The History and Evolution of Cheese Wedding Cakes - Cheese Wedding Cake shop

The History and Evolution of Cheese Wheel Wedding Cakes

Did you know cheese wedding cakes have been delighting guests since Victorian times? That’s over 150 years of celebrating with towering tiers of delicious dairy.

Cheese wedding cakes are perfect for any event, from intimate gatherings to large celebrations, making them a versatile choice for weddings, parties, and more.

You’ll find these showstoppers are more than just a trendy alternative to traditional fruit cake - they’re a feast for all your senses:

  • Each tier brings different textures and flavours, from creamy Brie to crumbly Stilton

  • The whole display creates quite a buzz when guests catch those rich cheese aromas

  • You’re giving everyone something to chat about while they sample their favourites

If you’re looking to make your big day memorable, you can’t go wrong with this crowd-pleasing centrepiece. Your guests will enjoy comparing notes on their favourite slices, sharing stories, and coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds).

Cheese wedding cakes keep everyone satisfied throughout the night, making them ideal for a lively party atmosphere that lasts as long as your celebration does. It’s the perfect way to unite people - who doesn’t love a good cheese board?

A cheese wedding cake isn’t just about feeding your guests—it’s about creating special moments where everyone gathers around, nibbles away, and enjoys being part of your celebration.

Introduction to Cheese Wedding Cakes

Cheese wedding cakes are taking the world of weddings by storm, offering couples a deliciously unique alternative to the traditional wedding cake. Instead of layers of sponge and icing, a cheese wedding cake is crafted from carefully selected wheels of cheese, stacked to create a show-stopping centrepiece for your special day. These cakes are as versatile as they are beautiful, allowing you to tailor the flavours and textures to suit your personal taste and wedding style.

Imagine a cake where each tier brings something different to the table: the creamy indulgence of Brie, the mellow richness of Camembert, the sharp tang of Cheddar, and the bold character of blue cheese. Blooming rind cheeses, such as Brie and Camembert, resemble traditional wedding cakes and lend themselves to layering. Whether you prefer a classic, elegant look or a more rustic, adventurous design, cheese wedding cakes can be styled to match any wedding reception.

Not only do they look stunning, but they also provide a memorable tasting experience for your guests, who will delight in sampling the variety of cheeses on offer.

From intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, a cheese wedding cake is sure to impress. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate your wedding with a centrepiece that’s as delicious as it is eye-catching, ensuring your big day is remembered for its flavour, creativity, and style.


Origins of Cheese Wedding Cakes

Wedding Cakes have evolved significantly, with modern couples seeking unique alternatives to traditional sweet confections. The rise of cheese wedding cakes demonstrates this shift in wedding customs.

A cheese wedding cake is a carefully arranged tower of whole cheese wheels decorated to create a striking centrepiece for wedding celebrations. A wedding cheese wheel cake is typically constructed from full wheels or entire wheels of cheese, each in a traditional round shape. This option has gained popularity for several compelling reasons:

  • Cost-effectiveness compared to traditional cakes

  • Serves as both decoration and evening food service

  • Suitable for various dietary requirements

  • Offers versatility in styling and presentation

  • The base of a cheese wheel wedding cake should be composed of the hardest and largest cheese in the stack to ensure stability.

The history of cheese wedding cakes dates back to traditions in Yorkshire and Lancashire, where cheese was historically given as a wedding gift. The use of full wheels and round cheeses has been a longstanding tradition, both for their visual impact and ease of serving. Today’s designs incorporate traditional and contemporary elements, typically featuring 4-6 tiers of different cheese varieties.

The Cheese Wedding Cake Shop offers 23 pre-built cakes and over 100 varieties of cheese. A £60 deposit is required. Each tiered design can accommodate 50-150 guests, depending on the selected size.

When planning a wedding reception, consider a cheese wedding cake, which provides both a decorative focal point and a practical catering solution. The final presentation can include fresh fruits, herbs, and flowers to complement the wedding theme. Decorate with edible flowers, fresh herbs, and nuts for visual and textural appeal.

