubble tea straws or cake dowels into the cake, cutting them flush with the top of the cake.

Repeat this process for the remaining tiers, placing each tier on a cake board that is slightly larger than the cake. To assemble the entire cake, stack the tiers on top of each other, using the cake dowels for support.

Decorating the cake

To decorate the cake, use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create lines or textures on the sides and top of the cake by scraping away some of the frosting. You can also add fresh flowers, berries, or other decorative pieces to enhance the cake's appearance.

Storing and transporting the cake

It is important to store the wedding cake in the refrigerator, especially if it contains cream cheese frosting. To transport the cake, it is recommended to box the smaller cakes individually and secure the larger cakes. Load the cakes onto a flat, clean surface in your vehicle and ensure you have adequate time for delivery and setup.

Decorating the cake

Fresh Flowers and Foliage

Using fresh flowers and foliage is a simple and elegant way to decorate your wedding cake. You can use the same flowers that are in the bridal bouquet to tie the whole theme together. It is important to ensure that the flowers are not poisonous and are safe to be used on food. You can also opt for edible flowers or sugar flowers if you prefer. Wash and thoroughly dry the flowers before use, and be mindful of their weight and placement so they do not tear the cake.

Fruits and Berries

Decorating your wedding cake with fresh fruits and berries is a classic choice. Bright citrus fruits, moody figs, a variety of berries, or even cherries can add a pop of colour and a simple, beautiful touch to your cake.

Naked Cake Style

If you are not confident in your frosting skills, a naked cake might be the perfect choice. This style of cake has minimal frosting, leaving the sides of the cake exposed. You can simply add a crumb coat, which is a thin layer of frosting, and then decorate with flowers, fruits, or other toppings of your choice.

Semi-Naked Cake

A semi-naked cake is similar to a naked cake but includes a bit more frosting. You can add a crumb coat and then a thin layer of frosting on the exterior, creating a rustic look. This style is also perfect for hiding any imperfections in your frosting.

Fully Frosted Cake

If you want to go for a more traditional look, you can fully frost your wedding cake. However, if you are a beginner, it is best to keep the decorations simple. You can texture the frosting by using a small icing spatula and creating swoops, swirls, dots, or petals as you turn the cake turntable.

Drips and Sprinkles

Drip cakes are a fun and trendy option for wedding cakes. You can add ganache or chocolate to create drips and then decorate with sprinkles, pearls, or jimmies.

Cake Toppers

Cake toppers can be a fun and personal way to decorate your wedding cake. You can find a variety of cake toppers online or in stores, or you can even make your own.

Multiple Tiers and Flavours

If you are making a multi-tiered cake, you can experiment with different flavours and fillings for each tier. You can also add curd, jam, or berries between the layers for added flavour and texture.

Simple and Rustic

Remember, you don't have to go overboard with the decorations. A simple and rustic wedding cake can be just as beautiful and elegant as an elaborate one. Keep it straightforward and let the natural beauty of the cake shine through.

Transporting the cake

Transporting a homemade wedding cake can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with careful planning, it can be done successfully. Here are some detailed tips and instructions for transporting your cake:

Plan Ahead:

Before you start baking, consider how you will transport the cake. Determine if you will need to transport the cake in separate tiers or as a fully assembled cake. If you are travelling a long distance or over bumpy roads, it may be safer to transport the tiers separately and assemble the cake at the venue.

Choose the Right Containers:

Invest in sturdy cake boxes or containers that are specifically designed for transporting cakes. These boxes should be large enough to accommodate the cake with some extra space for stability. Make sure the boxes have handles for easy carrying and are stackable if you have multiple tiers.

Prepare the Vehicle:

Clean and clear out the vehicle you will be using to transport the cake. Place a non-slip mat or a flat surface in the car to provide a stable base for the cake boxes. If possible, transport the cake in a vehicle with a smooth ride, such as an SUV or a car with good suspension. Avoid cars with a bumpy ride, as this can increase the risk of damage to the cake.

Assemble and Secure the Cake:

If you are transporting the cake in separate tiers, wrap each tier securely in plastic wrap and place them in individual cake boxes. For added stability, you can freeze the tiers before transport. If you are transporting the cake fully assembled, use cake dowels and a central wooden dowel to provide support and stability. Place the assembled cake on a sturdy cake board and box it securely.

Drive with Caution:

Drive slowly and carefully to avoid any sudden movements or sharp turns that could cause the cake to shift or topple. If possible, have someone else drive while you monitor the cake in the backseat. Avoid sudden stops or acceleration, and take smooth, gentle turns.

Final Touches:

Once you arrive at the venue, carefully unload the cake and check for any damage. If there are any minor issues, you can use extra frosting or decorations to touch up the cake. If you transported the cake in separate tiers, assemble and decorate it at the venue. Use fresh flowers or other decorations to add the final touches to your homemade wedding cake.

Making a backup plan

Making a wedding cake is a challenging but rewarding task. Here are some tips to ensure you have a backup plan in place in case anything goes wrong:

• Practice and test your recipes: Practice baking and decorating your wedding cake beforehand to ensure you are confident and comfortable with the process. Test your recipes and adjust as needed to perfect the flavours and textures. This will also help you identify any potential issues and allow you to fine-tune your techniques.
• Have a backup design: Opt for a simple and rustic design that can be easily adapted if things don't go according to plan. A naked cake or a semi-naked cake, for example, can be a great option as they are more forgiving and can be dressed up with flowers or berries.
• Prepare ingredients and materials in advance: Measure and store your dry ingredients and sugars in separate containers, clearly labelled with the flavour and tier they are intended for. This will save you time and reduce the risk of errors on the day of baking.
• Create a timeline and plan: Break down the cake-making process into smaller tasks and assign specific dates and times for each. This will help you stay organised and ensure you don't miss any important steps.
• Have a backup transportation plan: Plan how you will transport the cake to the venue, and have a backup plan in case of any last-minute changes or issues. It is also a good idea to bring someone with you for moral support and an extra pair of eyes to ensure the cake is securely transported.
• Be prepared for last-minute issues: Anticipate potential problems and have solutions ready. For example, if your sugar flowers break, have fresh flowers or other cake decorations on hand. If a cake doesn't turn out as expected, have extra cake layers or a backup recipe you can quickly prepare.
• Ask for help: Don't be afraid to enlist the help of friends or family members who are skilled bakers or have a good aesthetic eye. They can assist with baking, decorating, or simply providing moral support and an extra set of hands on the day of the wedding.
• Have a backup cake: In case of a major disaster, it is a good idea to have a backup plan, such as knowing which grocery stores sell plain white cakes or having a cupcake shop on speed dial. You can also prepare some simple treats like fairy buns or opt for a simple supermarket cake that you can decorate yourself.

Frequently asked questions