This weekend Torsten and I went to two different bakeries for cake tastings. I'm almost sorry to say that we found our perfect cake at the first bakery, because it means there will be no more cake tastings necessary. Although given how much Torsten liked this part of the wedding planning process, I wouldn't be surprised if he dragged us out on a couple more cake tastings a few months down the road, just for the free, and delicious, cake.
Anyway, the second bakery that we went to--the cake was fine. It didn't taste much different from what you'd get at the grocery store. The flavors were overly sweet and a bit too strong. The frosting was dense and heavy like cream cheese.
But the first bakery. Oh my god, the first bakery. I managed to take a few pictures, but only a very few because I had to shove the camera aside in order to eat cake. It was just too much willpower to take tons of photos when presented with a fork and a plate like this:
The cake itself was incredibly light and moist, and very flavorful:
And the buttercream frosting was delicious and fluffy and not face-twistingly sweet:
The baker was also really nice and when we showed her a picture of the cake we wanted, she was totally able to accommodate exactly what we were thinking in terms of design. She cooks everything from scratch using only natural ingredients, and you can tell. And her price was very reasonable.
So! Our baker is booked. The cake will have three tiers, each a different flavor: amaretto, yellow cake with fresh strawberries, and chocolate cake with raspberry filling. Mmmmmmmm. Believe me, I will be taking a temporary Weight Watchers hiatus on our wedding day.
And the design? Well, at the moment I don't want to share actual pictures, because I'd like to reserve some teensy element of surprise (I realize that I'm a bit late on this one after showing off my wedding dress to everyone except the groom) for those friends of mine who read this blog and will actually be at the wedding. So, I'm limiting myself to descriptions, at least for now.
The cake will be frosted in white with different sized purple dots all over. Each tier will have a purple ribbon tied around its base. There will not be bows. And there will be a cake topper. I was opposed, but Torsten had a strong opinion about wanting a bride and groom on the cake, so we looked for something that was a little more original than a stiff pose in an arch.
And we found the perfect thing--a hand painted, porcelain bride and groom designed to sit on the top of the cake with their bare feet dangling off the sides, heads tilted toward each other like they're just about to kiss. It is DARLING. And relaxed, and fun, and a little bit different from the norm, exactly like we want our wedding to be.
There is one question about the cake that we haven't yet resolved, though, and that's where I need your help. We have the option with our cake of either buttercream or fondant as the frosting. Fondant, for those of you who aren't in the know about the intricacies of cake decorating, is essentially stiff sugar paste that doesn't taste nearly as good as buttercream frosting but gives a nice, smooth look to the cake.
If we use fondant, there will be a layer of buttercream frosting directly underneath, so we won't lose its flavor or goodness. So the question is really an aesthetic one. To illustrate, I downloaded two photos from The Knot.
First, the fondant. See how smooth and matte it is, with the edges of each tier slightly rounded?
Now, the buttercream. See how it has a high shine and the edges of each tier are very sharply done?
I truly do not know which one I prefer. Originally I thought I definitely liked buttercream because I like those sharp edges, but then I thought I preferred fondant because it looks so smooth and not as shiny. And now I just don't know. So now I'm turning to you, as always, for help. Which do you prefer?
New Recipe: Greek Penne Pasta
-
This recipe sounded delicious to me when I came across it, and it turned
out that it was. Also, I've reached the point with cooking where I can make
a few ...
14 years ago
I dig the fondant, but I think it's definitely a personal preference. They're both very pretty. Man, now I want cake.
ReplyDeleteThis was probably not the best thing for me to see first thing in the morning when I decided to start a diet today. It all looks so delicious!
ReplyDeleteYou and your polka dot cake and your feet dangling cake topper are just too damn cute for words.
ReplyDeleteI dig the buttercream.
I like the look of the fondant better, how it's so smooth. But something about it creeps me out, so I would go with the buttercream if it were my wedding.
ReplyDeleteGo with butter cream. I really don't think you'll lose much ascetically.
ReplyDeleteWe wanted to have personalized bobble heads as our cake topper but we were a little slack in ordering and by the time we got around to it, it was way too late. Though it would have been awesome!