For optimal results, cheese should be removed from refrigeration 2-3 hours before serving to reach the ideal tasting temperature.

Types of Cheese Used for Cheese Wedding Cakes

Cheese wedding cakes have become the pinnacle of celebration for many engaged couples in recent years!

With more and more people opting to make their wedding day even sweeter with this delicious twist on a classic, it’s no wonder cheese has made its way into so many nuptial desserts. Bloomy rind cheeses like Brie and Camembert are often chosen for their creamy texture and edible white rind, adding both visual appeal and a delicate flavour to the dish.

The cheese used to craft these scrumptious confections is nothing short of astonishing! From creamy Brie wedged between sharp cheddar, there is something for everyone when it comes to cheese cake flavours. The variety includes rind cheese, semi-hard cheeses, and handmade cheeses, each offering unique textures and artisanal qualities that elevate the experience. One cheese might stand out for its spicy flavour or unique production method, while others are prized for their smooth texture or a nice balance of savoury and creamy notes.

Here are 3 examples from our pre-made cheese wedding cake collection of show-stopping combinations you can choose from when planning your big day. Cheese wedding cakes can be served in smaller pieces, making it easy for guests to share and enjoy a variety of flavours. Be sure to consider how to store any leftover cheese from the event to maintain its freshness.

1. Eva Cheese Wedding Cake

This four-layer Eva cheese wedding cake serves 45-65 people.

  • Top Layer – Godminster Cheddar Heart. It is delicious, creamy, salty-sweet flavoured organic vintage cheddar encased in burgundy wax. Salt is a key ingredient in developing its distinctive flavour and texture.

  • The Third Layer—French Brie. This mild, mould-ripened Brie from the Vosges has hints of hazelnut and a milky flavour.

  • Bottom Layer – Blue Stilton. There are distinct blue veins throughout the whole cheese of this creamy blue Stilton.

2. Vickie Cheese Wedding Cake

cheese wedding cake

A four-layer Vickie cheese wedding cake serves 65-95 people.

  • Top Layer – Langres. Despite its smooth paste, this cheese has a wrinkled outer texture.

  • The Second Layer is Cornish Blue. This mould-rinded blue cheese has a complex range of flavours balanced by the blue tone. It leaves a buttery, tangy aftertaste.

  • The Third Layer – Snowdonia Black Bomber. Multi-award-winning Black Bomber Cheddar has become a modern classic. The flagship cheese combines rich flavours with a creamy texture, lasting long on the palate but remaining addictively delicious!

  • Bottom Layer: Wensleydale and Cranberry. This sweet and fruity cheese features pieces of moist cranberries flecked throughout Wensleydale cheese.

Cornish Yarg, with its distinctive hand-applied nettle covering and fresh, moist texture, is another excellent choice for adding both freshness and visual appeal to a cheese wedding cake.

3. Antonietta Cheese Wedding Cake

A 7-layer Antonietta cheese wedding cake serves 130-180 people.

  • Top Layer Lancashire Blue. Two-time winner of the Best Blue Cheese in the UK at the International Cheese Awards. Lancashire Blue is soft and creamy, using milk from our pedigree Holstein cows.

  • The Second Layer is Brillat-Savarin. The cheese is milky and mild, with a velvety texture and a hint of lemon. There is something luscious, creamy, and faintly sour about this triple-cream Brie.

  • The Third Layer—Old Smokey. This is a mature cheddar cheese that has been oak-smoked. Black wax is applied after the oak is gently smoked to develop a subtle smoky flavour.

  • Fourth Layer—Danish Blue. Castello blue cheese is a crumbly, tangy, creamy blue cheese from Denmark. Alternatively, Colston Bassett Stilton is a renowned blue cheese that can serve as a luxurious alternative for this wedding cake layer.

