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

Wedding cakes are a fun way to express your personality and style. A square wedding cake is a modern take on the traditional round tiers, adding a fresh and sophisticated feel to your celebration. Square cakes are especially eye-catching and can be decorated in various ways to match your wedding aesthetic. From cascading florals to watercolour designs, the possibilities are endless. Making a wedding cake may seem daunting, but with careful planning and the right tools, you can create a stunning square wedding cake that will impress your guests.

Choosing the right cake pans

First, invest in good-quality cake pans. Brands like Fat Daddio or Magic Line are excellent choices as they ensure evenly baked cakes with straight edges, which are crucial for achieving sharp corners in your square cake design.

Next, consider the size of your oven, freezer, and refrigerator when selecting your pan sizes. For a four-tiered square cake, you may opt for a 14-inch, 10-inch, 6-inch, and 4-inch pan set. This combination should serve at least 150 guests. If you're making a larger cake, you can go for a 16-inch, 12-inch, 8-inch, and 6-inch set, which will serve around 200 people.

When preparing your pans, it's essential to properly wash and prep them before adding the batter. Warm water and dish soap are sufficient for cleaning. You can also find videos online that demonstrate how to prep the pans before baking.

Additionally, pay attention to the height of your cake layers. Ideally, each tier of your wedding cake should be between 4 and 6 inches high. To achieve this, your cake layers should be around 2 inches high each, and the filling or torting will add an extra inch or so.

Finally, consider using square cake cardboards under each tier for added stability. Cut these boards to be slightly smaller than your cake pans (for example, a 10" cake would use a 9.5" x 9.5" cardboard).

Remember to plan ahead, practice, and give yourself enough time to assemble and decorate your wedding cake. With the right tools and preparation, you'll be well on your way to creating a stunning square wedding cake!

Preparing the batter

For a wedding cake, you'll want to make sure you have good-quality cake pans to ensure your cakes bake evenly and have straight edges. It's also important to weigh each pan to ensure they all have the same amount of batter and bake evenly. Here are the steps to prepare the batter for a wedding cake:

• Mixing the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients, including flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, add the wet ingredients such as oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture on medium speed until smooth.
• Preparing the pans: Grease and flour the desired number and size of square cake pans. It is recommended to use pans that are 2 inches (5 cm) tall for a wedding cake.
• Filling the pans: Fill the prepared pans with the batter, making sure to fill them only about 3/4 of the way full. This will allow the cake to rise properly and prevent overflow.
• Baking the cakes: Place the filled pans in the oven and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Cooling the cakes: Once the cakes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully flip them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
• Chilling the cakes: Wrap the cooled cake layers in plastic wrap and chill them overnight in the fridge or flash freeze for one hour before applying the crumb coat.

Remember to give yourself enough time when preparing the batter and baking the cakes. Wedding cakes usually require multiple tiers, so you may need to bake several cakes. Always read through the recipe beforehand to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients and understand the steps involved.

Baking the cake

Baking a wedding cake is not as simple as some articles make it sound. Here are some tips for successfully baking a wedding cake.

First, use good-quality cake pans to ensure evenly baked cakes with straight edges. Fat Daddio and Magic Line are two good brands. If you're using box mix, try WASC, which has butter added and makes the cake denser and more like homemade.

Fill your pans about 3/4 of the way full, and weigh each pan to ensure they all have the same amount of batter so they bake evenly and end up the same height.

After baking, let the cakes cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan before flipping them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely. Then, wrap them in plastic wrap and chill overnight in the fridge or flash-freeze for one hour before applying the crumb coat.

If you're making a square wedding cake, it will be a little more difficult to frost because of the squared-off edges. Double up on the cardboard underneath each tier and use extra dowels for support.

When torting your cake layers, use a serrated knife to cut your 2" cake layer in half lengthwise. Place your first cake layer on a cardboard round, adhering it with a small dollop of buttercream. Add buttercream on top of the cake layer and smooth it with an offset spatula. Your buttercream should be about 1/4" thick.

Cover your cake layer in a thin layer of buttercream for the crumb coat, which seals in all the loose crumbs. Store the cake in the fridge to chill until firm or overnight. Apply your final layer of buttercream and store the cake tier in the refrigerator.

