Wedding – The Ocelots' Den

Is Bigger Better? Sharing the Secrets of Tall Cakes

By Julia on 7 July, 2021

IMHO, Tall cakes are epic! If I need to make a small cake or any cake for personal events, I make tall cakes. (I may also overbake for my personal events). This is when I experiment the most and test out new techniques and ideas. I don’t want any cake-tastropes for my clients.

What is a Tall Cake?

A tall cake is simply what it seems. A TALL cake! Depending on the size of the cake, the height may look more proportional or taller. For my menu purposes, my cakes have a simplified definition.

My Standard cakes are all 2-layers. And my Tall Cakes are 4-Layers. All of my cake layers are baked to the same dimensions. I am more than happy to create a custom number of layers. (My pricing menu has pricing for 2-layer, 3-layer, and 4-layer cakes). If you want 5+ layers I can certainly accommodate!

No More Leaning Towers!

I’m going to get on my soapbox again and emphasize the importance of structure in tall cakes! Tall cakes are essentially a more modern version of a tiered cake, but they have the same diameter. The structural integrity can be compromised from the weight of the cakes. This can lead to leaning, collapsing, or squished fillings. (Which is NOT ideal). To prevent this, I insert dowels, or straws, and depending on the size of the cake, I may include a cake board.

Any way you stack it, you can’t go wrong with cake! I like the drama of the added elevation, but maybe you’re a no-drama mama. (And that’s great too!)

Mix ‘n’ Match

I don’t have the prices listed on my menu (because there are nearly infinite possibilities for options), but you can mix standard cakes with tall cakes for a modern surprise!

Call me up, if you want a Mix ‘N’ Match cake! (By call me, I definitely mean text or email me). I am obsessed, but haven’t had a reason to bake one yet!!

Baked Goods | Cake | Wedding | Weddings

Let Them Eat Cake! Old and New Traditions

By Julia on 30 June, 2021

I am enjoying these weekly features SO much.

When I started researching the tradition of exchanging cake after it is cut, I thought it would be a fun little fluffy piece of history.

The more I read about it, the more emotion I began to feel. I mention this mostly to express that my stance is obviously skewed towards skipping the cake smash. It goes against my personal values. The fear, the uncertainty, the lack of trust that can be displayed (if you express your desire and then it isn’t honored). Revenge, power, pride, force, and the potential for resentment.

This is clearly my stance. I do believe cake smashes can be done lovingly and playfully. But it has to be done with respect. If one of you doesn’t want to do it, this isn’t something to compromise on, don’t do it.

If you are wild, silly, playful, and aren’t worried about messing up your makeup (or your partner’s makeup) or getting a cake with a filling tuning your clothes, then HAVE a blast! Squish that cake in their face!

If you are like me, you will leave the cake smashes to the adorable babies. If you aren’t, that’s great, just make sure to be honoring the spirit of your partner. Don’t have your laugh at the expense of your partner, especially so publically on your beautiful day.

In all of the cake topics I’ve researched and planned to highlight, this is what I feel is the most controversial. I am incredibly supportive of couples following their bliss and seeking their joy, but I couldn’t write this up in an unbiased way.

You are spending money on makeup, dresses, tuxes/ suits, and the delicious cake. Enjoy the cake! Avoid the mess of your makeup, staining clothes, and savor those sweet bites with your honey.

Recommendations

Communication is the most important thing. (And my number ONE marriage tip). Talk it through. Share openly.

Talk about each of your visions about the cake cutting. It may feel silly, but this is your life partner. It isn’t silly. Talk through how you plan to cut the cake. (Ask your baker about recommendations for cutting that first slice. There may be structure inside of the cake that you need to be aware of). Then talk about how you plan to feed each other the cake (or if you want to particiapte in that tradition). Will you use a fork, will you use your fingers, will you feed one at a time, will you feed at the same time?

I’m a planner by nature. So my suggestions above may seem like overkill. Maybe you like things more loosey goosey and that’s great too.

Baked Goods | Cake | Wedding | Weddings

Stack ’em Up: Elevate Your Celebration with Tiered Cakes

By Julia on 23 June, 2021

I’m over the moon with excitement for today’s featured wedding question. “What is the difference between tiers and layers?” To put it simply a cake is made of layers. Tiers are the individual cakes stacked!

