eHow.com
April 6, 2011
Traditionally, wedding cakes came in one style: white cake with white frosting. Today, brides can use their wedding cakes to showcase their personalities, and many are turning to decadent chocolate. Chocolate wedding cakes can be classic or kitschy with creative combinations of cake flavors, fillings and frostings. Every baker has a go-to chocolate cake recipe that can be a foundation for distinctive flavors, so ask your vendor about creating a cake to personalize your wedding.
Classic
Traditional, elegant weddings typically include an equally traditional cake, but underneath that beautiful white butter cream, try a classic chocolate combination. Raspberry and chocolate is a decadent flavor profile, perfect for a summer evening event when raspberries are in season. German chocolate is a rich combination of coconut, pecans and chocolate that would be suited for a fall occasion. Black Forest cake lends a vintage feel to a winter wedding, with cherries and cream layered between dark chocolate cakes. A fresh mint chocolate cake is the perfect centerpiece for a spring garden reception.
Modern
Wedding cakes for more modern affairs can be elaborate or streamlined, often decorated with splashy color on a foundation of pristine fondant. The cake underneath can be as modern and artful as the artwork decorating it. Peanut butter and chocolate is a youthful combination, the comfort food of desserts. A rich mocha puts a sophisticated spin on chocolate cake laced with the flavor of coffee. Mexican chocolate swirls cinnamon and cayenne pepper with milk chocolate for a subtle, spicy kick. Red velvet cake, though not typically considered a chocolate cake, is a cocoa-infused cake colored a vibrant red, perfect for a holiday wedding.
Trendy
A wedding cake can be a platform for the bride and groom to make a bold statement with unexpected flavor combinations. Pumpkin spice pairs well with chocolate for a warm, earthy, autumn confection. Frosting infused with green tea holds up well against a chocolate cake for a refreshing Far East-inspired cake. The trendiest of culinary combinations today is bacon and chocolate. Not for the faint of heart, this bold flavor profile can be surprisingly satisfying and certainly memorable.
Where to Begin
To get an idea of how these flavors will pair, try some specialty chocolate bars with similar flavor profiles by visiting a chocolatier or shopping online. Bring your ideas to several wedding cake bakers and ask about arranging a tasting. Many bakers will customize flavors for their clients, and most will arrange for them to sample a variety of cakes for a nominal fee. Don’t feel limited to choose one flavor. A tiered wedding cake can include as many flavors as there are tiers. Finally, ask your baker about pricing for your custom confection.
Resources
The Knot: A Complete Wedding Cake Checklist
References
The Knot: Wedding Cakes
Affluent Magazine; "Hot Wedding Cake Trends"; Lisa Toth
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