I would definitely go with the buttercream. Really, when I look at a cake, I want to eat it, not stare at it ;) Something about the fondant looks a little fake.
ReplyDeleteMy aunt makes and decorates cakes, and as pretty as the fondant is, she prefers the buttercream.
ReplyDeleteSo do I. Mmmmm, buttercream!
I'm pretty sure cake tasting will be my favorite part of wedding planning when it's my turn! As for the icing choice - they both look so pretty, I don't know!! Also, love the idea of the polka dots.
ReplyDeleteI had the same choice and chose buttercream. I didn't want that fondant taste ANYWHERE on my cake. I am also not into trendy, because then everyone has what you have so since everyone now has fondant, I went 100% buttercream!
ReplyDeletehmmm this is a tough one because the fondant LOOKS a lot better, but i KNOW the buttercream tastes better....
ReplyDeletesorry i am of no help!
For taste, I'd go with buttercream. I like the look of fondant though.
ReplyDeleteHowever, now all I can think about it cake. mmmmmmmmm
I say buttercream and not fondant. You would be amazed at how smooth the buttercream can be, and fondant does not taste good.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't forget to eat some cake! The only cake I ate my wedding was the bites for the photos. My biggest regret!
Hmmm, I wonder if I can fake a wedding just so I can go to cake tastings?
ReplyDeleteMy vote would be the buttercream!
Fondant over buttercream... I wouldn't do it. I would go 100% butter cream everyday. Personally I think food should have a non-matte look.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think buttercream -- fondant may look pretty but it is kind of yucky to eat, and many people may eat it by accident and not want any more cake. My personal opinion! It sounds gorgeous though :)
ReplyDeleteaesthetically, i don't think the difference is enough to warrant getting between the buttercream frosting and my eager, gaping maw. uh, if it were me. and my cake.
ReplyDeletethat topper sounds ADORABLE. how awesome :-)
I can't quite think straight. All I can think about is caaaaaaaaake.
ReplyDeleteI like the butter cream. But you know what? Either one will be perfect.
Please, buttercream. I've seen (on tv, since I've never been to a wedding) so many reception plates covered with the fondant shells that people have peeled off their slices because it tastes so bad.
ReplyDeleteI love the look of the fondant (I had it on my wedding cake) and since I'm not all that fond of the taste I usually just eat around it.
ReplyDeleteI like it because it looks so crisp and clean. Good luck with deciding!
The fondant is pretty, but the lack of taste scares me away. Do they peel the fondant off when they serve it? The buttercream looks so much yummier, so maybe it's the better choice.
ReplyDeleteAs a consumer of wedding cakes, I HATE FONDANT. It's probably why I have such an aversion to wedding cakes. So, from a taste perspective, I vote for butter cream.
ReplyDeleteBTW, LOVE the bride/groom topping. Sounds like a perfect compromise!
Oh, i HATE fondant, too. BLERRCH.. I don't think you should sacrifice taste for trendy decoration when it comes to wedding cake. You don't have to eat it, but come on. Buttercream is way better. And that's my two cents.
ReplyDeleteButtercream. Fondant is very fancy looking, but I'm all about taste.
ReplyDeleteThe fondant cake is pretty but it doesn't look yummy nor does it say "Eat ME" - The buttercream cake is screaming "EAT ME" - My choice is buttercream. Now I have to go to the store and buy a cake so I can just eat it, I want CAKE!
ReplyDeleteI vote buttercream. And I would like to be invited to any future cake-tastings. You know, as an objective opinion from someone with no say in the decision whatsoever.
ReplyDeleteSo I will agree with others that I hate the taste of fondant, BUT it does have some major pros. First, if you're putting ribbon around each tier, you probably want it to be a nice, satin ribbon. Because the buttercream is made out of butter you get grease stains on the ribbon, like if you left a good cookie on a napkin. It can dig into the sides of the cake and it comes out with a look that isn't perfectly clean. Also, if you want purple dots, you'll get better color control with the fondant, plus it won't dye your guests mouths.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to e-mail you pictures of what I mean with the ribbon
i just gained twenty pounds looking at these pictures.
