On May 19, 2018, the wedding cake of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle captured the world’s imagination, with media and cake enthusiasts alike buzzing about its unique design. This royal cake became a stunning centerpiece at their wedding at Windsor Castle.
The cake featured intricate details achieved with frosting sheets and other elegant decorations, exemplifying a blend of sophistication and artistry. If you are inspired by the royal wedding’s cake designer, Claire Ptak, and want to create a similar masterpiece for your special occasion, this guide will walk you through the essential steps and tools, such as frosting sheets, edible ink cartridges, and more, needed to achieve a cake that reflects both beauty and flavor.
1. Understanding the Royal Cake Design
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding cake was a masterpiece of modern design, featuring a lemon elderflower flavor with fresh floral decorations. To replicate this elegance, focus on simplicity and luxury in your design. Aim for a minimalist look with subtle yet sophisticated details.
2. Choosing the Cake Flavor
The flavor of the cake is central to its appeal. Here are a few options to consider:
Lemon Elderflower
This was the original flavor of the royal wedding cake. It combines the bright zest of lemon with the delicate taste of elderflower, offering a refreshing and sophisticated taste.
Classic Vanilla Bean
Vanilla bean is always a crowd-pleaser for a timeless choice. It can be dressed up with various fillings and frostings.
Chocolate Ganache
If you prefer a richer option, chocolate ganache adds a decadent touch to the cake.
3. Crafting the Cake Layers
A royal wedding cake often features multiple tiers, each delicately balanced and perfectly crafted. Here’s how to achieve a tiered effect:
Bake Even Layers
Use cake pans of varying sizes to create tiers. Rotate the pans and monitor the temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure that each layer is baked evenly. Consider decorating your cake layers with edible prints to add a unique touch. An edible ink printer allows you to print intricate designs onto edible sheets, which can then be applied to the cake layers for a customized look.
Level and Stack
Once baked, level the cake layers with a knife or cake leveler. Apply a thin layer of frosting between each tier to keep them stable. Use dowels or supports to ensure the tiers don’t collapse. For added decoration, you can use edible ink cartridges to print designs on frosting sheets that fit between the layers, creating a cohesive and elegant visual effect throughout your cake.
4. Creating the Frosting and Filling
The frosting and filling are key to a smooth, elegant finish. Here’s how to prepare them:
Buttercream Frosting
Buttercream is a classic choice that can be flavored and colored to match your theme. For a royal touch, use smooth, white buttercream with a hint of vanilla. To add personalization, apply frosting sheets with edible prints to the cake’s surface for a refined look.
Fondant
Cover your cake with fondant for a sleek appearance. This provides a smooth base and allows for detailed decorations. Ensure your buttercream layer is smooth and chilled before applying the fondant.
Fruit Filling
For a lemon elderflower cake, lemon curd or elderflower jelly adds a refreshing flavor. Spread the filling evenly between layers to enhance flavor and maintain stability.
5. Decorating with Elegance
The decoration is where you can truly embody the royal essence. Here are some ideas:
Fresh Flowers
Incorporate fresh flowers into your design. Choose blooms that complement the color scheme and flavor of the cake. Royal wedding cakes often feature a natural, garden-inspired look.
Piped Royal Icing
Use royal icing to create intricate piping designs. This can add a delicate and ornate touch to the cake.
Gold Accents
Consider adding edible gold leaf or dust to your cake for a touch of luxury. This can be applied to flowers or used to highlight certain areas of the cake.
6. Final Touches and Presentation
Presentation is key to achieving a royal wedding cake effect. Here’s how to make sure your cake stands out:
Cake Stand
Use a decorative cake stand to enhance your cake and make it a centerpiece. Opt for a stand that complements the cake’s design, whether a classic silver or rustic wooden base.
Cake Topper
Consider adding a cake topper that matches the theme. This could be a personalized monogram, a floral arrangement, or a simple, elegant design.
Storage and Transport
Ensure that your cake is stored properly before the event. Keep it cool and dry to prevent any melting or damage. Transport the cake carefully, using a sturdy box or cake carrier.
7. Serving and Enjoying the Cake
The final step is to serve and enjoy your royal wedding cake. Here’s how to make sure everything goes smoothly:
Cutting the Cake
Use a serrated knife to cut the cake to ensure clean slices. If the cake is multi-tiered, start with the bottom tier and work your way up.
Serving
Provide a variety of serving options to accommodate different tastes. Provide plates, forks, and napkins so guests can enjoy the cake comfortably.
Storing Leftovers
If there are any leftovers, store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Most cakes can be kept for a few days, but enjoying them as soon as possible is best.
Final Thoughts
Creating a royal wedding cake inspired by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s special day is a wonderful way to celebrate elegance and sophistication. You can make a cake that captures the royal essence by focusing on refined flavors, meticulous craftsmanship, and elegant decoration. With this guide, you’ll be well on your way to making a cake that’s fit for royalty. Enjoy the process and the delicious result!
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Whether aiming to replicate a royal wedding cake or craft a unique creation, Icinginks provides the tools to achieve a cake fit for royalty. Discover our products and make your cake the crowning glory of your celebration.
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