Exclusive interview with Woodford-based Abigail's Cakes

We talk all things wedding with luxury cake specialist Abigail Anderson of Abigail’s Cakes...


Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you come into the wonderful world of weddings and the concept of Abigail’s Cakes?

There's no limit when it comes to a big-day cake - they amaze me - which is one of the main reasons I’ve come into the world of weddings in addition to crafting bespoke occasion cakes.

My passion stemmed from when I was very young and used to watch the cooking channel with my dad – I was instantly obsessed with any program based on cake making. It was only when I first made a cake that I realised it had such a positive effect on me and the people around me who I shared them with.

This gave me the confidence to make more and experiment with flavours and decorating. Around seven years later I now have a first-class honours degree in The Art of Cookery and my love for baking has developed into my dream career.
My aim is to be able to turn a bride and grooms vision into a real-life product. My expertise in edible sugar flowers, sugar models and realistic effects can bring any cake to life, make it a talking point of your nuptials.


I’m sure all our readers want to know how you spend your working day. What does a typical process of creating a wedding cake look like?

The first important step is planning. I always draw a detailed sketch to show brides- and grooms-to-be exactly what I envision. This way, we can work together on a design that's perfect for their big day. Once this has been decided, it’s time to start working on the complex and more detailed sections; edible flowers, for example, are an incredibly time-consuming process which needs to be done delicately to ensure a realistic finish.

The execution of the cake also includes the filling and sponge flavour - I’m a massive fan of new flavour combinations - meaning you can be as inventive as you like. Additionally, I specialise in allergen-free cakes. Being gluten-free myself I have tried and tested many bakes, and have a wonderful range of gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan cakes available on request.

Once your creation is ready, couples have the option of waiting to see it on the big day or I will be happy to send over pictures and videos for a sneak peek. Abigail’s Cakes can also provide a delivery service ensuring it arrives perfectly at the venue with no unnecessary worrying.


How do you adapt to cater for dietary requirements and how would you advise couples who are looking to do so?

I have been gluten-free for a few years now, but have always had family members with gluten, diary and nut intolerances, meaning it has always been something I’ve catered for. Over the last few years I have developed recipes to be inclusive to those looking for vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and egg-free options. Additionally, due to my experience in industrial kitchens, I can create new recipes such as low refined sugar content, therefore, neither couples or their guests will miss out.

I’d suggest having a smaller separate version for those with an allergy or intolerance. This could form the top tier of a cake or a small individual one decorated to suit the big-day theme. This will ensure it’s free from any contaminants. We can combine the recipes, meaning if newlyweds-to-be have some gluten-free and dairy-free guests, we would be able to provide one cake which they can all enjoy.


What is set to be top of the wedding cake tends for 2019?

As wedding cakes are becoming more and more intricate and extravagant, I believe extreme cakes are going to be big for 2019 - a trend I’d like to follow myself - creating insane cakes in terms of size, scale, flavour and design – watch this space!

Additionally, with more and more people becoming sensitive to certain food products, allergen-free cakes are more common. I’ll be using my knowledge of the market to create diabetic and sugar-free cake in my next kitchen projects.

For more information, visit www.abigailscakes.co.uk