  • The Fifth Layer—Camembert Rustique. Camembert is a creamy, soft cheese made in Normandy by Le Rustique, a well-known French cheese brand.

  • Sixth Layer – Wensleydale and Cranberry. The cheese is infused with pieces of moist cranberries, resulting in a fruity, sweet flavour.

  • Bottom Layer – Mature Cheddar. For a wedding cake base, mature cheddar is cut to shape.

These divine delights will impress your guests while adding a memorable touch to your one-of-a-kind occasion.

Whether you’re looking for something subtle or bold, traditional or daring, cheese wedding cakes offer limitless options that guarantee each cake is as original as the couple.

With such tantalising flavours, why not take advantage and treat yourselves (and your guests!) to something extra special?

Onwards, we go to explore the next layer…

The popularity of Cheese Wedding Cakes

Cheese wedding cakes are a unique and delicious trend taking the world of weddings by storm! From classic sharp cheddar to creamy Brie, cheese wedding cakes have quickly become one of the most cherished customs for couples on their special day. Cheeses like Brie and Camembert are often favoured for wedding cheese cakes due to their popularity among guests.

The popularity of these cheesy creations has skyrocketed in recent years due to their ability to provide every couple with an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking for a traditional, rustic design or something more modern and contemporary, a multi-tiered cake composed entirely of cheese can be crafted to fit any style.

Not only do they look stunning as part of your reception spread, but they also offer guests something truly memorable - not just in terms of flavour and texture but also visually. The arrangement and varying sizes of cheese wheels play a key role in the final look of the cake, creating a beautiful, cake-like centrepiece that stands out at any celebration.

At this point, there’s no doubt that cheese wedding cakes are changing how we think about dessert at weddings, so let’s take some time now to explore our design options.

Designing Cheese Wedding Cakes

Cheese Wedding Cakes have become increasingly popular, with 23% of UK couples now choosing this alternative to traditional wedding cakes.

A cheese wedding cake offers a unique centrepiece that’s both decorative and practical. The Cheese Wedding Cake Shop offers 23 pre-built designs and over 100 cheese varieties, with a £60 deposit required to secure an order.

You’ll find these compelling reasons to consider a cheese cake for your wedding:

  1. It creates lasting memories as guests share stories about your unique cake choice

  2. It brings people together through the shared experience of tasting different cheeses

  3. It offers excellent value as it serves both as decoration and evening food

The average wedding cake made from cheese costs £350-£575 for 120 guests, offering significant savings compared to traditional wedding cakes. Different cheese varieties can be arranged in tiers decorated with fresh fruits, herbs, and fresh flowers to create stunning visual effects.

Couples can also decorate their cheese wedding cake with seasonal fresh flowers and herb sprigs to match the event's theme and enhance its visual appeal.

When selecting cheeses, it’s important to consider:

  1. Seasonal availability of specific varieties

  2. Temperature control at the venue

  3. Dietary requirements of guests

A professionally arranged cheese wedding cake includes set-up at your venue, proper storage guidance, and serving suggestions. Chutney is a popular accompaniment to serve alongside the cheese wedding cake, along with crackers and garnishes, to complete the tasting experience and presentation.

For the best results, order your cheese wedding cake 3-6 months before your wedding date, allowing sufficient time for tasting sessions and finalising the design.

Challenges in Making Cheese Wedding Cakes

The timing proves intriguing as the discussion turns to the challenges of making cheese wedding cakes—a concept that's rather deliciously ironic in the world of traditional wedding confectionery.

Cheese cakes have existed for centuries before their modern incarnation as wedding cake tiers. The creation of these contemporary masterpieces presents unique challenges in both construction and presentation, offering an unexpected twist on conventional wedding traditions.

