Freezing Fruit-Topped Wedding Cake: Is It Possible?

Freezing a wedding cake is a great way to preserve a memory of your special day and relive it when you hit a milestone, such as your first anniversary or the christening of your first child. It's a long-standing tradition that originated in the UK, where wedding cakes were often fruit cakes, which preserve exceptionally well. Freezing a wedding cake is not as simple as freezing other foods, however, and there are several steps you should take to ensure the cake stays fresh and doesn't dry out or become marked by condensation.

How to wrap a wedding cake with fruit on it for freezing

Freezing a wedding cake with fruit on it is a great way to preserve the top tier for your first anniversary or even the christening of your first child. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wrap and freeze your fruit-decorated wedding cake:

Step 1: Timing

Remove any large decorations, such as flowers or cake toppers, from the top tier of your cake. Ideally, the cake should be frozen as soon as possible after the wedding, either on the day itself or the morning after. If you are going on your honeymoon, ask a relative or friend to take care of this task.

Step 2: Prepare the Frosting

Place the cake in the freezer for one to three hours or overnight to allow the frosting to harden. This will prevent the soft frosting from sticking to the plastic wrap when you wrap the cake. Clear any strongly-odoured foods from your freezer to prevent the cake from absorbing unwanted smells.

Step 3: Wrap the Cake

Once the frosting has set, remove the cake from the freezer. Gather your supplies: plastic wrap, aluminium foil, and a zippered plastic freezer bag. Wrap the cake tightly with three layers of plastic wrap, pressing it against the cake's surface. Then, cover it with three layers of aluminium foil. Ensure there are no open holes or folds, as you want to create an airtight seal to prevent freezer burn. Finally, place the wrapped cake inside the plastic bag, removing as much air as possible.

Step 4: Freeze the Cake

Place the wrapped cake in the back of your freezer, where it will be the coldest and least exposed to warm air when the freezer door is opened. If you have a vacuum sealer, use it to ensure the cake is completely protected from air and moisture.

Step 5: Defrosting

Take your cake out of the freezer a day or two before your anniversary and place it in the refrigerator to defrost slowly. This will take around 24 to 48 hours. On the day you plan to eat the cake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about two hours before serving.

Additional Tips:

• While freezing a wedding cake with fruit on it is possible, cakes with fresh fruit fillings may not freeze successfully. Traditional fruit cakes soaked in alcohol, like those from Downton Abbey, are more suitable for freezing.
• If you are concerned about your cake's ability to withstand freezing, consider ordering a replica of your wedding cake's top tier from your baker to enjoy on your anniversary instead.
• To avoid freezer burn, consider sticking to a three-month rule for freezing. Check your cake periodically to ensure no ice is building up on it.

How long can a wedding cake with fruit on it be frozen for?

It is possible to freeze a wedding cake with fruit on it, but it's important to note that not all types of wedding cakes will freeze well or taste good after being thawed. The length of time that a wedding cake with fruit on it can be frozen depends on the type of cake and the method of freezing.

If you are planning to freeze a wedding cake with fruit on it, it is recommended to follow these steps:

• Remove any decorations, such as sugar flowers or cake toppers, from the cake. Smaller decorations made from icing can be left on.
• Place the cake in the freezer for about an hour to allow the icing to harden. This will prevent the icing from sticking to the wrapping later.
• Remove the cake from the freezer and wrap it tightly in two layers of cling film and tin foil. Ensure that the wrapping is airtight to prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped cake in a clean freezer drawer until it has fully hardened.

It is important to note that condensation can form when the cake is thawed, which can leave permanent marks on the icing. To minimise this, it is recommended to slowly thaw the cake in the fridge for at least a couple of hours and then bring it to room temperature.

The length of time that a wedding cake with fruit on it can be frozen depends on the type of cake. A traditional fruit cake can be preserved for longer than a year, while a sponge cake, especially one with fruit and cream, may not hold up as well. Erica and Charlie from Bluebell Kitchen recommend that a sponge cake should not be frozen for longer than one month. However, one of their couples shared that they froze their sponge cake and enjoyed it on their first wedding anniversary, saying it was as delicious as on their wedding day.

To avoid freezer burn, Deborah from Red Robin Pantry recommends sticking to the three-month rule. She states that after three months, you may start to see freezer burn, and it is important to check the cake periodically to ensure no ice is building up on it.

Therefore, it is recommended to freeze a wedding cake with fruit on it for no longer than three months to ensure the best taste and texture.

What type of wedding cake with fruit is best for freezing?

Freezing a wedding cake is a great way to preserve a memory from your special day. However, not all types of wedding cakes will freeze well or taste good after thawing.

