Curd Vs Regular Filling: Which Is Best For Wedding Cakes?

Wedding cakes are a big deal. They are observed, oohed and aahed over, and are the centrepiece of the reception selfie. So, choosing the right filling is important. The choice of filling can make a cake, and a good filling can elevate a bland cake. Fruit fillings are a great way to add extra flavour to cakes. They can be cooked down and made into a type of jam or jelly, pureed and added to buttercream, or simply cut up and mixed with whipped cream. A popular filling for wedding cakes is cooked pineapple or raspberry filling. Lemon curd is another popular choice, especially in the summer. It is a bright and citrusy filling, ideal for a light and refreshing taste.

Lemon curd vs other fruit fillings

Lemon curd is a bright and citrusy filling, ideal for a light and refreshing taste. It is a popular choice for summer weddings, providing a zesty and refreshing taste.

Lemon curd is a versatile filling that can be paired with a variety of cake flavours. It is often used in combination with other fillings and flavours such as raspberry, strawberry, and vanilla. Lemon curd is especially well-suited to white cakes, almond cakes, and vanilla cakes. It can also be used to create a unique and unexpected flavour combination, such as elderflower or blueberry cake.

Lemon curd is a good choice for couples who want a classic, traditional wedding cake. It is a safe option that most guests will enjoy. However, it may not be the best choice for a wedding with children as it contains alcohol.

Other fruit fillings, such as raspberry and strawberry, are also popular choices for wedding cakes. These fillings provide a tangy burst of flavour and pair well with chocolate or vanilla cakes. Raspberry filling is particularly well-suited to white cakes and can be used to create a unique combination, such as a Sacher Torte: chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and raspberry preserves. Strawberry filling is a good choice for a champagne cake.

Ultimately, the choice of filling depends on the couple's preferences and the overall theme of the wedding. Lemon curd is a versatile and classic option that can be used to create a variety of flavour profiles. Other fruit fillings, such as raspberry and strawberry, offer a tangy and sweet contrast to the cake.

The pros and cons of using curd as a standalone filling

Using curd as a standalone filling for a wedding cake has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

• Curd can be used as a filling by itself, providing a bright and citrusy flavour that is ideal for a light and refreshing taste. Passion fruit curd, for example, offers a tropical and exotic flavour, while lemon curd adds a zesty tang.
• Curd is a versatile filling option that can be paired with various cake flavours. It is commonly used with vanilla cake, but also goes well with chocolate, white chocolate, and blueberry cakes.
• Curd can be used to create unique and memorable flavour combinations for a wedding cake. For instance, pairing a white chocolate cake with lemon curd or an elderflower cake with blueberry curd adds a sense of brightness and elegance to the overall taste experience.

Cons:

• Curd may not be suitable for all types of cakes, especially those that are heavy. It is important to consider the weight and texture of the cake layers to ensure the curd does not get squished out between them.
• Curd may not be as stable as other fillings and could soak into the cake layers. To prevent this, it is recommended to spread a thin layer of whipped cream or buttercream onto the cake layer before adding the curd filling.
• Curd may not be as popular or well-known as other filling options, such as buttercream, ganache, or fruit preserves. Some guests may prefer more traditional or familiar flavours.
• Curd may also have a shorter shelf life than other fillings, especially if it is homemade. This could be a factor if the wedding cake needs to be prepared in advance.

The pros and cons of using regular filling as a standalone filling

Regular filling, such as buttercream, custard, or ganache, can be used as a standalone filling for a wedding cake. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to use regular filling for your wedding cake:

Pros:

• Variety of Options: Regular fillings offer a diverse range of choices, including buttercream, custard, whipped cream, ganache, and more. This allows for customization to match the cake's flavour and theme.
• Ease of Use: Buttercream, a common regular filling, is versatile and easy to work with. It can be used as both the cake's outer covering and filling, simplifying the baking process.
• Moisture and Texture: Fillings like frosting and custard can add moisture to a dry cake, improving its texture and taste.
• Stability: Some regular fillings, such as buttercream and ganache, can act as a dam to prevent the filling from squishing out between the layers.

Cons:

• Refrigeration: Some regular fillings, such as mousse, may require refrigeration, which can affect the texture of the cake and buttercream.
• Weight: Lighter cakes should be paired with light fillings like mousse. Heavier fillings can weigh down the cake, affecting its structure.
• Allergies: Regular fillings may contain common allergens like nuts, dairy, or eggs, which could be a concern for some guests.
• Taste Preferences: While regular fillings offer versatility, some couples may prefer the unique taste and texture that curd provides.

The best cake flavours to pair with curd

Lemon curd is a bright and citrusy filling, ideal for a light and refreshing taste. It is a popular choice for wedding cakes, especially in the summer months. Here are some of the best cake flavours to pair with curd:

Vanilla Cake

A classic vanilla cake is a perfect base for curd, especially if you are looking for a more subtle and delicate taste. You can add a thin layer of buttercream or whipped cream to the cake layer before adding the curd to prevent it from soaking into the cake.

