From nuts to edible flowers and ganache to frostings, here’s our roundup of the classic options when it comes to cake toppings. Go forth and decorate!
A cake can bring people joy like few other things in life. Be it a birthday, wedding, a milestone or just a slow Sunday, cakes elevate any occasion, adding to the joy we feel in the moment. There are plenty of recipes about baking a cake and strategies for decorating it. But in as much as a plain cake is a blank canvas, there are plenty of directions one can go in in terms of toppings. They can be subtle and understated or plentiful and colorful, adding to the look and feel of the cake. One is only really limited by their imagination. To narrow things down, consider the occasion, the flavor of the cake, and the preferences of those who’ll be eating the cake, when choosing the perfect topping. Here, we take a look at the popular cake toppings that work for any occasion.
A frosting is the most integral part of a cake after the cake itself. It adds flavor, color and moistness to the cake. The smooth and creamy texture they add to a cake make the experience of eating it deeply enjoyable. There are plenty of frosting options to choose from, like cream cheese, buttercream, chocolate, lemon, blueberry and more. While the top of the cake can be covered entirely with frosting, if it’s a multilayered cake, frosting can sit between layers too. It can also be piped delicately onto the top and sides, allowing for a variety of designs to be created—from simple borders to elaborate flowers and other patterns.
Although berries are fruits, on cakes, they work like sweet toppings that bring something new to each bite. But unlike fruits, they don’t stand out too much, with their taste blending easily into the cake’s flavor. The berries can be laid out on the top, covering the entire surface of the cake. Or there can be just a handful of berries placed artistically on the center of the cake. Options range from strawberries and blueberries to raspberries and more. Besides their taste, they also provide a pop of color to the cake, elevating its aesthetic.
Chocolate lovers looking for a decadent choice can rely on chocolate ganache. Rich and warm, ganache is created by combining cream and chocolate to lend a glossy glaze to the cake. Cover the entire cake with it and let it drip onto the sides as well. It will greatly elevate the flavor profile and is considered an indulgence for many. Pour the ganache onto the cake in a thick layer and then let it set in place before going in with other toppings if you so desire.
If art can be found everywhere and decorating a cake is also an artistic venture, then fondant is like creating an oil painting. It’s a challenge that often yields breathtaking results. It’s a bit tricky to get the hang of but once you do, it allows for limitless possibilities. So many shapes and designs can be made with fondant; so many themes can be realized, and so much sweetness can be added to the cake. Fondant is a bit like clay, with which one can create any shape, form or design, and one is limited only by their own skill. So use this article as a sign to become a master working with fondant!
Nuts are a popular choice of ingredient to add to the batter of a cake that has crunch and texture. But they're equally popular as toppings as well. Finely chop almonds and pistachios to sprinkle over the cake, or slice walnuts into thin slivers and place them as a border all around the cake. Other options include pecans and hazelnuts, adding a crunchy element to the cake. Nuts work especially well with classic cake flavors like vanilla and chocolate.
A fascinating topping to work with is edible flowers. Consider adding fully bloomed flowers at the center of the cake,or press the flowers flat and place them in a pattern across the entire surface. Flowers add a range of color and elegance to a cake,with roses, violets and marigolds being among the many options that are safe for consumption. Make sure you’re using pesticide-free and cleaned flowers, and ensure they’re fresh and hydrated.