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

Adding quilting to a wedding cake is a great way to add texture and interest. This effect is created using fondant sugarpaste icing, with a grid-like tool used to make a pattern of evenly spaced tessellated diamonds. This gives the cake a soft, luxurious feel and look. This technique can be modified to change the size of the pattern and further embellished with accents in the corners of the diamonds.

Bake and assemble the cake layers

To create a quilted wedding cake, you will first need to bake and assemble the cake layers. This process will form the foundation of your quilted masterpiece, so it's important to take your time and ensure each layer is even and level. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect base for your quilted design:

Start by baking your chosen cake recipe in multiple layers. The number of layers will depend on the height and complexity of your desired quilted design. For a more dramatic and intricate quilted effect, consider baking additional layers. Allow the layers to cool completely before proceeding to the next step.

Once your layers are baked and cooled, it's time to assemble them. Place the first layer on your chosen cake board or stand, ensuring it is centred and secure. Using a pastry brush or spatula, apply a thin layer of buttercream frosting to the top of this layer. This will act as a glue to hold the layers together and create a smooth surface for the fondant quilting.

Repeat this process, carefully stacking and centering each cake layer on top of the other, until you have assembled all the layers. Ensure that your cake is level and stable before proceeding to the next step. If necessary, chill the assembled cake in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to firm it up and make it easier to work with.

Now it's time to prepare the cake for the fondant quilting. Apply a final, even coat of buttercream frosting to the entire surface of the cake, including the sides and top. This layer of frosting will create a smooth base for the rolled fondant and help it adhere to the cake. Ensure that the frosting is level and free of any lumps or bumps.

With the cake fully assembled and frosted, you now have the base ready for creating the quilted design. The next step will be to roll out the fondant and create the distinctive quilted pattern that gives this style of wedding cake its luxurious and elegant texture. Remember to work carefully and patiently when assembling the cake layers to ensure a stable and visually appealing foundation for your quilted masterpiece.

Apply buttercream frosting

To create a quilted wedding cake, you will need to apply an even coat of buttercream frosting to each layer of the cake. This layer of buttercream frosting acts as a base for the rolled fondant, which will be used to create the quilted pattern. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying the buttercream frosting:

First, bake and assemble each layer of the cake that you plan to quilt. Then, using a spatula or a similar tool, spread a smooth and even layer of buttercream frosting over the entire surface of each cake layer. Ensure that the frosting is free of lumps and evenly distributed, as this will affect the final appearance of the fondant. Allow the buttercream frosting to set slightly before proceeding to the next step, as this will make it easier to handle the cake layers without disturbing the frosting.

When applying buttercream frosting, it is important to work quickly and efficiently to avoid any cracks or imperfections in the frosting. The buttercream should be at room temperature to ensure it is easy to spread and will adhere properly to the cake layers. If the frosting becomes too warm, it may become runny and difficult to work with. Similarly, if it is too cold, it may be difficult to spread evenly.

You can adjust the consistency of the buttercream frosting by adding a small amount of liquid or powdered sugar, depending on whether you need to thin or thicken the mixture. It is important to achieve the right consistency to ensure the fondant adheres properly and creates a smooth surface for the quilted pattern.

The buttercream frosting layer should be thick enough to provide a stable base for the fondant but not too thick that it becomes difficult to apply or affects the overall proportions of the cake layers. A thin layer of buttercream will also make it easier to transfer the fondant to the cake without tearing or cracking.

Once you have completed the application of buttercream frosting on all the cake layers, you can proceed to the next step of creating the quilted pattern with fondant. Remember to allow the buttercream to set completely before handling the cake layers to avoid any smudges or imperfections in the final quilted design.

Roll out the fondant

Rolling out the fondant

Before you roll out the fondant, you need to bake and assemble each layer of the cake you intend to quilt. Apply an even coat of buttercream frosting to create a base for the rolled fondant.

Now, roll out the fondant. Use an adjustable long rolling pin or a regular rolling pin to roll out the fondant to a thickness of 1/8 inch. Most long rolling pins have thickness rings to get a smooth, even finish. Make sure the fondant is large enough to cover the sides of the cake. To get the right size, multiply the size of the cake layer by 3.14 to get the circumference of the cake.

Once you have rolled out the fondant, you can start to create the quilted pattern. First, place a ruler in the upper left corner of the fondant, angled down to the right. Then, use a cake stitching/quilting tool to emboss a line in the fondant by holding it against the ruler and pulling it straight down. Measure 1 inch from this line and draw a second line parallel to the first. Repeat this process until you reach the end of the rectangle of fondant.

Next, place the ruler in the opposite, upper corner of the fondant rectangle and pull a line going in the opposite direction to create a diamond pattern. Repeat this across the entire rectangle.

Now that you have created the quilted pattern, you can transfer the fondant to the cake. Gently lift the fondant using the rolling pin and lay it evenly over the frosted cake. Pinch and smooth the top of the fondant closed with the layer covering the top of the cake, taking care not to smooth out the quilting design. If necessary, go back over any faded lines with the stitching tool.

Emboss lines into the fondant

To emboss lines into the fondant, start by rolling out a rectangle of fondant to cover the sides of the cake. The fondant should be rolled out to a measurement that is the circumference of the cake multiplied by 3.14. Next, grab a ruler and place it in the upper left corner of the fondant, angling it downwards to the right. Using a cake stitching tool, hold it against the ruler and pull it straight down to emboss a line in the fondant. Measure 1 inch from this line and draw a second line parallel to the first. Repeat this process until you reach the end of the fondant rectangle.

Now, you'll want to create lines in the opposite direction to form a diamond pattern. Place the ruler in the opposite, upper corner of the fondant rectangle and pull a line going in the opposite direction. Repeat this process across the entire rectangle to create a diamond pattern. If you wish to enlarge or shrink the size of the quilting pattern, simply adjust the spacing between the lines. Once you're happy with the pattern, carefully transfer the fondant to the sides of the cake, pinching and smoothing the top closed with the layer covering the top of the cake. Be careful not to smooth out the embossed lines during this process. If any of the lines fade, use the stitching tool to retrace them.

Add decorations

Once you have created the quilted pattern on your cake, you can further decorate it by adding touches of colour to the sugar pearls in the centre of the quilting joins. Alternatively, opt for a metallic finish to catch the light. You can also add colour to the whole tier of the cake or just the quilting lines.

For a glamorous look, combine the quilted pattern with other textures such as sequins, shimmer or ruffles. You can also add flowers or colourful ribbons for a more subtle effect.

If you want to add more texture to the cake, roll or impress an overall pattern into the fondant before quilting. You can also cover the quilted layer in lustre dust for a metallic shine.

To add some colour to the cake, alternate accents of pearls and flowers on the corners of the diamonds.

Frequently asked questions