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.
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
Comments
Chantal - Yes, most cakes can be frozen well in advance. I'd advise trying a small recipe first to ensure that the type of cake you're thinking of will freeze well, and be sure to wrap it carefully to prevent freezer burn. Also, be sure the cake is completely defrosted before icing.
-- Contributed by: Melissa MayntzI am going to make my own cupcake wedding cake but I would like to know if the cake can be frozen in advance and just iced the night before.
-- Contributed by: ChantalDeb - It sounds like you're using a very light recipe for the cupcakes; you'll want to be sure the cupcake pan is snug to the papers to keep them more secure, and be sure you are filling up each cup appropriately before baking. Whether or not they can be frozen, however, depends on the recipe - you could do a test batch to see. Many bakers will also have decorations you should be able to buy for the tops of the cupcakes, or you could specially order fondant flowers to match the apppropriate colors.
-- Contributed by: Melissa MayntzThis page has been accessed 43,787 times. This page was last modified 03:22, 5 June 2006.
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