  1. The crucial balance between texture, flavour and presentation requires precise temperature control.

  2. The base ingredient must achieve optimal softness for layering without compromising the structure.

  3. Each tier needs seamless assembly while maintaining visual appeal

  4. Food safety compliance becomes paramount when working with large cheese structures

The artistry involved in crafting these tiered cheese cakes demands meticulous attention to detail. While conventional wedding cakes might forgive minor imperfections, cheese's natural properties won't disguise structural weaknesses. You'll find it's rather like building a delicate house of cards - except this one's made of dairy.

Moving forward to the decorative elements...

Decorating Cheese Wedding Cakes

Cheese wedding cakes require a high level of artistry in their creation. They combine various textures and styles into a cohesive design, and the decoration process demands careful attention to detail and proper technique.

The cake design should coordinate with the wedding theme and colour scheme. Options include incorporating edible flowers for a natural appearance or utilising vibrant colours for a bold statement.

Decorative elements can enhance the cheese's flavours. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme complement brie varieties, while crumbled blue cheese creates interesting taste contrasts when paired with Gouda.

  1. Different cheese varieties create distinctive patterns.

  2. Hard cheese wheels allow for custom-carved designs

  3. Edible flowers add natural elegance

  4. Fresh herbs contribute both visual appeal and flavour

Creating patterns with cheese varieties offers versatility in design, including geometric shapes and traditional wedding motifs. For a customised touch, hard cheese wheels can be carved with personalised elements such as names or dates.

The complete cheese wedding cake should strike a balance between visual presentation and taste. Each decorative component contributes to the aesthetic appeal and flavour profile, creating a memorable centrepiece for the celebration.

Serving Cheese Wedding Cakes

Cheese wedding cakes have become a popular trend in modern celebrations, with research indicating that nearly 70% of couples opt for them over traditional dessert options.

Presenting a cheese wedding cake requires careful attention to visual presentation. Fresh fruit or edible flowers positioned around the base create an appealing aesthetic.

Special accompaniments such as fig jam or honeycomb enhance the overall design. These decorative elements contribute to creating an appropriate centrepiece for celebrations.

Cheese selection plays a crucial role in the success of a wedding cake. Selecting varieties that complement one another ensures a balanced flavour profile.

When selecting specific cheese types, ranging from mild to robust varieties, various textures and taste intensities should be considered.

When planning your cheese wedding cake, consider how much cheese to serve per person—typically, 70-100g per person is recommended to ensure everyone has enough, with some leftovers. Don’t forget to include accompaniments like crackers, chutney, baguettes, grapes, nuts, or olives to enhance the complete presentation and tasting experience for guests sampling their cheese wedding cake.

  • Quality cheese selection

  • Complementary textures

  • Visual presentation

  • Appropriate accompaniments

Our online Cheese Wedding Cake Shop offers 23 pre-built cakes and over 100 varieties of cheese. A £60 deposit is required.

Guests will enjoy sampling and savouring their share of cheesy goodness when these arrangements are properly executed.

Planning and Budgeting for Cheese Wedding Cakes

Planning the perfect cheese wedding cake starts with a few key considerations to ensure your cake is both stunning and satisfying for every guest. First, think about how many people you’ll be serving.

A good guideline is to allow around 70-100g of cheese per guest, depending on the other food available at your wedding reception. This ensures everyone gets a generous taste without overwhelming your buffet.

A wedding cheese tower should plan for at least double the quantity of a normal cheese portion per guest to accommodate tastes.

Next, consider your budget and the types of cheeses you’d like to include. There’s a cheese wedding cake for every price range, from classic and affordable options like Gouda to more luxurious choices, such as washed rind cheeses or truffle-infused varieties. Mixing different textures and flavours—creamy, crumbly, mellow, or spicy—creates a cake that’s both visually appealing and delicious.

Benefits Of Cheese Wedding Cakes

Wedding cakes have undergone significant evolution, with 73% of UK couples now opting for alternative dessert options for their celebrations.