I relish ANY opportunity to make a tiered cake. I have even made them for myself for my birthday JUST BECAUSE I CAN! 😹

Stay tuned on my IG. Eventually, I will find and show some photos of my first ever tiered cakes. Let’s just say, I’ve come a long, LONG way.

The MOST important aspect of stacking a tiered cake is the structure in the cake. Without a structure, the decadent and often heavy cake will sink and tilt and RUIN the visual experience of your cake. Looking at the bright side, the cake will still taste great!

Julia’s Baking Journey Detour

This was the foundation of my baking story. All I wanted was a cake that tasted GOOD. In my experience, prior to starting my cake decorating journey, all those fussy cakes with buttercream flowers, carved shapes, or fondant coverings were not filled with delicious cake. I felt like they were a waste of calories. 🙀 I would have rather eaten boxed cakes. (Another controversial opinion. I like the taste of MANY box cakes). I still feel this way about a lot of cakes (I’m looking at you, generic grocery store cake).

Back to the Structure of Tiered Cakes

Structure is usually made out of wooden dowels, smoothie straws or even metal rods and cake boards (made of cardboard, acrylic, plastic, or metal). I use smoothie straws and cardboard most often. The smoothie straws are cost effective, but I’m actively seeking other alternatives before I resupply. The straws (rods or dowels) create a base for the cake boards to rest without squishing the cake below.

I always use at least 3 straws in each tier. Think of it like a table. A table with two legs cannot stand on its own. If you tilt or bump it may shift or fall. I often use 4 for the size cakes I bake. (The largest base I make is 12″). I can bake up to 14″ cakes, but I haven’t had any requests thus far.

Final Thoughts

The fun of tiered cakes is they have limitless options. You can mix and match the number of layers and shapes. I am waiting on pins and needles to make a cake with varied cake layers. Hoping I’ll find an excuse to do one this year! (I’d do it for my birthday this year, but I am going to work on perfecting Macaron making!!!!)

Do you have any additional Cake Tier Questions? Please share them with me.

Baked Goods | Cake | Wedding | Weddings

Naked Cakes: Brazen, Beautiful, or Boring?

By Julia on 16 June, 2021

At this point in my wedding cake series, I’m sure it isn’t a surprise that given the choice I choose cake over frosting. IMHO, naked cakes are the perfect balance between frosting and cake. However, it may surprise you that I will always veer towards suggesting a Fully Frosted or Nearly Nude cake. And not just because I enjoy their alliterative names.

While I adore the look of a naked cake, and the balance is my favorite, a truly naked cake is more challenging to make. I know this may seem unrealistic. There is less icing—fewer materials. There aren’t countless swipes to make the icing smooth. On the other hand, the layers need to be baked to perfection to get crisp lines. The cake crumb needs to be intact for an even-ish color. That cute crumb that comes through can literally tear the cake if the icing isn’t the perfect consistency.

I suppose you could say, I have a love/hate relationship with naked cakes. I’ve had TWO naked cakes topple over. It was HEARTBREAKING! (Luckily they were cakes for experimenting… and many lessons were learned to prevent this from happening again). A nice chilled outer coating of frosting is firm enough that I don’t worry about the cake slipping or sliding or turning into a leaning tower.

The final concern I have for naked cakes is they can dry out. The frosting on a cake insulates the cake and seals the moisture into the cake. Most bridal cakes are made days ahead of the wedding. Naked cakes have more opportunities for the cake to be out and exposed. Don’t worry though, if you have your heart set on a naked cake, there are ways to compensate and mitigate the risk of having a dry cake.

A simple syrup brushed between the layers can infuse more flavor (if it is an infused syrup) but it can add that moisture you may have lost. Additionally, hopefully, your baker (like me) can plan to bake your cake closer to your event. Currently, I only bake ONE wedding cake a week. I plan ahead of time and for naked cakes especially to bake the day before the wedding.

