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

Making a wedding cake is a challenging but rewarding task. It requires careful planning and execution, but the results can be stunning and delicious. Here are the steps to make a wedding cake:

1. Planning:

Start by allowing yourself ample time to plan, gather ingredients and equipment, and practice. Decide on the type of cake you want to make, such as a simple rustic design or a more elaborate fondant-covered cake. Choose a recipe specifically designed for wedding cakes to ensure it is sturdy and yields the right amount of batter and icing. Consider the number of guests you need to serve and the number of tiers and cake size required.

2. Ingredients and Equipment:

Use a recipe with easily accessible ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and baking powder. Gather essential equipment, including various sized cake pans (e.g., 12, 9, 6), parchment paper, a large serrated knife, cake boards, dowels for support, a platter, and decorating tools like a pastry bag and tip.

3. Baking and Frosting:

Follow the recipe instructions for baking the cakes, ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature. Make the frosting separately, and consider making extra for practice and decoration.

4. Assembly and Decoration:

Frost each layer of the cake, adding fillings like curd, jam, or buttercream. Stack the tiers using dowels for support, and decorate with fresh flowers, berries, or a simple semi-naked or fully frosted look.

5. Transport and Storage:

If transporting the cake, keep the tiers separate until you reach the venue, and assemble on-site. Ensure proper refrigeration and storage before serving.

Making a wedding cake is a labour of love, and with careful planning and practice, you can create a beautiful and memorable dessert for the special day.

Choosing a flavour

Classic and Traditional Flavours:

Vanilla is a timeless and versatile choice that pairs well with various fillings and frostings. It is often a top requested flavour and can be a delicious blank canvas for creative combinations. Chocolate is another classic option that never goes out of style and can be paired with salted caramel, berries, or peanut butter for a unique twist. Red velvet cake is a rich and decadent option, commonly paired with cream cheese frosting.

Fruity and Refreshing Flavours:

Lemon cake is an excellent choice for a summer wedding, as it is light and refreshing. It can be paired with elderflower, raspberry, or blueberry fillings. Strawberry is another popular fruity option, especially when combined with champagne or watermelon for a unique spin. Passionfruit, mango, and banana are also fruity flavours that can add a tropical twist to your wedding cake.

Nutty and Indulgent Flavours:

Almond cake is a great alternative to traditional vanilla or chocolate, and it pairs well with cherry or apricot fillings. Pistachio cake, paired with caramelised pistachios or dark chocolate, is another nutty option. Hazelnut cake with buttercream and caramelised hazelnuts or pecan cake with date, apricot, and raisin are other indulgent choices.

Creative and Unique Flavours:

Some couples opt for unique flavour combinations that hold special meaning to them. This could be inspired by their favourite foods, drinks, or even a reconstruction of a dessert they shared on a special date. Unusual flavour combinations can include olive oil and rosemary, matcha, chai, earl grey tea, or even sake wine cake with black sesame paste and wasabi buttercream.

Seasonal and Themed Flavours:

Consider the season and theme of your wedding when choosing a flavour. For example, a spice cake with pumpkin cream cheese frosting is perfect for a fall wedding, while a lemon cake is ideal for a summer celebration. Tropical flavours like coconut and guava or pineapple are excellent choices for a beach or destination wedding.

Remember, you don't have to choose just one flavour. Many couples opt for multiple flavours in their wedding cake, with different flavours for each tier. Ultimately, the best wedding cake flavour is the one that you and your partner love, so don't be afraid to get creative and choose something that reflects your personalities and tastes.

Buying equipment

If you're making your own wedding cake, you'll need to invest in some equipment. Here's a list of the essential tools and equipment you'll need to create a beautiful and delicious wedding cake:

• Stand mixer: A stand mixer is highly recommended for mixing large quantities of cake batter and frosting. It will save you time and effort, and ensure a smooth and consistent mixture. If a stand mixer is out of your budget, a handheld mixer can also work, but be prepared for a workout!
• Cake pans: You'll need multiple cake pans in different sizes, typically 6", 9", and 12" pans, each about 3" tall. These can be round or square, depending on your preferred cake shape. It's best to have at least two of each size to speed up the baking process.
• Parchment paper: Parchment paper is essential for lining your cake pans. Pre-cut parchment paper rounds can save you time and hassle.
• Cake boards: Cardboard cake boards are used for storing and transporting your cake layers. Get them in various sizes to match your cake pans.
• Plastic/wooden dowels: These are crucial for providing structural support when stacking tiers. Plastic dowels are inexpensive and easy to cut to the correct height.
• Large serrated knife: A large serrated knife is useful for levelling and splitting cake layers, as well as for cutting dowels to the correct height.
• Cake turntable: A cake turntable, or a lazy Susan, makes decorating your cake much easier. It allows you to spin the cake as you work, ensuring a smooth and even finish.
• Offset spatula: An offset spatula helps you create a smooth finish when frosting your cake. It's especially useful for semi-naked and fully frosted cakes.
• Piping bags and tips: If you plan to pipe decorations or borders on your cake, you'll need piping bags and various tips in different sizes.
• Decorations: Fresh flowers, cake toppers, sprinkles, and other decorations can take your cake to the next level. Just be sure that any fresh flowers are non-toxic and safe to use on a cake.

Practising baking and decorating

Practise, Practise, Practise!