Stacking the tiers

• Level your cakes: Before stacking, ensure that your cake tiers are level. Any unevenness will make stacking more challenging and can affect the stability of the final product.
• Chill your cakes: It is recommended to chill your cakes before stacking. Chilled cakes are easier to handle and transport, reducing the risk of cracks or crumbling.
• Use cake cardboard: Place each tier on a cake cardboard of an appropriate size. This provides a stable base for each tier and makes it easier to handle.
• Mark the tier placement: On the bottom tier, place a cake pan of the same size as the second tier on top and trace an outline. This will guide you in placing the second tier accurately.
• Insert straws or dowels: Insert thick milkshake straws or wooden dowels into the centre of each tier to provide additional support. Mark where the straws or dowels are level with the top of the cake, and then trim them to the proper height.
• Stacking technique: When stacking, carefully lift the edge of the tier with an offset spatula to get your hands underneath. Gently lift and place the tier on top of the straws or dowels.
• Fill gaps: Once the tiers are stacked, fill any gaps between them with a line of buttercream. This will give your cake a smooth and seamless appearance.
• Optional central dowel: For added stability, especially for taller cakes, consider inserting a sharpened wooden dowel through the centre of all the tiers. Trim off any excess, and hide the hole on top with buttercream.
• Practice: Stacking a wedding cake can be tricky, so it is recommended to practice stacking before the final assembly. This will help you perfect your technique and identify any potential issues.
• Timing: Stack your cake at least an hour before delivery to allow time for any necessary adjustments and final decorations.

By following these steps and allowing yourself ample time, you can successfully stack the tiers of your wedding cake. Remember to handle the cake tiers with care and always ensure they are adequately supported.

Transporting the cake

Transporting a wedding cake can be a stressful experience, but with careful planning and preparation, it can be done successfully. Here are some detailed tips to ensure your cake arrives safely and securely.

Check with the Baker

If you are transporting a cake made by a professional baker, get their transportation recommendations first. Find out the measurements and weight of the cake to ensure your vehicle has enough room and plan for fridge space if needed. Ask about refrigeration requirements—buttercream cakes, for instance, can get too soft or melt if left at room temperature or in warm conditions for too long.

Use a Cake Drum and Sturdy Box

The easiest way to transport a wedding cake is to use a cake drum and a sturdy cardboard box. A cake drum is a heavy-duty cake board, typically at least 1/2 inch thick, that provides a sturdy base. The cake should be tiered on a cake drum that fits perfectly inside a cardboard box. Secure the cake drum inside the box with packing tape to prevent it from sliding around during transport.

Prepare the Vehicle

Reserve a flat, stable, and secure place in your vehicle for the cake, preferably on the floor of the car to avoid tilting or sliding. Avoid placing the cake on someone's lap or a car seat. If the floor of your car is smooth, place a non-stick liner or a textured yoga mat underneath the box to prevent sliding. Soft items can be wedged around the box, but be careful not to press the box sides inward, as this could damage the cake's icing and decorations.

Keep the Vehicle Cool

Even if the cake does not require refrigeration, it is important to keep your car cool during the drive, especially on hot days. Keep the air conditioner on and avoid direct sunlight. For long trips or warm conditions, consider picking up the cake the day before the wedding and freezing it, allowing it to slowly thaw overnight. Alternatively, create a makeshift cooler with a cardboard box and dry ice.

Drive Carefully

Send at least two people to transport the cake. Drive slowly and carefully, taking turns slowly and stopping if necessary. Be mindful of speed bumps and sharp turns. If possible, have one person sit next to the cake to hold on to it during the drive.

Save the Cake Stand for the Venue

It is recommended to place the cake on a cake stand at the venue rather than before transport, unless you are very experienced. The risk of damage during transport is unnecessary, and the cake board is not a notable feature for guests. You can arrange to have the cake stand ready at the cake table, so you only need to worry about transporting the cake itself.

Pass On Information

If someone else is picking up the cake, be sure to pass on all relevant information, including these transportation tips. It is also a good idea to bring a cake "repair kit" with extra frosting, icing spatulas, and other decorating tools for any last-minute touch-ups.

Frequently asked questions