Nearly Nude

A Nearly Nude cake has the lightest layer of frosting. It still looks very much like a naked cake, yet is more forgiving. It seals in more of that coveted moisture. It is easy to handle (which is important for tiered cakes). This cake is the Goldilocks of cakes. 😸 This cake style is also commonly called Nearly Naked and Semi-Naked.

At the Den

If you choose to work with me, I am happy to answer any additional questions about these cakes. My bias is purely for what I like to eat & what is easiest for me to make. I am over-the-moon excited to make ANY cake. I provide information, answer questions, and then create YOUR dream cake!!! Whether it is for a wedding (LOVE), Birthday (LOVE), Celebrations (LOVE), Just Because (LOVE). I feel immense joy bringing cake dreams to life and infusing my love into these creations.

Baked Goods | Cake | Wedding | Weddings

Layering in the Flavor

By Julia on 2 June, 2021

It’s time to dispel some confusion. Layers versus Tiers. One of the things I love the most in creating treats for my clients is truly customizing their visions.

What is a Cake Layer?

Let’s get down to basics. The Cake layer is basically the bread of making a cake. If we are thinking of sandwiches as an analogy for cake making. A sheet cake is an open face sandwich. (One layer of cake/ bread + /frosting/toppings. A Layer Cake is a traditional Sandwich with at least 2 pieces of bread + any number of toppings.

All of my cakes are 2-inch layers of cake. Whether they are 1,2,3, or 4 layers of cake. This creates a nice uniform size. Cakes can have thicker or thinner layers of cake, but I use this standard measurement so each cake is baked the same and I can achieve consistent results.

Between each layer of cake there is at a minimum a layer of frosting. It can be the same frosting as on the outside of the cake, a different color of the same frosting, or a different flavor all together.

Additionally, fillings can be added. Fruit, nuts, candy, caramel, chocolate etc. I pipe a dam of icing around the edge (to seal in the topping) and then fill the inside with extra delicious flavors.

Tiers are when you have smaller cakes stacked on top of larger cakes. We’ll get into tiers more in future posts.

The Process of Ordering a Custom Cake

Here are some of the first questions I will ask.

What is the event? (birthday, Wedding, Celebration, Anniversary)
How many people are you anticipating at your event? (So I can guide the sizing)
What flavors would you like to include? (Cake, Frosting, Filling, Toppers)
Are there any dietary concerns?

Once I have those more basic questions, I can hone in and figure how best to scale the cake for the size of the event.

Size is often the biggest question. Cakes of various different shapes can feed the same number of people.

Sheet Cakes are typically one layer
My standard Cakes have two layers
Tall Cakes have 3-4 layers (in my bakery)

So let’s say you have 20 guests at your party. Here are some examples of cake suggestions I would offer.

Wedding (Smaller Slices are served at weddings)
- A 2 Tier Cake with a 6-inch layer and a 4-inch layer (serves 20)
- A three-layer 6-inch cake (serves 21)
Other Celebrations
- a 10-inch two-layer Cake (serves 21)
- an 8-inch three-layer Cake (serves 21)
- a 2 tier cake with a 6-inch layer and an 8-inch layer (serves 22)

The more people the more options available. Especially with tiered cakes. You Can mix and match the height of the layers for more drama or an eclectic vibe.

Once the basic choices are selected. I can create a customized quote for any additional design elements (cake toppers, fresh fruit, sugar flowers, etc.) I am also happy to sketch up some scaled drawings if you need some help visualizing different cake sizes.

Baked Goods | Cake | Wedding | Weddings

Finding the Finishing Touch to Your Cake!

By Julia on 26 May, 2021

You’ve selected your cake flavor, frosting type, and you probably have some ideas about what style cake you want. The final touch to any cake is a cake topper. Do you search for the perfect topper or leave your cake perfect as is?

There are a few different tellings of the history of wedding cake toppers. Some tales are fanciful, but no matter how you slice it, cute little couple cake toppers became very popular starting around the 1950s as a representation of togetherness. Often the very cookie-cutter-looking bride and groom were standing side by side, or holding hands.

