The Perfect Timing For A Wedding Cake

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and deciding when to make the wedding cake is an important consideration. While some couples opt for a professional baker, others choose to make their own wedding cake, which can be a rewarding experience. However, it requires careful planning and preparation. Here are some factors to consider when deciding when to make your wedding cake.

Firstly, it is crucial to choose a simple design that you are confident in baking and decorating. This is not the time to experiment with complex recipes or elaborate decorations. Opt for a tried and tested recipe that you have made before, and consider doing a trial run to ensure you are comfortable with the process. It is also essential to plan ahead and create a timeline for baking, decorating, and assembling the cake.

Secondly, consider the size of your guest list and the number of servings you will need. A good rule of thumb is to have enough cake for generous slices, with some extras in case anyone wants seconds. You can use cake portion guides to determine the appropriate number of tiers and their sizes. This will also help you calculate how much batter and icing you will need.

Additionally, it is advisable to bake and decorate the cake layers in advance. Properly wrapped cake layers can be frozen and taste delicious and moist when thawed. This will reduce the stress of last-minute baking and allow you to focus on final decorations and assembly closer to the wedding day.

Furthermore, pay attention to the climate and adjust your recipe accordingly. If you are in a hot and humid location, consider using fondant instead of buttercream, which can melt in warm temperatures. Ensure you have a suitable space to store the cake and keep it fresh until the wedding day.

Lastly, don't forget to enjoy the process! Baking your own wedding cake should be a fun and rewarding experience. Ask for help if needed, and don't be afraid to delegate tasks to friends or family members. Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your love, so don't let the cake become a source of stress.

Plan ahead and do a little math

Planning ahead and doing a little math is crucial when making your own wedding cake. This will ensure you have enough cake for your guests and avoid any last-minute stresses. Here are some tips to help you plan and calculate the amount of cake batter and frosting you need:

• Determine the number of guests: Start by estimating the number of guests you expect at your wedding. This will help you decide on the size of your cake and the number of servings you need.
• Choose the size and number of tiers: Decide on the size and number of tiers for your cake. Common tier combinations include 12", 10", 8", and 6" or 9", 6", and 3". Each tier typically has 2-4 cake layers, with 3 being the most common.
• Use a cake portion guide: Utilize a cake portion guide to determine the number of servings each tier will provide. This will help you select the right combination of tier sizes to ensure you have enough cake for your guests.
• Calculate the number of batches: Based on the number of tiers and the size of each tier, calculate the number of batches of cake batter you need to make. For example, a 12", 10", 8", and 6" tier cake with 3 layers in each tier may require 6-7 batches of cake batter.
• Consider frosting requirements: Remember that you'll need a significant amount of frosting for a wedding cake. A good rule of thumb is to have about 1 batch of frosting per batch of cake batter. However, for a wedding cake with minimal decorations, you may need slightly less frosting.
• Plan your ingredients: Knowing the number of batches of cake batter and frosting you need will help you plan and purchase the right amount of ingredients. Ensure you have all the ingredients before you start baking to avoid last-minute shortages.
• Bake in advance: Consider baking your cake layers in advance and freezing them. This will help distribute the workload and ensure you're not overwhelmed closer to the wedding day. Properly wrapped and frozen cake layers can stay moist and delicious.

By doing a little math and planning ahead, you can ensure you have enough cake for your guests and make the process of creating your own wedding cake less stressful.

Make your cake layers in advance

Making a wedding cake is a complex process, but it can be done with some forward planning. One of the most important things to do is to make your cake layers in advance. This will save you time and stress on the day of the wedding.

You can bake the cake layers up to two weeks in advance and then freeze them. This will actually improve the taste and texture of the cake, as freezing locks in the steam, resulting in a moist and delicious cake. Wrap the cake layers while they are still warm and then seal them tightly to protect them from the freezer.

If you are short on time, you can also bake the cake layers a few days in advance and store them properly wrapped at room temperature. This way, you can focus on assembling and decorating the cake on the day of the wedding, or even the day before, without having to worry about baking.

It is important to note that you should not add fresh flowers to the cake until the morning of the wedding, as they will wilt if added too early. However, you can prepare the flowers by trimming them to have 1-inch stems and wrapping the stems with floral tape to prevent any fluid from leaching into the cake.

By making your cake layers in advance, you can ensure that your wedding cake is not only delicious but also stress-free!

Make your frosting ahead of time

Making your frosting ahead of time is a great way to save time and stress when preparing a wedding cake. It is recommended to make your frosting the week of the wedding, storing it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the cake. This will ensure that your frosting is fresh and easy to work with.

