Creating A Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide, Part 2

Making your own wedding cake can be a challenging but rewarding task. Here are some tips to help you create a beautiful and delicious wedding cake.

Planning and Practice

Before you start baking, it's important to have a clear plan and a tested recipe. Choose a design and flavour that you're confident with and practice making it in advance. This will help you refine your technique and identify any potential issues. It's also a good idea to make a test cake and keep careful notes to ensure your final cake turns out perfectly.

Tools and Ingredients

Assemble all the tools and ingredients you'll need, including cake pans, parchment paper, a large serrated knife, cake boards, a pastry bag, decorations, and a lazy Susan for decorating.

Transportation and Storage

Remember to plan for transportation and storage. Clear a large space in your refrigerator and arrange for safe transport to the wedding venue.

Decoration and Flavour

When it comes to decoration, simple, rustic designs are more achievable for beginners. You can add fresh flowers, cake toppers, or other decorations to enhance the look. If you're not a fan of fondant, buttercream is a delicious and acceptable alternative.

For flavour, consider a classic vanilla or explore other options like carrot cake, red velvet, lemon cake, or chocolate chip.

With careful planning, practice, and attention to detail, you can create a stunning and tasty wedding cake that will impress your guests.

Choosing a cake recipe

• Opt for a recipe specifically designed for wedding cakes: These recipes will ensure that your cake is sturdy enough and that you have the right amount of batter and icing. For a three-tier cake, you'll need to bake three cakes of different sizes (12", 9", and 6") and a generous amount of icing.
• Consider the flavour: Classic choices like vanilla are a safe bet to please a variety of guests. However, you can also experiment with other flavours like carrot cake, red velvet, lemon cake, marble cake, or chocolate chip.
• Practice the recipe in advance: It's a good idea to practice baking and decorating your chosen cake a few months before the wedding. This will help you refine your technique and identify any adjustments needed.
• Consider the size of your cake: The number of tiers and the size of each cake layer will impact the recipe you choose. For a smaller wedding, a single-tier cake may be sufficient, while larger weddings may require additional tiers or larger cake pans.
• Account for dietary restrictions: If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, look for recipes that accommodate those needs, such as vegan or gluten-free options.
• Choose a recipe that aligns with your skills: Assess your baking and decorating skills honestly. If you're a beginner, opt for simpler recipes and decorations. You can always add your own creative touches to make it unique.
• Read reviews and ask for recommendations: Look for recipes with positive reviews and feedback from other bakers. Reach out to your network or online communities for recommendations and insights on recipes they've tried and loved.
• Plan for a test batch: Before committing to a recipe, consider making a test batch to ensure it meets your expectations for taste, texture, and appearance. This will give you an opportunity to make any necessary adjustments.
• Consider the weather: If your wedding is taking place in warm weather, choose a recipe with fillings and frostings that are more stable in higher temperatures.
• Account for decorations: If you have specific decorations in mind, such as fresh flowers or fruit, ensure that your chosen recipe complements those elements.

Tools and equipment

The tools and equipment you will need to make your own wedding cake will depend on the recipe you are using and the type of cake you are making. Here is a general list of tools and equipment you may need:

• A digital food scale to measure your ingredients accurately. This is especially important for cakes, as too much flour can lead to a dry cake.
• Cake pans in the sizes required for your recipe (e.g. 6-inch, 8-inch, 9-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch).
• Cake boards and a cake drum in the corresponding sizes to your cake pans. The cake drum, which is thicker than a cake board, will provide extra stability for the bottom tier of your cake.
• A cake leveler or a serrated knife to ensure your cake layers are evenly cut and level, which is crucial for a stable cake.
• Offset metal spatulas and a straight metal spatula for assembling and decorating your cake.
• Support rods, caps, and/or wooden dowels to provide extra support when stacking your cake tiers.
• A simple syrup to brush over your cake layers to add moisture.
• Piping bags and tips in various sizes for decorating your cake.
• Fresh flowers, fruit, or other decorations of your choice.
• A cake stand or platter to display your finished cake.
• A large box or cake transport box to safely transport your cake to the venue.

It is also recommended to do a test run of your cake beforehand to ensure you are happy with the recipe and familiar with the process. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments and give you peace of mind when it comes to making the actual wedding cake.

Baking the cake layers

Prepare Your Ingredients and Equipment:

Before you start baking, gather all the ingredients and equipment needed for the recipe. Make sure you have the right quantities of ingredients and that they are at the appropriate room temperature. Additionally, prepare your cake pans by greasing them and lining them with parchment paper.

Measure Accurately:

Accurate measuring is essential for consistent results. Use a digital kitchen scale to weigh your dry ingredients, such as flour, sugar, and baking powder. This ensures consistency and helps prevent over-measuring, which can lead to a dry or dense cake.

Mix the Batter:

Follow your chosen recipe's instructions for mixing the batter. Typically, you'll want to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, then add eggs one at a time, followed by dry and wet ingredients in alternating batches. Mix until just combined to avoid over-mixing, which can affect the texture of your cake.

Bake According to Instructions:

Preheat your oven to the specified temperature and bake your cakes according to the recipe's instructions. For multiple tiers, you may need to bake each tier separately to ensure even cooking. Use a toothpick or skewer to test for doneness; the cake is ready when the toothpick comes out clean.