Then

One of the major problems with these cute little couples, until more recently, is the types of couples represented were very limited. As a 2011 bride, I even struggled. I initially searched for a blonde bride, with a simple dress that looked similar to me and a groom who also had blonde (or light brown) hair, both of them with blue eyes. (I thought that would be VERY simple). Apparently, it was too complicated and then I thought of all the other brides and grooms that would struggle far more than I did. I knew I was being too picky, but I just knew what I wanted.

It was at this point that I should just shift my focus. I searched all over Etsy and other places and thought about getting a cute, custom bride and groom topper. A boy soldier in his dress greens, and a very simple bride… But then the cost was FAR too much for my budget at that point in time. (I just couldn’t rationalize spending more on cake toppers than I spent on my wedding dress). The artists making these definitely deserved the prices they were charging, but I wasn’t their ideal client then. Instead, I decided to make my own. Something completely unique.

Since my husband and I’s nickname for each other is “Ocelot” I decided to make my own Ocelot Cake toppers wearing our wedding outfits. I sculpted them as I envisioned, packaged them to take as one of my carry-on bags (just in their own little box). Unfortunately, the customs department at the airport in the US decided to vigorously shake my box after it was screened. My heart sank and I knew all my work was for not.

I didn’t have much time to find a replacement and options were VERY limited at my hometown party store. With a German Chocolate Cake as the small top tier of my cupcake tower, I really wanted a cake topper to make it seem more like a wedding cake. I ended up with some safari animals, which I figured was close enough to rainforest animals, plus elephants are significant in my family. I think I also found a silver “H” for our last name…. It was a mess.

Now

There are unlimited options for cake toppers. Finding same-gender couples and interracial couples is less work. Couples are embracing hobbies, pets, uniforms, and characters to have wildly fun cakes! Monograms, phrases, banners, buntings, and other simple adornments are also much more prevalent.

Many times, couples aren’t using cake toppers, or they are using their florals or abstract designs. Minimalism is extremely popular. (Also, budget brides, minimalism is also a great way to be elegant, but keep your costs down!)

Where

Search Pinterest and Etsy for cake topper inspiration. If you have a truly unique idea for a cake topper, I’m sure there is an Etsy artist that can fulfill your vision. Additionally, I can make toppers out of Sugar Paste, Fondant, Candy Clay, or I can 3D print something as well. I am happy to use any topper you have as well. Email me, or use my order form to get started!

Trends to Avoid

One trend that I am seeing less of, and hope will be abolished, is the bride topper dragging the groom. (Or other variations on that theme). I love infusing humor and the couple’s personalities into baking, but making fun of someone’s fear of commitment or other shaming-type behaviors doesn’t seem to be the best way to showcase your love for your nearest and dearest to see. (If you and your spouse-to-be love these types of toppers, then go for it. It’s just a bit cringy for me, and your wedding day is about YOU).

Baked Goods | Cake | Handmade | Wedding | Weddings

Ice, Ice Baby!

By Julia on 12 May, 2021

There are two main ways to decorate a cake. Frosting, sometimes called icing or Fondant. (There are other options as well. A ganache is lovely, though I think it is akin to a frosting).

What is fondant?

Those perfectly smooth cakes you see are probably covered in Fondant. Try as we may that perfect finish is hard to replicate any other way.

Fondant is typically rolled into thin sheets and draped over the cake’s surface. Almost like an edible playdough. It can be formed, sculpted, embossed, and it is very versatile. The downside of fondant is, many aren’t fond of the flavor. There is also a learning curve to using it.

Icing is a Thing of the Past

The term icing is sometimes used interchangeably with frosting. You know those beautifully decorated cookies that are incredibly soothing to watch people make? They have that crunchy icing? (Maybe it’s just me that watches cookie videos like they are ASMR) Those cookies are made with Royal Icing. There was a time, that wedding cakes were baked with this! At that time wedding cakes were often fruit cakes.

Nowadays, most wedding cakes are frosted instead of iced. There are many different frostings used for cakes nowadays. Most often, they are Buttercreams! (Butter + Confectioners Sugar + Cream + Flavor = American Buttercream)

Fondant or Frosting?

I’m not particularly fond of fondant, or working with fondant. (It’s extra steps. and added cost, and time). Fondant is REALLY useful for hotter weather! Buttercream can melt in the summer heat. Weather and temperature are something to consider in addition to the flavor. A cake covered in fondant will still having frosting (or ganache) and the option for fillings, but protects the cake from melting.