The amount of frosting you will need depends on the size and design of your wedding cake. As a rule of thumb, you will need about one batch of frosting per batch of cake batter. For a three-tier cake, you will need to make three cakes of 12", 9", and 6", as well as a large amount of frosting. Most three-tier cake recipes include a step-by-step schedule for when to bake and assemble each part, which can be helpful in planning your time.

When making your frosting, it is important to use a recipe specifically designed for wedding cakes to ensure that it is sturdy enough and that you make enough to cover your cake. American buttercream, for example, is a classic and affordable option that can be used for elegant or rustic designs. It can also remain stable for up to six hours in most temperatures and settings.

If you are looking for a less sweet option, Italian or Swiss meringue buttercream is a popular choice. This type of frosting is made with meringue, giving it a fluffy texture and a less sweet taste. However, it may not hold up well for long periods or in hot weather, so it may not be suitable for outdoor summer weddings.

Another factor to consider when making your frosting is the colour and tint. For example, cream cheese buttercream can have a yellow tint, which may not be desirable for a white wedding cake. By making your frosting ahead of time, you can experiment with different recipes and colours to find the perfect match for your wedding cake.

Overall, making your frosting in advance is a great way to save time and ensure that your wedding cake turns out perfectly. By planning ahead and using the right recipes, you can create a beautiful and delicious frosting that will impress your guests and make your special day even more memorable.

Add supports into your tiers

When making a wedding cake, it is important to add supports to each tier to ensure the cake can support its own weight and keep its shape. This is especially important if you are planning on transporting the cake to the wedding venue.

There are a few different options for the types of supports you can use. Some people use wooden dowels, while others use bubble tea straws or milkshake straws. These straws are thicker than typical straws and perfect for pushing into a chilled cake. They are also strong, easy to cut, and inexpensive. If you are concerned about the environmental impact of using plastic straws, you can use wooden skewers or lollipop/cake pop sticks as an alternative.

The number of supports you will need depends on the size of your cake. A good rule of thumb is to put as many supports in a cake as the size of the cake it will be supporting. For example, if you have an 8" cake for your bottom tier and you will be stacking a 6" cake on top, you will want to put 6 supports into your 8" cake. You would then put 4 supports in the 6" cake if you are adding a 4" tier on top.

It is important to place the supports as close to the edge of the cake as possible without them showing. This will give your cake the most stability and keep it from caving in. You can use a cake pan or cake board the size of the cake you are supporting to trace an indentation in the supporting cake so you know exactly where to place the supports. If you are supporting a large cake, you can add some of the supports further towards the centre for extra stability.

In addition to the individual supports in each tier, it is also recommended to add a thick central wooden dowel through the entire cake. This helps to keep the tiers centred and stable during transportation. To make it easier to slide the cakes onto the central dowel, you can sharpen one end with a pencil sharpener or some sandpaper.

Assemble your cake

Assembling a wedding cake can be a tricky process, but with careful planning and attention to detail, it can be done successfully. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the assembly process:

Before you begin assembling, make sure you have all the necessary tools and ingredients, including cake boards, dowels or straws for support, a large serrated knife, frosting, and any desired decorations such as fresh flowers or cake toppers. It is also crucial to have a clear and spacious work area, such as a spinning cake stand, to make the process easier.

Start by levelling off the cakes. Use a large serrated knife to cut a thin layer off the tops of all the cakes to create a flat surface. This step ensures that your tiers will stack evenly.

Next, create a crumb coat for each tier. Using a small or large icing spatula, spread a thin layer of frosting over the top and sides of each cake. This crumb coat will help protect the outer layer of frosting from catching any crumbs. Refrigerate the cakes to help set the crumb coat.

Now, it's time to assemble the tiers. Place the largest tier on your chosen cake stand or serving platter. If desired, you can place a cake board between the tiers for added support. Carefully stack the next largest tier on top, making sure to centre it properly. Repeat this process until all the tiers are stacked.

To ensure stability, insert dowels or straws into the bottom tier. Measure the height of the bottom cake and cut the dowels or straws to match. Insert them into the cake, spacing them evenly apart to form a stable structure.

If desired, you can add a central wooden dowel through all the tiers for extra support. Sharpen one end of the dowel and slide the tiers onto it, making sure they are centred.

Fill in any gaps between the tiers with extra frosting. Use a spinning cake stand to make this process easier and create a smooth finish.

Finally, add the finishing touches. You can pipe frosting details, such as dots or borders, to cover any imperfections or spaces between the tiers. Fresh flowers, foliage, or a cake topper can also be added to enhance the overall presentation.

Keep in mind that fresh flowers should be added as close to the event as possible to prevent wilting. Secure the stems with floral tape to prevent any fluid from leaching into the cake, and use bubble tea straws or similar tools to insert the flowers at different angles.

Your wedding cake is now assembled and ready to be transported to the venue! Remember to handle it with care and keep it properly supported during transportation.

Frequently asked questions