Have you ever had the “what do you want for dinner” discussion? One person suggests something, but another person doesn’t like it. Someone else says “whatever” and another person is adamant they will only eat this or that. Maybe it’s not that complicated for you. I just don’t like coming up with the idea, but I can (typically) choose if given options! (My husband may disagree, but I think I’m getting more decisive). The same thing can happen when choosing a cake flavour. There are too many to choose from and sometimes it’s just too overwhelming. I wish I had a nice flow chart that leads you to the perfect cake flavour. Maybe one day. But for now, here are a few things to consider when trying to decide on the perfect cake flavour for you.
What are your favourite snacks?
Most candy, chocolate bars, cookies or ice cream can be turned into a cake flavour. My favourite chocolate bar is Skor so I made a Skor cake for my last birthday. Turtles, Oreo, Banana Split are other snacks that have been turned into cake. If your favourite snack is sweet, there is a good chance it could become a cake. Nuts and fruit are also viable flavours for cake or icing. Strawberries or peanuts can be used as a flavour of cake or icing.
What season is your event?
There are certain flavours that some associate with a particular season. Some examples of flavours that match a season are:
Spring:
Coconut
Vanilla
Lavender
Summer:
Pina Colada
Neapolitan
Strawberry Lemonade
Fall:
Chai Tea
Pumpkin
Apple Caramel
Winter:
Peppermint
Hot Chocolate
Egg Nog
What is the theme or occasion for the event?
Depending on the occasion, or the theme of the event, there may be a flavour associated with it. For example, for Christmas gingerbread is an associated flavour. For Valentine’s Day, any chocolate cake will work. For a birthday party where the birthday person likes camping, S’mores could be a good choice.
Do you want a classic flavour or something more creative?
Cakes can be one flavour, or multiple. The icing can be the same flavour as the cake, or a complimentary flavour. Classic flavours include lemon, chocolate, vanilla. Creative flavours would mix and match flavours. Lemon cake with blueberry icing, vanilla cake with orange icing, or chocolate cake with cinnamon icing.
Do you want something sweet or slightly less sweet?
Cake with icing is a sweet dessert. For sweeter cakes, add something else with sugar such as caramel or chocolate ganache. To reduce the sweetness, something bitter, sour, or spicy can be added, such as lemon, coffee, or cayenne pepper.
Ask your Baker
Whether you want the most popular flavour, or something more original, your baker can let you know what flavours they have seen.