Often, clients express their desire for a cake without sugarpaste, only to show me a collection of photos featuring cakes covered in—you guessed it—sugarpaste!
Selecting the right cake for your event involves several considerations:
- Ensure the cake style aligns with your event’s theme and aesthetic.
- Consider venue practicalities, including fridge space and display options.
- Factor in weather conditions; choose designs and flavors suitable for the season.
So, let’s clear the air. Do you know why sugarpaste is a popular choice for cakes? Most don’t, but that’s why I’m here to shed light on the three most popular cake styles and their respective pros and cons to help you choose the perfect cake for your special occasion.
Semi-Naked Cake
A semi-naked cake is a tiered cake which has minimal frosting on it which allows you to see the cake layers exposed. This style is often used for rustic wedding themes and are typically adorned with fresh fruit. Here are some examples of semi-naked cakes I have made.
While they lend a rustic charm to outdoor events, they limit creative decoration possibilities. Their exposed layers can quickly dry out, leaving a less-than-ideal taste and texture. These cakes demand refrigeration, which may pose logistical challenges due to limited venue fridge space. Many clients who have requested a semi-naked cake have also been required to rent a fridge for the day to be able to store the cake.
Here are some examples of semi-naked cakes I have made:
2. Buttercream Cakes
Buttercream cakes have a smooth, creamy frosting that can introduce texture and colour to your dessert. The taste depends on the type of buttercream used, and there are many (American, Swiss, German, French, Italian). I prefer Swiss Meringue Buttercream for its balanced sweetness and velvety texture.
However, buttercream cakes are sensitive to temperature changes and need careful handling to avoid sweating (small droplets of water) or cracking, especially when transitioning from cold to warm environments.
Sugarpaste Cakes
Now, you might have guessed it; sugarpaste cakes are my preference. Several reasons make them stand out:
- Sugarpaste acts as a natural preservative, ensuring the cake stays moist and fresh
- It provides a smooth canvas for artistic designs, offering endless possibilities in terms of colours, patterns, and textures.
- Surprisingly, sugarpaste does not like fridges – yes you read that correctly. Sugarpaste melts in the moist environment of a fridge. Fortunately, this has not happened to me, but I have heard stories of caterers putting a sugarpaste covered wedding cake into the fridge, only to find that the cake has melted, and that all the sugarpaste was falling off the cake like wax drips off a lit candle. No-one wants that, and yet, almost every time I arrive to deliver a wedding cake at a venue, they all want to put the cake into the fridge! No fridge means no risk of the design falling off, resulting in cakes that look and taste their best
- , and means that you can display your cake like a work of art!
While some may find sugarpaste a little sweet or waxy in texture, this often depends on the quality of the sugarpaste used. My choice of premium sugarpaste guarantees a superior taste.
Remember, sugarpaste’s primary role is preservation and artistry, and most guests only enjoy a thin slice. It’s a love-hate relationship, much like a roller coaster ride.
Click here to see my gallery of wedding cakes.
So, which cake style suits your event best? In summary:
- Semi-Naked Cake: Rustic, but can be dry and has a shorter shelf life.
- Buttercream Cakes: Textured, sweet options but sensitive to temperature changes.
- Sugarpaste Cakes: Versatile artistic styles, excellent preservation, and no fridge hassle, but potentially more expensive.
Ultimately, the choice, depends on individual preferences and the type of event you are having. Take your time to select a designer specialising in your preferred style. Read my blog here to learn more about how to choose your Cake Designer.
I am Emma, of Madame Spoons Cake Design, and I have been making wedding cakes professionally since 2021. I pride myself on delivering a high-quality experience with an elegant and refined wedding cake, with handmade sugarpaste flowers, that results in a cake that is not only beautiful to look at, but also delicious to eat. I still have availability for 2024 Weddings, so if you like my style, send me an email to: hello@madamespoons.com with the date or your wedding, and we can set up a meeting to discuss your wonderful day.
