The Evolution Of Wedding Cake Flavors

Wedding cakes can come in a variety of flavours, from vanilla to chocolate, and even olive oil. However, traditionally, wedding cakes are almond-flavoured. This tradition is especially prominent in New Orleans, where the confection is typically a white, almond-flavoured cake with a sweetened pineapple filling and buttercream icing. The tradition is thought to have originated from the influx of Sicilians in New Orleans, as almonds are frequently used in Sicilian sweets and candy-covered almonds are handed out at weddings.

Wedding cake flavours vary by region

In the U.S., vanilla or almond-flavoured white cake is a traditional wedding cake flavour. In New Orleans, specifically, the traditional wedding cake is a white, almond-flavoured cake with pineapple filling and buttercream icing. This flavour combination is so iconic that "wedding cake" is used as a flavour descriptor for other foods and drinks, such as ice cream, snow cones, and gelato.

In the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, fruit cake is the traditional wedding cake flavour. This choice is likely influenced by the popularity of fruit cake for Christmas in these countries.

While some couples stick to traditional flavours, others are embracing more adventurous options. Couples may choose unique flavours that reflect their personal tastes, cultural backgrounds, or special memories, such as a flavour from their first date or proposal.

Some popular wedding cake flavours in the U.S. include lemon, chocolate, carrot, white chocolate, spice, and red velvet. Lemon cake, in particular, is a popular choice for spring and summer weddings, often paired with elderflower or raspberry fillings and frostings. Chocolate cake is a classic choice that is making a comeback, with couples opting for pairings like salted caramel sauce and crème fraiche buttercream.

Ultimately, the choice of wedding cake flavour depends on the couple's preferences and the desire to surprise and delight their guests.

Vanilla and almond are popular flavours

Vanilla is a versatile flavour that can be paired with a variety of fillings and frostings, such as mixed berry compote, strawberry buttercream, tequila syrup, and passionfruit curd. It is a safe choice that is likely to be enjoyed by most guests.

Almond is a traditional wedding cake flavour, particularly in New Orleans, where it is often paired with pineapple filling and buttercream icing. The flavour is so iconic that it is also used in other confections such as ice cream, snow cones, and gelato, and is referred to as "wedding cake"-flavoured. The tradition of almond-flavoured wedding cakes in New Orleans may have originated with the city's Sicilian community, who use almonds frequently in their sweets and offer candy-covered almonds at weddings.

While vanilla and almond are both popular choices, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wedding cake flavours. Couples may choose to incorporate their favourite flavours, cultural influences, or even tell a story with their cake.

White wedding cakes are traditional

While white wedding cakes are traditional, couples today often opt for a variety of cake flavours, including chocolate, lemon, elderflower, blueberry, carrot, red velvet, and even olive oil. Some couples also choose to incorporate cultural flavours, such as ube, coconut, or pandan. Ultimately, the choice of wedding cake flavour depends on the couple's preferences, and there is no rule that dictates that a wedding cake must be white or any particular flavour.

Wedding cakes can be any flavour

For those who want something more unexpected, some couples are choosing passionfruit, strawberry yuzu, lychee, or olive oil cake. Couples are also choosing flavours that hold a special meaning for them, such as a cake inspired by their first date or proposal, or a flavour that represents their cultural background, like ube, coconut, or pandan.

In New Orleans, a traditional wedding cake is a white, almond-flavoured cake with pineapple filling and buttercream icing. This flavour combination is so iconic that "wedding cake" is used to describe other treats, such as petit fours and birthday cakes. However, even in New Orleans, the sky's the limit for flavours, styles, and colours of wedding cakes.

Ultimately, wedding cakes can be any flavour, and couples can choose to stick with classics or get creative with unique combinations that reflect their personalities and backgrounds.

Fruit cake is traditional in the UK, Australia and New Zealand

Fruit cake is traditional in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. In the UK, fruitcakes are made in types ranging from extremely light to rich and moist. They are usually dense, packed with dried fruits and nuts, and flavoured with spices. The earliest recipe from ancient Rome lists pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and raisins that were mixed into barley mash. In the Middle Ages, honey, spices, and preserved fruits were added.

Fruitcakes are typically served at weddings and Christmas. In the past, it was customary to put a slice of fruitcake under the pillow of unmarried wedding guests so they could dream of their future spouse. The traditional Christmas cake is a round fruitcake covered in marzipan and white royal icing or fondant icing. It is often further decorated with snow scenes, holly leaves, and berries.

Fruitcakes arrived in New Zealand with early settlers from Britain. They are usually finely iced and decorated, often with several tiers. Most fruitcakes are consumed during the Christmas period and are made from multiple dried fruits.

Fruitcake is also consumed throughout the year in Australia, especially at Christmas, and is available at most major retail outlets. The cake is rarely iced and is often consumed with butter or margarine, or custard.

Frequently asked questions