Baking a wedding cake sounds simple, right? Mixing the batter, baking it in the oven, and icing it to perfection. Yet, it’s not quite that easy. For many bakers it takes years of practice to concoct the perfect cake ingredient by ingredient. Not to mention, specific baking techniques and times can greatly differ depending on oven types and other environmental factors, such as humidity and altitude. In addition, there are many different icing types, designs, and textures that can be utilized to create the perfect wedding cake.
Baking the Cake
One of the main concepts that should be remember when baking a wedding cake is to allow plenty of time for this process. Incorporate time for potential errors, cooling, and decoration beforehand. Next, bakers should determine the size of cake that is necessary based upon a pre-determined estimate of wedding guests. This estimate will help bakers figure out how much batter is necessary. After this is determined, bakers should decide on a cake type in order to gather essential ingredients. Popular wedding choices include vanilla, lemon, and coconut.
After the batter is mixed and ready to go, the next step is to select a proper sized/shape baking pan. Flouring the pan is necessary to prevent sticking. Actually baking the cake at the recommended heat for a set amount of time is the next step in the process–one that makes the biggest different in a cake’s appearance and taste. After the cake is baked, it should be taken out of the oven and allowed to completely cool before farther decoration is initiated.
Optional Add-Ins
In order to make a wedding cake special and unique, many couples choose additional cake features like fillings, layers, and icing types. Layers can create a unique look and may give the cake more depth once filling is added between each layer. Bakers can create unique flavors by alternating filling or icing amongst layers, as well.
In addition, various types of icing can give a wedding cake differing looks. While fondant offers a more smooth, polished look, it may not be as tasty as a traditional butter cream. On the same token, butter cream may be more flavorful, yet it is more difficult to manipulate when piping designs on a cake. Different tips can also be used to create unique icing designs. Whether the bride preferes floral edging or delicate beading, piping accessories area available in making baking stores to meet these expectations.
Icing on the Cake
Additional features can be added to a wedding cake to make it more significant and unique. Beading, flowers, ribbon, and monograms are popular options this season. In addition, cake stands can create a beautiful display for any bride/groom table. Oftentimes, more than one cake is made to feed larger numbers of guests. One popular wedding trend at this time includes the creation of a separate cake for the groom that includes comical or characteristic details. Some individuals even create a second, less elaborate cake, in order to accommodate all of the wedding guests.
Putting It All Together
Preparing for the big day requires much planning and efficiency. In order to gain an idea of what goes in to baking a wedding cake, the video below can help.
The general idea of baking a wedding cake is to have fun with it. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will be remembered for years to come. So have fun creating your own wedding cake, and remember to save a piece for you anniversary!
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