WEDDING CAKE: THE ULTIMATE DIY GUIDE
Wedding Cake: The Ultimate DIY Guide
Contents
Key Info
Prep Time: 4-8 hours
Cook Time: 1-2 hours
Total Time: 6-12 hours
Servings: 30-72 people
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Cost: $20-$110+
Equipment Needed
– Stand mixer
– Multiple cake pans
– Offset spatula
– Cake turntable
– Piping bags
– Cake leveler
Ingredients
Cake Base:
– 18 large eggs
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 3 cups granulated sugar
– 1½ cups unsalted butter
– 1-2 cups whole milk
– 1½ tsp vanilla extract
Optional Flavor Boosters:
– Lemon zest
– Almond extract
– Fresh fruit fillings
Pro Tips
– Room temperature ingredients are crucial
– Don’t overmix batter
– Use dowels for multi-tier stability
– Crumb coat before final frosting
Step-by-Step Method
1. Prep Your Station
– Measure all ingredients
– Bring ingredients to room temperature
– Prepare cake pans with parchment
2. Mix Cake Batter
– Cream butter and sugar until fluffy
– Add eggs one at a time
– Alternate dry ingredients and milk
– Fold gently to maintain airiness
3. Bake Perfectly
– Preheat oven to 325-350°F
– Divide batter evenly
– Bake 30-40 minutes
– Test with toothpick for doneness
4. Cool and Level
– Let cakes cool completely
– Level layers for even stacking
– Chill before frosting
5. Decorate Like a Pro
– Apply crumb coat
– Chill 30 minutes
– Add final frosting layer
– Decorate with piping, flowers, or fondant
Variation Options
– Vegan substitutions
– Gluten-free flour
– Alternative flavors
– Different decorating styles
Storage
– Refrigerate up to 2 days
– Freeze unfrosted layers up to 2 months
– Serve at room temperature
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Overmixing batter
– Insufficient cake support
– Frosting warm layers
– Skipping crumb coat
Budget Hacks
– DIY instead of bakery
– Use sheet cakes for extra servings
– Simplify decorations
– Choose seasonal ingredients
Allergen Alert
Contains: Wheat, Eggs, Dairy
Potential Substitutions Available
Final Thoughts
Your wedding cake is more than dessert—it’s a delicious memory. Take your time, have fun, and don’t stress perfection!
