Photorealistic image of a sunlit modern kitchen with marble countertop featuring a copper KitchenAid stand mixer, vintage ceramic mixing bowls, sifted cake flour, farm-fresh eggs, European butter blocks, and organic sugar in mason jar, with soft shadows and rustic elegance.

One-Tier Wedding Cake: Your Perfect Simple Celebration Dessert

Key Info

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30-60 minutes

Total Time: 1-2 hours

Servings: 10-24

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free Adaptable

Equipment Needed

Essential Tools:
  1. Electric mixer
  2. Mixing bowls
  3. Measuring cups
  4. Cake pans (6″, 8″, or 10″)
  5. Offset spatula
  6. Cake stand

A sunlit kitchen with baking ingredients on a marble countertop, including sifted cake flour, eggs, sugar, butter, a copper stand mixer, measuring cups, and vintage mixing bowls.

Ingredients

Cake Base:
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 1.5 cups sugar
  • 1 cup butter
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
Vegan/Gluten-Free Swaps:
  • Replace milk with almond milk
  • Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs
  • Substitute with gluten-free flour blend

Method

Preparation Steps:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
  2. Prepare cake pans with butter and flour
  3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly
  5. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk
  6. Pour batter into prepared pans
  7. Bake 30-40 minutes
Doneness Indicators:
  • Golden brown top
  • Edges pulling away from pan
  • Toothpick comes out clean
Crucial Tips:
  • Don’t overmix the batter
  • Let cake cool completely before icing
  • Use room temperature ingredients for best texture

A single-tier wedding cake with pearl-white frosting and cascading fresh flowers on a white stand.

Storage

  • Room temperature: 3 days
  • Refrigerated: Up to 1 week
  • Freeze unfrosted layers: 1 month

Variation Ideas

Flavor Options:
  • Chocolate
  • Lemon
  • Red Velvet
  • Vanilla Bean
Decoration Styles:
  • Rustic buttercream
  • Minimalist floral
  • Naked cake design
  • Elegant smooth finish

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Opening oven too frequently
  • Using cold ingredients
  • Overbaking
  • Icing warm cake

Pro Wedding Cake Tips

  • Choose seasonal flavors
  • Match cake to wedding theme
  • Consider guest dietary needs
  • Practice recipe before wedding day

Budget Considerations

  • Estimated Cost: $100-$400
  • Cheaper than multi-tier cakes
  • Customize to fit wedding budget

Sustainable Baking Notes

  • Use local, organic ingredients
  • Minimize food waste
  • Choose ethical baking suppliers

Serving Suggestions

  • Typical serving: 10-24 guests
  • Cut smaller pieces for larger groups
  • Pair with complementary desserts

Final Thoughts

A one-tier wedding cake offers simplicity, elegance, and flexibility. By understanding basic techniques and embracing personal style, you can create a memorable wedding dessert that delights guests and reflects your unique love story.

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