Simple Syrup For Wedding Cakes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Simple syrup is a mixture of sugar and water that is heated until the sugar dissolves. It is used to add moisture to cakes and can be flavoured with vanilla, lemon, lime, orange, coffee, peppermint, chocolate, ginger, caramel, honey, or fruit. The basic recipe involves combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heating the mixture until it reaches a low boil, and then allowing it to cool before using or storing. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. For a thicker consistency, the ratio of sugar to water can be adjusted to 2:1. Simple syrup is an easy and versatile way to add moisture and flavour to wedding cakes and other desserts.

Simple syrup recipe

Simple syrup is a mixture of equal parts sugar and water that is heated until the sugar dissolves. It is used to add moisture to cakes and can also be used to add flavour.

Ingredients:

To make simple syrup, you will need the following ingredients:

• Granulated sugar
• Water

Optional Ingredients:

If you want to add flavour to your simple syrup, you can use the following ingredients:

• Fresh herbs (e.g. rosemary, mint, lavender)
• Fruit (e.g. lemon, lime, orange)
• Spices (e.g. cinnamon, star anise, cloves)
• Alcohol (e.g. rum, liqueur)
• Honey
• Cocoa powder
• Vanilla extract

Equipment:

To make simple syrup, you will need the following equipment:

• A saucepan
• A wooden spoon
• An airtight container or bottle for storage

Method:

• Add equal parts granulated sugar and water to a saucepan. The amount of each ingredient will depend on how much simple syrup you want to make. For example, you could use 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water.
• Place the saucepan over medium to medium-high heat on your stovetop.
• Stir the mixture frequently as it heats up. You can use a wooden spoon for this.
• Bring the mixture to a boil or a rolling simmer.
• Continue stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. This should only take a few minutes.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat.
• Allow the simple syrup to cool completely before using or storing.
• Store the simple syrup in an airtight container or bottle in the refrigerator. It will last for up to one month.

Tips:

• Don't boil the mixture for too long, as this will cause the water to evaporate and throw off the balance of the syrup.
• You can make a thicker simple syrup by using a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water. This is ideal for glazing fruits and cakes.
• You can experiment with different types of sugar, such as light or brown sugar, to create unique flavours.
• To add flavour to your simple syrup, simply add your desired ingredients to the saucepan at the beginning of the recipe. Allow the mixture to steep for at least 15 minutes and up to 30 minutes after removing it from the heat. Then, strain and store as directed.

How to apply to a wedding cake

Simple syrup is a great way to add moisture to a wedding cake and enhance its flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply simple syrup to a wedding cake:

Step 1: Prepare the Simple Syrup

Firstly, prepare your simple syrup. Combine equal parts granulated sugar and water in a saucepan and heat over medium to medium-high heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar has dissolved, and then bring it to a low boil. You can also add a teaspoon of an extract of your choice, such as vanilla, for additional flavour. Allow the syrup to cool before using.

Step 2: Split the Cake into Layers

Once your syrup is ready, it's time to start assembling your wedding cake. Using a sharp knife or cake leveller, carefully split the cake into even layers. The number of layers will depend on the height and design of your cake. Most cakes have around three to four layers.

Step 3: Apply the Simple Syrup

Now it's time to apply the simple syrup to your cake layers. You can do this in several ways:

• Brush the Syrup: Use a pastry brush to gently brush the syrup onto each layer of the cake. This method allows for more control and precision.
• Spray the Syrup: Alternatively, you can put the syrup in a small spray bottle and lightly spray each layer of the cake. This method is quicker but may result in a more uneven application.
• Squeeze Bottle: Another option is to use a squeeze bottle, similar to those used in cookie decorating. Fill the bottle with the simple syrup and gently squeeze it onto the cake layers.

Step 4: Fill and Stack the Cake

After applying the simple syrup, it's time to fill and stack your wedding cake. Add a layer of your chosen filling, such as buttercream, jam, or custard, on top of the syrupy cake layer. Repeat this process until all your cake layers are stacked.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once your wedding cake is stacked, it's time for the final touches. You can decorate the cake with fondant, icing, fresh flowers, or any other decorations of your choice. If you're using fondant, the simple syrup can help it adhere to the cake's surface.

