We have been quoted on Martha Stewart Weddings!!

We have been blessed to have been quoted in an article on Martha Stewart Weddings!! Thank you, Alexandra Kelly, for sharing this!

https://www.marthastewart.com/wedding-cake-trends-8550873

11 Beautiful Wedding Cake Trends to Inspire Your Celebration’s Dessert

Ruffles, bows, pearls, and metallics are just some of the cake designs that wedding insiders say are going to be big.

By 

Alexandra Kelly

Alexandra Kelly

Alex is the senior home editor for Martha Stewart. She has over 10 years of experience producing digital content in the home and lifestyle space, ranging from cleaning and organizing to etiquette and home design. 

EDITORIAL GUIDELINES

Published on January 31, 2024

Planning a wedding includes thinking about a ton of details—the dress, the shoes, the venue, the food. One major detail is, of course, the dessert, which is often a wedding cake. But in 2024, couples are blowing past the wedding cake designs we’ve seen over the past couple of years and bringing back some of the most timeless—and fun—elements of the ’70s and ’80s, incorporating small details like pearls, and adding a touch of glam with metallics.

Consider these rising wedding cake trends if you’re planning your own nuptials this year and are looking for a stand-out wedding dessert your guests will talk about long after the party is over.

 17 Wedding Trends You’ll See Everywhere in 2024, According to Experts

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Pearls

A BRYAN PHOTO

Elegant, old-fashioned, and ever-popular in bridal fashion, pearls are jumping to wedding cakes. “Pearl-encrusted cakes are everywhere—meticulously placed edible pearls create such a luxe look on a cake and they’re a great way to tie in details from the other elements of your wedding into the cake design,” says wedding cake designer Celeste Scott of Butter Bakery.

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Textured Finishes

HEATHER PAYNE PHOTOGRAPHY

Brides are opting away from perfectly smooth finishes in favor of something with a little more texture, which can take a variety of forms. “This trend moves away from the perfectly smooth surfaces of traditional cakes, embracing instead the tactile allure of ruffles, ridges, and waves,” says wedding photographer Charles Moll. “Textured frosting adds a layer of depth and sophistication, allowing for a play of light and shadow that transforms the cake into a stunning visual element.”

 29 New Takes on Traditional Wedding Cake Flavors

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Metallic Details

KMH PHOTOGRAPHY

Don’t forget about your cake when thinking about the glam factor—wedding professionals are seeing metallic details on the rise in wedding cakes. “Metals and particularly silver are making a comeback,” Scott says. “I’m seeing lots of silverware used in wedding styling, which is about to make its way into cake design. Silver leaf, shiny sprinkles, and edible glitter could all be big this year.”

 50 Beautiful Wedding Cakes That Are (Almost!) Too Pretty to Eat

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Fresh Florals

GIANNY CAMPOS PHOTOGRAPHY

Flower motifs aren’t new to the wedding cake world, but more couples are beginning to lean heavily on fresh florals for their cake design. “Instead of expertly placing statement flowers on the cake or adding traditional toppers, bakers are covering their creations in florals, curating a look perfect for garden-inspired or eclectic-feeling weddings,” says Cameron Forbes, founder of Forbes Functions. “Bakers can utilize pressed and dried florals to lay flat on the cake and combine these with fresh flowers to create depth and dimension on the wedding day.”

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Lambeth Piping

RUTHBLACK / GETTY IMAGES

What’s old is new again with this particular style of cake decor, which is characterized by maximalist flourishes—on cakes large and small. “In 2024, couples can expect to see the Lambeth style of decorated cakes, as well as other vintage styles of piping,” says wedding planner Kimberly Lehman. “These styles of piped icing are featured on classic white cakes, as well as colored iced confections.”

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Bows

Bows are big in wedding trends this year, from bridal fashion to cakes. “Bows are everywhere and I think will make their way to wedding cakes in fun and creative ways,” says Jove Meyer, an event and wedding planner. “From a series of many small bows to one large bow, bows will be here for a little while for sure!”

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Nature-Inspired Cakes

MEG PEROTTI

Flowers, greenery, branches—these all can have a place in your cake design this year. “Opting for a cake with elements like hand-painted flowers, cascading foliage, or even incorporating real blooms is the perfect way to add a touch of natural beauty to your special day,” says wedding planner Carissa Kruse. “Lavender, olive branches, and eucalyptus leaves are some of the most popular choices that couples are requesting for their wedding cakes this year.”

