How Long Does Wedding Cake Last?

Eating a year-old wedding cake on your anniversary is a tradition that many couples choose to uphold. While some couples opt to forgo this ritual due to concerns about food poisoning or stale taste, proper freezing techniques can mitigate these issues. The key to successfully preserving a wedding cake lies in wrapping it tightly in multiple layers of plastic wrap, foil, and newspaper, then storing it in a deep freezer. While the cake's texture and taste may not be identical to the original, it can still be enjoyable, symbolic, and safe to consume.

Wedding cake freezing tips

If you want to save the top tier of your wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary, there are several steps you should take to ensure it stays as fresh as possible. Firstly, it is important to act fast. The cake should be frozen as soon as possible after the wedding, preferably on the same day or the morning after. Before freezing, remove any decorations such as flowers or cake toppers, as these can interfere with the freezing process.

Next, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight. This will allow the icing to harden, preventing it from sticking to the plastic wrap. Once the icing is set, wrap the cake tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, ensuring there are no air bubbles. Do not use aluminium foil, as this can cause freezer burn. Then, seal the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe airtight container.

Place the cake at the back of your freezer, where it will be the coldest and least exposed to warm air when the freezer door is opened. You may want to mark the cake with a ribbon or label so you don't accidentally throw it away.

When your anniversary arrives, take the cake out of the freezer and leave it in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours to defrost. On the day you plan to eat it, remove the cake from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about two hours before serving.

It is important to note that even with the best freezing methods, a year-old cake may not taste as fresh as it did on your wedding day. Some cakes, such as delicate sponge cakes or those with fresh fruit fillings, may not freeze well. Heartier cakes like chocolate, carrot, hazelnut, and almond are better suited for freezing.

Is it safe to eat?

The safety of eating a wedding cake after a year depends on a few factors, including the type of cake, how it was stored, and personal preference for taste and texture.

Firstly, the type of cake and icing matters. Traditional British fruit cakes soaked in alcohol are known to freeze well and still taste good after a year. Cakes with fresh fruit or soft icing are less likely to fare well after being frozen for a year. Some people report that their chocolate fudge cake held up better than white sponge cake.

Secondly, proper storage is key. It is recommended to wrap the cake tightly in multiple layers of plastic wrap, followed by layers of aluminium foil, and then store it in a small box in the freezer. This helps to prevent freezer burn and the absorption of smells or flavours from the freezer.

Even with proper storage, there is a chance that the cake's texture and taste will be altered after a year. It may become dry, stale, or sweaty, and may not taste as fresh or flavourful as when it was first made. However, it is unlikely to cause any harm if consumed, as long as it was properly stored and has not spoiled.

To defrost the cake, it is recommended to remove the wrappings and loosely wrap the cake with waxed paper, then place it in the refrigerator to defrost overnight. It is important to note that a frozen cake should not be left out on the counter to defrost, as this could lead to unsafe bacterial growth.

In conclusion, it is generally safe to eat a wedding cake after it has been frozen for a year, as long as it was properly stored and handled. However, the taste and texture may not be as pleasant as a fresh cake, and it is always a good idea to have a backup dessert just in case!

How to defrost wedding cake

Freezing a wedding cake for a whole year and expecting it to taste the same is a tall order. The cake will likely be dry and stale, and the icing may have turned to sugar. However, it is still possible to defrost and eat your wedding cake after a year. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• Before freezing, remove any decorations such as sugar flowers or other adornments.
• Place the cake in the freezer until the icing hardens.
• Remove the cake from the freezer and loosely wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap. Ensure there are no air bubbles or spaces between the cake and the plastic wrap. Do not use aluminium foil, as it can cause freezer burn.
• Seal the wrapped cake in an airtight container.
• Place the container in the freezer, preferably turning off any defrosting settings to avoid interrupting the preservation process. You may want to mark the cake with a ribbon or label so you don't accidentally throw it away.
• When your anniversary draws near, take the cake out of the freezer and remove the wrapping.
• Place the cake back into the airtight container and put it in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours to defrost.
• On the day you plan to eat the cake, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit for about 2 to 3 hours to reach room temperature.

Note: It is important to remember that some cakes will fare better than others after freezing. Heartier cakes like chocolate, carrot, hazelnut, and almond are more likely to retain their texture and taste. Additionally, your cake should not contain fresh fruit or mousse layers, as these can be damaged by deep freezing.

The history of this tradition

The tradition of freezing and eating wedding cake a year after the wedding stems from a 19th-century convention. Back then, couples would save the top tier of their wedding cake and eat it on the day of their first child's christening. This was also seen as an omen of good luck.

However, as it became less common for couples to have children within a year of marriage, the tradition evolved. Now, couples tend to eat the preserved top tier of their wedding cake on their first wedding anniversary as a way to relive the special event.

Some couples even continue to eat slices of their wedding cake for years after their wedding. Assuming it is packaged correctly and stored in a freezer, wedding cake can last even longer than a year.

For those who don't want to eat year-old cake, many bakers offer to bake a miniature version of the wedding cake for the couple's first anniversary.

Alternatives to eating year-old cake

While it is possible to eat a year-old frozen wedding cake, it may not taste as good as it did on the day. If you're looking for alternatives to eating year-old cake, here are some delicious options to consider:

Birthday Cupcakes

Sprinkled cupcakes are a fun and festive option, perfect for a celebration with multiple guests. They can be easily customised and decorated, making them a great choice for a birthday party.

Funfetti Cheesecake

A fun and simple no-bake dessert option that is perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen. This colourful treat requires just seven ingredients and will surely impress your guests.

Salted Caramel & Hazelnut Banoffee Pie

Although not a cake, who can resist a good pie on their birthday? This banoffee pie is taken to the next level with the addition of crunchy hazelnut praline, salted caramel and muscovado whipped cream.

Meringue Wreath

A fun and light alternative to traditional cake, this meringue wreath can be customised with different flavours depending on the season and your preferences. For example, you could swap cranberries for raspberries or pistachios for walnuts.

Profiteroles

This classic 1970s dessert is a perfect choice for a birthday celebration. Featherlight choux pastry stuffed with cream and drizzled in chocolate sauce is sure to impress and delight your guests.

Cookies & Cream Fridge Cake

A visually stunning and easy-to-make treat, this fridge cake only takes 20 minutes to prepare and is best left overnight for the cookies to soften. It's a great make-ahead option for your celebration.

Lemon Meringue Pie

If you're looking for a twist on the classic lemon cake, why not try a lemon meringue pie? This tangy and sweet dessert is a top-rated option that is sure to impress and satisfy your guests.

Chocolate Sandwich Cookie Ice Cream Cupcakes

A unique and surprising combination of chocolate, cookies, and ice cream, these cupcakes are aesthetically pleasing and easy to make. They are sure to be a hit with your guests, especially those who love chocolate!

Macarons

Macarons are a delightful alternative to cake, with a creamy centre and a crispy exterior. You can even add food colouring to match your party's colour scheme. They are a perfect choice for a celebration and can be made in a variety of flavours.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

For a delicious twist on the traditional cake, try a chocolate chip cookie cake. Enjoy the crispy edges and chewy centre filled with chocolate chips. It's a fun and indulgent option for your special day.

Frequently asked questions