Celebration cakes made from cheese are becoming increasingly popular both here and in the UK. As we are receiving an increasing number of requests for information on these 'wedding cheese cakes' we thought we would provide a few pointers.

The Idea!

The basic idea is that, either as an alternative or in addition to the traditional cake, the host or hosts, present their guests with various cheeses which have been stacked and decorated to resemble a classic wedding cake. This 'cheesecake' is later disassembled and used as the cheeseboard, an after dinner option which many people prefer to traditional wedding cakes!

Choosing the Right Cheese Cake

Once disassembled, your selection should make a balanced cheeseboard. A good cheeseboard generally includes a number of different types of cheese, classically a hard, a soft and a blue. Since the cheesecake is going to double as a cheeseboard you should bear this in mind when making your selection. As you will probably be catering for large numbers it is also a good idea to go for a relatively conservative selection of cheeses. You may love the farmyard aromas of a ripe Epoisses but most other guests may be less keen, especially if they have been on display for some time!

Cheeses which work well in 'cakes' are either those cheeses which come in round forms suitable for stacking, or cheeses which come in cylindrical units from which it is possible to cut a "round" or stackable slice.

The first category would include cheeses such as:

Tomme de Savoie

Durrus (large and small)

Knockanore Smoked

Lavistown

Ossau Iraty

Manchego

Gubbeen (large and small)

Clonmore

Cashel Blue etc.

The second category consists principally of Cheddars or blues such as Cashel Blue, Stilton or Shropshire Blue, all of which can be cut into discs and stacked.

"3 Tiers of Delight"

You really need at least three tiers to make the 'cake' appear sufficiently layered. However since the 'cake' tapers upwards with every layer it is possible to add extra height above three tiers using mini cheeses for a very little additional cost.

The base of the cake will be usually be the largest piece of cheese. The size of the base will therefore dictate the size of the rest of the cake. A disc of cheddar an inch or two thick makes a good base for a larger cake.

Once you have your cheeses selected you can assemble and decorate them anyway you like. Seasonal fruits are a great way to add the finishing touches to your cake. The pastry chef in the restaurant where the reception is being held will usually be only too delighted to decorate the cake for you ( though always check that your venue will accept outside food suppliers).

If you have any further questions regarding wedding cheese cakes, or you would like to arrange a meeting to go through things in more detail, please write to us t This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Call us now to discuss your wedding cheese cake needs in Dublin at 01 679 3143 or Galway at 091 564 829

or make an appointment to call in and discuss your particular requirements. We are happy to take you through the options and taste the cheeses by appointment please (allow up to an hour). Please note we can only supply within Ireland, if you live in the UK, try our friends House of Cheese, they have plenty of experience and carry an extensive selection of cheeses.