Creating A Multi-Tiered Wedding Cake With Hundreds And Thousands

A wedding cake is a centrepiece for any nuptial celebration, and a cake adorned with hundreds and thousands is a fun, colourful, and whimsical choice. This type of cake is well-suited to a wedding setting, with its rainbow sprinkles and layers of vanilla sponge. The cake can be made more elegant with the addition of buttercream frosting and can be adapted to serve a large number of guests by adding more tiers.

Choosing a design and flavour for your cake

The design and flavour of your wedding cake are crucial aspects of the cake-making process. Here are some tips to help you choose:

• Consider the overall wedding theme and colours: Your cake can be a beautiful focal point that ties your wedding theme and colours together. If you're having a rustic wedding, for instance, you might opt for a semi-naked cake with buttercream frosting and fresh flowers. If your wedding has a modern theme, a sleek fondant cake with geometric designs might be more suitable.
• Think about your personal style: Your wedding cake should reflect your and your partner's personalities and tastes. If you have a sweet tooth, you might want to incorporate your favourite candies or chocolates into the design. Alternatively, if you prefer a more understated approach, a simple, elegant cake with minimal decorations could be the perfect choice.
• Decide on the cake's flavour: While vanilla and chocolate are classic options, don't be afraid to get creative. Consider your favourite flavours and think about what would delight your guests. Perhaps you want a light and fruity cake, a rich and indulgent chocolate creation, or maybe even a unique flavour like pistachio or rosewater. You could even have a multi-tiered cake with different flavours for each tier!
• Explore different icing options: The type of icing you choose will impact both the taste and appearance of your cake. Buttercream frosting is a popular choice, as it's versatile and can be flavoured and coloured. Fondant provides a smooth finish and is ideal for creating intricate designs. Alternatively, a cream cheese frosting adds a tangy twist, while a chocolate ganache is perfect for a rich and decadent cake.
• Discuss customisation with your baker: Your baker can guide you in selecting a design and flavour that aligns with your vision. They can offer suggestions based on their expertise and help you create a cake that's both delicious and visually appealing. Chat with your baker about your preferences, budget, flavour choices, and any dietary needs.
• Consider the number of guests: Ensure you have enough cake to serve all your guests. Traditionally, wedding cakes are tiered, with each tier serving a specific number of guests. A good rule of thumb is to plan for at least one slice per guest, but you may need more if you anticipate cake enthusiasts in attendance!

Calculating the amount of cake needed for your number of guests

Planning a wedding can be a tricky task, especially when it comes to figuring out how much cake you need for your guests. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you calculate the amount of cake required for your big day:

Number of Guests

Firstly, you need to determine the number of guests you expect to attend your wedding. This is the starting point for calculating the cake size. If you're inviting 100 guests, you'll need enough cake to serve each guest.

Type of Cake

The type of cake you choose will impact the serving size. For example, if you opt for a sweet cake with lots of custard, you may want to consider smaller serving sizes. In contrast, a light fruit cake might warrant larger portions.

Cake Height

The height of your cake will also affect serving sizes. A flat cake, such as a tart or a brownie, will likely have larger servings than a tall, 4-inch high wedding cake.

Serving Size

The standard slice of wedding cake is typically 4 inches high, 2 inches long, and 1 inch wide. However, you can adjust the serving size based on your preferences and the number of desserts you plan to offer. If you want the cake to be more of a teaser, served alongside other desserts, you might opt for smaller slices. On the other hand, if it's the only dessert, you may want to provide larger slices.

Number of Cakes

Consider whether you'll be serving one cake or multiple cakes. The traditional approach is to have a bride's cake and a groom's cake, with one slice of the bride's cake and a half-slice of the groom's cake per guest. However, you can also have a single cake or multiple cakes to suit your preferences and theme.

Other Desserts

If you plan to have a full dessert table or serve a plated dessert, you'll need less cake. In this case, you can order about 50% cake and supplement with additional desserts.

Self-Serve vs. Plated

The way you serve the cake also makes a difference. If you have a self-serve cake station, you can get away with ordering less cake than if you serve cake with dinner, where you'll need a slice for each guest.

Cake Tiers

If you're opting for a tiered cake, calculating the amount of cake is straightforward. Simply find out the number of servings for each tier and total them up.

Budget

Your budget will also play a role in determining the amount of cake you need. Wedding cakes are typically priced by the slice, with prices ranging from $3 to $20 per slice or more, depending on the design and ingredients. If you have a tight budget, consider providing smaller slices or opting for a smaller cake and supplementing with sheet cakes.

Guest Preferences

Keep in mind that not all guests may want a slice of cake. Some may decline, especially if there are other dessert options. Therefore, you can usually order enough cake for 77% to 85% of your guests.

Saving the Top Tier

Many couples choose to save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first wedding anniversary. If you plan to do this, ensure you have enough cake for your guests, and consider saving just a couple of slices instead of an entire tier.

