Equipment And Ingredients For A Simple Wedding Cake

Making a wedding cake is not as difficult as one might think, but it does require significant planning and effort. The first thing to consider is the number of guests, which will determine the size of the cake and the number of tiers. It's important to pick an attainable cake design and stick to a simple decoration, such as fresh flowers. When it comes to flavour, it's best to pick one or two at most to keep things simple. The cake can be made in advance and frozen, and the same goes for the frosting. When it comes to tools, you will need ingredients for baking and icing, different-sized cake pans, parchment paper, a large serrated knife, cake boards, a platter to serve the cake on, a pastry bag, and decorations such as flowers or cake toppers.

Tools and ingredients

Making a wedding cake is not as difficult as it seems, but it does require some significant planning and effort. Here is a list of tools and ingredients you will need to create a simple wedding cake:

Tools:

• Cake pans in various sizes (12", 9", and 6" pans are commonly used for a three-tier cake)
• Parchment paper to line the pans
• Large serrated knife
• Cardboard cake boards in matching sizes to the pans
• Non-flexible straws or cake dowels for support
• Platter or cake stand to serve the cake
• Pastry bag with a round tip for piping
• Toothpicks for tracing
• Lazy Susan (optional) for decorating
• Cake turner (optional)
• Bench scraper (optional) for frosting
• Icing spatula in various sizes
• Piping bag and tips
• Cake stand or serving platter

Ingredients:

• Flour (cake flour or all-purpose flour)
• Sugar (granulated or confectioner's/icing sugar)
• Butter, softened to room temperature
• Eggs and egg whites, at room temperature
• Vanilla extract
• Sour cream, at room temperature
• Milk (whole milk or buttermilk), at room temperature
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Fresh flowers, macarons, or other decorations of your choice
• Frosting or icing in desired flavour and colour

Cake size and number of tiers

The number of tiers and size of your wedding cake will depend on the number of guests you are expecting and how many servings you want your cake to provide.

A three-tier cake typically requires three cakes of 12", 9", and 6", and a massive amount of icing. This size of cake should provide around 30-35 servings, which is perfect for a small wedding. If you are expecting a larger number of guests, you can increase the number of tiers or make a four-layer cake per tier instead of three.

For example, if you are expecting 120 guests, you may want to make a four-tier cake with 12", 10", 8", and 6" tiers. This will provide around 134 servings, giving you a buffer in case some guests want seconds.

When planning your cake size, it's also important to consider the design and decorations you want. Some designs may require extra space between tiers or a specific number of tiers to achieve the desired look. Additionally, consider making a smaller practice cake beforehand to ensure that your chosen design is achievable and to increase your confidence in cake-making.

Remember to choose a cake size that is attainable and that you feel confident in making, especially if you don't have much experience with tiered cakes.

Cake flavour and frosting

Choosing the right flavour and frosting for your wedding cake is a big decision and a very personal one. It is important to pick a flavour you and your partner love. If you can't agree, you could always opt for a different flavour for each tier. However, this will add to the workload, so for simplicity, it is recommended to stick to one or two flavours at most.

Vanilla is a classic choice to please a variety of guests. You can have fun with frostings, fillings and flavourings. Here are some flavour options:

• Carrot Cake: This is a good option for the bottom tier.
• Red Velvet Cake: Use a red velvet cake recipe for the bottom tier and red velvet cupcake batter for the top tier.
• Lemon Cake: Use a lemon cake recipe for the bottom tier and lemon cupcake batter for the top tier.
• Marble Cake: Use a zebra cake recipe for the bottom tier and a smaller zebra cake recipe for the top tier.
• Chocolate Chip: After adding milk to the batter, fold in mini chocolate chips.

Frosting-wise, you could use vanilla buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or Swiss meringue buttercream. You can add extracts to the frosting, such as almond, lemon, orange or coconut. Alternatively, mix in some raspberry jam or use raspberry cake filling.

Cake decorations

Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers are a popular choice for wedding cake decorations. They add a pop of colour and a touch of elegance to your cake. You can use the same type of flowers that are in your bouquet or choose flowers that complement your wedding colour palette. Just be sure to order the exact flowers you want from a florist ahead of time. Fresh flowers also work well between each tier of a tiered cake.

