Wedding Cake Basics: Baking, Decorating, And Beyond

Wedding cakes are steeped in tradition and symbolism. They are also a chance for the couple to express their personalities and style. But with so many options available, from flavour to design, deciding on a wedding cake can be a daunting task. This article will explore the history of wedding cakes, their significance, and offer a guide to choosing the right one for your big day.

How to make your own wedding cake

Making your own wedding cake can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and execution. Here are some detailed instructions to help you create a beautiful and delicious wedding cake:

Planning and Preparation:

• Assess your baking skills and confidence. Ask yourself if you enjoy baking and if you have the necessary skills to create a wedding cake. Be honest with yourself to avoid unnecessary stress.
• Manage your expectations: Understand that your cake may not look like a professional, fondant-covered confection. Aim for a simple, rustic design that is more achievable.
• Use the right recipe: Choose a recipe specifically designed for wedding cakes to ensure it is sturdy and makes the right amount of batter and icing.
• Plan your calendar: Allow yourself extra time to make a test cake, take careful notes, and practice decorating.
• Research costs: If you're charging for your cake, call local bakeries to find out the cost per slice and delivery fees. Also, consider the cost of tools and ingredients.
• Order supplies early: Purchase pans, cake boxes, piping bags, and other supplies in advance. You'll need baking essentials like a stand mixer, large mixing bowls, parchment paper, cake pans, cardboard cake rounds, a leveling tool, an icing spatula, and a rotating cake stand.
• Practice: Bake the wedding cake flavors for other occasions to perfect the recipes and increase your comfort level.
• Prepare dry ingredients: Measure and label dry ingredients and sugars for each tier, making it easier to bake closer to the wedding date.
• Practice icing and decoration: Blend colors and practice the desired texture on practice cakes or styrofoam cake rounds.

Baking and Assembly:

• Bake in advance: Cake layers can be made a few weeks ahead. Wrap them in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. Thaw them slowly in the fridge a day before icing.
• Level your cakes: Ensure the tops of your cakes are as flat and level as possible for a professional look.
• Create a crumb coat: Apply a thin layer of frosting to seal in crumbs before adding the final layer of icing.
• Stack your layers: Use toothpicks to align the layers and determine the best arrangement for a flat and even cake.
• Use cardboard cake rounds: Place each three-layer tier on a cardboard cake round, trimming any excess with kitchen shears.
• Stabilize with dowels: Insert wooden dowels into the cake to support the top tiers. Trim the dowels to be flush with the top of the cake and cover with a parchment round before stacking.
• Transport carefully: Enlist moral support when delivering the cake, and plan the logistics, including transportation and refrigeration at the venue.

Decoration and Final Touches:

• Keep it simple: Opt for simple, rustic decorations like fresh flowers, cake toppers, or a simple buttercream finish.
• Consider transportation: Think about how you'll transport the cake and whether it should travel in pre-built tiers or as separate cakes.
• Have a backup plan: Be prepared for any mishaps by knowing where to buy a plain cake or having your local cupcake shop on speed dial.
• Think about the climate: Adjust your recipe and storage methods to account for humidity or heat, which can affect the icing and moisture of the cake.
• Practice food safety: Wash your hands, use fresh ingredients, and follow the recipe closely to ensure food safety.
• Enjoy the process: Remember to relax and enjoy the experience of creating your wedding cake. Don't let it overshadow your special day.

How to choose the right size of cake

Choosing the right size of cake is one of the most important considerations when making a wedding cake. The cake should be big enough so that each guest gets a slice, with some extra for those who want seconds. Different-sized tiers can be combined in a variety of ways, allowing for flexibility in the number of servings a tiered cake can provide.

To determine the right size of cake, start by considering the number of guests expected at the wedding. For a small wedding of around 30-35 people, a 2-tier cake with 9-inch and 6-inch tiers will be sufficient. However, for a larger wedding of 120 guests, a 4-tier cake with 12", 10", 8", and 6" tiers may be more appropriate.

It is also important to pick an attainable cake design. While the number of servings is a crucial factor, the desired look of the cake should also be considered. Some designs may require extra space between tiers to accommodate decorations. Additionally, it is essential to choose a cake design that you feel confident in making and executing well.

If you are unsure about your ability to create a tiered cake, it is recommended to make a smaller practice cake beforehand. This will help you determine if the cake design is doable and give you a chance to build your confidence before the big day.

How to decorate a wedding cake

There are many ways to decorate a wedding cake, and the style you choose will depend on your wedding theme and personal preference. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Flowers

Fresh flowers are a popular choice for wedding cake decorations and can be used to create a romantic, rustic, or bohemian vibe. You can use single-stem flowers to create the illusion that they are growing out of the cake, or opt for a cascade of blooms trailing down the tiers for a more traditional look. If you're worried about real flowers wilting, sugar flowers are a great alternative and can be made to look very realistic.