Baking and decorating a wedding cake can be a daunting task, especially if you're a beginner. The key to success is to practise, practise, practise! Start by finding a recipe specifically designed for wedding cakes, as these cakes need to be sturdy and usually require a large amount of batter and icing. You can find many recipes online, such as a simple vanilla wedding cake or a more elaborate carrot cake or red velvet cake. Once you've chosen a recipe, gather all the necessary ingredients and tools, including cake pans, parchment paper, a large serrated knife, cardboard cake boards, and a pastry bag for piping.

Test Your Recipe

Before the big day, bake a test cake to familiarise yourself with the recipe and practise your decorating skills. This will help you identify any potential issues and make adjustments accordingly. It's also a great opportunity to experiment with different flavours, fillings, and decorations. You can even involve your family and friends in the tasting process to get their feedback!

Plan Your Schedule

Baking a wedding cake can be a time-consuming process, so it's important to plan your schedule accordingly. Give yourself plenty of time to bake, assemble, and decorate the cake. If possible, bake the cake layers and make the frosting in advance, as they can be frozen or refrigerated until you're ready to assemble the cake.

Master Your Decorating Skills

Decorating a wedding cake can be challenging, but with practise, you can master some basic techniques. Simple, rustic decorations are usually more achievable for beginners. Practise piping shapes and textures on test cakes or silicone mats to improve your skills. Fresh flowers, berries, and cake toppers are also great ways to add a special touch to your cake without too much difficulty.

Transport and Storage

If you need to transport the cake to the wedding venue, plan this carefully. Transport the cake in separate layers and assemble it at the venue to avoid any accidents. Ensure you have a large enough space in the refrigerator to store the cake, and arrange any necessary transport and refrigeration details with the venue manager or caterer.

Assembling the cake

Now that you've baked your cakes, it's time to assemble them into a beautiful wedding cake. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Prepare the Cakes

Before you begin assembling, make sure your cakes are completely cooled. If you've frozen your cakes, be sure to thaw them beforehand. Using a large serrated knife, slice a thin layer off the tops of the cakes to create a flat surface. This step is called "levelling" the cakes and ensures that they stack evenly.

Step 2: Create a Crumb Coat

A crumb coat is a thin layer of frosting applied to the cake before the final exterior frosting. It helps to seal in crumbs and create a smooth base for decoration. Place your first cake layer on a cake board, using a dab of frosting to attach it. Spread an even layer of frosting between each layer, bringing the frosting all the way to the edge. Apply a thin coat of frosting to the outside of the cake, using an offset spatula or bench scraper to smooth it out. Refrigerate the cake to allow the crumb coat to set.

Step 3: Insert Dowels for Support

Plastic dowels are essential for providing structural support to your tiered cake. Once your bottom tier is frosted to your liking, hold a plastic dowel upright in the centre of the cake to measure its height. Cut the dowels to the correct size using a serrated knife or strong scissors. Place a cake board or pan on top of the frosted cake, pressing down slightly to create an indent that will guide your dowel placement. Space the dowels about 2 inches apart within the circle you've created, pressing them flush into the cake.

Step 4: Stack the Tiers

Using an offset spatula for balance, carefully place the second tier on top of the dowels. Ensure that the cake is centred and secure before proceeding.

Step 5: Final Decorations

Now for the fun part—decorating your cake! Fresh flowers, berries, and a cake topper can add a professional touch to your cake. For a semi-naked cake, simply add a thin layer of frosting between the layers and a crumb coat on the outside. For a fully frosted cake, apply a thicker layer of frosting to the exterior. You can also add drips, sprinkles, or fondant flowers for extra flair.

Step 6: Transport and Storage

If you need to transport your cake, it's best to do so before adding the final decorations. Bring extra frosting to touch up any smudges or imperfections. Keep the cake refrigerated until it's time to serve. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Transporting the cake

Transporting a wedding cake can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with careful preparation, it can be done successfully. Here are some detailed tips for transporting the cake:

Vehicle Preparation:

First, ensure that you have the right vehicle for transporting the cake. It should be a stable and secure space, preferably with a flat back or a large floorboard, such as an SUV. Clean and tidy the vehicle, removing any items that might obstruct the cake or cause odours. If the floor of your car has a smooth surface, consider placing a non-stick liner or a textured yoga mat to prevent the cake box from sliding.

Timing and Speed:

Plan your route to the venue and allow ample time for transportation. Aim to deliver the cake at least two hours before the event starts to account for any unexpected delays or traffic. Drive slowly and carefully, taking it easy on turns and breaks. Avoid making any unnecessary stops along the way, especially on hot days, to maintain a cool temperature for the cake.

Packing the Cake:

Use a sturdy cake box or a DIY tall-cake delivery box. The box should be slightly taller than the cake and wide enough to accommodate it comfortably. Line the inner base of the box with a non-slip material. Optionally, you can line the inside walls with a heat-resistant material, such as foam sheets, for added insulation. Place the cake inside the box and secure it with tape. If you're transporting a tiered cake, ensure that it is securely stacked and consider using a central dowel system for added stability.

In-Transit Care:

Keep the vehicle cool during the drive. Use air conditioning and avoid direct sunlight. If the cake needs to be refrigerated, consider using a makeshift cooler with dry ice or freezing the cake beforehand and letting it slowly thaw. Have someone accompany you to assist with the cake, especially during turns and breaks.

Venue Arrival:

When you arrive at the venue, conduct a brief preliminary scout. Locate the event manager or coordinating staff and introduce yourself. Confirm the cake's placement and get assistance with unloading the cake and any remaining equipment. Remember to take photos of the cake setup and provide the event manager with relevant instructions and a handover sheet.

By following these detailed instructions, you can ensure that your wedding cake arrives safely and securely, ready to be enjoyed by the happy couple and their guests.

Frequently asked questions