Remember, when applying the simple syrup, use just enough to lightly moisten the surface of the cake. You don't want the cake to become soggy, so always allow the syrup to soak in before adding the next layer. The amount of syrup you use will depend on the size and density of your cake, but a good rule of thumb is to use between one to three tablespoons per layer.

Storing simple syrup

Simple syrup will generally keep in the refrigerator for about a month. However, if you have made a flavoured syrup with fresh ingredients, such as fruit, it will not keep as long and should be used within one to two weeks.

It is best to only make an amount of simple syrup that you will use within a reasonable amount of time, such as within a month. This will ensure that you always have fresh syrup on hand without having to constantly make new batches.

When storing, it is also important to use a clean container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent contamination and to extend the shelf life of the syrup.

Additionally, while simple syrup can be left at room temperature for a day or two, it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator, especially if you have a larger amount that will not be used up quickly.

Flavouring simple syrup

Simple syrup is a great way to add flavour to wedding cakes and keep them moist. You can make simple syrup with just sugar and water, but there are endless ways to flavour it.

Firstly, you can switch up the type of sugar you use. Instead of plain granulated sugar, you could use honey, light or dark brown sugar, demerara sugar, molasses, maple syrup, maple sugar, raw sugar, or coconut sugar.

Secondly, you can infuse the syrup with ingredients like tea bags, peels or zests of citrus fruits, berries, fresh flowers, fresh or dried herbs, spices, instant coffee, or extracts.

• Rose simple syrup: Add ½ cup of dried rose blossoms.
• Lavender syrup: Add 3 tablespoons of dried lavender.
• Jalapeño simple syrup: Add one thinly sliced jalapeño and 1 teaspoon of lime juice.
• Raspberry simple syrup: Add 10 muddled raspberries.
• Rosemary blackberry simple syrup: Add 10 muddled blackberries, one teaspoon of lemon juice, and one large rosemary sprig.
• Chamomile simple syrup: Add two tablespoons of dried chamomile.
• Elderflower simple syrup: Add ½ cup of elderflowers along with the juice of one lemon.
• Bay leaf simple syrup: Add 2 dried bay leaves.
• Ginger and cardamom simple syrup: Add one tablespoon of ginger and six whole cardamom pods.
• Mint simple syrup: Add 12 mint leaves.
• Basil simple syrup: Add ¾ cup of fresh basil leaves.
• Cinnamon simple syrup: Add 5 cinnamon sticks.
• Pink peppercorn simple syrup: Add 3 tablespoons of pink peppercorns.
• Honey simple syrup: Combine equal parts warm water and honey.
• Cranberry simple syrup: Add muddled cranberries.
• Vanilla simple syrup: Combine 1/3 cup (67g) sugar, 5 tablespoons water, and a pinch of salt. Heat briefly, then stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
• Lemon simple syrup: Mix the juice of 1 lemon (about 50g) with 1/2 cup (99g) sugar, and heat until the sugar dissolves.
• Rum simple syrup: Combine 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons (26g) water, 1/2 cup (99g) sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup (57g) rum. Bring to a rapid boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Coffee simple syrup: Mix 2 tablespoons (28g) coffee liqueur, 1 1/2 tablespoons espresso powder, 2 tablespoons (23g) sugar, and 1/2 cup (113g) hot water.

The flavour possibilities are endless!

How much simple syrup to use

Simple syrup is a great way to add moisture to a wedding cake, especially if it's a fruitcake, which tends to be on the drier side. It can also add a bit of sweetness.

The amount of simple syrup you use depends on the size of the cake. You don't want to soak the cake and make it soggy, but most cakes can handle a generous sprinkling of syrup. As a rough guide, a few tablespoons should be enough. You can use a sprinkle bottle or a pastry brush to apply the syrup to the cake.

If you're making a multi-tiered wedding cake, you'll need to make a larger batch of simple syrup. The trick to making simple syrup is always to use a 1:1 liquid-to-sugar ratio. So, for every cup of water, you use one cup of sugar. You can make as little as half a cup of each or increase the quantity as needed.

Frequently asked questions