Adding Lace To Your Wedding Cake: A Step-By-Step Guide

There are many ways to add lace to a wedding cake, from intricate piping to edible lace mats and doilies. If you're a beginner, you can try an easy hack by placing a doily on your cake and sprinkling it with powdered sugar. When you remove the doily, the sugar will leave a lace-like design on the cake. If you're looking for something more advanced, you can try making your own edible sugar lace using a recipe with ingredients like tylose powder, corn syrup, and vanilla. You can also buy pre-made edible lace mixes or paste. Once you've created or purchased your lace, you can attach it to your cake using a little water, edible glue, or piping gel.

How to make lace stick to a wedding cake

To make lace stick to a wedding cake, you can use a few different methods. Firstly, you can brush a little water onto the cake, which will help the lace adhere. Alternatively, you can use a steamer to help the lace stick, especially if you are using pearlised cake lace, which requires a stronger bond. You can also use edible glue, which is particularly useful if you are applying lace to chocolate or if you want a stronger hold.

If you are applying lace to buttercream, it is important to ensure that the buttercream has crusted first so that it is not affected by moisture. You can also use a small amount of cooled boiled water or edible glue to stick lace to buttercream.

When applying lace to a cake, use a damp brush or steamer to moisten the sugarpaste on your iced cake, then carefully wrap the lace around, being mindful not to use too much water as this can cause the lace to disintegrate.

To create a stronger bond between the lace and the cake, you can use a product called Cake Lace, which is a specially formulated lace mix that creates intricately detailed lace designs. This product can be coloured with lustre dusts or gels, but only add a small amount so as not to change the consistency of the mixture.

To apply Cake Lace to a chocolate cake, you can use a small amount of water or edible glue. If you are using pearlised cake lace, it is recommended to use edible glue for a stronger hold.

When storing your lace creations, it is important to keep them in a dry place at room temperature. Do not store them in the fridge as the humidity will cause the lace to spoil and become mouldy.

How to make edible lace for a wedding cake

Edible lace is an intricate part of cake decorating and has become a massive trend, especially for wedding cakes. Here is a simple guide on how to make edible lace for a wedding cake.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make edible lace:

• Lace mat or lace mould
• Boiled water
• Tylose powder
• Powdered sugar
• Corn starch
• Egg white powder or meringue powder
• Liquid glucose
• Gel colour (optional)

Method

• Mix tylose powder with boiling water and stir until you get a clear mixture.
• Add powdered sugar to the mixture.
• Next, add corn starch and mix well.
• Add egg white powder or meringue powder.
• Add liquid glucose.
• (Optional) Add gel colour of your choice.
• Mix all the ingredients well.
• Spread the mixture onto a silicone lace mould or mat.
• Let it dry completely. You can let it air dry or use a dehydrator if you have one.
• Apply a second coat of the mixture on top of the first one and let it dry again.
• Once the lace is dry, carefully remove it from the mould by peeling it off gently.
• The edible lace is now ready to be applied to your wedding cake!

Tips

• The water used in the recipe is important. Avoid using tap water with high fluoride content or mineral water. Distilled water is the best option to ensure the finest texture for your lace.
• Be patient and let the lace set completely before removing it from the mould.
• You can add a dash of gel colour to enhance the accents of the cake. However, add one drop at a time, as you can always add more but cannot reverse the process.
• Store the lace mixture in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature and give it a mix before using it.
• To make the lace more elastic, use a slightly damp paper towel on it.
• If you are using a lace mat, ensure it is thin and designed specifically for creating lace. Thicker mats meant for fondant will not work as well.
• You can store the edible lace in parchment paper and a Ziploc bag until you are ready to use it.

Application

Now that you have made your edible lace, it's time to apply it to your wedding cake! Here are some tips for application:

• If you are applying the lace to a fondant cake, brush the fondant with water or edible glue to help the lace adhere. Do not use too much liquid, as it can saturate the lace.
• For buttercream cakes, ensure the buttercream has crusted or dried before applying the lace. Brush the sides with edible glue or piping gel, then gently place the lace on the cake.
• You can also use a steamer to help adhere the lace to the cake.
• If you are applying lace to a chocolate cake or one with ganache, a little water or edible glue will work well.
• Be careful when applying lace to a cake with buttercream or high moisture content, as the lace can sag or wilt.
• Store lace-covered cakes at room temperature, as condensation in the fridge can cause the lace to melt.

