Q&A: Food Network's Anne Thornton on Wedding Cakes

by Michele Laufik, Posted May 13th 2011 12:04PM

food network wedding cakes
Food Network

We asked expert pastry chef Anne Thornton of Food Network's Dessert First for her take on the latest trends and why two cakes are always better than one (thanks to Prince William and Kate):

What should couples look for when choosing a wedding cake? Anything they should avoid?
They should try a bunch of different flavors of cakes and know what they like. You really want your wedding cake to represent you as a couple. Avoid worrying about your guests likes and dislikes. Go with what you love and your guests will be thrilled.

What are some current trends in cake flavors, decorating and shapes?
Thanks to all the wonderful cake shows out there people are going for nontraditional cakes. I think this is really fun. Personally I care more about the cake being delicious than anything else. But I love the artistry, and people like Sylvia Weinstock and Ron Ben Israel are making museum-worthy cakes with a ton of flavor.

Tea, Scones & More: Dessert Recipes Fit for a Royal Wedding

What are the hottest cake alternatives right now?
Croquembouche made with either cream puffs or macaroons is a popular elegant cake alternative -- although they are considered traditional wedding cakes in France.

kate middleton prince william royal wedding cake
JOHN STILLWELL/AFP/Getty Images

Do you think the royal wedding cake will inspire any trends?
I loved that they had two cakes. William chose the chocolate biscuit cake because it was a childhood favorite and the other was a gorgeous traditional work of art. It is so important for the cake to represent you as a couple and I think this modern two-cake approach really represented William and Kate.

Tune in to Dessert First, Saturdays at 12:30 p.m. ET for more yummy baking advice.

Tags: food network, royal wedding cake, wedding cake