The Taste Of Wedding Cake: Sweet, Rich, And Buttery

Wedding cake is a broad term that can refer to any cake served at a wedding. However, in some regions, wedding cake is used to describe a specific type of cake with traditional flavours and aesthetics. In the US, for example, vanilla is the most popular wedding cake flavour, followed closely by chocolate. Red velvet, lemon, funfetti, almond, and carrot are also common. In the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, fruit cake is traditional. Wedding cake strains of cannabis are also available and are known for their sweet, vanilla cake scent and flavour.

Wedding cake flavours

Wedding cakes can come in a variety of flavours, and the choice often depends on the couple's preferences and traditions. Here are some popular wedding cake flavours:

Vanilla

Vanilla is a timeless and classic choice for a wedding cake. It is a versatile flavour that can be easily customized with different fillings, frostings, and decorations to match the wedding theme. Vanilla is a crowd-pleaser and is unlikely to offend anyone's taste buds, making it a safe option that will be enjoyed by all guests. It also has an elegant presentation and pairs well with various flavours, such as chocolate, fruit, or caramel.

Chocolate

Chocolate is a rich and decadent flavour that is a popular choice for couples who want an indulgent dessert for their special day. It can be customized with different fillings and frostings and can be dressed up with simple or intricate designs. Chocolate is a beloved flavour that many people associate with special occasions, making it a memorable choice.

Red Velvet

Red velvet cake has gained popularity in recent years for weddings. It has a unique flavour with a subtle chocolate taste and a hint of tanginess from buttermilk. It adds a pop of colour to the dessert table and is typically paired with cream cheese frosting. Red velvet cake can be customized for rustic or formal weddings and pairs well with chocolate, vanilla, or fruit flavours.

Lemon

Lemon cake is a refreshing and tangy flavour, perfect for weddings, especially during warmer months. It is a light and airy dessert that won't feel too heavy after a big meal. Lemon cake can be paired with various fillings and frostings, such as raspberry or cream cheese, and can be dressed up with simple or intricate designs.

Funfetti

Funfetti cake is a playful and fun choice for couples who want to add a whimsical touch to their wedding. It is a vanilla cake with sprinkles baked in and is usually paired with vanilla or buttercream frosting. Funfetti is a crowd-pleaser that brings back happy childhood memories and can be customized to suit different tastes and styles.

Almond

Almond cake is a distinctive and nutty flavour that adds a slightly sweet taste to the wedding cake. It pairs well with fillings like raspberry or chocolate ganache and can be frosted with various flavours like almond buttercream or vanilla bean. Almond cake is often moist and tender, making it ideal for layering and decorating. It is also a good option for those with dietary restrictions, as it can be made gluten-free or flourless.

Carrot

Carrot cake has become a popular choice for weddings, offering a unique flavour profile with a combination of spices and nuts. It is often paired with cream cheese frosting and can be made in different styles, such as layered cakes, cupcakes, or sheet cakes. Carrot cake is a healthier option as it includes vegetables and nuts, and it is also allergen-friendly, accommodating common dietary restrictions.

Berry Shortcake

A popular choice for couples who want something fruity and refreshing. It captures the vibe of the wedding and the couple's personality.

White Cake

A traditional wedding cake flavour in the southern United States, white cake is often associated with weddings and is typically paired with white icing. It is usually a dense but moist almond and vanilla-scented white cake.

Ultimately, the choice of wedding cake flavour depends on personal preferences, cultural traditions, and the desire to cater to a variety of tastes and dietary restrictions among the wedding guests.

Wedding cake traditions

Wedding cakes are steeped in tradition, with many of the customs we associate with wedding cakes today dating back to Roman and Medieval times. Here are some of the most well-known wedding cake traditions:

Feeding Each Other Cake

The tradition of the couple feeding each other the first bites of wedding cake dates back to Ancient Roman times. It symbolises the couple's first act as a unified team and their commitment to creating a sweet life together.

Freezing the Top Tier

Many couples choose to save the top tier of their wedding cake and eat it on their first anniversary. This tradition dates back to the 19th century when couples would eat the preserved top layer on the day of their first child's christening, which was likely to occur within the first year of marriage.

Cake Pulls and Charms

The tradition of placing charms on the wedding cake is thought to bring good luck. Charms can be baked into the cake or attached to ribbons for guests to pull out. Common charms include clovers for good luck, rings for upcoming engagements, and purses for good fortune.

Cutting the Cake in Front of Guests

The cake-cutting ceremony symbolises the first activity the couple does together. In the past, the bride would cut the cake herself to symbolise the loss of her virginity, but today the couple usually cuts the cake together. The cake cutting also indicates to older guests that the day's activities have been completed and they may leave if they wish.