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Vintage Tiered Cakes

NIRAV PATEL

The ’70s and ’80s are back, baby, and so are the tiered wedding cakes that your parents probably had. “Many of my 2024 brides are opting for vintage-style cakes,” says Jennifer Hines, event planner and owner of Tie a Bow. ” And ’70s-inspired tiered cakes separated by pillars have made a comeback. I think today’s bride appreciates the fun additions of lace, bells, and bows as a nod to the types of cakes their parents might have served.”

 12 Retro Wedding Trends That Are Making a Comeback, According to Event Planners

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Heart Shaped Cakes

SYDNEY DARWIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Alongside those tiered confections, retro heart-shaped cakes are also popping back up. “The heart cake is also big, especially a heart cake with vintage piping around the perimeter,” says Meyer. “Cake shapes are also changing and couples are embracing the less perfect more funky shapes and textures, imperfectly perfect cakes are on the rise.”

Maddie McNabb, owner of Maddie About Cake, agrees, adding that she’s made heart-shaped cakes out of macarons as well, like the cake shown above. “Couples particularly like the heart-shaped Lambeth-style cake because they can still cut it like a traditional cake for the photo-op,” she says. “They are also a great option for gluten-free couples and guests.”

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Nontraditional “Cakes”

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

While a lot of attention is given to a wedding cake, you don’t necessarily need to have traditional cake—you can opt for something like a macaron tower, which also doubles as a gluten-free dessert option. “Some couples are stepping away from the cake trend altogether, even forgoing the cake-cutting scene entirely,” says McNabb. “I make a lot of macarons for weddings, typically for a dessert table and favors. However, I’ve seen an increase in inquiries for my macaron cakes.”

 Wedding Cake Alternatives for the Couple Who Just Doesn’t Like Cake

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Sheet Cakes

KATHY QUIRK-SYVERTSEN / GETTY IMAGES

We know what you’re thinking, but those sheet cakes you find at the grocery store are actually having a major wedding cake moment this year. Wedding photographer Kathryn Yeaton notes that “more is more” when it comes to cakes, and single-tier is no exception. “They are larger, lengthier (especially with the current popularity of table-length sheet cakes), and more adorned than ever,” she says.

“Length is the new height!” says Scott. “Couples looking to make a real statement are opting for super-long cakes rather than towering tiers. Think giant sheet cakes elevated with beautiful decorations such a flowers, edible pearls, and fruit.”

Buckeyes – An Ohio Tradition!

 

Did you think I was going to post about The Ohio State University?  No, not I!!  Today’s post is about the decadent candy called “Buckeyes”. The candy closely resembles the native fruit of the Buckeye tree, which is also Ohio’s State Tree.  The candy is mass produced and marketed by several companies in Ohio, but I enjoy the homemade ones the best.

If you are looking for a unique treat to serve to your wedding guests, as a flavorful addition to your wedding cake, or as a special gift to take home at the end of the evening, Buckeyes are a great choice.

I found some great recipes to share with you.  Enjoy!!

From www.allrecipes.com:

Buckeyes I

SUBMITTED BY: Tammy Winters      PHOTO BY: LROSE55

“This recipe is so good that I double it whenever I make it. Since it is peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate it is almost like candy. Real buckeyes are nuts that grow on trees and are related to the horse chestnut.”

PREP TIME	15 Min
COOK TIME	5 Min
READY IN	50 Min

SERVINGS & SCALING

Original recipe yield: 5 dozen

US METRIC      About  scaling  and  conversions

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups peanut butter
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 4 cups semisweet chocolate chips

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DIRECTIONS

1. In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, butter, vanilla and confectioners’ sugar. The dough will look dry. Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.
2. Press a toothpick into the top of each ball (to be used later as the handle for dipping) and chill in freezer until firm, about 30 minutes.
3. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir frequently until smooth.
4. Dip frozen peanut butter balls in chocolate holding onto the toothpick. Leave a small portion of peanut butter showing at the top to make them look like Buckeyes. Put back on the cookie sheet and refrigerate until serving.

From www.culinary.net:

Buckeye Balls Description
A recipe for Buckeye Balls

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cups Smucker’s® Natural Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 to 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
• Coating:
• 1 pound chocolate flavor candy coating
• 2 tablespoons Crisco® Shortening

Preparation
1. Combine Smucker’s Natural Creamy Peanut Butter, butter or margarine, vanilla and salt in large bowl. Beat at low speed of electric mixer until blended. Add 2 cups sugar. Beat until blended.

2. Continue adding 1/2 cup sugar at a time until mixture shaped into ball will hold onto toothpick. Shape into 3/4 inch balls. Place on tray. Chill.