White, Off-White, or Beige?

Do you want a TRUE white cake? Buttercream may not be your best choice. Variations can be made with shortening and butter flavor, but since butter is yellow, the icing will be a bit off-white. Additionally, the type of flavorings will also impact the color. My preference is to use Mexican Vanilla extract, this, of course, is brown, and subtly tints the icing. To prevent this, you can get clear vanilla extract, but you are sacrificing a little bit of flavor. I have both types on hand at all times, plus vanilla beans (which add a light speckle and LOTS of flavor). For all my cakes I default to Mexican Vanilla with the exception of Wedding Cakes. I make sure to ask my couples about their preferences.

Still Have Questions?

If you still have more questions, please email me! I’ll be happy to walk you through the various options!

Baked Goods | Cake | Wedding

Baking the Flavor of Love

By Julia on 5 May, 2021

Today is all about cake flavors! Your wedding cake should be a reflection of the flavors that bring YOU and your Soon-to-Be-Spouse joy!!

White cake is traditional, classic, and timeless. It’s extremely versatile. (I highly recommend White Velvet if this is your jam). Often when people think about this classic wedding cake flavor, it is a white vanilla cake and will have a little bit of almond extract as well.

However, maybe you aren’t a vanilla, classic, or traditional cake lover… If this is you, and you are hesitating… stop hesitating. Get that chocolate cake*! Maybe you or your person LOVES sprinkles and you want a sprinkle surprise when the cake is cut! (The sprinkles can even be in your wedding colors!!!)

Have your wedding YOUR way!

I adore tradition and classics, but choose the cake YOU want! You can also have the classic exterior, with surprise flavors! (Coconut buttercream, with a Lime Citrus cake) (Peppermint Buttercream with a Chocolate Cake). Or, Go wild and infuse your cake with color inside and out! (My wedding cupcakes were zebra striped marble!)

Struggling to choose a flavor? Do a tasting! Or ask for recommendations. Create a variation on a theme. Having a tropical honeymoon, pull in those flavors into your cake!

B.Y.O.C. (Build Your Own Cake (or Cupcakes))

One of my favorite things to do is craft custom cake flavors and combinations. One of my favorite Wedding Cakes was for a Halloween Wedding. The couple discussed flavors they like (Citrus, Vanilla, Raspberry, etc.) but they didn’t seem to fit the season (their thoughts).

So, when I did their cake tasting, I made my sea salt caramel. Being a Mid-Western girl, when I think Autumn. I think Caramel Apples. This was their overwhelming winner. White Velvet Cake, Salted Caramel Buttercream, and Sea Salt Caramel Filling and Drip.

My husband and I met in Germany. So we had a German Chocolate Cake**, additionally, I love chocolate cake, and German Chocolate Cake was my Great Grams’ favorite cake. **German Chocolate Cake isn’t German. It is named after the brand of chocolate (German’s Chocolate). My husband isn’t a cake lover, so he didn’t really care about the cake flavor. (He chose the Groom’s Cake alternative). I also baked cupcakes to accompany the cake.

Baked Goods | Cake | Wedding | Weddings

Any Way You Slice It: Fascinating Cake Cutting Traditions

By Julia on 28 April, 2021

The cake is one of the most iconic parts of the wedding reception. The newly weds make their first entrance as a married couple. The first dance, dancing with parents, bouquet toss, garter toss, and cake cutting are some of the most key elements of the modern wedding reception.

When a couple cuts their wedding cake, it is a symbol of the first thing they do as a married couple. In my opinion, this alleviates a lot of the pressure. (What’s the first thing you did as a couple?) There’s no awkward pause. You just know that it’s cutting the cake.

How to cut the cake

A general theme I fully believe in, is do whatever feels right between you and your partner. Everything doesn’t have to be the conventional, traditional, or historical approach. However, sometimes this knowledge can make things sweeter.

It is a common practice for the groom to place his hand over the bride’s when cutting the cake. This symbolizes his promise to support her and her promise to take care of him and their family.