Piping

Piping is a technique that uses a pastry bag and a metal tip to create intricate designs with icing. It can be used to add depth and texture to an all-white cake or to create borders, swirls, patterns, and words.

Fruit

Fresh fruit is a unique and colourful way to decorate a wedding cake. Orange slices, lemon wedges, or other vibrant produce can add a splash of colour and a tasty flavour to your cake.

Gold Leaf

Gold leaf is a surefire way to make your cake shine, whether you're having an opulent ballroom wedding or an industrial warehouse celebration. You can go subtle with a few splashes or douse your entire cake in gold leaf for a stronger motif.

Ruffles

Sugar ruffles can add visual intrigue to an all-white cake and can be used to conceal the separate tiers, creating a towering dessert that emphasizes height.

Cake Toppers

Cake toppers are a classic way to decorate a wedding cake and can be anything from traditional miniature figurines of the couple to modern monogram letters, kitschy clay animals, or romantic phrases.

Dried Grasses

For a bohemian wedding, dried grasses and preserved blooms can be used to garnish your cake and reinforce the design aesthetic. Mounting textured plants on each layer will capture the wild, organic feel of this theme.

Fondant

Fondant is a sweet icing that can be rolled out and draped over the cake, creating a smooth, seamless finish. It can be used as a blank canvas for other decorations or painted with a floral design or geometric pattern.

How to transport a wedding cake

Transporting a wedding cake is a delicate task that requires careful planning and execution. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure the safe transportation of a wedding cake:

• Check with the baker: If you are transporting a cake from a professional baker, get their transportation recommendations. Find out the measurements and refrigeration requirements of the cake. This information will help you plan for vehicle space and fridge space at the venue.
• Use a cake drum and sturdy cardboard box: Tier the cake on a cake drum, a heavy-duty cake board, and secure it with a wooden dowel. Place the cake drum inside a sturdy cardboard box of the same width to protect the cake during transport.
• Reserve a flat place in your vehicle: Ensure the cake is placed on a level surface in the vehicle, such as the floorboard of an SUV. Avoid placing it on laps or car seats, as they are unstable and slanted. If the car floor has a smooth surface, use a non-stick liner or a textured yoga mat to prevent sliding.
• Keep the vehicle cool: Maintain a cool temperature in the car during transport, even if the cake does not require refrigeration. Keep the air conditioner on and avoid direct sunlight. For long trips, consider picking up the cake the day before and freezing it, then thawing it slowly overnight.
• Drive carefully with a companion: Send two people to transport the cake. Have one person drive while the other sits next to the cake box to hold it steady during the drive. Drive slowly and carefully, especially around turns and speed bumps.
• Save the cake stand for the venue: Avoid delivering the cake on a cake stand unless you are experienced. Simply place the cake and its board or drum directly on the stand at the venue.
• Pass these steps to the pickup person: If someone else is picking up the cake, share these instructions with them to ensure they are well-prepared.
• Bring an emergency cake kit: Pack a kit with extra frosting, icing spatulas, and other decorating tools in case any touch-ups are needed.
• Contact the venue in advance: Confirm the address, delivery times, parking zones, and other details with the venue directly. Brief the organiser on your anticipated delivery time so they can have the cake table ready.
• Make a DIY delivery box for tall cakes: If you're transporting a tall cake, create a custom box by cutting a tall cardboard box to size and securing it with duct tape. Line the bottom with non-slip material and optionally, heat-resistant material to keep the cake cool.

How to store a wedding cake

Storing a wedding cake properly is essential to ensure it stays fresh and delicious for the big day. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to store a wedding cake, with some tips on storing leftovers for after the wedding.

Storing a Wedding Cake Before the Big Day

The best way to store a wedding cake depends on the type of cake. For sponge cakes, it is recommended to avoid storing them in the fridge, as this can dry out the cake and harden the buttercream. Instead, keep the cake in a cool, dry place, but not in direct sunlight. Ideally, the cake should be stored in its original packaging and left untouched until it needs to be presented.

Storing a Wedding Cake After Cutting

If you have leftover wedding cake after the big day, you can keep it fresh by storing it in an airtight container. If the cake has already been cut into slices, place each slice into individual airtight containers to prevent them from drying out.

Storing a Wedding Cake for the Long Term

It is a tradition to save the top tier of a wedding cake to enjoy on a couple's first anniversary. If you wish to do this, there are some important steps to follow. Firstly, remove any large decorations, ornaments, and cardboard from the cake, as these can affect the taste and texture of the cake over time. Then, allow the cake to chill in the fridge until the icing hardens, which will make it easier to wrap.

Next, wrap the cake tightly in at least five layers of plastic wrap, followed by a final layer of aluminium foil, to protect it from freezer odours and burn. Finally, place the wrapped cake in a large plastic container and store it in the freezer. This method will keep a sponge wedding cake fresh for up to six months.

To defrost the cake, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in a cool, dry place until it reaches room temperature. The cake is ready to eat when the buttercream is soft.

Frequently asked questions