Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

I’m making a three tier wedding cake for the first time in September and the bride has requested a forth dummy tier for the base of the cake. I have been looking for ideas on how to cover it, but all the suggestions are for fondant. The actual cake is going to be covered in either white chocolate ganache or buttercream not fondant and I’m hoping someone has had experience in covering a dummy cake in these as opposed to fondant?
I’m a little worried that this is not going to be an option and I’m going to have to say no to the dummy tier as the bride does not want a fondant covered cake.

Thanks for the advice, it’s been really helpful ?

Hi angharad24

I’m not sure how a dummy would react with buttercream but certainly it can be ganached very well indeed. About two or three thick coats of ganache may be required to give good coverage. Each coat allowed to set before the next is applied. Please take a peek at Paul’s latest tutorial in which he covers a dummy booster with ganache: https://www.cakeflix.com/online-cake-decorating-courses/wafer-paper-orchid-cake-tutorial

How about covering a trial dummy with a crusting buttercream? I should think that would work pretty well, although I’m not sure as I don’t work with the medium. There are lots of crusting buttercream recipes online. One point to consider, whether using buttercream or white gananche, each will have a slight yellow tinge. White chocolate is not pure white and buttercream will be slightly off colour due to the butter.
Hope this helps and if you need more information just post again.