Choosing The Perfect Icing For Your Wedding Cake

When it comes to wedding cakes, the icing is just as important as the cake itself. The right icing can complement the flavour of the cake, create a beautiful finish, and even withstand warmer temperatures. There are several types of icing to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. The most popular types of icing for wedding cakes include fondant, buttercream, ganache, and royal icing. Other options include cream cheese frosting, whipped cream frosting, and chocolate fudge frosting. When choosing the best icing for a wedding cake, it's important to consider factors such as the desired flavour, texture, design, and the temperature of the venue.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Preparing Swiss Meringue Buttercream can be time-consuming. It involves cooking egg whites and sugar, then whipping them to create a thick meringue before adding butter. The process requires careful temperature control to ensure the mixture reaches the right consistency.

Overall, Swiss Meringue Buttercream is a delicious and stable choice for wedding cakes, offering a smooth and fluffy texture with a less sweet flavour profile.

Fondant

If you want to have a fondant wedding cake but are concerned about the taste, there are a few things you can do. One option is to use a heavier layer of base buttercream under the fondant, so guests can peel off the fondant layer before eating. Another option is to use a homemade marshmallow fondant, which has a better taste.

When deciding whether to use fondant for your wedding cake, consider the design you want. If you are looking for a unique shape, intricate details, or a smooth and elegant finish, fondant is a great choice. However, if you prefer a simpler, more rustic look, such as a naked cake, fondant may not be necessary. Ultimately, the best icing for your wedding cake will depend on your personal preferences and the specific design you have in mind.

Ganache

When making ganache, the ratio of chocolate to cream is crucial. A higher ratio of chocolate creates a firmer ganache, which is important to consider when preparing for different weather conditions. For dark chocolate ganache, a ratio of two parts chocolate to one part cream is typically used, while milk and white chocolate ganaches require more chocolate due to their lower cocoa content.

The cost of a ganache wedding cake will depend on the quality of chocolate used, and it usually falls somewhere between $6 and $18 per slice.

Overall, ganache is a delicious and stable option for wedding cake icing, offering a rich and glossy finish that is sure to impress.

American Buttercream

However, some people find American buttercream too sweet. It also melts easily in warm temperatures compared to other types of wedding cake icing. If you are hosting a spring or summer wedding, a baker can adjust the liquid in the frosting to make it stiffer, but this will affect the consistency and taste.

Royal Icing

To make royal icing, you will need:

• Confectioner's sugar
• Cream of tartar
• Lemon juice
• Egg whites (or meringue powder)

Combine all the ingredients and beat at high speed for 2 minutes. Keep the icing covered with a damp cloth as it dries quickly.

Frequently asked questions