How to make lace out of fondant for a wedding cake

Making lace out of fondant for a wedding cake is an intricate process but can be done with some patience and practice. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make lace out of fondant for a wedding cake:

Ingredients and Materials:

• Fondant (store-bought or homemade)
• Buttercream
• Cupcakes or a cake
• Water
• Lace moulds or mats in various sizes and designs
• Food colouring (optional)

Instructions:

• Prepare your fondant: If you are making your own fondant, follow a beginner-friendly recipe, or buy store-bought fondant.
• Create your cake or cupcake base: Ensure your cake or cupcakes are cooled before you begin decorating.
• Make your buttercream: You can use a simple buttercream recipe or buy ready-made buttercream.
• Ice your cupcakes or cake: Apply a thin layer of buttercream to your cupcakes or cake using a spatula. This will help the fondant stick.
• Roll out the fondant: Use a rolling pin to roll out the fondant to a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch (3mm). Cut the fondant into strips or desired shapes that will fit your lace moulds or mats.
• Moisturise the fondant: Using a brush, lightly dampen the fondant with water. This will help the fondant stick to the lace moulds or mats.
• Prepare your lace moulds or mats: Select the lace moulds or mats that you want to use. If using silicone moulds, ensure they are clean and dry. If using mats, place them on a flat surface.
• Press the fondant into the moulds or mats: Gently press the moistened fondant onto the lace moulds or mats. Use your fingers or a small tool to ensure the fondant fills all the details of the lace design.
• Remove excess fondant: Use a bench scraper or spatula to remove any excess fondant from the top of the moulds or mats.
• Allow the fondant lace to dry: You can air-dry the lace or place the moulds in an oven at a low temperature (around 60°C or 110°F) for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the lace, as you don't want it to dry out and become brittle.
• Release the fondant lace from the moulds or mats: Once the lace is dry, carefully peel it away from the moulds or mats. If using mats, flip them over and gently lift the edge of the lace to release it.
• Apply the fondant lace to your cake: Brush a thin layer of water or edible glue onto your cake where you want the lace to adhere. Carefully place the lace onto the cake, ensuring that the bottom of the lace lines up with the bottom of the cake. Work in small sections and use your free hand to support the lace.
• Trim and adjust the lace as needed: If there are any gaps or uneven edges, use a sharp knife or scissors to trim the lace. You can also use fondant pearls or other decorations to hide any imperfections.
• Allow the fondant lace to dry completely: Before serving the cake, ensure that the fondant lace is completely dry and secure.

Tips and Tricks:

• Practice makes perfect: Don't be discouraged if your first attempts don't turn out perfectly. The more you practice, the better you'll become at creating beautiful fondant lace for your wedding cakes.
• Experiment with different lace designs and colours: There are various lace moulds and mats available, so feel free to experiment with different patterns and styles. You can also add food colouring to your fondant to create coloured lace.
• Work in a clean and dry environment: Fondant is sensitive to moisture, so ensure your work area is clean and dry to prevent the fondant from becoming sticky or soggy.
• Store your fondant lace properly: If you are not using the lace immediately, store it in an airtight container with parchment paper between each layer to prevent it from drying out or becoming brittle.

How to make lace out of icing for a wedding cake

There are a few different methods for making lace out of icing for a wedding cake. One way is to use a product called Cake Lace, which is a popular premade mix that can be purchased. Cake Lace comes in two forms: premixed and powdered. The premixed form can be scooped straight from the pot and onto your mats, whereas the powdered form must be mixed with water and glycerine. You can also add gel colours to create pastel shades. It is recommended that you prepare your Cake Lace ahead of time, as the consistency is better once the mixture has had time to develop.

Another method for creating lace for a wedding cake is to make your own icing by hand. To do this, you will need a silicone lace mould and some basic ingredients. First, pour 120ml of boiling water into a heat-safe bowl and add a tablespoon of tylose powder. Mix until the powder turns clear and let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes. Next, add two tablespoons of cornstarch and one tablespoon of icing sugar, mixing until it forms a thick paste. Add a half teaspoon of corn syrup and mix again. At this point, you can also add any colouring of your choice. Finally, add a small amount of hot water to loosen the mixture, spread it into your silicone mould, and leave it to set overnight.

Once your Cake Lace or handmade icing lace has dried, you can apply it to your wedding cake. If using Cake Lace, brush a small amount of water onto the cake or use a steamer to help the lace adhere. For handmade lace, simply press it onto the cake.

How to make lace out of buttercream for a wedding cake

To make lace out of buttercream for a wedding cake, you can follow these steps:

Preparation

First, chill the cake before piping on it. This will allow for easier removal of any mistakes. Next, prepare your icing by thinning it to a consistency that is slightly thinner than what you would normally use to ice a cake.

Piping

When you are ready to pipe, work slowly and steadily, maintaining constant pressure as you would with lettering. If you make a mistake, simply pick it off with a toothpick.

Application

Once you have finished piping your lace design, you can apply it to your cake. If you are using buttercream, ensure that it has crusted first. You can then use a small amount of cooled boiled water or edible glue to stick the lace to the cake. Be careful not to use too much moisture, as this can cause the lace to sag and wilt.

Storage

After you have finished decorating your cake, it is important to store it properly. Avoid placing the cake in the fridge, as the moisture can cause the lace to sag or wilt. Instead, store the cake at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions