Tasty Or Toxic? Eating Year-Old Wedding Cake

The tradition of eating a year-old wedding cake is a long-honoured one, with 46% of couples in 2019 saving the top tier of their wedding cake for their first anniversary. While it is safe to eat a year-old wedding cake, it is not risk-free. The cake must be preserved properly, and even then, it may not taste as good as it did on the wedding day. Experts recommend carefully wrapping the cake in plastic wrap and tin foil and storing it in an airtight container in the freezer. Oil-based cakes tend to preserve better than butter-based cakes, and chocolate cakes will fare better than vanilla. Fruit-based fillings are not recommended as they may not freeze well and can alter the texture of the cake. On your anniversary, the cake should be thawed in the refrigerator for about 24 hours and then at room temperature for another hour before consuming.

How to freeze your wedding cake

Freezing your wedding cake is a great way to preserve a memory from your wedding day and can be a fun way to reminisce about your special day. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to freeze your wedding cake for your first anniversary:

Step 1: Remove Decorations

First, remove any decorations from the cake, such as sugar flowers, cake toppers, or other adornments. This will ensure that they do not get in the way of the freezing process and tear the plastic wrap when you are wrapping the cake.

Step 2: Chill the Cake

Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight to allow the icing to harden. Chilling the cake will prevent the frosting from sticking to the plastic wrap and making a mess. Before putting the cake in the refrigerator, clear out any foods with strong odours to prevent the cake from absorbing unwanted smells.

Step 3: Wrap the Cake

After the cake has chilled, wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap to preserve its original taste and texture. Ensure that every inch of the cake is tightly wrapped, with no air bubbles, to prevent the cake from drying out. Do not use aluminium foil, as it can cause freezer burn.

Step 4: Seal and Store

Seal the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe airtight container. Place the container in your freezer, preferably in the back where it is the coldest and least exposed to warm air. If your freezer has any defrosting settings, turn them off to avoid interrupting the preservation process.

Step 5: Mark the Cake

You will be keeping the cake in the freezer for a year, so it is a good idea to mark it clearly. You can use a ribbon or a label so that you do not accidentally throw it away.

Step 6: Defrost the Cake

Take the cake out of the freezer 24 to 48 hours before you plan to eat it to allow it to defrost. Remove the plastic wrap and place the cake back into the airtight container. Put the container in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight to ensure the cake is fully defrosted and soft. On the day you plan to eat the cake, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about two hours before serving.

Alternative Option:

If you are concerned about the quality of your cake after freezing for a year, you may want to consider an alternative option. Many bakers offer to create a fresh replica of the top tier of your wedding cake for your anniversary. This way, you can still enjoy a delicious cake while reminiscing about your special day.

The history of the tradition

The tradition of eating a year-old wedding cake has its roots in the 19th century, when newlyweds would save the top tier of their wedding cake and eat it on the day of their first child's christening. This ritual is believed to bring good luck.

Over time, the tradition evolved, and couples started to save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their one-year anniversary. This new twist on the tradition is likely due to the fact that not all couples plan to have children, so saving the cake for a christening may not be relevant to them.

According to a 2019 study, 46% of couples who married in 2019 saved or planned to save the top tier of their wedding cake for their one-year anniversary. This shows that the tradition of eating a year-old wedding cake is still popular today, even if it has evolved slightly from its original purpose.

The wedding cake itself has a long and varied history, dating back to Ancient Rome. In those times, the marriage ceremony would end with a scone-like wheat or barley cake being broken over the bride's head for luck and fertility. The new husband and wife would then eat a few crumbs together as one of their first unified acts as a married couple. Wedding guests would then scoop up the leftover crumbs, believing it would bring them good luck.

When the Romans conquered Britain in 43 CE, they brought this tradition with them, and the British added their twist by throwing the bread at the bride to symbolize her fertility. By the Middle Ages, the plain wheat cake was replaced with spiced buns, scones, and cookies stacked as high as possible. The bride and groom would try to kiss over the stack of treats, and if they succeeded without knocking it over, it was believed they would have good fortune.

The wedding cake has certainly come a long way since its humble beginnings, and the tradition of eating a year-old cake is just one of the many rituals associated with this iconic confection.

