Creating A Rough Finish For Your Wedding Cake

Creating a rough finish on a wedding cake is a simple way to decorate that doesn't require a lot of time or expertise. This technique, known as rustic swirls, can be achieved with any kind of frosting and colour scheme. It involves using an angled icing spatula to create swipes, C-shapes, and S-shapes in the frosting, giving the cake a textured, perfectly imperfect look. This can be done on both the sides and top of the cake, adding movement and a unique style to an otherwise simple cake.

How to crumb coat a wedding cake

Crumb coating is an essential step in creating a super smooth buttercream finish on a wedding cake. It is a thin layer of frosting applied prior to the thicker layer of "real" frosting. It helps to create a stable foundation for your final layer of frosting and prevents crumbs from getting into it.

Prep your baked cake:

Make sure your cake layers are entirely cool. Frosting a warm cake will result in a messy finish. Use a pastry brush to brush off any obvious crumbs from the top and sides of each layer. If your cake layers have a domed top, use a sharp knife to level them slightly so that you have flat, level cakes for stacking.

Frost the bottom layer:

Place the bottom layer of the cake on a serving plate. You can use parchment or waxed paper to protect the plate from getting messy. Add your chosen frosting to the middle layer of the cake. Use a metal offset spatula, nylon spreader, table knife, or similar tool to spread the frosting over the top surface, going beyond the edge a bit. Set the second layer on top of the frosted bottom layer and use a spatula to flatten any frosting that's bulging out.

Apply the crumb coat:

The crumb coat is a thin layer of frosting applied all around the sides and top of the cake. It should be no more than 1/8" thick, and it's fine for the cake itself to show through in places. Use a bowl scraper to smooth and "trim" your crumb coat if needed. The crumb coat will anchor stray crumbs and create an even, crumb-free surface for your final layer of frosting.

Chill the cake:

Place your crumb-coated cake in the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes to chill and set the frosting. This step is crucial, as it helps to glue down crumbs and creates a stable foundation for your next layer of frosting.

Finish frosting your cake:

Now you can add your final layer of frosting. Spread the frosting all over the cake and craft it into your desired look. You can use various techniques such as vertical scallops or rosettes to decorate your wedding cake.

How to create rustic swirls on a wedding cake

Creating rustic swirls on a wedding cake is a classic way to decorate without requiring a lot of time or expertise. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create rustic swirls on a wedding cake:

Step 1: Frost the Cake

Start with a chilled, crumb-coated cake on a turntable. Add a few scoops of buttercream to the top of the cake and smooth it down with an angled icing spatula until it is level. Then, add buttercream to the sides of the cake and use an icing smoother to create level sides as you turn the turntable. Fill in any gaps in the finish with more buttercream and continue smoothing until the sides are level. Don't worry about achieving a super-smooth finish; focus on making the sides straight and even.

Step 2: Create the Rustic Textures

Immediately after frosting the cake, use your angled icing spatula to create rustic textures all over the sides. Remember, you are aiming for a perfectly imperfect look, so don't overthink this step. Create a combination of quick swipes, C-shapes, and S-shapes to form rustic swirls. You can always go back and re-texture areas that you're not completely satisfied with.

Step 3: Decorate the Top

Once you are happy with the texture on the sides, continue the same techniques on the top of the cake until it is filled with rustic swirls.

Final Touches

At this point, you can leave the cake as it is or add further decorations such as birthday candles, fresh edible flowers, sprinkles, or anything else you desire! Your wedding cake will now have a delightful rustic swirl pattern, adding a unique and elegant touch to your special day.

How to decorate a wedding cake with fresh flowers

Adding fresh flowers to a wedding cake is a beautiful way to elevate its look and make it feel special. Here's a guide on how to decorate a wedding cake with fresh flowers:

Step 1: Selecting the Right Flowers

Consider your wedding theme and colour scheme when choosing flowers. Your chosen blooms should complement the overall atmosphere, and you can take inspiration from the season, the bridal bouquet, or the venue's surroundings. Decide whether you want to use edible or non-edible flowers. While edible flowers can be consumed with the cake, non-edible flowers may offer a wider range of striking options. Opt for loose-stem flowers that give you flexibility in creating your desired arrangement. Popular choices include roses, sunflowers, herbs, bay, dahlias, peonies, jasmine, and marigolds.

Step 2: Preparing the Flowers

Before decorating, ensure your flowers are clean and free of dirt or insects. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry. Trim the stems at an angle, leaving enough length to secure them to the cake. Remove any damaged petals or leaves. Wrap the stems with floral tape to keep them in place and prevent moisture from seeping into the cake. This is crucial for non-edible flowers to create a barrier. For added protection, you can also wrap the base of each stem with plastic wrap.

Step 3: Designing the Cake Decoration

Visualise the final design by considering the cake's shape, size, and any existing decorations. Sketch out a plan for flower placement to create a harmonious and balanced look. There are numerous ways to arrange flowers: you can create a cascading effect on tiered cakes, make a statement with a single large flower, or add a romantic touch with a floral crown.

Step 4: Attaching Flowers to the Cake

To secure the flowers, you can use cake skewers or toothpicks inserted into the stems. Alternatively, use buttercream or royal icing as an adhesive by applying a small amount to the back of each flower before pressing it onto the cake. This method works well for smaller blooms. Ensure the flowers are evenly distributed, and regularly step back to check the cake's balance.

