Irish Wedding Cake Traditions: A Cake For The Ages

A traditional Irish wedding cake is a rich fruitcake, often soaked in Irish whiskey. The cake is typically made with raisins, currants, sultanas, and candied peel, and is assembled with multiple layers. The cake is usually decorated with intricate Celtic designs, such as Claddagh rings or Celtic knots, symbolising love, loyalty, friendship, and unity. The cake is often baked well in advance of the wedding to allow the flavours to develop and is sometimes served alongside other desserts or followed by tea.

Ingredients and recipe

Traditional Irish wedding cakes are fruitcakes, generously studded with plump raisins, currants, sultanas, and candied peel. The cake is soaked in Irish whiskey, which infuses each morsel with a warm, sophisticated note. The cake is usually baked in three layers, with the top layer kept for later consumption. The cake is best baked months ahead of the wedding as it gets better with age.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (400g) raisins
• 2 cups (400g) currants
• 1 cup (200g) sultanas
• 1/2 cup (100g) candied peel
• 1 cup (240ml) Irish whiskey (plus extra for soaking)
• 2 cups (450g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) brown sugar
• 8 large eggs (use vegan eggs like flax eggs or just eggs for a vegan cake option)
• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine the raisins, currants, sultanas, candied peel, and Irish whiskey. Cover and let this mixture soak overnight or for at least 24 hours.
• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line three round cake pans (8-inch or 20 cm each).
• In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and spices.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and egg mixture, mixing until well combined.
• Fold in the soaked fruit mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
• Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared cake pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
• Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for a while before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Marzipan ingredients:

• 2 cups (200g) ground almonds
• 1 cup (120g) icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• A little water, as needed

Instructions:

• In a bowl, combine the ground almonds and icing sugar.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg white and almond extract.
• Gradually add the egg white mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until it forms a firm but pliable marzipan. If it’s too dry, you can add a little water.

Royal icing ingredients:

• 3 large egg whites (substitute with vegan whipped cream for a vegan version)
• 4 cups (500g) icing sugar (powdered sugar)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

• In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy.
• Gradually sift in the icing sugar and add the lemon juice. Beat until the icing forms stiff peaks.

Assembling the cake:

• Once the cakes have cooled completely, brush the tops with extra Irish whiskey for extra flavor.
• Roll out the marzipan to fit each cake layer and cover them evenly.
• Next, apply a layer of royal icing to create a smooth surface on each tier.
• Carefully stack the tiers, placing the largest one at the bottom and the smallest at the top.
• You can decorate the cake with royal icing decorations, flowers, or any design of your choice.
• Allow the icing to set before cutting and serving.

History and symbolism

The traditional Irish wedding cake is a fruitcake, a nod to its rich and hearty nature, which represents a sweet and prosperous life together. It is a culinary masterpiece that combines a symphony of flavours with rich history and decorative elegance.

The traditional Irish wedding cake is a fruitcake, often soaked in Irish whiskey, and sometimes layered with marzipan and royal icing. The cake is typically dense and packed with nuts and dried fruit, including raisins, currants, sultanas, and candied peel. This type of cake is known for its longevity, which symbolises a long and prosperous marriage.

The act of cutting the first slice of the wedding cake together symbolises the couple's commitment to sharing their lives and embracing joys and sorrows together. In ancient Rome, a similar tradition involved breaking a loaf of barley bread over the bride's head to wish for fertility.

In Ireland, the cake is often adorned with intricate decorations that tell stories of love and culture. Common symbols include Claddagh rings, which represent love, loyalty, and friendship, and Celtic knots, which signify eternal unity. The cake is also sometimes baked with a coin, a ring, and a thimble inside. These items symbolise wealth, love, and domesticity, respectively, and it is believed that whoever finds them in their slice will receive these blessings.

The top tier of the wedding cake is often saved and shared on the couple's first anniversary, symbolising good luck and lasting love. This tradition is not limited to Ireland, as it is also practised in other Western cultures.

The Irish wedding cake is a true labour of love, requiring time, attention to detail, and adherence to tradition. It is a delicious embodiment of love, blessings, and the enduring spirit of celebration.

How to make it

Traditional Irish wedding cakes are fruitcakes, generously packed with raisins, currants, sultanas, and candied peel, and soaked in Irish whiskey. Here is a recipe for an authentic Irish wedding cake:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (400g) raisins
• 2 cups (400g) currants
• 1 cup (200g) sultanas
• 1/2 cup (100g) candied peel
• 1 cup (240ml) Irish whiskey (plus extra for soaking)
• 2 cups (450g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) brown sugar
• 8 large eggs
• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice

Method:

• Combine the raisins, currants, sultanas, candied peel, and Irish whiskey in a large bowl. Cover and let this mixture soak overnight or for at least 24 hours.
• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line three 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans.
• In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and spices.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and egg mixture, mixing until well combined.
• Fold in the soaked fruit mixture, ensuring an even distribution.
• Divide the batter evenly between the three prepared cake pans.
• Bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
• Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Marzipan:

• Combine the ground almonds and icing sugar in a bowl.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg white and almond extract.
• Gradually add the egg white mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until it forms a firm but pliable marzipan. If it's too dry, add a little water.