ReplyDeletedelicious!!
buttercreme. not only to avoid the taste of the matte one, but because rounded edges looks kind of plastic. it's supposed to be pretty, but still a cake!
ReplyDeleteI love how the fondant looks! But I'm not really a cake person so I'd go with the fondant because it looks pretty!
ReplyDeleteI've never eaten fondant, but I like the smooth lines of the cake. Ultimately, I think that's what I'd have for my cake someday, because of the design doings with fondant. BUT... I'm a HUGE fan of buttercream frosting and would likely choose taste over design. lol.... so my vote is buttercream! :)
ReplyDeleteButter cake sounds scrumptious! I would go with what tastes better (yeah, I like putting yummy stuff in my tummy). And the cake topper is just awesome! So cute! Actually perfect. :) You are you to have a wicked awesome, delish cake!
ReplyDeleteAs cute and popular as fondant is right now, I really love the buttercream. For flavor of course, but I think it also makes a more beautiful cake. I love the clean, crisp edges and the way it makes everything just seem to pop (shapes, color) compared to fondant.
ReplyDeleteWhy yes, I have spent an entire weekend afternoon watching those cake decorating shows/contests on the food network. Why do you ask?
Buttercream all the way. Fondant tastes like cardboard and you only look at the cake for about an hour. Then the cake performs its most important duty - dessert.
ReplyDeleteYummmm... cake! Something about wedding cakes are so much more yummy than regular everyday cake.
ReplyDeleteSUCH a cute idea. I wish I could be there for the big day. :)
ReplyDeleteButtercream, fo sho.
Jamie
I would base your decision on which one is best able to accommodate your perfect design- can you be sure the different sized dots, ribbons, etc will all stay in place and not melt/ooze if you go with the buttercream? I may be imagining this, but I remember our cake person saying that for intricate designs or colors she recommended fondant because it's more "stable".
ReplyDeleteButtercream tastes better. Go with buttercream. This is cake you're going to eat, right? Looks are secondary, but the buttercream look is good too.
ReplyDeleteButtercream tastes better. Go with buttercream. This is cake you're going to eat, right? Looks are secondary, but the buttercream look is good too.
ReplyDeleteIs there really no taste difference? There must be a taste difference. I would go with whichever tastes better, but if there's really no difference then I'd go with buttercream, because the buttercream/fondant mixture might be too many textures for me.
ReplyDeleteCan I come to the wedding?! :D
I *love* fondant because it reminds me so much of marzipan.
ReplyDeleteI like the look of the fondant... and if you're doing buttercream underneath anyway, I'd go with that.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds amazing...
I like the idea of the buttercream better, but they're both gorgeous looking.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to say that I have no buttercream/fondant opinion as I like them both. However, I do have to say that the description of your cake has me salivating! & I'm pretty new to your blog, so I missed the wedding dress peek. How do I find that?
ReplyDeleteI love, love! LOVE! how fondant looks, but definitely prefer how buttercream tastes.
ReplyDeleteAmaretto? In a cake? I am in heaven.
ReplyDeleteAlso. Buttercream! Taste over look! Always!
Also, hi. I'm kinda lame on commenting lately, so I'm apologizing. :)
I vote for buttercream, so as not to have a barrier between me and the cakey goodness.
ReplyDeleteI would prefer buttercream normally, but my friend who got married this weekend had a cake that looked like that fondant one (and it was purple, too!), and it was GORGEOUS. I could not stop staring at it.
ReplyDeleteI like them both so...I'd go for the cheapest lol. If I can't decide that's usually what does it for me.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe how little I cared about all these details when I got married. My poor, poor mother! YIKES!
Cake tastings...Yummy! I can't decided between the looks either, though I tend to lean toward Buttercream only, just because of the amazing taste! :)
ReplyDeleteButtercream!
ReplyDeleteMy cake was lovely, but remembering the taste, it takes me back to that day. It is as if I am tasting the day all over again.
Cake tasting..mmmMMM.
