WEDDING CAKES INSPIRED BY THE LAKES OF LAKELAND
Photography by Tiffani Jones • Prop Stylist: Lisa Malott of WISH Vintage Rentals
Is a cake essential to a wedding reception?
Absolutely.
Does it have to be traditional and white?
Not necessarily.
In recent years, baking has made incredible leaps and bounds, veering from its conventional ways, especially in the world of wedding cakes.
The Lakelander challenged a few local bakers to capture our attention and taste buds, while also baking a bit of Lakeland into their cakes. Providing only the lakes of Lakeland as inspiration, they all far exceeded our expectations. Beyond tasty flavors and pretty designs, these cakes were inspired by some of Lakeland’s most romantic spots and can be replicated for your own wedding day.
CHEF DANI BOROW
BUTTERCUP GOURMET BAKERY
This Lake Hollingsworth-inspired cake reflects the architecture that surrounds it. The bottom tier mirrors Frank Lloyd Wright’s designs found throughout the Florida Southern College campus, while the middle tier displays Wright’s stained glass murals and organic structures.
The white velvet cake — a merging of red velvet and traditional white wedding cake — is the bakery’s best-selling flavor. Buttermilk, laced with fragrant Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans, creates a tender crumb texture. Imported French raspberry preserves rest between the layers, presenting an array of blush tones with each slice.
4122 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33813
863.940.0993 • buttercuplakeland.com
PUBLIX
Who doesn’t love a Publix cake? Birthdays are no longer the only occasion to have a delicious and unique cake catered from this beloved supermarket.
Inspired by Lake Mirror, colors and textures reflect blue waters and clear skies. The three-tiered cake is iced with a smooth marbled fondant and can be filled with any choice of flavor.
publix.com
JAIME HAYDEN
J’AIME CAKES
Reminiscent of one of Lakeland’s lesser-known lakes, this four-tiered mural of confection draws its inspiration from Lake Hunter.
Wrapped in wild purple fondant irises, it takes a fresh spin on the traditional trimmings. Dressed in a rich royal icing to create a rough finish, the cake is painted using an ombre effect in washes of iridescent watercolors. Tucked underneath this lustrous topping stands a mainstay of the South: a caramel cake filled with golden sweet frosting and studded with salted roasted pecans.
863.450.6654
facebook.com/JaimeCakesLLCFlorida
CHERYL CULLIVAN
THE DESSERTERIE
Inspired by Lake Morton, this enchanted creation captures a bit of Lakeland’s trademarks as well as its beloved charm. Embellished with chocolate, fondant, and sugar-like confection, the cake recreates the scenic lake and wildlife on an elevated display. Airbrushed and sculpted designs reflect the lively details of this lake that is home to many of the city’s swans.
This diorama cake is almond-flavored and layered with fresh strawberry filling.