White Wedding Cake

White wedding cakes date back to the Victorian era when white sugar was extremely expensive, so a white cake symbolised the family's wealth and social standing. Over time, the white cake also came to symbolise the bride, as brides typically wear white dresses.

Sleeping with a Piece of Cake Under Your Pillow

A 17th-century superstition says that sleeping with a slice of wedding cake under your pillow will lead you to dream of your future spouse. This tradition is thought to date back to a time when fruitcakes were the typical wedding cake, as modern wedding cakes tend to be less firm and more likely to create a mess!

Wedding cake fillings

Wedding cakes can be filled with a variety of sweet treats, from buttercream to fruit preserves. Here are some mouth-watering options for wedding cake fillings:

Vanilla Buttercream

A classic and simple option that goes with any cake flavour. Vanilla buttercream is a safe choice for pleasing a wide range of guests.

Cream Cheese

Rich and creamy, cream cheese is a perfect pairing for bold-flavoured cakes such as red velvet, spice, strawberry, or chocolate.

Swiss Meringue

This buttery version of buttercream is less sweet than traditional frosting, offering a more subtle sweetness to your cake.

Chocolate Ganache

For the chocoholics, a chocolate ganache filling is a dream come true. This intense chocolate experience will be a memorable treat for your guests.

Fruit Preserves

Fruit fillings can range from fruity buttercream to jelly-like preserves. Raspberry, for example, pairs wonderfully with a lemon or white cake, while strawberry is a great match for a champagne cake. Lemon curd is another fruity option, adding a tart and fresh flavour to your cake.

Salted Caramel

Salted caramel is a modern favourite, offering a twist to traditional chocolate cakes. It can also be paired with other cake flavours for a unique experience.

Cookies and Cream

A fun and unexpected option, cookies and cream filling can be a delightful surprise for your guests.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is a versatile filling that can be paired with chocolate for a classic combination or something unexpected like a spice cake.

Floral Flavours

Floral fillings such as lavender can add a subtle and elegant touch to your cake, especially when paired with lightly flavoured cakes.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Ultimately, the choice of filling depends on your preferences, and there are endless possibilities to explore!

Wedding cake aesthetics

Wedding cakes are often white, with a traditional, elegant aesthetic. In the past, wedding cakes were always tiered, elaborately decorated layer cakes. However, more recently, some couples have opted for alternatives such as doughnut walls, cupcake spreads, and pie stations.

White wedding cakes are usually vanilla or almond-flavoured, with a hint of almond. This is known as the "traditional North American Wedding Cake Flavor". In the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, wedding cakes are traditionally fruit cakes.

The colour white is often associated with weddings, and a white cake with white icing is a popular choice. However, wedding cakes can be any colour or flavour, and some couples opt for a cake that reflects their personality or the wedding theme. For example, a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting adds a pop of colour, while a funfetti cake is a playful and festive option.

The presentation of a wedding cake is important, and it is often decorated with flowers, fondant designs, or buttercream frosting. A wedding cake is typically a multi-tiered cake, with each tier offering a different flavour. The cake may be decorated with a cake topper, fresh flowers, or other decorations that match the wedding theme or colour scheme.

Overall, the aesthetics of a wedding cake can vary depending on the couple's preferences, cultural traditions, and the level of customisation they desire. The cake may be a traditional white tiered cake with elegant decorations, or it can be a more unique and playful design that reflects the couple's personality.

Wedding cake alternatives

Wedding cakes are usually white or almond-flavoured, but there is no universal wedding cake recipe. Couples are increasingly choosing to break from tradition and opt for alternatives to the classic tiered wedding cake. Here are some ideas for wedding cake alternatives:

Pies

A pie can be a great alternative to a wedding cake, especially for a rustic-themed wedding. You could opt for a single large pie or offer guests a selection of mini pies in different flavours.

Macarons

Macarons are a popular choice for weddings, as they come in a variety of colours and flavours and can be arranged in a tower to resemble a traditional tiered wedding cake.

Cupcakes

Like macarons, cupcakes can be arranged in a tower and decorated with flowers to create a wedding cake alternative. They also allow guests to choose from a variety of flavours.

Doughnuts

Doughnuts are a fun alternative to a wedding cake and can be displayed on a wall or tower. Like cupcakes, they offer a variety of flavour options.

Cheese

For couples who prefer savoury to sweet, a cake made from wheels of cheese is a unique option. This can be dressed up with flowers and greenery to create a cake-like appearance.

Ice Cream

Ice cream is a great choice for summer weddings. You could offer guests a selection of ice cream sandwiches or set up an ice cream sundae bar.

Other Alternatives

Other alternatives to a traditional wedding cake include churros, cookies, cream puffs, brownies, croquembouche, pancakes, cake pops, and rice crispy treats.

Frequently asked questions