Step 5: Adding the Finishing Touches

Enhance the cake with additional embellishments such as ribbons or edible pearls to accentuate the floral arrangement. Create a cohesive look for your wedding dessert table by incorporating matching flowers or scattering loose petals around the cake's base. Ensure the cake is displayed in a well-lit setting, ready for the perfect picture!

Tips and Tricks:

• It is recommended to decorate the cake with fresh flowers as close to the event as possible, preferably on the same day.
• Avoid flowers like mistletoe, poinsettia, holly, sweet pea, lily of the valley, daffodils, azaleas, calla lilies, and hydrangeas, as they are toxic.
• If possible, opt for organic flowers or those that haven't been treated with pesticides.
• If you want to add flowers to the sides of the cake or position them at specific angles, use bubble tea straws. Insert the trimmed straw into the cake at the desired angle, and then slip the flower stem into the straw.
• To avoid wrapping stems, place a cake board on top of the cake and add flowers to it. This way, you can remove the flowers easily before cutting the cake.

Happy decorating!

How to stack a wedding cake

Stacking a wedding cake is a delicate process that requires careful planning and execution. Here is a detailed guide on how to stack a wedding cake successfully:

Prepare the Cake Tiers:

Before stacking, ensure that your cake tiers are properly chilled and level. Each tier should be placed on a cake cardboard of the appropriate size, making it easier to handle and providing a stable base.

Create an Internal Structure:

To support the weight of the cake, an internal structure, or dowelling, is necessary. Think of this as creating a table inside your cake. The dowels act as table legs, bearing the weight of the tiers above. Ensure that your dowels are straight and level to prevent a wobbly cake structure.

Determine Placement:

When placing the tiers, imagine the cake as a table. The dowels should bear the weight, not the cake itself. Mark the placement of the dowels by inserting one into the centre of the tier and tracing the outline of the tier above. This will ensure that the dowels are in the correct place to support the weight.

Stacking the Tiers:

Now, carefully lift each tier, starting with the second tier, and place it onto the dowels. Use an offset spatula to help lift the tier, sliding it under the edge to get your hands underneath. Once the tier is in place, fill any gaps between the tiers with a line of buttercream to create a seamless look.

Adding a Centre Dowel:

For added stability, especially if you're creating a buttercream cake or transporting the cake, consider adding a centre dowel. Sharpen one end of a wooden dowel and push it through the top tier until it reaches the bottom cake board. Trim off any excess, and hide the hole on the top tier with buttercream.

Transporting the Cake:

If possible, transport your stacked wedding cake in a cake safe or a sturdy box. Deliver the cake in a well-chilled state, and ensure that it is transported on a flat, level surface. Avoid holding the cake on your lap, as it is challenging to keep it level, and the heat from your body can warm up the cake.

How to transport a wedding cake

Transporting a wedding cake is a delicate process that requires careful planning and execution. Here are some detailed instructions to help you successfully transport a wedding cake:

Preparing the Cake for Transport:

Firstly, select the appropriate packaging. Choose sturdy cake boxes designed for travel that can support the weight and structure of the cake. Ideally, each tier should be packed separately in boxes matching the size of each tier to prevent movement. Chill the cake thoroughly before placing it in the box, as a cold cake is firmer and less prone to damage.

Optimising Vehicle Conditions:

Select a vehicle with a spacious and flat loading area, such as an SUV or a van. Pre-cool the vehicle with air conditioning to maintain a cool environment, especially if the cake has icing that could melt. Shield the cake from direct sunlight by using sun shields or positioning it in a shaded area.

Transporting the Cake Safely:

Place the cake on a flat surface within the vehicle. If the surface isn't naturally flat, create a level base using firm materials. Position the cake in the centre of the vehicle, where movement is minimised. Avoid placing it on the car seat; instead, consider the trunk or the floor in front of the passenger seat, ensuring it's secured and stable. Drive smoothly, without sudden accelerations or brakes, to reduce the risk of damage.

Handling Long-Distance Transportation:

For long-distance travel, consider the type of cake covering. Fondant or buttercream-covered cakes are more stable and less prone to melting than those with fresh cream or mascarpone. Transporting the tiers separately and assembling them at the venue is advisable if the cake has intricate decorations or delicate structures.

Maintaining Temperature Control:

Maintain optimal temperatures during transit to prevent the cake from becoming unstable. Use insulated covers or portable refrigeration units, especially in warm climates. Monitor the internal temperature of the vehicle closely and avoid opening the windows to prevent dust and fluctuating temperatures.

Final Setup at the Venue:

When you arrive, use a wheeled cart to transport the cake from the car to the setup area, minimising handling. Check the display table for stability and ensure it's away from high-traffic areas. If the cake was transported in separate tiers, assemble it carefully, starting with the largest tier at the base and working upwards.

Troubleshooting and Final Inspection:

Check the cake for any issues such as smudges, displaced decorations, or minor cracks. Use your emergency kit to fix these problems. Finally, perform a thorough inspection to ensure the cake is stable, the decorations are secure, and it meets your standards. Take photographs from multiple angles for your records, and hand over the cake to the venue staff or event coordinator, providing any necessary instructions.

Frequently asked questions