If you have been doing some research in the field of wedding cake recipes and wedding cake decorating you have, no doubt, come across the mention of a “heating core”.

A heating core is a device you can use to heat your larger cake layer up from the center.  It is primarily used to help cook the center of your cake, avoiding over-done edges and under-done centers.  Without the use of a heating core, you may find that your cake edges get done while the inner section is still liquid.

When would you need a heating core?  The use of the heating core is recommended for cakes that are 10″ or more in diameter.

How do you use a heating core?  You want to prepare your core just like you do your pan.  If you are greasing and flouring your pan, do the same with the core.  Place the core in the pan before pouring in your batter.  Pour the batter around the core and then pour some batter inside the core, attempting to have the same height inside and out.

After you bake the cake, remove the core.  Use the cake that was in the center of the core to “plug” the hole left by the core.  When the cake is iced you will not see the core… and chances are this layer will have another layer on top of it anyway.

Are you a Twinkie Lover? 

Get on over to the Hostess Site for the directions for this cutie pie!

And for the Super Mario lovers of the world, a Mario wedding cake.

And who doesn’t love Peeps?

Enough with the sillyness though. I hope this will help you to realize that your cake should be whatever YOU want it to be.  A formal multi-tier cake is NOT the only thing out there.

Even though I am an experienced baker, I don’t enjoy decorating a cake with a decorator’s bag of icing.  I have the bags and the tips and have even taken a few classes.  I have tried to make myself like decorating a cake.   I just don’t like to do it.  I guess I would much rather enhance my cake with a simple decoration of fruit, flowers or toasted coconut.   It’s much easier and, in my opinion, makes a much prettier cake.

If you’re planning to make your own wedding cake you may be worried about decorating the outside with piping or fondant.  No fears – here are some tips to for creating a beautiful wedding cake without all the fuss. 

1.     Consider using a nice buttercream frosting and top with beautiful fresh flowers.  You can ask your florist for flowers to match your bouquets.  If you’re getting married in a warmer climate, fresh picked flowers are gorgeous and budget friendly.  Getting the buttercream smooth on the sides is not hard and the “waves” on the top can be covered with the flowers.

2.    Go simple – let your cake stands or display pieces shine.  Your cakes can look gorgeous on their own- without fondant.  Beautiful cake stands are available all over and they are something you can keep forever (or send home with your guests).  And watch for cake plates that you can stack.

(pictured are stands from Martha Stewart’s collection at Macy’s)

3.    What fruit is in season during your wedding?  Nothing is more spectacular on a cake than fresh fruit.  Strawberries, raspberries, you name it.  It’s simple, affordable and “oh so good”.  Fresh fruit can top your cake, line where your two layers meet, or decorate your cake plate.

4.    Glazes can be your best friend.  Consider making smaller, individual cakes with a simple glaze rather than frosting.

5.    A simple dusting of confectioner’s sugar or cocoa can dress a cake up in no time.  Use a stencil to create an intricate design on top of the cake.  No fuss layers of frosting, whipped cream or fruit filling can go between the cake layers for added flavor.