ReplyDeleteI like both of them. I like any and every cake. No really I do.
Cake Porn!!!!
ReplyDeleteI vote for the fondant---I think it's so beautiful.
Butter cream!!!! There's no question about it. Tastes better and it's shiny. Who doesn't like shiny???
ReplyDeleteI am all about the fondant, if only because it is fun to say.
ReplyDeleteAnd damnit, now I really want cake!!
Buttercream all the way :)Mmmm Cake.
ReplyDeleteDude. You are now at the front of the pack in terms of 'favourite blogger ever'. A post about CAKE?? Why not just write a post with pictures of naked George Clooney with text bubbles declaring his love for me?
ReplyDeleteBut seriously.
I'm all over the buttercream. Okay, now I'm going to pour sugar directly into my mouth. I have a craving!
The fondant is soo pretty but I am just not sure about the taste.
ReplyDeleteYou can be almost sure everyone will like it if you go with the normal buttercream! Your cake sounds super cute!
Mmmmm...cake! I'm almost tempted to pretend I'm getting married for free samples.
ReplyDeleteI associate fondant-iced cakes with super duper formal events while icing is less so. This is just me though.
I can't wait to see your cake...I'm sure it'll be very impressive!
I like the look of fondant, but I never EVER like the taste of it atop a cake. And the aesthetics of it aren't that much different -- the buttercream will still look beautiful.
ReplyDeleteGod, I didn't even pick out my cake. I think I just said, "Whatever you feel like making!" I was the worst bride ever.
I like the buttercream, it looks unusual. Not sure how you'd be able to put polka dots on it though.
ReplyDeleteButtercream!
ReplyDeleteGod, I'm such a foodie. While I really love working with fondant and the visual end result it produces, I think buttercream would be better, simply because the cake is that much more delicious, and to me that matters most. And it's not like the buttercream isn't pretty!
ReplyDeleteHmmm...wow...never knew there was a "fondant" but I like it better I think. I can see the conflict though, they're both pretty damned awesome.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...wow...never knew there was a "fondant" but I like it better I think. I can see the conflict though, they're both pretty damned awesome.
ReplyDeleteFor me, the choice between buttercream and fondant came down to price. The fondant was a whole dollar per slice more expensive so we went with the buttercream! Both are beautiful options though.
ReplyDeleteI vote for buttercream.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you found a bakery you love!!
All I want to do is stick my face into a giant cupcake! Yum!!!
ReplyDeleteHm, I'm not a big fan of fondant, mainly because of the texture... and the taste. But it looks nice.
ReplyDeleteYou might end up with piles of uneaten fondant in the garbage (if you're lucky and it actually makes it that far).
But then, I'm a big fan of buttercream frosting, so there is bias on my part.
Oh, and for Spawn's broom-jumping cake, we found a pair of dragons with their heads together, and each one held the leg of a knight in armor. The title of the sculpture? "Make a wish."
Oh.
ReplyDeleteMah.
Gawd!!!
Caaaaaaake!
I once ordered a cake with rolled white chocolate over buttercream. It had the look of fondant, but not the disgusting taste. However, it was super sweet. Had it be cut with a quart of milk.
Wow! What a beautiful cake! My mouth is watering just looking at it.
ReplyDeleteButtercream. Always. It just tastes better.
ReplyDeleteThat cake topper sounds just sublime!
ReplyDeleteAnd I prefer the look of fondant, although the taste is not for me.
That second picture is one of the ones my SIL sent as an example of what she wants me to make.
ReplyDeleteI say buttercream. Fondant tastes horrifyingly sweet and I don't think it's as easy to cut for a cake-cutting. Plus, it's all about the buttercream...oh that heavenly taste...why interrupt it with fondant.
So, um, yeah, I vote for buttercream.
Aaaagh! Cake! It looks so scrumptious, and your descriptions make them sound even more mouthwatering. Mmm. Buttercream.
ReplyDeleteButtercream, because it is the tastiest. Hey, I had a polka dotted cake, too! But mine had pink dots. And I lovedlovedloved my cake topper. :)
ReplyDelete