Cool the Cakes:

Allow your cakes to cool completely before attempting to decorate or assemble them. This step is crucial, as warm cakes are more fragile and prone to breaking. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the cakes in the refrigerator, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.

Level the Cakes:

Once your cakes are cooled, use a serrated knife or a cake leveller to create a flat surface on each cake layer. This step ensures that your tiers stack evenly and reduces the risk of a lopsided cake.

Make a Test Cake (Optional but Recommended):

If you have the time, consider making a test cake before your final bake. This allows you to practice your technique, adjust the recipe to your liking, and ensure that your cake meets your expectations. It's better to iron out any issues with a test cake than to encounter problems with your actual wedding cake.

Assembling the cake tiers

Assembling a wedding cake is a delicate task that requires careful planning and execution. Here are the steps you can follow to assemble your cake tiers like a pro:

Prepare the Cake Boards

Start by trimming your cake boards to the appropriate size. For the 6-inch and 8-inch tiers, the cake boards should be the exact size as the cakes. Cut a small hole in the centre of these boards, which will be used for the dowelling later. For the 10-inch tier, use a cake drum, which is thicker and sturdier than a cake board.

Level and Torte the Cakes

To ensure your cake tiers are stable, it's important to have flat and level cake layers. Use a cake leveler or a serrated knife to cut each cake horizontally into two layers. This will give you four layers for each tier.

Assemble Each Tier

Begin with the top tier, the 6-inch cake. Place a small amount of buttercream on the 6-inch cake board to help the cake layer stick. Brush each cake layer with simple syrup to add moisture. Pipe a dam of buttercream or frosting around the edges of the cake layer to hold the filling. Fill the dam with your chosen filling, such as strawberry cream cheese filling or lemon curd. Repeat this process for the next three layers. For the fourth layer (the topmost layer), skip the dam and filling, and coat the top with a thin layer of buttercream. Smooth the sides of the cake and add more buttercream as needed, but don't cover the entire cake if you're going for a semi-naked cake look.

Stacking and Dowelling the Cake Tiers

Once you have assembled all three tiers, it's time to stack them. Use a cake stand or a sturdy surface to place the bottom tier, the 10-inch cake, on. Carefully place the 8-inch tier on top, followed by the 6-inch tier. To ensure the stability of the cake, use dowelling or support rods. You can use wooden dowels, bubble tea straws, or a tiered construction system like Wilton's support rods and caps. Insert the dowels or rods through the centre of the cake, spacing them evenly apart.

Final Touches

After stacking the cake, you can add the final touches, such as fresh flowers or fruits. If using flowers, make sure they are non-toxic and food-safe by wrapping the stems with floral tape and placing them inside drinking straws before inserting them into the cake. For fruits, such as strawberries, you can use toothpicks to secure them in place.

Transporting the Cake

Transporting your wedding cake can be a daunting task, but with proper planning, it can be done successfully. Here are some tips to help you transport your cake safely:

• Create a "cake kit": Prepare a box that is tall enough to accommodate the height of your cake. Line the box with cling wrap or parchment paper to keep it clean.
• Transporting the cake: Place the cake box on a flat, stable surface in your vehicle. Drive slowly and avoid sharp turns or abrupt movements that could cause the cake to shift or collapse.
• Unboxing the cake: Once you arrive at the venue, carefully remove the cake from the box. Place it on a sturdy table or stand, ensuring it is level and secure.

Transporting the cake

Transporting a wedding cake is a delicate task that requires careful planning and execution. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for transporting your cake safely:

• Plan ahead: It is crucial to plan the transportation of your cake well in advance. Consider the distance between your baking location and the venue, and allow ample time for unexpected delays.
• Secure the cake: Before transporting, ensure your cake is securely assembled and stable. Use appropriate support structures, such as cake dowels or bubble tea straws, to hold the tiers together. A centre dowel can also help prevent sideways movement during transport.
• Create a custom box: Construct a customised box to fit your cake snugly. You can use a moving box and cut it to size, ensuring it is tall enough to accommodate the cake's height. Cut a flap on one side of the box for easy access and secure it with tape for safe transport.
• Transport conditions: Maintain a cool temperature during transport. If possible, transport the cake in an air-conditioned vehicle. Place the box with the cake on a flat surface, such as the floor of the passenger seat or the boot, to minimise vibrations and reduce the risk of damage.
• Drive smoothly: Drive cautiously and avoid sudden stops or sharp turns. Accelerate and decelerate gently to minimise the impact of movement on the cake.
• Assemble at the venue: If possible, transport the cake in separate tiers and assemble it at the venue. This reduces the risk of damage during transport and allows for easier handling.
• Seek assistance: Enlist the help of a friend or family member to assist with transporting the cake. They can help navigate, ensure a smooth ride, and monitor the cake's stability during the journey.
• Venue coordination: Communicate with the venue staff about your arrival time and cake storage requirements. Ensure they have a suitable space, such as a refrigerator or cool room, to store the cake until it is needed.
• Practice: If you are nervous about transporting the cake, consider doing a trial run. Practice assembling and transporting a test cake to familiarise yourself with the process and identify any potential challenges.
• Insurance: Consider taking out insurance for your cake, especially if it is an expensive or intricate design. This will provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of any mishaps during transport or at the venue.
• Enjoy the process: Remember to enjoy the experience of creating and transporting your wedding cake. It is a unique and memorable endeavour, and your hard work will be appreciated by the wedding guests.

Frequently asked questions