How to preserve the cake

Preserving a wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary is a long-standing tradition, with nearly 46% of couples who married in 2019 choosing to save the top tier of their cake. However, as Cindy Rudin and her husband discovered, it's not always successful. To give your preserved wedding cake the best chance, follow these steps:

Before freezing

Firstly, decide whether you will eat your cake within three days. If so, it can be stored at room temperature. If not, it's best to refrigerate or freeze it. If your cake has fresh fruit or cream frosting, it should definitely be refrigerated or frozen.

Wrapping

If you're going to freeze your cake, it's important to wrap it first. For unfrosted cakes, wrap them tightly in two layers of plastic wrap, ensuring the plastic touches the sides of the cake. Then, wrap the cake in heavy-duty foil. For frosted cakes, chill the cake uncovered for 15 minutes to harden the icing, then wrap it in two layers of plastic wrap and a layer of foil.

Storing

Place the wrapped cake in a plastic container or box to prevent crushing, then store it in the freezer. If you're freezing a layer cake, wrap the box in foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer.

Thawing

When you're ready to eat your cake, thaw it at room temperature for two to three hours. Unfrosted cakes should be thawed covered, while frosted cakes should be loosely covered.

Other options

If you're not sure about freezing your wedding cake, you could always ask your baker to make a fresh replica of the top tier for your first anniversary. That way, you can still enjoy the tradition without the risk of your cake being inedible!

Thawing tips

When your anniversary draws near, it's time to take your frozen wedding cake out of the freezer. The thawing process can be tricky, but if done right, your cake will be as good as new. Here are some tips to help you thaw your one-year-old wedding cake:

• Take the cake out of the freezer 24 to 48 hours before you plan to eat it. This is an important first step as it gives the cake enough time to slowly defrost.
• Remove the cake from its airtight container and carefully take off all the plastic wrap. Be gentle, as the icing may have stuck to the wrap.
• Place the cake back into the airtight container and put it in the refrigerator. This will allow the cake to continue defrosting and reach a soft, even consistency. Leave it in the fridge for a couple of hours or overnight.
• On the day you plan to eat the cake, take it out of the refrigerator and remove it from the container. Let the cake sit at room temperature for about two hours before serving. This ensures that your cake is not cold when served.
• If the frosting or decorations were disturbed during the freezing or thawing process, you can touch them up now. You can also add fresh decorations to the cake, such as sprinkles or edible flowers.
• If you froze the cake in layers, you can frost and decorate them after they have thawed. It is easier to frost previously frozen cake layers as they create fewer crumbs.
• Avoid using a microwave to speed up the thawing process, as it will alter the taste and texture of the cake.
• If you are in a hurry, you can leave the wrapped cake on the counter to defrost, but this may cause it to become mushy.

Alternatives to eating year-old cake

If you're looking for alternatives to eating a year-old wedding cake, there are plenty of options to consider. Firstly, you can still enjoy a commemorative treat without having to eat year-old cake. Many bakers offer fresh replicated top tiers, allowing you to relive your wedding dessert without compromising taste or shelf space.

Additionally, there are numerous creative alternatives to the traditional wedding cake that you can opt for on your anniversary. Here are some ideas:

• Macarons: Choose different flavour and colour combinations to delight your guests.
• Mini cakes or cupcakes: Offer a variety of flavours and sizes to cater to different preferences.
• Pies: Serve different types of pies, such as key lime or apple cider, especially if your wedding has a rustic or autumnal theme.
• Ice cream: Hire an ice cream truck or sundae bar to provide a refreshing treat for your guests.
• Donuts: Display a tiered donut arrangement or create a fun donut wall with various flavours and colours.
• Cookies: Offer a selection of unique cookies, such as gooey butter cake or chocolate-covered strawberries.
• Individual treats: Consider cake pops, cream puffs, or even Bundt cakes for each guest.
• Cultural specialties: Include treats such as baklava or churros to add a personal touch.
• Fruit-based desserts: Cobblers or fruit pies can be a delicious seasonal option.

These alternatives can make your celebration even more memorable, offering a variety of flavours, colours, and presentation styles to choose from. You can also combine these options to create a delightful dessert table that will impress your guests and satisfy their sweet tooth!

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