When it comes to choosing a wedding cake, many couples opt for something that reflects their style and personality, I’m delighted to see a growing trend for the elegant and immersive Italian Millefoglie. While wedding cakes traditionally consist of sponge, fondant or buttercream layers, Millefoglie offers an alternative that brings a fresh, layered unforgettable twist.
To find out more about this stunning option, I caught up with Kate from Dolce Lusso Cakes, a talented baker whose work can only be described as edible art.
I was lucky enough to taste Kate’s Millefoglie I can personally vouch for the deliciousness, it wasn’t just a feast for the eyes but for the taste buds too!
What is a Millefoglie wedding cake?
At its core, a Millefoglie is a show-stopping layered dessert. Often referred to as an Italian twist on the French Mille-feuille, this cake consists of crispy puff pastry layered with crema pasticcera – a rich and velvety custard cream finished with seasonal fruits. Unlike traditional sponge cakes, Millefoglie is assembled fresh, often just hours before serving, to ensure the pastry remains crisp and the layers remain luxurious. Kate shares that the final assembly can take around 60–90 minutes, making it a true act of artistry and timing – a fully immersive experience for couples and guests.
How does Millefoglie differ from Mille-feuille?
This is a question I had for Kate, what is the difference between Millefoglie and Mille-feuille? They both share the same roots and translation – "a thousand layers" but there’s an important distinction between the two. The French Mille-feuille often uses pastry cream and is topped with fondant or glaze. The Italian Millefoglie, has a more rustic and celebratory vibe. It’s lighter, less sweet and the layers are often filled with crema pasticcera and seasonal fruits, creating a dessert that feels more in tune with the Italian way of life – simple but undeniably elegant.
How Long Does it Take to Make a Millefoglie Cake?
Millefoglie isn’t something that can be rushed. The preparation involves crafting the puff pastry and custard in advance, with the final assembly done on-site, often in front of your guests. The pastry layers must be crisp and the custard rich but not too heavy. Kate recommends planning for around 60–90 minutes for the assembly process, ensuring everything is perfectly timed for that wow moment when your guests see (and taste) it for the first time.
Flavour Variations and Seasonal Ingredients
One of the best parts of a Millefoglie cake is the opportunity to personalise it with flavours that reflect the season or your wedding style. Kate says, "Flavour is everything" While the classic crema pasticcera is always a favourite, there’s plenty of room to play with other options, such as limoncello-infused custard, espresso or gianduja. During the summer, you might see raspberries, peaches, or Amalfi lemon curd layered between the crispy pastry, while autumn could bring roasted figs or spiced pear into the mix. It’s the perfect way to reflect the season and your personal taste.
How Big is a Millefoglie Cake and How Should it be Displayed?
Millefoglie cakes can be made in a variety of sizes, with one of the most popular being 2ft in diameter, catering for approximately 100 guests. These cakes are typically displayed on a beautiful round stand, either as a stand-alone centrepiece or as part of an abundant dessert table. As Millefoglie is best served fresh, it’s designed to be enjoyed shortly after its assembly – you certainly as the legend Mary Berry would say don’t want a soggy bottom!
Personalising Your Millefoglie
What I love about Millefoglie is how versatile it is for personalisation. Kate can create beautiful, hand-piped details, incorporate your floral palette, or even reflect motifs from your stationery or table settings. For a special touch, a dusting of edible gold or delicate sugar decorations can make your cake even more magical. It’s this attention to detail that truly elevates Millefoglie to something unique and personal.
Should I Serve it as a Dessert or as a Cake?
Kate suggests that Millefoglie works beautifully as both a dessert and a wedding cake and explains "In Italy, it’s often served as the dessert, sliced and plated with a touch of fruit or coulis," It can also be served as a wedding cake later in the day, perhaps alongside a refreshing digestivo like limoncello or grappa. Whether you choose to serve it after your meal or save it for later, it will certainly make a statement.
Can Couples Be Involved in the Creation of Their Millefoglie?
If you’ve always dreamed of creating something special together on your wedding day, Millefoglie gives you the chance to do just that. Kate often invites couples to be part of the assembly process, turning it into a beautiful and intimate moment, which can be captured by your photographer. It’s a romantic, hands-on way to bring your wedding cake to life.
Challenges and Misconceptions About Millefoglie
Millefoglie may seem like an easy option but it’s far from it. "Timing and texture are key," says Kate. "The puff pastry must remain crisp, and the filling must hold its shape without softening too quickly." This is why the final assembly must be done with precision, using temperature control and tested ratios of cream and custard to ensure everything is perfectly balanced.
Kate also wants to clear up a common misconception: "In my opinion, it isn’t a Millefoglie if it isn’t done authentically," she says. That means having three layers of crispy pastry, the right consistency of crema pasticcera, and the perfect balance of filling and fruit. For couples looking for something a little unexpected, Millefoglie is the way to go – it’s a delicious and memorable choice.
Catering for Dietary Restrictions
If you have guests with dietary restrictions, Kate assures me that Millefoglie can be adapted. Whether you're looking for a gluten-free or vegan option, Kate can tweak the recipe to cater to your needs. However, it’s important to discuss this early so the flavours and texture remain as close to perfection as possible.
A huge thank you to Kate not only for expanding my waistline but for this really useful insight, hope you have found it useful and think about a Millefoglie for your wedding . Kate will work with you to create a wedding cake that’s as unforgettable as your love story.
Visit Dolce Lusso Cakes to book your consultation and start planning your dream wedding cake today.
Photo credit Modern Vintage Weddings