Choosing a wedding cake is a big decision, and since you’re serving a vegan cake, your friends and family are in for a delicious surprise! Vegan wedding cakes are not only better for the environment and animal welfare, but they can also be incredibly flavorful and beautiful. Here are some cake tasting tips to get you started:
Make sure your baker knows you’re vegan prior to your cake tasting
When you schedule your vegan wedding cake tasting, be sure to communicate your preferences to the baker. Do you want a traditional tiered cake or something more unique? Are there any dietary restrictions you need to accommodate? It’s important to have an open dialogue with the baker to ensure that you get the cake of your dreams. Make sure your baker knows of any allergens so they can avoid using those ingredients. And, remember, it’s easier to make all the cake gluten free, soy free, or peanut free than to make individual cakes for specific friends and family.
Communicate flavor preferences
When you arrive for your tasting, you can expect to sample a variety of flavors and frostings. These will all be made before you arrive, in many cases especially for your cake tasting. Vegan cakes can be made with a wide range of ingredients, from classic vanilla and chocolate to more adventurous flavors like lavender or chai. You may also have the option to try different types of frosting, such as buttercream, cream cheese, or ganache.
Think about how the cake enhances your other wedding choices
As you taste each cake, pay attention to the texture, moisture, and flavor. Does the cake crumble or hold together well? Is it dry or moist? Does it have a rich, complex flavor or taste bland? The cake is a part of your overall experience for the day. Therefore, it’s important to consider how well the flavors, textures, and decoration will complement the other components of your wedding, such as the decor and the menu. For example, a vegan tres leches cake a great option for a fiesta themed reception.
Sugars and oils
In your quest to find the perfect vegan wedding cake, don’t be afraid to ask the baker about the ingredients and how they were sourced. Some vegans are more strict, opting to avoid refined sugar if it’s been filtered through bone char. Many vegans also avoid palm oils due to deforestation. A good baker will be happy to share their knowledge and help you feel confident in your decision. They’ll also be able to suggest alternatives to maintain the flavor profile, texture, and presentation.
Overall, your vegan wedding cake tasting can be a fun and exciting part of your wedding planning process. By choosing a vegan cake, you’re not only making a compassionate choice, but you’re also opening up a world of delicious possibilities.