The cheese wedding cake represents a contemporary approach to wedding desserts, offering versatility and practicality for modern celebrations. A cheese wedding cake is also an ideal choice for any special occasion, not just weddings, making it perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations. These innovative cakes provide several distinct advantages:

  1. Temperature stability throughout indoor and outdoor venues

  2. Flexible serving options from the ceremony through the reception

  3. Multiple flavour combinations within each tier

  4. Extended freshness duration compared to traditional cakes

These specialised tiered designs remain stable in various weather conditions and maintain their presentation quality throughout extended celebrations. The diverse cheese selections allow for customisation to suit different dietary preferences and taste requirements.

A cheese wedding cake creates a memorable element within wedding celebrations whilst providing practical serving options for guests.

Alternatives To Cheese Wedding Cakes

Cheese wedding cakes have emerged as an unexpected yet popular choice in modern wedding celebrations. They're becoming a distinctive alternative for couples seeking unique catering options, representing their love and appreciation for artisanal dairy products.

For those who aren't keen on serving wheels of Brie or wedges of cheddar at their reception, several appealing alternatives exist in the contemporary wedding market:

  1. Traditional tiered cakes with cream cheese frosting (£350-£600)

  2. Vegan cheesecakes crafted without dairy (£250-£400)

  3. Ice cream wedding cakes as a refreshing option (£200-£350)

  4. Mixed-tier arrangements combining both cheese and traditional cake layers (£400-£750)

When selecting wedding cake options, it's crucial to consider the complete sensory experience, including aroma, as this contributes significantly to the reception atmosphere. Multiple tasting sessions are recommended to ensure the cake design aligns with the couple's preferences and wedding theme.

Trends In Cheese Wedding Cakes

Cheese wedding cakes have recently gained significant popularity as a contemporary alternative to traditional wedding desserts. While some couples opt for cupcakes and doughnuts, the appeal of artisanal cheese tiers remains strong within the modern wedding industry. The cheese wheel cake trend is also gaining popularity as couples seek unique and visually striking alternatives to traditional wedding desserts.

Creating an effective cheese wedding cake display requires careful consideration of texture and flavour combinations. Professional arrangements often feature complementary pairings such as soft Brie with tangy blue cheese or creamy Camembert with mature cheddar.

Decorative elements enhance the visual presentation of tiered cheese cakes:

  • Fresh seasonal fruits like grapes and pears

  • Aromatic herbs, including basil and rosemary

  • Edible flowers and microgreens

  • Rustic garnishes such as nuts and dried fruits

  • Decorative accessories like fresh honey and preserves

The versatility of cheese wedding cake designs allows for customisation to suit various wedding styles and themes. From rustic outdoor celebrations to elegant formal receptions, these savoury centrepieces offer visual impact and practical appeal.

The growing trend of cheese wedding cakes reflects broader shifts in contemporary wedding catering preferences, combining traditional ceremonial elements with modern culinary innovation.

The cheese wedding cake is a unique, delicious, and memorable way to celebrate your special day. With the right ingredients and design, it can be the perfect addition to any celebration.

Creating a cheese wedding cake is a challenging endeavour that requires careful planning and meticulous attention to detail. But with an experienced wedding planner by your side, you can trust that their expertise will ensure that your dream of having a beautiful cheese wedding cake comes true.

At the end of the day, no matter what type of cake or other treats you choose for your big day, the most memorable thing is that you are surrounded by family and friends who share this special moment with you.

So, let’s ensure your cheese wedding cake is as stunningly delicious as it tastes!

Cheese wedding cakes offer a distinctive alternative to traditional wedding desserts, combining visual impact and gourmet appeal. Professional planning ensures the proper selection of cheese, structural integrity, and appropriate portions for the guest count.

Creating a wedding cheese tower involves specialised expertise in cheese types, seasonal availability, and structural considerations. Key elements include:

  • Temperature control during display and service

  • Proper wheel sizing and stacking techniques

  • Complementary accompaniments like crackers and fruits

  • Professional styling and decorative elements

Consider scheduling a consultation to discuss design options.

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