Where to cut the cake

Couples are often encouraged to cut from the bottom tier of the cake. This is to symbolize the longevity and continuity in their marriage. (I see many couples cut the top tier. It is often simpler, and a more logical choice for serving.

Cake Cutting No Nos!

Caution, DON’T cut your top tier if you are planning on saving it for your first anniversary. This isn’t as common of a practice, but, don’t cut the cake you intend on saving.

Don’t try to slice through the entire cake!!! I cannot repeat this enough. There are cake boards and possibly other structures within the cake so it doesn’t collapse. (You would be surprised how heavy most cakes are). As you are cutting, if you feel resistance, stop. If this happens just as you begin to slice, you may have inadvertently attempted to slice where there is a dowel supporting the tier above.

Anyway you slice it!

The couple will cut a slice of the cake. (Posing for photos along the way). This is where most modern cake cutting ends (for the couple). They feed each other some cake, and often a caterer or a loving family member will come to slice the remainder of the cake.

Some older traditions include the couple cutting and serving the cake to their guests, but this has mostly gone out of fashion as weddings have many more guests.

When to cut the cake

You can schedule it whenever you think is best. My suggestion is first thing. Then it can continue to be sliced while your guests are having their meal. (And it truly is your first activity as a married couple).

This also frees up guests to leave when they are ready. People generally stay through the cake cutting, but your grandparents may be accustomed to earlier bed times. Additionally, it means, once your band (or DJ) starts playing, the party portion of the evening doesn’t have to stop to cut the cake. (Win! Win!)

Serving Size Slices

Paralysis often sets in when it comes to cutting the cake into equal slices. Larger cakes (especially over 6″ diameter) can be cut into squares instead of slicing the cake like a pie. A slice of wedding cake is 1W” x 2D” x 4H” (Width, Depth, Height).

If you would like a cake cutting guide, I am happy to supply options along with your cake order!

Baked Goods | Cake | Wedding | Weddings

We’re Thrilled Wedding Season is in Full Swing!

By Julia on 21 April, 2021

I had my first wedding order completed over the weekend, and I’m looking forward to sharing more answers, questions, and the behind-the-scenes of Wedding Season! My garden is in full bloom, and so are all these budding marriages!

Cake Philosophy

I am in love with love. I have always been a dreamy-eyed romantic. I have an overabundance of love and take the greatest pleasure when I can infuse it into my baking. I only bake ONE wedding cake a week. I am a solo shop, and I want my full attention on one couple at a time.

When I bake (or create anything that will be a gift). I think of the couple or recipient. I make an effort to capture their essence. I think of the happiness they will share for a lifetime. I also pray for them. I believe that this positive and loving energy is baked in and is part of the experience. I am a person full of emotions, and I don’t bake for others when I’m unsettled. (I take time to play piano, sing, take a walk through my gardens, pray, and/or call friends and family before beginning to work on projects). As important I feel it is to include all the Love + Joy when I bake, I am cautious to not let any of my negative emotions infuse into my work.

2020 was a Wet Blanket

By February of 2020, just a month after I launched my website publicly. (I had been toying with it for a few years). I had THREE weddings booked. I was thrilled. I began dreaming bigger goals! (One wedding per month!) Then as we all know, 2020 didn’t go as planned. Unfortunately, only one of my three weddings took place.

I know how hard this has been for all the brides and grooms. They are ready to get married, plus newly engaged couples are struggling to secure plans because of the backlog of 2020 weddings. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Weddings are stressful enough without the additional challenges.

My other two weddings have been rescheduled (one is this weekend!!! I’m in the midst of making now!!) and another has been added!

I am looking forward to making spectacular memories for my joyous couples.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you can look forward to EVERY Wednesday through at least September!

Wedding Cake Alternatives
Wedding Cake Prices and Budgeting for your cakes
How to cut cakes
The history and traditions that go along with wedding cakes
DIY Tips
Cake design trends and designs I’m obsessed with
Cake Flavors
Gauging the amount of cake for your event
Cake Tastings
Cake-tastrophes
Groom’s Cakes
Themed & Character Cakes
Secret Ingredients
Cake Delivery
Cake Flavors
Gauging the amount of cake for your event
Cake Tasting Questions