How Do I Choose A Good Cake?

Jan 20, 2025KR Bakes

Finding The Perfect Cake

● Knowing The Occasion & Theme

Before starting the cake selection process, it is crucial to consider the event. Cakes play a role in defining the day, setting the mood just as much as they please the taste buds.

A birthday cake will look entirely different from a wedding one. Meanwhile, a casual family gathering could call for a simpler yet toothsome option. The event will help you decide on the flavour, size, and style of the cake.

Wedding cakes often stand tall with their multiple tiers and beautiful designs that are not only a treat for the eyes but also for the taste buds.

Cakes designed for anniversaries or special events can be anything from minimalistic to intricate. Be sure to opt for a flavour that fits the tastes of the people you are honouring.

Need cake inspiration for your anniversary? Our blog on the different types of cakes best for an anniversary will point you in the right direction.

For a birthday celebration, pick a cake that will match the birthday person's preferences while making the guests smile too. Take into account the taste, visual elements and particular themes that may be meaningful to the individual.

So, if you have a clear understanding of the event’s purpose and formality, you can easily choose a cake that complements it.

● Flavour

The flavour is what truly gives character to a cake, therefore it is a major consideration when choosing one.

Bakeries usually have an assortment of flavours, from the classic variations to the exotic alternatives. Here’s a quick inside look at some of the most beloved cake flavours and the unique appeal each one holds.

Vanilla Cake: A universally loved flavour that is light and not too sweet. Great for all types of gatherings.
Chocolate Cake: Rich, indulgent and a favourite for all, young and old. Perfect for those who enjoy a dessert-like cake.
Red Velvet Cake: The cake’s gorgeous appearance is matched by its delectable combination of vanilla, cocoa and a little bit of tartness - just right for any special moment.
Fruit Cake: Ideal for summer occasions such as weddings or parties, this light cake is made with seasonal fruits and a smooth cream.
Tiramisu Cake: Inspired by the iconic tiramisu, this cake features coffee-soaked cake layers with a rich mascarpone filling.

While you can’t go wrong with traditional birthday cakes, do not hesitate to try something new and exciting.

● Filling And Frosting

A cake's taste and texture are heavily impacted by the filling and frosting. The right filling enhances the flavour and the frosting is there to bring sweetness and a stunning finish.

You can either go for a filling and frosting that matches the cake flavour or switch things up for a more adventurous twist, it is all about what you feel like.

Fillings To Consider

Buttercream: A common filling because of its smooth richness, buttercream is available in many flavours such as vanilla, chocolate and fruit.
Cream Cheese: This frosting is a match made in heaven for cakes including carrot or red velvet, offering a tangy, smooth contrast.
Ganache: Made with chocolate and cream, ganache is decadent and usually used for chocolate cakes.

Frosting Options

Buttercream: Versatile and easy to work with, buttercream can be piped into cute designs and is perfect for adding decorations.
Fondant: This smooth, moulded sugar dough helps craft that flawless look for complex designs, though it does not have the rich flavour that buttercream offers.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream is a great choice for less sweet, more delicate cakes.
Royal Icing: Often used for fine detailing, royal icing not only gives a glossy finish but also provides a firmer texture than fondant.

● Texture

The texture of a cake deserves as much attention as its flavour. Most people love a fluffy, light cake, but others favour a heavier, moist cake, particularly in the case of layered ones.

It is always wise to ask the bakery about the cake’s texture and confirm if they use quality ingredients to achieve that soft, airy crumb. A well-baked cake should have a consistent crumb, where you do not find large air pockets or overly heavy areas.

If you are after a cake that is light and fluffy, go for the soft texture of a sponge or chiffon cake. They are both incredibly airy and soft. For cake lovers who prefer something more indulgent, pound cake, butter cake and mud cake will hit the right spots.

Thanks to their dense, buttery texture, these cakes can withstand heavier fillings and frostings. They are excellent for making those grand multi-tiered cakes that need a little extra structural support.

● Cake Shape

How your cake is shaped can improve its aesthetics. Round cakes are the preferred shape for many because of their simplicity and wide-ranging appeal for different occasions.

They are symmetrical, easy to slice and work for both small and large groups. Square cakes are an elegant choice for any formal event. Their modern shape gives them a refined, polished look that suits weddings or business events.

Sheet cakes are rectangular and are typically used for bigger events where a large number of guests are expected. They have a simple and clean design.

Customised cakes offer a fun, limitless space for you to express your creativity. Cakes shaped like dolls, cars or other objects can make any celebration feel extra special while allowing you to match your theme.

● Size

Keep the size of your guest list in mind as you pick a cake. This ensures you do not end up with either a mountain of leftovers or not enough for everyone.

If you are hosting an intimate celebration like a birthday or any casual get-together, a single-layer cake could be all you need. Multi-layer cakes are baked to make a statement, especially for significant events like weddings or corporate functions.

Cupcakes or mini cakes can be a convenient solution for serving a huge crowd, giving each guest a personal, tasty treat. A 1 kg cake is suitable for about 12 to 15 people, while a 2 kg cake is ideal for 24 to 30 guests.

A 5 kg cake is best for extravagant parties, serving 70 to 75 individuals comfortably. Remember, this is a rough estimate of the cake's dimensions and the number of guests it can cater to.

But, double-check with your bakery for their serving size suggestion based on your guest count. It is better to have a bit more than to run out before everyone gets a piece.

● Cake Design

The visual presentation of the cake is a major factor for weddings and birthdays, as it can easily become a centerpiece that adds to the overall aesthetics.

Ensure the cake’s design matches the tone of the celebration. A wedding cake could be adorned with graceful flowers or multiple layers, whereas a birthday cake might showcase bright colours or a specific theme that the person loves.

Cake decoration is only limited by your imagination, with choices ranging from fondant flowers, edible glitter and intricate piping to sugar toppers.

For a cake that looks too good to eat (but you will definitely eat it anyway), check out a bakery that specializes in custom cake artistry.

● The Bakery Matters

Once you know what you are looking for in a cake, the next task is locating a reputable bakery that can actually deliver. A top bakery only uses the best ingredients, has skilled hands behind the scenes and brings a variety that feels like it was made just for you.

KR Bakes: The Best Bakery In Town

And that is where we, the team at KR Bakes, come into the picture. We take pride in creating the most lip-smacking cakes you will ever taste, no matter the occasion.

The special touch at KR Bakes comes from our unique customisation services. Every event is one of a kind and your cake should be too. So, if you dream of it, we will bake it!