Online Calculators

Finally, there are many online calculators available to help you determine the right cake size. Simply input the number of guests, cake shape, and desired slice size, and these calculators will suggest the appropriate cake size or number of tiers needed.

In summary, calculating the amount of cake needed for your wedding depends on various factors, including the number of guests, the type and size of cake, serving size, and your budget. By considering these factors and consulting with a professional baker, you can ensure you have enough cake to satisfy your guests without breaking the bank.

Preparing the cake mix and colouring

Preheat your oven to 180C (160C fan forced). Grease and line the base of three 20cm round sandwich pans with baking paper. For this recipe, you will need two 600g packets of vanilla cake mix, which you will need to prepare with eggs, oil, and water as per the packet instructions.

Divide the mixture between three bowls. Now, it's time to add the colouring. Using gel food colouring in red, green, blue, orange, purple, and yellow, tint each bowl a different colour with a few drops of gel colour. You can also add flavouring to each layer with essences to create a range of flavours.

Once you have your coloured mixtures, spoon the first three colours into the prepared pans and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Use scales to ensure the cakes are the same size. Cool the cakes for 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat the process with the remaining mixture, ingredients, and colours.

Making the frosting

To make the frosting, you will need 375g of butter at room temperature and 5 cups of icing sugar mixture, sifted. Beat the butter in a bowl using an electric mixer or a large bowl with handheld beaters for 10 minutes, or until it is very light and creamy in colour. Next, beat in half of the icing sugar. Then, add milk and beat for another 3 minutes. Finally, beat in the remaining icing sugar and frosting sachets.

Making the frosting and assembling the cake

Now that you have your colourful cakes, it's time to make the frosting and assemble this beautiful creation. Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Making the Buttercream Frosting

• Take your room-temperature butter and beat it in a bowl using an electric mixer or a handheld beater. Beat it for about 10 minutes until it becomes light and creamy in colour.
• Next, add in half of the icing sugar and beat it well.
• Then, add in milk and beat the mixture for another 3 minutes.
• Finally, add the remaining icing sugar and beat until you have a rich, creamy, and smooth frosting.

Step 2: Stacking and Frosting the Cake

• Once your cakes are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level the surface of each cake, ensuring they are all the same height.
• Place the first cake layer onto your serving plate or cake stand.
• Spread about 1/2 cup of frosting onto the cake layer, taking it just over the edge.
• Repeat this process with the remaining cake layers, stacking them on top of each other.

Step 3: Chilling and Final Frosting

• After all the layers are stacked, chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to allow the buttercream to firm up.
• Once chilled, spread the remaining buttercream over the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out evenly.

Your cake is now ready to be decorated with hundreds and thousands!

Step 4: Decorating with Hundreds and Thousands

• Place your cake on a stand or plate, and then place that into a large bowl. This will catch any stray sprinkles.
• Generously sprinkle the hundreds and thousands over the top and sides of the cake, gently pressing them into the buttercream to ensure they adhere.
• You can use a spoon or spatula to neaten up any missed areas or bare spots.

Your stunning Hundreds and Thousands Wedding Cake is now ready to be served and enjoyed!

Transporting and serving the cake

Once you've made your hundreds and thousands wedding cake, it's important to take extra care when transporting it to the venue. Here are some detailed steps to ensure your cake arrives safely and is served perfectly:

• Stability First: Before transporting the cake, ensure it is stable and secure. Insert three or four bamboo skewers into the cake to provide extra support. This will help prevent any accidental collapses or shifts during transportation.
• Safe Transport: Place the cake in a sturdy box or container that is slightly larger than the cake itself. Line the box with a non-slip material such as rubber or silicone baking mats, or even a silicone placemat. This will help keep the cake from sliding around during transport.
• Slow and Steady: When moving the cake, always carry it slowly and carefully. Avoid sudden movements or sharp turns. If possible, transport the cake in a vehicle with a flat, level surface, and place it on the floor of the vehicle rather than a seat to minimise movement.
• Chilling: If you need to transport the cake a long distance or it's a particularly hot day, consider chilling the cake before transport. This will help the icing and hundreds and thousands set, reducing the risk of smudging or melting.
• Final Touches: Once you arrive at the venue, carefully remove the cake from the box and place it on a stable surface. If you inserted skewers, gently remove them now. Check the cake for any smudges or imperfections, and use this time to make any final touch-ups.
• Serving: When it's time to serve the cake, cut a wedge out of all the layers. Then, divide each wedge into two or three portions, depending on the desired slice size. This cutting method ensures each guest gets a piece of cake with all the colourful layers.
• Storage: If there is cake left over, make sure to store it properly. Cover the cake or place it in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. Leftover wedding cake can be enjoyed for several days after the celebration!

By following these steps, you'll be able to transport and serve your hundreds and thousands wedding cake with ease, ensuring it looks and tastes perfect for the happy couple's big day.

Frequently asked questions