Royal Icing:

• In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy.
• Gradually sift in the icing sugar and add the lemon juice. Beat until the icing forms stiff peaks.

Assembling the Cake:

• Once the cakes are completely cool, brush the tops with extra Irish whiskey.
• Roll out the marzipan to fit each cake layer and cover them evenly.
• Apply a layer of royal icing to create a smooth surface on each tier.
• Carefully stack the tiers, with the largest one at the bottom and the smallest at the top.
• Decorate the cake with royal icing, flowers, or any design of your choice.
• Allow the icing to set before cutting and serving.

This traditional Irish wedding cake is best made in advance to allow the flavours to meld.

How to decorate it

Decorating a traditional Irish wedding cake is a fun and creative process that adds a touch of magic to the celebration. Here are some ideas and instructions to guide you through the decoration process:

Choose Your Icing

The type of icing you select will set the tone for the overall decoration of your cake. Here are some popular options:

• Royal Icing: This is a traditional choice for Irish wedding cakes. It is a pristine white icing that covers the cake smoothly and elegantly. It provides a perfect canvas for intricate designs and decorations.
• Fondant Icing: Fondant is a poured icing that dries hard and is often used by Irish bakers. It creates a smooth and sleek finish.
• Buttercream Icing: A delicious and versatile option, buttercream icing can be used to create simple or intricate designs. It is made with a combination of butter, powdered sugar, and flavourings.

Incorporate Symbolic Decorations

Irish wedding cakes often feature symbolic decorations that represent love, loyalty, friendship, and unity. Here are some ideas:

• Claddagh Ring: The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish symbol featuring a heart held by two hands and topped with a crown. It symbolizes love, loyalty, and friendship. You can incorporate this symbol by using it as a cake topper or creating icing designs inspired by its shape.
• Celtic Knots: Celtic knots represent eternal unity and can be piped or moulded onto the cake using royal icing or fondant.
• Horseshoe: The horseshoe is a symbol of good luck in Irish culture. You can incorporate this symbol by creating a horseshoe-shaped cake topper or piping a horseshoe design onto the cake.
• Fresh Flowers: Fresh flowers add a natural beauty to your cake. Choose flowers that complement your wedding colour scheme or opt for wildflowers for a rustic touch.

Assemble and Decorate the Cake

Once you have chosen your icing and decorations, it's time to assemble and decorate your cake:

• Prepare the Cake Layers: If you have baked a multi-tiered cake, ensure that each layer is evenly trimmed and levelled. Brush the tops of the layers with Irish whiskey for extra flavour.
• Create a Marzipan Layer: Traditional Irish wedding cakes often include a layer of marzipan, a sweet almond paste. Roll out the marzipan to fit each cake layer and cover them evenly.
• Apply the Icing: Use a spatula to apply a smooth and even layer of icing to each tier, creating a flawless surface.
• Stack the Tiers: Carefully stack the tiers, placing the largest one at the bottom and the smallest at the top. Use cake dowels or pillars for support if needed.
• Pipe Edging and Designs: Using a piping bag and tip, pipe icing around the top and bottom edge of each layer to create a decorative border. You can also pipe swags or other designs along the sides of the cake.
• Add Fresh Flowers or Cake Topper: If you are using fresh flowers, carefully place them on top of the cake or in between the layers. Alternatively, add a cake topper of your choice, such as a Claddagh ring or a pair of intertwined Celtic knots.
• Allow the Icing to Set: Before serving, allow the icing to set completely so that your decorations remain intact when the cake is sliced.

Remember, these are just suggestions, and you can always add your own creative twist to your Irish wedding cake decorations. Enjoy the process of decorating this special cake and embrace the sweet traditions of an Irish wedding!

Serving and storing

Serving:

When serving your Irish wedding cake, it is customary to cut the first slice as a couple, symbolising your journey into a shared life. This moment is often accompanied by well-wishes from guests, making it a heartwarming tradition.

To cut the cake, start by removing any decorations or cake toppers. Decide on the number of slices needed based on the guest count, and cut the cake into even wedges or rows. Use a sharp, clean knife to make smooth cuts, and place each slice onto a clean plate using a cake server or spatula. If your cake has different flavours or fillings, be sure to inform your guests.

Storing:

The traditional Irish wedding cake is a fruitcake, often soaked in whiskey, and it can last for months. To store it, wrap the cake in wax paper or grease-proof paper, drizzling it with extra whiskey first. Then, wrap the entire package in aluminium foil. Finally, seal it in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place. The cake should be made well in advance, allowing the flavours to mellow and mature.

For long-term storage, particularly if you're saving the top tier for your first anniversary, freezing is recommended. To do this, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminium foil, and place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe cake box. Label the container with the date and flavour, and store it in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.

Frequently asked questions