Summer weddings can be beautiful, with lush greenery and warm, gentle breezes. But for wedding cakes, it can be a disaster waiting to happen. Sweaty frosting, sagging layers, and melted decorations are all possible outcomes of hosting a wedding cake in the heat. But don’t panic. With these expert tips and a little effort, you can avoid a summer wedding cake meltdown.
Choose the Right Cake
Do some research and find out what types of cake flourish in the heat. Some cakes, such as pound cake and genoise, are heartier and can handle more heat than others. Also, be sure to ask your baker what kind of cake they are using and if they have any special techniques they use to ensure the cake will hold up in the heat. Consider using a layered sheet cake in lieu of the traditional tiered option.
Cake at summer wedding
Choose a light and refreshing cake filling. Many couples opt for lighter fillings that won’t drip down the sides of the cake in the heat. Options like lemon curd and mousse are great choices for summer cakes. Be sure to ask your baker if they can use a buttercream with shortening or high ratio shortening in it. This will help the frosting stay firm and smooth in the heat.
Fondant vs. Buttercream
If you’re dealing with an outdoor ceremony, you may want to consider using fondant instead of buttercream. Fondant is a type of sugar paste that can be rolled out and draped over a cake. It is also more heat resistant than buttercream and can help keep your cake looking beautiful even in the summer sun. However, if you’re using fresh flowers on your cake, buttercream may be a better option as it won’t dry the flowers out like fondant will.
Chill Before You Serve
If you can, try to keep the cake in a cool spot before it’s served. This will help it stay firm and reduce the chances of it melting or sliding. You can also try to store the cake in a cool refrigerator if possible. But make sure to keep it away from any foods that might leave an odor on the cake. The last thing you want is for your cake to be flavored with garlic or fish.
Talk to Your Baker
Finally, talk to your baker about the best way to transport and store the cake. They may be able to provide you with tips and tricks to help you avoid a summer wedding cake meltdown. They may also be able to suggest some special techniques they can use to make sure the cake makes it to the reception in one piece.
Closing Message
Summer weddings can be a great way to celebrate your special day, but you need to make sure you’re prepared for the heat. With these expert tips and a little effort, you can avoid a summer wedding cake meltdown and enjoy your special day.