If you are planning a wedding and are thinking about your catering wedding package and the cake, you’ve probably been overwhelmed with all the options. Keep reading to learn more about the history of wedding cake, the top 10 wedding cake flavors, and the latest wedding cake trends to find the perfect one for your big day!
The History of Wedding Cake
While wedding cakes are commonplace at weddings nowadays, they weren’t always so elaborate and delicious. Wedding cakes became a part of the wedding ceremony with the ancient Greeks and Romans, where the groom would break bread over the bride’s head. This tradition was meant to symbolize the bride’s submission, the end of her purity, and to represent good luck and fertility.
However, it was during the Middle Ages that a new take on wedding cakes emerged. During this period, the traditions we were all most familiar with came to fruition. The cakes would be multi-tiered, and the newlyweds would kiss over it. However, one change we do not see anymore is that, during this time, if they were successful in kissing over the cake without knocking it over, it was believed they would have many children. As wedding traditions fall by the wayside for new ones to emerge, one thing that has remained constant is the wedding cake.
Current Wedding Cake Trends
The wedding cake industry continues to evolve with creative ideas and an emphasis on personal expression. While there is no right or wrong way to design your wedding cake, there are a few popular ways. Below are the top 5 latest trends couples use to style their wedding cakes.
Naked Cakes
Naked cakes began popping up at weddings worldwide in 2013 after Milk Bar owner Christina Tosi started the trend. The naked cake highlights the cake layers instead of just the frosting. Over a decade later, this cake style remains popular, especially for rustic-themed weddings.
Groom’s Cakes
These cakes showcase unique designs that reflect the groom’s interests. They are typically bold in flavor with quirky decorations. While these are not the main cakes for the event, many brides gift them to the groom at their wedding as an extra treat. Groom’s cakes began in England in the late 19th century and were aimed at providing a more masculine cake than a wedding cake.
Lambeth Cake
Another trend in the world of wedding cakes that is once again gaining popularity is the Lambeth-style cake. These cakes use a royal icing over-piping technique that creates depth using layers of icing. This style is also referred to as “overpiping” and is liked for its dramatic but elegant use of overlapping scrolls, details, and garlands.
Eco-Friendly Cakes
Sustainability is a significant concern for many, which is why the wedding industry is seeing more and more couples opt for eco-friendly cakes. These cakes utilize sustainable ingredients that are often locally sourced. They are often also plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free, making them safe for all guests, regardless of dietary restrictions.
Drip Cakes
Drip cakes are another show-stopping design choice for wedding cakes. This cake style utilizes ganache or caramel to artistically drip down the edges of the cake, providing a modern and visually striking aesthetic. This trend began in 2007 but did not become popular until 2017. Australian cake designer Katherine Sabbath is responsible for creating this trend after she made a cake inspired by the 90s TV Show Goosebumps. While it took longer for this trend to catch on, it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Top 10 Wedding Cake Flavors
Now that we’ve covered the history of wedding cakes and some of the latest trends, it’s time to break down the top 10 wedding cake flavors to help you determine which is right for you! While this list is not exhaustive of all the wedding cake flavors out there, it features the most popular due to its overall flavor and universal crowd appeal while also being unique and fun.
Classic Vanilla
While vanilla might seem simple to many, its understated elegance makes it a perennial favorite. With its light, buttery base, a classic vanilla wedding cake offers a versatile canvas for various fillings and icings, from fruit compotes to a rich, dark chocolate ganache. A classic vanilla wedding cake is easy to customize for any wedding theme and will surely please a crowd!
Rich Chocolate
A staple for anyone with a sweet tooth, a rich chocolate cake is deep and indulgent and can be layered with various fillings like cherries, peanut butter, strawberries, and more! Due to its overall decadence, a chocolate wedding cake is particularly perfect for an evening or winter wedding. While you don’t have as much flexibility in terms of filings and icings, you can never go wrong with a chocolate cake.
Red Velvet
With its distinct red color, this wedding cake variety brings a splash and, drama, and luxury to the wedding. Paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting, a red velvet wedding cake combines the richness of cocoa with that buttermilk tang for the perfect balance between indulgence and flavor.
Lemon Zest
If you want a fresh and light wedding cake with a slight pucker, a lemon zest cake is perfect for you! Lemon cakes have a vibrant flavor that cuts through the richer components of the main meal. This cake variety is especially popular for spring and summer weddings, and it is often paired with lemon buttercream, classic vanilla buttercream, or even a berry compote to cut the acid.
Salted Caramel
Many couples are opting for a salted caramel cake for an extra unique twist on a traditional wedding cake. The salted caramel cake blends the sweet caramel with a hint of salt to offer a rich yet balanced flavor profile. This type of wedding cake brings a modern touch to your wedding, and with subtle saltiness, it’s perfect for couples and guests who like dessert but don’t have too big of a sweet tooth.
Almond Amaretto
Almond amaretto cake is perfect for those who want something a bit different without straying too far from the classics. This cake is infused with the nutty flavors of almonds and the rich, sweet notes of amaretto liqueur. Almond amaretto cakes are often complemented by a smooth amaretto cream filling.
Coconut Cream
If you are having a tropical wedding or want something unique, look no further than the coconut cream cake. This cake brings a taste of a tropical island to your wedding with its light and fluffy layers infused with coconut milk. Coconut cream cakes can be layered with lime curd or pineapple filling, depending on your preference. Either way, this burst of tropical flavors will make everyone smile.
Strawberry Shortcake
Similar to the lemon zest cake, a strawberry shortcake wedding cake embodies the spring and summer months. This cake features layers of light sponge, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries. Strawberry shortcake is an excellent option for couples that want a playful and sweet cake while also searching for something lighter and less decadent.
Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is becoming more commonplace at weddings due to its rich, moist base and mix of spices that offer a sense of warmth and nostalgia. Similar to the red velvet cake, this cake is topped with a cream cheese frosting that provides the tang to balance out with the cake flavor. Carrot cakes are especially popular for rustic weddings.
Chantilly
Chantilly is not as well known as some of the other flavors on our top 10 wedding cake flavors list for people outside New Orleans, but it is an exquisite choice and one more people should familiarize themselves with. Chantilly cakes are similar to strawberry shortcakes with their light, fluffy sponge, but it has a sweet cream filling to balance the flavors. Additionally, these cakes are garnished with a variety of fresh berries, providing more flavor profiles with the addition of blueberries and blackberries. Chantilly cakes have a delicate sweetness and elegant presentation, providing them with a unique twist on a classic cake.
Pick Between the Top 10 Wedding Cake Flavors and Menu Plan with Elysian Events Catering
Selecting the perfect wedding cake flavor is crucial, but ensuring it tastes as good as it looks is where Elysian Events Catering excels. We pride ourselves on creating cakes that are not only visually stunning but also deliciously memorable. Partner with us to bring your dream wedding cake to life, ensuring each slice is as extraordinary as your love story. Contact us today to explore how we can make your wedding day truly unforgettable.