Chocolate Cake

Chocolate cake is a rich and indulgent choice, and curd can add a refreshing twist. Chocolate and orange is a popular combination, or you could try a chocolate and passion fruit curd for something more exotic. For a lighter option, consider a white chocolate cake with curd.

Fruit Cake

Fruit cakes are a traditional choice for weddings, and curd can add a tangy burst of flavour. Lemon and blueberry is a classic duo, or you could try a mixed berry compote with your curd. For a tropical twist, pair curd with a pineapple or coconut cream filling.

Spiced Cake

Spiced cakes, such as ginger or cinnamon, offer a delightful blend of flavours and are perfect for an elegant wedding. A spiced cake with an orange curd and a vanilla or cream cheese frosting is a unique and sophisticated choice.

Alternative Flavours

If you are feeling adventurous, there are plenty of alternative cake flavours to pair with curd. A matcha cake with a coconut cream and matcha buttercream is a unique and trendy option. Alternatively, a banana cake with a passion fruit curd and a light cream or a banana mousse could be a tasty choice.

Remember, when choosing a cake flavour, consider the season and your personal preferences. You can also mix and match different flavours and fillings to create a dynamic and memorable dessert.

The best cake flavours to pair with regular filling

Regular filling can be buttercream, whipped, mousse, pastry cream, custard, ganache, fruit, curd, cream cheese, caramel, marshmallow cream, or nut fillings. Here are some flavour combinations that work well with regular fillings:

Vanilla Cake

Vanilla cake is a classic choice for weddings and can be paired with a variety of fillings. Consider a vanilla cake with:

• Strawberry filling and vanilla bean frosting
• Raspberry filling and white chocolate buttercream
• Lemon curd and lemon buttercream
• Blackberry mousse and Italian cream buttercream
• Apricot filling and vanilla buttercream
• Blueberry filling and vanilla buttercream
• Eggless chocolate mousse filling and whipped cream frosting
• Salted caramel filling and caramel buttercream
• White chocolate ganache and fresh raspberry filling
• Strawberry filling and American buttercream
• Pineapple filling and vanilla buttercream
• Chocolate ganache filling and chocolate buttercream icing

Chocolate Cake

Chocolate cake is a rich and indulgent option that also offers a lot of versatility. Try a chocolate cake with:

• Salted caramel filling and dark chocolate ganache
• Raspberry filling and chocolate ganache
• Chocolate mousse filling and vanilla buttercream
• Peanut butter frosting
• Mint buttercream
• Orange, strawberry or raspberry buttercream
• Pecan praline cream and dark chocolate ganache
• Chocolate buttercream and chocolate ganache
• Oreo crumbs in the filling and buttercream
• White chocolate ganache with Oreo crumbs
• Banana filling and peanut butter buttercream
• Raspberry or white chocolate mousse and vanilla buttercream
• Cherry filling and vanilla buttercream
• Crushed Oreo buttercream
• Chocolate fudge filling and Swiss meringue buttercream

Lemon Cake

Lemon cake is a refreshing and tangy option, perfect for summer weddings. Pair it with:

• Tangy cream cheese filling and lemon buttercream
• Raspberry frosting and lemon buttercream
• Lemon curd and lemon buttercream
• Almond buttercream
• Coconut cream and Italian meringue buttercream
• Blueberry filling and Swiss meringue buttercream
• Coconut buttercream
• Coconut lime curd and maple buttercream
• Lavender-flavoured buttercream
• Passion fruit curd

Strawberry Cake

Strawberry cake is a sweet and fruity option that can be paired with a variety of fillings. Try a strawberry cake with:

• Banana mousse and strawberry buttercream
• Whipped cream and stabilized whipped cream
• Velvet American buttercream
• Strawberry filling and whipped cream
• Lemon filling and buttercream
• Banana mousse and strawberry buttercream
• Banana mousse and strawberry buttercream
• White chocolate buttercream

Other Cake Flavours

There are also many other cake flavours that can be paired with regular fillings:

• Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting
• Banana cake with salted caramel frosting
• Banana cake with caramel cream cheese frosting
• Banana cake with coconut cream and almond buttercream
• Banana cake with pecan praline filling and caramel buttercream
• Coconut cake with rum-flavoured chocolate buttercream
• Coconut cake with lemon or lime curd and maple buttercream
• Coconut cake with pineapple cream and Swiss meringue buttercream
• Coconut cake with dark chocolate fudge filling and Swiss meringue buttercream
• Carrot cake with cream cheese filling and cinnamon-spiced buttercream
• Almond cake with cherry filling and almond-infused whipped cream
• Matcha cake with coconut cream and matcha buttercream
• Earl Grey cake with lavender-flavoured buttercream
• Ginger-spiced cake with vanilla and honey buttercream
• Pumpkin spice cake with chai latte buttercream
• Apple spice cake with caramel filling and Swiss meringue buttercream

Frequently asked questions