Best Frosting for Outdoor Wedding Cakes
Outdoor weddings are beautiful and romantic, but they also present some unique challenges for your cake. The heat and humidity can make frosting melt, run, and become unappetizing. That's why choosing the right frosting is crucial for an outdoor wedding cake. Here are some of the best options:
Buttercream Frosting
Buttercream is a classic frosting choice for a reason. It's delicious, versatile, and can be made in a variety of flavors. While it is susceptible to melting, there are a few ways to make it more heat-resistant:
- Use high-quality butter: A higher fat content will help the frosting hold its shape better in warm weather.
- Add a bit of shortening: Shortening is more stable than butter and can help the frosting resist melting.
- Chill the cake thoroughly: This will help the frosting set up and stay firm.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream cheese frosting is a rich and decadent option that's also very popular for outdoor weddings. It's a bit more stable than buttercream, but it can still be prone to melting in extreme heat. To minimize melting, make sure to chill the cake thoroughly and use a frosting recipe that calls for a high percentage of cream cheese.
Swiss Meringue Buttercream
Swiss meringue buttercream is a bit more involved to make, but it's worth the effort. It's incredibly smooth and stable, making it a great choice for outdoor weddings. It's less likely to melt in the heat and can handle delicate piping and decorations.
Ganache
Ganache is a chocolate frosting made with chocolate and heavy cream. It's very rich and decadent, and it's also surprisingly stable in warm weather. It can be used as a base for other frostings or as a topping on its own.
Tips for Keeping Your Cake Cool
No matter which frosting you choose, there are a few things you can do to keep your cake cool and prevent it from melting:
- Choose a cake stand with a cooling base: Many cake stands come with a built-in cooling system that will help keep your cake at a safe temperature.
- Place the cake in the shade: Avoid direct sunlight, which can quickly cause the frosting to melt.
- Use a cake cover: A cake cover will help protect the frosting from the elements and keep it cool.
- Keep the cake in a cool, dry place: If possible, store the cake in an air-conditioned room before the ceremony.
By choosing the right frosting and taking steps to keep your cake cool, you can ensure that your wedding cake looks and tastes amazing, even in the heat of summer.
