In the past couple of years, succulents have taken the world by storm, and it’s not hard to see why. They’ve got all the green goodness of more classic flowers and houseplants, but they require less watering and upkeep; are generally pretty self-sufficient; and can thrive in lots of less-than-ideal conditions. They also look like mini sculptures, with beautifully mesmerising structures and patterns that wouldn’t look out of place in Architectural Digest. Another place they look right at home? On a cake. Yep, cake succulents!
This is why I’m talking about them on the blog today – not because I’m suddenly throwing in the towel and picking up a trowel to become a horticulturist instead. I’m still very much a cake maker who specialises in artistic wedding cakes, and cake succulents play a part in that; specifically sugarpaste cake succulents.
What are sugarpaste succulents?
As you might have already guessed, they’re succulents made from sugarpaste – another word for fondant – that look super realistic. This means they’re not only totally safe to put on your cake, but you can eat them afterwards too (if you can bear to, because they can seem too pretty to eat). Sugarpaste cake succulents are also loads of fun to make, and my favourite way of incorporating the succulent style into a celebration cake.
Succulent-themed cakes
Of course, you could attach actual succulents to your cake, but it’s not as simple as plonking them on: fresh or dried flora always requires treating and prepping to be attached safely to a cake. Plus, where’s the fun in that?! With sugarpaste cake succulents, you get the immense satisfaction of knowing you crafted them perfectly by hand, as well as being able to eat every last morsel on your cake table.
It also means you can craft them to your colour scheme. Succulents naturally come in a range of gorgeous shades, from dark green to light blue, coral, reddy-pink and purple; you can faithfully match these, and beyond.
Succulent-themed wedding cakes
There’s loads of situations where sugarpaste cake succulents might just be the perfect finish for your masterpiece. Perhaps the most obvious is a greenery- or succulent-themed wedding. (Actual) succulents make a great alternative to foliage: you could ask your florist to use them in your floral arrangements on the table, in the ceremony, and in your bouquet. In addition, you could use little potted ones as favours, or use them as place names, set up on a big, rustic ladder or overturned terracotta pots as the table plan. Alternatively, you could dot them around the venue for a unique decor idea. With such a big focus on the gorgeous plant, sugarpaste cake succulents would be the perfect finishing touch on a tiered wedding cake.
Celebration cakes
They’d also work for any celebration cake for anyone who’s a houseplant lover (and we all know at least one!) Perhaps they have a big milestone in the not too distant future, or a celebration coming up soon, and you’ve been tasked with providing a cake; why not blow everyone’s socks off with your sugarpaste skills?
Where can you get succulent-themed cakes?
There are two options to get your hands on a gorgeous themed cake, complete with resplendent sugarpaste cake succulents. Firstly, of course, you could contact a local cake maker with a portfolio showing off their sugarpaste work, and ask them for a quote (if you’re in Norwich or the surrounding areas, I am one such cake maker, and I’d love to hear from you!)
Alternatively, if you fancy it – why not make them yourself?
How to make sugar succulents
Sugarpaste succulents really are one of my favourite things to make, because they’re a fun project that feels almost meditative – plus, they look SO good at the end of it. They’re also relatively easy to make, which is why I’ve created an online tutorial with simple step-by-step instructions to my library (which includes classes and coaching for bakers of all abilities, from the essential foundations of baking a cake to more advanced decoration techniques).
What do you need to make sugarpaste cake succulents?
Got the bug, and want to try making your own? Creating sugarpaste cake succulents does require a couple of specific tools, but these are affordable pieces that are available to buy on Amazon or eBay. The rest is stuff that you probably have around your kitchen anyway!
FMM 5 Petal Rose Cutter Set In Sizes 5,6,7,8,9
FMM Calyx Cutters, or try this link
2 Part Food Safe Silicone Moulding Compound
Gumpaste/Flower Paste/Modelling Paste
Edible Dusts (Silver, Moss Green, Pink, Peacock Blue, Burgundy)
24 Gauge White Florists Wire
Mini Scissors
Apple Tray
Kitchen Foil
Kitchen Roll
As well, of course, as pictures of succulents to check for inspiration!
(Some of the links above are affiliate links, which mean that I may earn a portion of any purchase you do make. It doesn’t cost you any more, I promise!)
So there you are – hopefully I’ve convinced you of the beauty of sugarpaste succulents, and encouraged you to give making your own a go. Are you having a succulent-themed wedding and planning to DIY your own wedding cake? (Exciting!) Or do you just want to give it a go as a fun new string to your cake making bow? Do let me know below - I’d love to hear more!
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