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

Wedding cake stencils are a great way to add a personalized and intricate design to your cake. You can buy them from various online stores, such as Etsy and Amazon, or you can make them yourself at home. Making your own stencils is a simple and low-maintenance way to decorate a cake. All you need is parchment paper, scissors, and powdered sugar. First, use your cake pan to trace and cut out a circle on the parchment paper. Then, fold it into a pointy triangle and cut out a series of evenly spaced diamonds, or a deep sliver for a starburst shape. Once you're happy with the design, unfold the parchment paper and lay it on top of your cake. Finally, sift the powdered sugar over the stencil and slowly pull it away to reveal your design!

Choosing the right materials

When making a wedding cake stencil, it's important to choose the right materials to ensure a neat and professional finish. Here are some tips for selecting the best materials:

Parchment Paper:

Start by selecting good-quality parchment paper. This will be the base of your stencil. Choose a sheet that is slightly larger than the size of your cake, to allow for easy handling and manoeuvrability.

Scissors:

A sharp pair of scissors is essential for achieving clean cuts and precise edges. Opt for scissors designed for cutting paper, as they will provide more control and accuracy.

Powdered Sugar:

Powdered sugar, also known as confectioner's sugar, is what you'll use to decorate the cake through the stencil. It creates a delicate and intricate design. Ensure you have enough on hand, as you'll be sifting it over the stencil.

Cake:

The type of cake you use is also important. A simple, low-maintenance cake, such as an olive oil or flourless chocolate cake, works best. Allow the cake to cool to room temperature before applying the stencil. This will ensure the stencil adheres properly and prevent any melting or smudging of the design.

Additionally, consider the size and shape of your cake. Using a round cake pan as a guide, as suggested by Anna Hezel, can help create a customised stencil that fits your cake perfectly.

Tracing and cutting the stencil

To make a wedding cake stencil, you will need parchment paper, scissors, and a cake pan to trace around.

First, use your cake pan to trace a circle onto a sheet of parchment paper, then cut out the circle. Next, fold the circle in half four times, so that you have a pointy triangle. Cut out a series of evenly-spaced diamonds from the creased side of the triangle, gradually increasing the size as you move away from the centre. Alternatively, try cutting one deep sliver out of the centre fold to create a starburst shape.

Once you have cut out your chosen shape, unfold the parchment paper and trim any uneven holes.

Preparing the stencil for use

Firstly, you will need to cut your chosen material to size. Using your cake pan, trace a circle onto a sheet of parchment paper, then cut it out. Next, fold the circle in half four times, so that you are left with a pointy triangle shape.

Now, cut out a series of evenly-spaced diamonds from the creased side of the triangle. These should get gradually larger as you move away from the centre. Alternatively, you can cut out one deep sliver from the centre fold, to create a starburst shape.

Unfold the parchment paper and trim any uneven holes. Lay the stencil gently on top of your cake. If the stencil doesn't lie flat, spritz it with a little water to help it adhere to the cake.

Now you are ready to start decorating!

Applying the stencil to the cake

Now that you've made your stencil, it's time to apply it to the cake! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Ensure your cake is cooled to room temperature before you begin.
• Gently lay your stencil on top of the cake. If it's not laying flat, you can spritz it with a little water to help it adhere.
• Take your powdered sugar and sift it over the stencil. Make sure you completely cover the cut-out areas.
• Very slowly and carefully, lift the stencil away from the cake, pulling from two sides simultaneously.
• Admire your handiwork! Your cake now has a beautiful, intricate design.

A few tips: choose a stencil design that complements the shape and size of your cake. For example, if you have a round cake, a circular stencil with a pretty border could be a good choice. If your cake has multiple tiers, consider using different stencils for each tier to create a unique look. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of stencils and patterns—it's all part of the creative process!

Decorating the cake with powdered sugar

Decorating a wedding cake with powdered sugar is a simple yet elegant way to wow your guests. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving beautiful results:

Prepare the Cake

Before you begin decorating, ensure that your cake is completely cooled. Chilling the cake in the fridge for about 15 minutes is a good idea to avoid the sugar melting into the cake's surface. A dark-colored cake with a relatively smooth surface is ideal for stencilling.

Create Your Stencils

You can make your own stencils using parchment paper or buy ready-made stencils online. If using parchment paper, cut out your desired shapes or patterns with scissors. You can create intricate patterns by folding the paper several times before cutting, similar to making paper snowflakes. For a simple design, cut long strips of paper to create a striped effect.

Apply the Stencil

Place your stencil(s) on top of the cake, covering the areas where you do not want powdered sugar to appear. If using strips of paper, lay them across the entire width of the cake for the first layer.

Dust with Powdered Sugar

Using a sifter or a powdered sugar shaker, liberally dust the entire cake with powdered sugar, including the areas covered by the stencil. Ensure the cake is entirely coated for the best results.

Remove the Stencil

Carefully lift the stencil from the cake, being cautious not to spill the sugar that has collected on it. Remove the stencil only when you are no longer holding it above the cake to avoid accidental spills.

Experiment with Additional Designs

Once you've mastered the basic technique, feel free to experiment! You can use multiple layers of stencils to create more intricate patterns. Try adding cocoa powder for shading or piping some classic buttercream frosting around the edges for a more finished look.

Tips for Success

Always use a cooled cake to ensure the powdered sugar doesn't melt. Before applying the sugar, sift it to remove any clumps for a smoother finish. When dusting the cake, hold the sifter or shaker at least 6 inches above the cake to allow the sugar to fall naturally and create a light, even coating.

With these tips, you'll be able to create stunning wedding cake designs using powdered sugar and stencils!

Frequently asked questions