Sweet ideas for wedding cakes

Written by Natasha Bourlin

Among the most memorable components of any wedding is the cake. Crowning the ceremony with a slice of sweetness sends guests off with a lovely taste reminiscent of the nuptials themselves.

What are betrothed couples seeking for their Big Day in 2019? Tap into the trends seen by local bakers and food purveyors to create a picture-perfect wedding cake presentation.

Wedding coordination by The Hytch in Reno. Styling by Lucky Burro Event Rentals. Flowers by Love & Lupines Floral Design in Truckee. Linens from Creative Coverings in Sparks. Cake by C’s Mad Batter Cakery. Photo by Courtney Aaron Photography

Eye-catching cakes

In Carson City, L.A. Bakery has exponential wedding cake options. Cakes range from vanilla and chocolate to almond and red velvet. Filled with creative flavors such as tiramisu and cinnamon cream cheese, this bakery’s edible wedding creations are topped with delectable frostings, including salted caramel cream cheese and chocolate buttercream.

For 2019, L.A. Bakery Sales Manager Ali Arbabha says everyone wants simple cakes. Though the bakers here are capable of creating cakes in nearly any shape, the requests they receive are veering away from the piping and traditional designs seen for decades. Modest, birch-log-shaped cakes are popular, along with those dubbed “naked,” with such light frosting guests can see the cake underneath.

L.A. Bakery offers cake tastings for a $50 fee and can bake sweet showpieces for up to 150 people, if not more, with notice of one month in summertime, or two to three weeks for winter weddings.

Bundt cakes are renowned for their moist deliciousness, due to the shape of the pan, cooking method, and recipes. If the couple is clamoring for this type of cake, Nothing Bundt Cakes can craft just what they desire.

Four different sizes and 11 flavors are available, and some cakes can be ready with just a few-days’ notice, though a month is preferred. Owner of Reno’s Nothing Bundt Cakes Shele Faretto Silveira says the wedding trend she and her staff are seeing most often is a dessert bar. These can offer many different types of treats beloved by the betrothed.

Following a trend of natural décor for weddings, Nothing Bundt Cakes works with local florists to decorate cakes with beautiful, fresh flowers. It also features many other decorative options, along with a gluten-free chocolate chip cookie flavor. Ordering a few varieties — such as chocolate chocolate chip, white chocolate raspberry, confetti, or pecan praline — is a surefire way to please all guests.

Photo courtesy of: Nothing Bundt Cakes

For its in-house weddings, the Peppermill Resort Spa Casino in Reno is receiving more requests for small cakes made just for cutting on camera, supplemented by various other desserts, says Nicole Parker, catering and sales manager. Also among the requests are more cakes colored in earth tones, gold, and ivory; naked cakes with light icing; and ruffle cakes. The Peppermill’s team of bakers can make just about any cake the couple can conceptualize for resort weddings.

The big cheese for the Big Day

Not all wedding cakes need be on the sweet side of the spectrum. Try a savory cheese wheel cake from Wedge on Wheels based in Reno. Ideal for cheese lovers, guests, or a couple with paleo or keto dietary restrictions, for instance, these distinctive cakes are comprised of whole cheese wheels stacked on top of each other.

Dozens of types are available, and the towers can be decorated like traditional cakes — such as with ribbons, flowers, veggies, herbs, or fruit — by Wedge on Wheels, the wedding caterer, or florist.

“They are all the rage in Europe and are starting to become more and more popular here,” says Laura Conrow, Wedge on Wheels owner and certified cheese professional.

Prices start at about $4 to $7 per person, depending on the types of cheeses selected. Conrow conducts consultations and tastings to determine cheese preferences, and she suggests ordering at least six weeks ahead, as some cheeses are only available seasonally.

A bevy of organic bites

One of the most prevalent cake trends for 2019 is adding just a hint of nearly translucent frosting so the cake flavors really shine. Adding touches of greenery instead of flowers to the tiers is another.

Owner of Reno’s Batch Cupcakery Anne Archer uses only organic ingredients in her products. Since the shelf life is lessened using organics, she and her team bake all their wedding orders the same day, so they’re fresh from the oven upon arrival.

Photo courtesy of Batch Cupcakery

Paleo, vegan, or gluten-free orders are regular occurrences at Batch, and Archer says they can’t keep their pumpkin paleo with raw coconut and homemade vanilla bean extract on the shelves due to demand.

“The trend is going toward flavor combinations that please the palate,” Archer says. “A rosewater pistachio or a matcha green tea-infused cake with hints of sage or lavender is divine.”

Also popular for weddings are Batch’s small bites, including alcohol-tinged mini cupcakes in an array of flavors. Tier rentals are free, with various options to go with any décor, such as crystal, silver, and log tiers. Delivery and set-up are free throughout most of the region, and Batch just welcomed a new party bus limo into the family that can transport the wedding party in fun fashion.

Natasha Bourlin is a freelance-writing fan of cake in its many forms.