Cake Toppers

Cake toppers are an easy way to add a special touch to your wedding cake. You can find a variety of cake toppers online or in wedding shops, ranging from simple designs to more intricate ones. A topper can be a great way to showcase your and your partner's personality or interests.

Drip Cake

The trending drip wedding cake is a simple yet effective decoration style. It works well with any type of cake, from naked to fully frosted. You can create a drip effect with chocolate or icing, and it can be as subtle or dramatic as you like.

Gold Foil Details

Gold foil details can add a touch of glamour and sophistication to your wedding cake. You can use gold foil sheets or paint to create monograms, patterns, or other designs on your cake.

Semi-Naked Cake

A semi-naked cake with a thin layer of frosting is a great choice for a simple, rustic wedding cake. This style allows the cake's texture to peek through, creating a more relaxed and informal look.

Twine Wraps

If you're going for a rustic theme, consider using twine wraps to decorate your wedding cake. You can wrap twine around each tier or use it to create a simple border at the base of the cake.

Macarons

Macarons are not only delicious but also make for charming cake decorations. You can use them to add a pop of colour and a touch of sweetness to your cake. They can be placed on top of the cake or used as a border.

Simple Icing Designs

You can use icing to create simple designs on your cake, such as dots, swirls, or ruffles. A smooth, uniform layer of icing can also give your cake a sleek and elegant look. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try your hand at piping more intricate designs.

Fresh Fruit

Fresh fruit, such as berries, figs, or citrus slices, can be a beautiful and tasty addition to your wedding cake. They add a pop of colour and a hint of nature to your cake. Just be sure to choose fruit that is in season and coordinate it with your cake's flavour.

Unique Toppers

Instead of a traditional cake topper, you can opt for a unique topper that reflects your and your partner's interests or personalities. For example, you could use a small banner with your initials, a cheeky quote, or an iconic design by your favourite artist.

Remember, when it comes to decorating your simple wedding cake, less is more. Choose a few decorations that complement each other and the overall style of your wedding. Practice your decorating skills ahead of time, and don't be afraid to get creative!

Storage and transportation

Before you embark on making a wedding cake, it is important to consider how you will store and transport it. Wedding cakes are often large, tiered cakes that need to be carefully handled and stored to ensure they stay intact and fresh. Here are some tips for storing and transporting your wedding cake:

• Clear space in your refrigerator: A wedding cake, especially a tiered one, will take up a lot of space. You may need to remove some shelves or rearrange items in your refrigerator to make room for it.
• Use a cake box or container: If you are transporting the cake yourself, invest in a sturdy cake box or container that is large enough to accommodate the cake. This will protect the cake during transport and ensure it stays upright.
• Keep the cake cool: Wedding cakes are often made with perishable ingredients such as buttercream, fresh fruit, or cream cheese frosting. It is important to keep the cake refrigerated until it is time to serve. If you are transporting the cake, use a cooler or insulated bag to keep it cool.
• Assemble on-site: If possible, assemble the cake at the wedding venue. This will reduce the risk of damage during transport. Transport the individual layers and assemble them on-site, adding the final decorations and touches.
• Use a cake stand or pedestal: Place the cake on a sturdy cake stand or pedestal that can support its weight. This will make it easier to transport and display the cake.
• Consider the weather: If the wedding is outdoors or in a warm location, take extra precautions to keep the cake cool. Do not leave the cake in direct sunlight or hot temperatures as it may melt or spoil.
• Plan ahead: Give yourself plenty of time to transport and set up the cake. Have a plan for where the cake will be stored and displayed at the venue, and communicate this with the venue coordinator or caterer.
• Practice: If you are unsure about transporting a large cake, practice with a smaller test cake. This will help you refine your process and identify any potential issues.
• Use cake dowels for support: For a tiered cake, use cake dowels to provide extra support and stability during transport. This will help prevent the cake from collapsing or shifting.
• Handle with care: Always handle the cake with care, especially when transporting it. Avoid sudden movements or bumps, and be extra cautious when going up or down stairs.

Frequently asked questions