How to Make Your Own Wedding Cake

Beth Dreiling

Amaretto Cream Wedding Cake

Inspired by ribbons and lace and reminiscent of fine china, this cake will be the focal point of your reception. The cake layers are classic and generously coated with a sumptuous apricot glaze that complements the amaretto batter and the buttercream frosting.

Recipe: Amaretto Cream Wedding Cake

William Dickey / Styling: Cari South

Tiered Poppy Seed Wedding Cake

If you're planning a small wedding or an at-home reception, stack two layers to serve 25 guests. Here, an upside-down candy dish is the support between the layers. You can use an heirloom from your family or purchase a new one as a keepsake.

Recipe: Tiered Poppy Seed Wedding Cake

Tina Cornett / Styling: Mary Lyn H. Jenkins

Dogwood Blossom Wedding Cake

Our Dogwood Blossom Cake is a melt-in-your mouth white cake with a smooth blackberry filling. From the fondant dogwood blossoms to the white satin frosting, this cake is also an elegant centerpiece for springtime receptions. Tip: Purchase ready-to-use white rolled fondant for the dogwood blossoms and leaves. It's easy to work with and saves time on such a busy occasion.

Recipe: Dogwood Blossom Wedding Cake

Tina Cornett / Styling: Mary Lyn H. Jenkins

Pansy Wedding Cake

Peach lovers will want to check out this colorful cake, which features peach filling sandwiched between yellow cake layers and topped with Almond Cream Cheese Frosting and Crystallized Pansies. Though the recipe calls for orange, yellow, and white pansies, you can modify the colors to suit your wedding theme.

Recipe: Pansy Wedding Cake

Tina Cornett / Styling: Mary Lyn H. Jenkins

Chocolate Velvet Groom's Cake

Although groom's cakes are not traditionally served in all regions of the country, guests often appreciate having an alternative to the traditional bride's cake. This version features a nutty pecan filling that guests are sure to love.

Recipe: Chocolate Velvet Groom's Cake

William Dickey / Styling: Cari South

Bridesmaid Baby Cakes

Bridesmaid Baby Cakes can be personalized with each attendant's initials. For a formal affair, use white-on-white frosting or monochromatic hues. Experiment with contrasting colors for a casual look.

Recipe: Bridesmaid Baby Cakes

Tina Cornett / Styling: Mary Lyn H. Jenkins

Peaches-and-Cream Wedding Cake

Fondant Peach Blossoms with a blush add a breath of beauty and elegance to this Peaches-and-Cream Wedding Cake. To make ahead, either chill the tiers up to 2 days, or freeze up to 2 months.

Recipe: Peaches-and-Cream Wedding Cake

William Dickey / Styling: Cari South

Small Tiered Cluster Cakes

These small, tiered treats with 3-inch-round bases lend elegance to an intimate engagement party, tea, or dinner. The baked layer cake was cut into three graduated circles with cutters, then stacked on a wire rack and coated with Poured Fondant.

Recipe: Small Tiered Cluster Cakes

Tina Cornett / Styling: Mary Lyn H. Jenkins

Garden Bridal Cake

The Garden Bridal Cake is a wonderful option for smaller, less formal ceremonies. A beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers and blue ribbon reflects its summery garden theme.

Recipe: Garden Bridal Cake