Cupcake Wedding Cakes

From LoveToKnow Weddings

Cupcake weddings cakes are an interesting and tasty new trend. Instead of making a large, multi-tiered wedding cake, the Happy Couple can instead opt for a “cake” made of of mini cakes, or cupcakes.

Pictures of Wedding Cupcakes

Benefits of Cupcake Wedding Cakes

A cupcake wedding cake can add a whimsical touch to an already enjoyable situation. Your guests are sure to appreciate the originality. In fact, wedding cupcakes make wonderful conversation pieces.

In addition to costing less money, cupcake wedding cakes are easier to handle and not as messy. Transporting cupcakes is a lot easier than carrying a large cake with multiple layers. In most cases, cupcake wedding cakes can be assembled at the reception hall rather than at the bakery. Because they’re individually wrapped, the bride and groom don’t have to worry about cutting a cake and the reception staff doesn’t have to deal with plating up slices for each guest. In fact, they needn’t be served at all. Each guest can pluck a cupcake from the tower or “cupcake bar” and carry it back to his or her own table. Cupcakes are also easier to carry home for the guest who would love a piece of cake, but would rather not eat it at the reception.

The Downside of Having Cupcake Wedding Cakes

Even though they add an amusing touch, cupcake wedding cakes can take away some of the wedding reception fun. For instance, there will be no photographs of the bride and groom cutting the cake together and no singing a few rounds of “The Bride Cuts the Cake.” Traditional wedding items such as cake toppers and silver cake knives and slicers are deemed unnecessary as there’s no need. These are only minor issues, however. The bride and groom can still feed each other cake, if they are so inclined.

You’ll also need to be sure to have one for everyone in attendance. If you fall short, you can’t start making thinner slices. When making plans for wedding cupcakes, it’s best to overestimate.

Save Money

Because cupcakes aren’t as big or elaborate as traditional wedding cakes, they don’t require as much attention and care. This isn’t to say they don’t have to be beautiful and delicious, but you can save perhaps hundreds of dollars by making them yourself. Don’t wait until the last minute, however. Seek out cake recipes early and test on trusted loved ones to find which tastes best.

Wedding Cupcake Recipe

Buttercream Icing

8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
1 pound confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 to 4 tablespoons whole milk

Cupcakes

1 cup unsalted butter
2 cups sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 eggs
3 cups sifted cake flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add eggs and vanilla and mix until well blended.

Sift flour, baking powder and salt. Pour into butter mixture, alternating with the milk.

Line Cupcake pan with paper or foil muffin cups. Pour enough batter into each cup to fill to ¾ of the way. Bake about 20 to 25 minutes or until firm in the center and golden brown on top. Allow to cool completely before frosting.

To make butter cream icing, mix butter and confectioners sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and milk and stir until desired consistency.

Embellish as desired.

Decorating Cupcake Wedding Cakes

It’s true, traditional wedding cakes are reaching new levels of design. That shouldn’t deter you, however. Cupcake wedding cakes are a lot of fun to decorate and can be as casual or elaborate as you like. Frost cupcakes either individually and place on a multi-level presentation tray, or place them next to each other and frost as one unit. Decorate with:

Sugar Pearls
Chocolate Shavings
Chocolate Truffles
Chocolate Kisses
Chocolate Hearts
Sugar Flowers
Real Flowers
Sugar Butterflies
Ribbons
Lace

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Comments

Jenni - Buttercream icing won't spoil on cupcakes any more than it would spoil on a full-size wedding cake, so long as the cupcakes are stored properly before the ceremony. Avoid putting any buttercream dessert (cake or cupcakes) under a heating vent or in the sun where they will melt easier. Fondant icing is usually more difficult to use on cupcakes because of its stiffness, but it's doable too if that's what you want. Check out Pictures of Wedding Cupcakes for a lot of great ideas!

-- Contributed by: Melissa Mayntz

Is it a good idea to have buttercream on wedding cupcakes? would they not spoil if kept out on display for the duration of the wedding? do you think it better to use fondant icing instead or do you have any other suggestions of toppings that wont spoil in the heat? any advice greatly appreciated. Jenni

-- Contributed by: Jenni

i love the cakes they all look lovely can't wait to try them.

-- Contributed by: ariane

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