Cake Flower Disasters: How to Avoid Common Mistakes and Mishaps

When it comes to cake decorating, beautiful cake flowers are a popular choice for adding an elegant touch. From buttercream blooms to fresh floral arrangements, these types of blooms can take your dessert to the next level. However, as with any decoration of the dessert, there are potential mishaps that can occur when working with flowers. In this post, we'll discuss some common flower disasters, and how to avoid them so your next decorating project goes off without a hitch.

 

Using Non-Edible Flowers

One of the most common mistakes when it comes to beautiful cake flowers is using non-edible varieties. Some flowers, like daffodils, hyacinths, and lilies, are toxic and can cause serious health problems if ingested. Even if these are just being used for decoration and not for consumption, it's best to err on the side of caution and stick to edible ones.

 

Solution: Only use edible ones for decoration. Some popular edible flowers include roses, pansies, marigolds, violets, and chamomile.

 

Using Flowers Treated with Chemicals

Another mistake to avoid is using blossoms that have been treated with chemicals like pesticides or fertilizers. Not only can these chemicals be harmful if ingested, but they can also transfer to the dessert and affect its taste and texture.

 

Solution: If you're using fresh ones, make sure they are organic and have not been treated with any chemicals. If you're unsure, it's best to avoid using them altogether.

 

Not Cleaning Flowers Properly

Even if you've sourced your bloom from a trusted source, they still need to be cleaned properly before use. Flowers can harbor dirt, dust, and other debris that can transfer and affect their appearance and flavor.

 

Solution: Rinse fresh blossoms thoroughly under running water and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. If using edible blooms from the grocery store, make sure to wash them as well.

 

Not Stabilizing Flowers Properly

One of the biggest disasters is when your blooms start to wilt or droop on the dessert. This can happen if the blooms aren't stabilized properly, causing them to shift or fall off entirely.

 

Solution: To stabilize flowers, use floral wire or toothpicks. Gently insert the wire or toothpick into the stem of the bloom, being careful not to damage it. Then, insert the wire or toothpick into the dessert at the desired location. This will help keep them in place and prevent them from drooping.

 

Using Flowers that are Too Heavy

Some blossoms are heavier than others and can cause the cake to collapse or sink in the middle. This is especially true for larger blooms like peonies or sunflowers.

 

Solution: When choosing your type for decoration, opt for lighter varieties like baby's breath, daisies, or small roses. If you do want to use larger blooms, make sure to provide additional support, such as using dowels or a sturdy cake board.

 

Not Considering the Seasonality of Flowers

There is no denying the fact that using seasonal flowers can be a great way to add a festive touch. However, if you're not careful, using blooms that aren't in season can lead to disappointment.

 

Solution: Before choosing blooms for your sweet dish, do some research to see what's in season in your area. This will not only ensure that the blossoms are readily available, but will also be at their peak freshness and quality.

 

Not Matching the Blooms to the Design

While beautiful cake flowers can be a great addition, they need to be chosen carefully to match the overall design and theme. Using those types of blooms that clash with the colors or style can make the entire dessert look disjointed.

 

Solution: When choosing ones for your sweet dish, consider the color palette and overall design. Choose the kind of blossoms that complement the colors and style. For example, if you have a rustic-themed dish, consider using wildflowers or daisies. If you have a modern one, consider using succulents or monochromatic blooms.

 

Not Accounting for Allergies

No doubt beautiful cake flowers may be amazing, but they can also be a source of allergens for some people. This is especially true if you're using fresh ones on a sweet dish.

 

Solution: When serving it with blossoms, make sure to let guests know that there are these beautiful things on the dish. If someone has a known allergy to a particular type, make sure to avoid using it altogether. Additionally, consider using edible ones as an alternative.

 

Not Accounting for Temperature Changes

If you're using fresh blooms on your sweet dish, it's important to remember that they are sensitive to temperature changes, as we know that these beautiful and adorable-looking blossoms can wilt or droop if the dish is exposed to extreme heat or cold.

 

Solution: If you're using fresh types of blossoms, make sure to keep the dessert in a cool, dry place until serving. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or in a warm room. If possible, refrigerate it until just before serving.

 

Not Transporting It Properly

Transporting your sweet dish with blooms can be tricky, especially if you're traveling a long distance or if the weather is hot. If it is not transported properly, the blossoms can shift or fall off, leading to a disaster.

 

Solution: When transporting one having pretty flowers, make sure to keep the dish in a sturdy box or container. Avoid placing it in a car with direct sunlight or in a hot trunk. If possible, transport it to an air-conditioned car or place a cold pack underneath the box to keep it cool.

 

Conclusion

Beautiful cake flowers can add an adorable and elegant touch to any sweet dish, but they require careful consideration and preparation to avoid any mishaps. By following these tips and solutions, you can ensure that the flowers for your dessert look stunning and contribute to a show-stopping dessert. From choosing the right ones to stabilizing them properly and accounting for allergies and temperature changes, you'll be able to create a beautiful dish that impresses everyone.