3. For coating, combine candy coating and Crisco Shortening in microwave-safe bowl.

4. Microwave at 50% (medium) for 30 seconds. Stir. Repeat until mixture is smooth. Insert toothpick in candy ball. Dip three-fourths of ball into melted coating. Scrape off excess.

5. Place on waxed paper lined tray. Remove toothpick. Smooth over holes. Refrigerate until coating is firm; then remove from paper. Store at room temperature in covered container.

Nutrition
no information available

Serves
Makes 8 dozen

Variations
no information available

Source Smucker’s Natural Peanut Butter

Buckeye Candy Description
A recipe for Buckeye Candy

Ingredients

• 2 cups creamy peanut butter (not all-natural)
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, softened
• 3 3/4 cups (16-ounce box) powdered sugar
• 2 cups (12-ounce package) Nestlé Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

Preparation
LINE baking sheets with wax paper.

BEAT peanut butter and butter in large mixer bowl until creamy. Beat in powdered sugar until mixture holds together and is moistened. Shape into 1-inch balls; place on prepared baking sheets. Freeze 1 hour.

MELT morsels and shortening in medium, microwave-safe bowl on HIGH (100%) 1 minute; stir. Morsels may retain some of their shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until melted.

DIP peanut butter centers into melted chocolate using toothpick, leaving small portion of center uncovered. Shake off excess chocolate and scrape bottom of candy on side of bowl. Return to baking sheets; refrigerate until chocolate sets. Store refrigerated in covered container.

Nutrition
Nutrition Information per Serving: 100 calories; 50 calories from fat; 6g total fat; 2g saturated fat; 0mg cholesterol; 40mg sodium; 11g carbohydrate; <1g fiber; 9g sugars; 2g protein

Serves
Makes about 6 dozen candies

Variations
no information available

Source Nestlé USA, Inc.

From www.andreasrecipes.com:

Buckeyes

Jan 1st, 2006 by Andrea | Print This Post

This is a Midwest Christmas tradition that both our families enjoy. Buckeye candy is designed to look like the seeds of the Ohio buckeye tree and is quite popular during the holidays or during the Ohio State University football season. I have made the traditional recipe for years, then this year I decided to darken things up a bit by adding some good bittersweet chocolate, and the new recipe was a hit.

I usually make two batches of this, but I do the batches separately. I’ve had trouble fitting a double batch of the peanut butter mixture ingredients in my 4-1/2 quart mixer bowl without making a huge mess, but if you have a large mixer bowl it might not be a problem.

[Recipe updated November 11, 2007]

Equipment

stand mixer with paddle attachment
half cookie sheets line with wax paper
toothpicks
4-cup glass bowl
tins or plastic containers, for storing

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups smooth peanut butter
6 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Preparation

1. Combine peanut butter, sugar, butter, and vanilla in mixer bowl. Stir until blended, mixture will be slightly dry.

2. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on prepared cookie sheets.

3. Stick a toothpick in the top of each peanut butter ball. You’ll use this “handle” later for dipping. Freeze the balls for about 30 minutes, until hard.

4. Pour semi-sweet and bittersweet chocolate chips into glass bowl. Add the butter. Microwave 60 seconds at 70% then gently stir. Microwave for 30 seconds at 70% and stir, repeating until the chocolate is almost but not completely melted. Do not overheat. You don’t want the chocolate to be completely melted in the microwave. If you’ve done it right, the last few stirs will mix in the remaining firm chips.

5. Dip the peanut butter balls into the chocolate, leaving a circle of peanut butter showing on top. They should look like buckeyes (see photo below). Place the dipped balls back on the cookie sheets.

6. Refrigerate finished buckeyes for at least 2 hours. Remove the toothpicks and store in tins between layers of wax paper.

References

Wikipedia -Aesculus glabra (Ohio buckeye tree)

Wikimedia – Image: Aesculus glabra seeds

Happy Endings for Winter Menus

These desserts are simply sinful, and look too good to resist!!  What a way to finish off a great meal, any time of the year!  This feature is from BizBash NY:

 

Sweet Endings

Reward guests for braving winter weather with these five desserts that spotlight seasonal fruit, aromatic spices, and rich flavors.

CONTINUED >

Photo Gallery Chicago’s Calihan Catering‘s moist honey ginger cake is a new twist on traditional spice cake. Pastry chef Pedro Gomez completes the dish with cider-poached apples, caramel sauce, and a “snow globe” made of sugar and filled with vanilla ice cream. Photo: Michael Maes for BizBash

—Lisa Cericola

Source:  http://www.bizbash.com/newyork/content/editorial/e9414.php#photosanchor