Elevating Wedding Cakes: Secrets To A Taller Treat

There are several ways to make a wedding cake look taller without increasing the number of servings. One way is to use taller cake pans, resulting in thicker cake layers. Another option is to add more layers of cake or frosting, creating a taller tier. Additionally, you can use cake dummies, which are fake cake layers made of Styrofoam, to add height to the cake. Using a taller cake stand or a graduated triple cake base can also make the cake appear bigger. Finally, you can opt for a multi-tiered cake, with separators or dummy layers, to create a larger and more impressive presentation.

Use a taller cake pan

Using a taller cake pan is a simple yet effective way to make your wedding cake look taller. Standard cake pans are typically two inches tall, resulting in cakes with a similar height. However, by opting for taller cake pans, you can easily add an extra inch or more to your cake's height without any extra effort.

Taller cake pans, such as those with a three-inch height, can accommodate more batter and produce cakes with greater volume. This extra height can make your cake appear more impressive and elegant, perfect for a wedding cake that aims to wow your guests. It's a simple trick that can elevate the look of your cake without requiring complex decorating techniques or additional tiers.

When using a taller cake pan, it's important to ensure that your batter amount is sufficient. You may need to scale up your recipe to fill the taller pan adequately. Additionally, consider using reinforced parchment paper or cake strips to prevent overflow and ensure even baking. This is especially important if you're creating a large cake, as you want to maintain a consistent texture and colour throughout.

Another benefit of taller cake pans is the ability to create a layer cake without the need for dividing your batter between multiple pans. Simply bake your cake in a taller pan and then slice it horizontally into two or more layers. This not only saves you time but also ensures that your layers are evenly sized, creating a neat and polished look for your wedding cake.

When using taller cake pans, it's crucial to monitor your baking time and temperature. Cakes baked in deeper pans may require a longer baking time to ensure that the centre is cooked through. Adjustments may be needed to prevent overbaking or drying out the cake. Additionally, consider using a heating core to ensure even baking throughout the taller cake.

Add an extra layer of cake

Adding an extra layer of cake is a great way to make your wedding cake look taller and more elegant. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:

Baking the Cake

First, decide on the diameter of your cake. Common sizes include 6-inch, 8-inch, or 9-inch cakes. Keep in mind that wider cakes will require more layers to look tall. For a 6-inch cake, you can get away with fewer layers, while an 8-inch or 9-inch cake may need 4 to 6 layers to achieve the desired height.

Next, prepare your cake batter. You will need to adjust the amount of batter depending on how many layers you want. Each layer should be between 1.5 and 2 inches thick. So, for a 6-inch cake with three layers, you will need to bake three layers that are each about 2 inches thick. For an 8-inch cake with four layers, you will need to bake four layers, and so on.

Assembling the Cake

Once your cake layers are baked and cooled, it's time to assemble your tall wedding cake! Here are the steps:

• Level your cake layers: Use a cake leveller or a serrated knife to ensure that each layer is even and flat. This will prevent any accidents and make your cake more stable.
• Prepare your cake base: Use a cake board that is a few inches larger than your cake layers. Cover it with foil or another covering of your choice. You can use a turntable to make this process easier.
• Attach the first cake layer: Add some melted white candy melts to the centre of the cake board to help secure the first layer. You can also use buttercream for this step, but candy melts tend to hold better.
• Stack and fill the layers: Place your first cake layer on the board and add buttercream or your chosen filling. Repeat this process until you reach the desired height for the bottom tier. Remember to use a cake board between each tier to provide support.
• Add support dowels: For a cake with three or more layers, you will need to add support dowels to prevent the cake from collapsing. Insert the dowels into the bottom tier, leaving the centre space empty for the centre dowel.
• Measure and insert the centre dowel: Measure the height of your cake, including the cake board, and cut your centre dowel accordingly. Sharpen one end of the dowel and push it through the cake and into the cake board. You may need to use a hammer to get it through.
• Chill the cake: Place the assembled cake in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes to let it firm up before trimming and final decoration.
• Trim the cake: Use a cake board and a buttercream smoother to check which parts of the cake need to be trimmed. Trim any areas where the cake is sticking out beyond the cake board.
• Final decoration: Add buttercream or frosting to the top and sides of the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula or buttercream smoother. You can also add decorations such as gumpaste flowers or a cake topper.

By following these steps and adding an extra layer of cake, you can create a tall and elegant wedding cake that will impress your guests! Just remember to adjust the amount of batter and baking time accordingly, and always use proper support to ensure the stability of your cake.

Use cake dummies

Cake dummies are a great way to add height to your wedding cake without increasing the number of servings. Cake dummies are essentially fake tiers made from Styrofoam or other materials that can be stacked on top of your real cake layers. This can give the illusion of a taller, more impressive cake without the need for additional baking.

• Choose the right size and shape: Cake dummies come in various sizes and shapes, so choose the ones that match the dimensions of your real cake tiers. This will ensure that your final cake looks cohesive and well-proportioned.
• Cover the dummies: You can cover the dummies with fondant, icing, or ribbon to match the rest of your cake. This will help them blend in seamlessly and give your cake a polished look.
• Use a strong support system: Since you'll be stacking both real cake tiers and dummies, it's important to use a sturdy support system, such as dowels or straws, to ensure that your cake is stable and doesn't collapse.
• Place the dummies strategically: You can place the dummies anywhere within your cake structure. For example, you can use a dummy as the bottom tier to give your cake additional height, or you can separate real cake tiers with a dummy tier to add interest and variety to your design.
• Be transparent with your client: If you're making a cake for a client, be sure to let them know that you'll be using cake dummies. This is important for managing expectations, especially if they are expecting all edible cake.

Using cake dummies can be a creative and cost-effective way to make your wedding cake look taller and more impressive. With some careful planning and execution, you can create a stunning cake that will wow your guests.

Use a tall cake stand

Using a tall cake stand is a great way to make your wedding cake look taller and more impressive. Here are some tips on how to use a tall cake stand effectively:

• Choose a cake stand that is a few inches taller than your cake layers. This will give the illusion of height and make your cake seem taller.
• Opt for a cake stand made of sturdy material such as metal or wood. It needs to be strong enough to support the weight of your cake.
• Consider the design and style of your cake stand. Choose a stand that complements the theme and colour scheme of your wedding.
• Ensure the cake stand is level and stable. You don't want your cake to be wobbly or unstable.
• When assembling your cake, use a level to ensure each layer is straight and even. This will create a neat and polished look.
• After placing your cake on the stand, add some finishing touches such as fresh flowers, greenery, or other decorations to enhance the overall presentation.

Using a tall cake stand is a simple yet effective way to make your wedding cake look taller. It adds elegance and height to your cake display, creating a stunning visual impact for your guests. Remember to choose a stand that is sturdy, level, and complements the design of your cake.

Use a graduated triple cake base

Using a graduated triple cake base is a great way to make a wedding cake look taller without adding more servings. This method creates the illusion of an additional tier. To achieve this, use a 1/2" to 3/4" foam core as your cake board and bring the icing or fondant down over it as if it were part of the cake. This will add significant height to your cake.

Another way to achieve a similar effect is to use multiple cake boards. You can separate the layers of your cake onto different stands or use spacers such as small styrofoam dummies wrapped in ribbon to match the cake's theme. This will create space between the tiers, making your cake look taller.

When using these methods, remember that you will need to charge your client accordingly, as "larger=more $$".

Frequently asked questions