The wedding cake is not just a delicious dessert to be served at your reception. It is a symbol of wedding tradition. Cutting your wedding cake is the first act you and your new spouse will perform as husband and wife. As 2012 begins, couples have come to expect more from their bakers of this most important dessert. A wedding cake is as much of a work of art as it is a culinary masterpiece. Kelly James, Executive Chef and Owner of Sugar Cafe’ in Pittsburgh, discusses some of the upcoming trends for wedding cakes.
Design
Overall cake designs are more simple than in previous years. Themes are understated but elegant, white or ivory, with just a touch of bling. Fondant covered cakes are becoming less popular. Textured butter cream iced cakes are requested more often, because the taste is better than fondant. Brides are requesting to have live cut flowers featured on their cakes, in lieu of gum paste or fondant flowers. According to Ms. James, “It’s more about the inside of the cake than the outside.”
Flavors
Traditional white cake is no longer the norm for wedding cake. Flavors such as salted caramel, honey brandy and other interesting combinations are gaining in popularity. Ms. James will encourage couples to choose a different flavor for each tier of the cake, so the guests will have different choices for dessert.
Groom's Cake
While the Groom’s Cake is generally a Southern tradition, Ms. James is hopeful this tradition takes off in Pittsburgh. A Groom’s Cake can really showcase the groom’s own sense of style and individuality. “I think that it lets the groom be involved in his own way. Every groom deserves his own cake!”
Non-Traditional Wedding Cakes
Cupcake tiers have become very popular as a replacement for a traditional wedding cake. This option allows the couple to choose a wide variety of flavors for their guests to choose from, and the cupcake display adds a whimsical touch to the reception. Ms. James always encourages couples to add a special 6-inch cake to the top of the tier for the cake cutting ceremony.
Your wedding cake should be both beautiful and delicious. Having a spectacularly designed cake that only tastes mediocre will not be remembered by your guests. As you begin interviewing bakers and deciding on flavors and designs, keep this in mind by Ms. James:
“I feel that 2012 will be the year that we bring flavor and variety into weddings. A gorgeous cake is great but having your guests rave about the taste of the cake for months is where it is at. A couple should not be afraid to bring unusual flavors that reflect their tastes to the table.”
To schedule a tasting/consultation at Sugar Cafe’ please call (412) 341-1090.
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