Creating A Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making a wedding cake from scratch is a challenging but rewarding endeavour. Wedding cakes are often tiered, with two or more layers of cake stacked on top of each other. The cake layers can be made using a variety of recipes, including vanilla, red velvet, carrot, lemon, chocolate, and more. The cakes should be allowed to cool completely before they are assembled and decorated. Wedding cakes are often decorated with frosting or buttercream, and additional decorations such as flowers, berries, or fondant.

Choosing your cake flavour

Choosing a cake flavour can be a daunting task, especially when there are so many options to choose from. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect flavour for your wedding cake:

Consider your preferences and guest list

Think about the flavours you and your partner enjoy and consider the tastes of your guests. If you have a large guest list with varied tastes, you may want to opt for a classic flavour that will appeal to a wide range of people. Vanilla, chocolate, and fruit-based cakes are generally well-loved and safe choices.

Seasonality

Take into account the season in which your wedding will take place. For example, a light and fruity cake might be perfect for a summer wedding, while a rich chocolate or spice cake could be ideal for a winter celebration.

Personalisation

Make your wedding cake unique by incorporating your favourite flavours or those that have a special meaning to you as a couple. Perhaps you could include a family recipe or a flavour that represents your cultural heritage. This adds a personal touch and makes your cake even more memorable.

Cake type and filling options

The type of cake you choose will also influence the flavour. For example, a white or yellow cake provides a neutral base that can be paired with various fillings, from fruit preserves to buttercreams and ganaches. If you opt for a chocolate cake, you can experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark, milk, or white, and additional flavours like orange or mint.

Cake size and serving considerations

The size of your cake and the number of guests you need to serve will also impact your flavour choices. If you have a large guest list, you may need to choose a flavour that is widely appealing and can be easily scaled up. Alternatively, you could consider having a smaller cake in your chosen flavour and supplementing it with additional desserts or a groom's cake in a different flavour.

Cake design and decorations

Finally, think about how the flavour of your cake can complement the design and decorations. For example, a naked cake with fresh flowers and berries might suit a light and fruity flavour, while a chocolate cake could be adorned with chocolate curls, ganache, or fresh berries.

Buying the right ingredients

• Flour: Cake flour is often preferred for wedding cakes as it makes the cake light and fluffy. You can also use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour alternative.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is typically used to sweeten the cake.
• Leavening Agents: Baking powder and/or baking soda are used to help the cake rise.
• Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the overall flavour of the cake.
• Fat: Butter or shortening is used to add richness and moisture to the cake.
• Eggs: Whole eggs or just egg whites can be used. Egg whites help bind the cake and provide structure.
• Dairy: Milk, buttermilk, sour cream, or yogurt can be used, depending on the desired flavour and texture.
• Flavourings: Vanilla extract is commonly used, but you can also use other extracts like almond, lemon, or orange.
• Frosting: Buttercream frosting is a popular choice for wedding cakes, but you can also use cream cheese frosting or other types of frosting.

When buying your ingredients, it's important to consider the quality and freshness of the products. For baked goods, it's generally best to use ingredients that are at room temperature. This will help ensure that your cake turns out moist and fluffy.

Additionally, if you are making a large or tiered wedding cake, be sure to purchase enough ingredients for all the layers. It's always better to have a little extra than to run out halfway through baking!

Finally, if you plan to decorate your cake with fresh flowers or fruits, be sure to choose edible and food-safe options that have not been treated with chemicals.

Preparing your cake pans

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

First, you will need to gather all the necessary materials for preparing your cake pans. This includes:

• Cake pans in the desired size and shape (round or square)
• Parchment paper
• Non-stick spray or butter
• Scissors

Step 2: Prepare Your Parchment Paper

Using your cake pan as a guide, trace circles on the parchment paper. Cut out these circles using scissors. These parchment paper rounds will go inside your cake pans to ensure the cakes don't stick and will help create a smooth release from the pans.

Step 3: Grease Your Cake Pans

Lightly spray the bottoms and sides of each cake pan with non-stick spray or grease them with butter. This step is crucial to prevent your cake from sticking to the pan. You can use softened butter and a pastry brush to evenly coat the pan, or use non-stick spray for a quicker option.

Step 4: Line Your Cake Pans

Place the parchment paper rounds inside each greased cake pan. Grease the parchment paper rounds as well to ensure the cakes don't stick. This extra step will make removing the cakes from the pans much easier and help create a smooth surface.