Fruit cakes, for example, can be frozen and were traditionally eaten at the christening of the couple's first child. These rich and dense cakes preserve exceptionally well and were originally a UK tradition.

If you're looking to freeze a wedding cake with fruit, a traditional fruit cake is your best option. This type of cake can be preserved for longer than a year and will still taste delicious.

However, if you're considering freezing a sponge cake with fruit and cream, it's important to note that this type of cake may not hold up as well. While one couple reported freezing a sponge cake tier with fruit and enjoying it on their first anniversary, experts recommend freezing this type of cake for no longer than one month.

Additionally, cakes with fresh fruit fillings may not freeze successfully, as the fruit may not maintain its original texture.

To ensure your fruit wedding cake freezes well, follow these steps:

• Do not cut into the top tier of your cake at the reception.
• Remove any large decorations, ribbon, and cake toppers. Smaller decorations made from icing can be left on.
• Transfer the cake to a foil-covered cardboard or a plastic plate if it's on a cardboard bottom that's not wrapped in foil.
• Freeze the cake for an hour to harden the icing.
• Wrap the cake tightly in two layers of cling film and tin foil. Ensure it's airtight to prevent freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped cake in a clean freezer drawer until it's fully hardened.
• To defrost, slowly thaw the cake in the fridge for a couple of hours, then bring it to room temperature.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your fruit wedding cake on your first anniversary or any other special occasion.

How to defrost a frozen wedding cake with fruit on it

It is possible to freeze a wedding cake with fruit on it, but it is not recommended as the fruit may not maintain its original texture. If you do choose to freeze a wedding cake with fruit on it, here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly defrost it:

• Timing is crucial. Ideally, the cake should be defrosted a few days before your anniversary.
• Remove the cake from the freezer and keep it wrapped. This will prevent condensation from forming and causing permanent marks on the icing.
• Place the wrapped cake in the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly for 24 to 48 hours. This gradual process will help maintain the cake's texture and quality.
• Take the cake out of the refrigerator and place it on the counter, still wrapped, about an hour before serving. This will allow it to come to room temperature, ensuring a better taste and texture.
• Carefully remove the wrappings, being cautious of any plastic wrap or foil that may have stuck to the cake.
• If desired, add or touch up any decorations that may have been affected during the freezing or thawing process.

It is important to note that even with proper defrosting, the fruit on the cake may not have the same texture as when the cake was fresh.

How to transport a frozen wedding cake with fruit on it

Transporting a frozen wedding cake with fruit on it can be a stressful task, but with careful preparation, it is definitely doable. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you safely transport your frozen wedding cake:

Prepare the Cake for Freezing:

• As close to your wedding day as possible, remove any decorations from the top tier, such as real flowers, sugar flowers, or a cake topper.
• Place the cake tier on a baking sheet or plate and let it chill in the freezer for about 1-2 hours to allow the frosting to harden.
• Once the frosting is set, wrap the cake tightly in three layers of plastic wrap, followed by three layers of aluminum foil. Ensure there are no open holes or folds.
• Place the wrapped cake in a zippered plastic freezer bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Store the cake in the back of your freezer, where it is coldest and least exposed to warm air when the freezer door is opened.

Transporting the Frozen Cake:

• Check with the baker or your source for the cake's measurements and refrigeration requirements. This will help you plan for transportation and ensure you have enough space in your vehicle.
• Use a cake drum and a sturdy cardboard box for transportation. The cake drum is a heavy-duty cake board that adds stability. Place the cake on the drum, and then fit it securely into the cardboard box.
• Reserve a flat and level surface in your vehicle for the cake. Avoid placing it on laps or tilted car seats. The floor of the vehicle or a large flat back/floorboard area is ideal.
• Keep the vehicle cool at all times. Use air conditioning and avoid direct sunlight. If it's a long trip, consider picking up the cake the day before the wedding and transporting it frozen.
• Drive carefully and slowly. Have someone sit next to the cake during transportation to hold it steady and help navigate bumps and turns.
• If possible, bring an emergency cake kit with extra frosting, icing spatulas, and other decorating tools for touch-ups.

Thawing and Serving the Cake:

• Remove the cake from the freezer a few days before your event and place it in the refrigerator to thaw slowly. This will help prevent condensation from forming and damaging the icing.
• Allow the cake to thaw for 24-48 hours, and then bring it to room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving.

Remember to handle the cake with care and follow these steps to ensure your frozen wedding cake with fruit arrives safely and is ready to be enjoyed at your celebration!

Frequently asked questions