Step 5: Repeat for All Cake Pans

Repeat steps 1-4 for all the cake pans you will be using. If you are making a tiered cake, you will need multiple cake pans of different sizes. For example, a typical two-tier wedding cake might require three 9-inch round cake pans and three 6-inch round cake pans.

Step 6: Final Preparation

Once all your cake pans are prepared, you can proceed with the cake batter. Follow your chosen recipe to mix the batter and pour it into the prepared cake pans. Be sure to fill the pans evenly and only fill them about halfway full to allow for rising during baking.

Remember to always prepare your cake pans before adding the batter. By taking the time to properly prepare your cake pans, you'll ensure that your wedding cake turns out beautifully and is easy to remove from the pans once baked.

Baking the cake

Ingredients

Firstly, gather all the ingredients. For a traditional white wedding cake, you'll need flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, vanilla extract, eggs, and milk. You can also add special ingredients like cake flour, lemon curd, or chocolate chips to enhance the flavour and texture.

Preparation

Before you start baking, preheat your oven to the temperature specified in your recipe, usually around 350°F. While the oven is heating up, prepare your cake pans by greasing them with butter or non-stick spray and lining them with parchment paper. This will ensure your cakes don't stick to the pans and will help them release seamlessly once they're baked.

Mixing

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients, including the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until everything is well combined and there are no lumps. Finally, stir in any additional ingredients like sour cream or milk.

Baking

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pans, making sure to divide it evenly if you're making a layered cake. Use a toothpick to check for doneness—insert it into the centre of the cake, and if it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Bake the cakes according to your recipe's instructions, which will vary depending on the size and number of layers. For example, a single 9-inch layer might take around 23-26 minutes, while a 6-inch layer might take 18-22 minutes.

Cooling and Assembly

Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling and decorating. This is crucial, as it will ensure your cake is stable and easy to work with. Once cooled, you can slice off the tops of the cakes to create a flat surface for stacking. Then, follow your chosen recipe's instructions for assembly, which may include adding a crumb coat of frosting before decorating.

Baking a wedding cake from scratch can be a fun and rewarding experience. Just remember to take your time, follow the recipe carefully, and enjoy the process of creating a delicious and beautiful cake for your special day!

Decorating the cake

Decorating a wedding cake is a fun and creative process that can be done in many ways. Here are some tips and ideas to help you decorate your wedding cake from scratch:

Planning and Preparation:

Before you begin decorating, it is important to have all the necessary tools and ingredients ready. This includes items such as cake boards, cake dowels, icing spatulas, piping bags, and any decorative elements you plan to use. It is also crucial to ensure that your cake is completely cooled before you start decorating.

Creating a Stable Base:

When assembling a tiered wedding cake, it is essential to provide adequate support to prevent the cake from collapsing. Use cake dowels in the bottom tier to provide stability and place a cake board between the tiers for added support. This will ensure that the cake remains stable and secure, especially when transporting or cutting it.

Crumb Coating:

A crumb coat is a thin layer of frosting applied to the cake before the final exterior frosting. It helps to trap any loose crumbs and creates a smooth surface for the final decoration. Refrigerate the cake after applying the crumb coat to set it.

Frosting and Texturing:

Use a large icing spatula and a bench scraper to apply the exterior frosting to your cake smoothly and evenly. For a textured look, use a small icing spatula and run it around the cake while spinning it on a cake turner. This will create beautiful ruffles that are easy to achieve and visually appealing.

Piping and Detailing:

Piping techniques can add elegance and sophistication to your wedding cake. Use a piping bag with a round tip to pipe dots or pearls of frosting between the tiers and around the bottom of the cake. You can also create roses by filling a large decorating bag fitted with a large star tip with buttercream frosting and piping loops around the cake.

Adding Fresh Flowers and Edible Decorations:

Fresh flowers, such as roses, peonies, or baby's breath, can be a beautiful and elegant addition to your wedding cake. Just be sure to use food-safe flowers that have not been treated with chemicals. You can also use fondant or gum paste to create intricate designs, such as flowers, leaves, or other decorative elements.

Final Touches:

Once you have completed the main decoration, you can add any final touches, such as a cake topper, fresh fruit, or additional piping details. Ensure that your cake is stored in a cool place, ideally in the refrigerator, until it is ready to be served.

Remember, when decorating your wedding cake, it is essential to keep it simple yet elegant. Avoid overloading the cake with too many decorations, as this can take away from its beauty. Have fun and enjoy the process of creating a stunning wedding cake!

Frequently asked questions