Frosting Frozen Wedding Cakes: A How-To Guide

It is possible to frost a frozen wedding cake, but there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to let the cake layers thaw slightly before beginning to frost, as frozen layers will chill the frosting, making it difficult to spread. It is also recommended to use a strong base for the cake to reduce the chances of cracking, especially when transporting the cake. Additionally, it is best to work in a cool kitchen to prevent the buttercream from sweating. When wrapping the cake, it is suggested to use Press & Seal, followed by aluminum foil, to ensure no condensation forms. Finally, while almost all wedding cakes can be frozen, certain types, such as delicate cakes or those with fresh fruit fillings, may not freeze well.

How to prepare a wedding cake for freezing

Preparing a wedding cake for freezing is a great way to preserve the memory of your special day. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Timing

It is best to freeze the top tier of your wedding cake as close to your wedding day as possible. Ideally, it should be prepared for freezing on the day of your wedding after the cake-cutting ceremony or the morning after. This ensures the cake is as fresh as possible when frozen and helps to preserve its taste and texture.

Step 2: Remove Decorations

Before freezing, remove any decorations from the top tier, such as real flowers, sugar flowers, or a cake topper. This will ensure they do not get in the way or get damaged during the freezing process.

Step 3: Chill the Cake

Chill the cake in the refrigerator to allow the icing to harden. This will take at least three hours or overnight. Chilling the cake prevents the frosting from sticking to the plastic wrap and making a mess. An important tip is to clear your refrigerator of any foods with strong odors to prevent the cake from absorbing unwanted smells.

Step 4: Wrap the Cake

After the cake has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Wrap the cake tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, ensuring there are no tiny open holes or folds. This will help to keep the cake's original taste and texture and prevent it from drying out. Do not use aluminum foil, as it can cause freezer burn.

Step 5: Seal and Freeze

Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe airtight container or box. If using a box, wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. This will provide an extra layer of protection and help to preserve the cake's taste and texture. Place the cake in the freezer, preferably in the back where it is the coldest and least exposed to warm air when the door is opened.

Step 6: Label and Store

If you plan to follow the tradition of saving your wedding cake for your first anniversary, it will be in the freezer for about a year. Label the container or box with a ribbon or a label so you don't accidentally throw it away or confuse it with other frozen items.

Additional Tips:

• When you are ready to thaw and eat your frozen wedding cake, remove it from the freezer and unwrap it. Then, place it in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours to defrost. Finally, let the cake come to room temperature (about two hours) before serving.
• While most wedding cakes can be frozen, some types may not freeze well or taste good after thawing. Consult your baker, especially if your cake has delicate elements like sponge cake, whipped cream topping, or fresh fruit fillings.
• If you are concerned about the quality of your frozen wedding cake, you can always order a replica from your baker to enjoy on your anniversary.

The best wrapping methods to preserve a frozen wedding cake

To preserve a frozen wedding cake, it is important to wrap it properly to ensure the cake retains its original taste and texture. Here is a step-by-step guide to the best wrapping methods:

Step 1: Remove Decorations

First, remove any decorations from the cake, such as sugar flowers, cake toppers, or ribbons. This will ensure that the plastic wrap doesn't tear when you start wrapping the cake.

Step 2: Chill the Cake

Chill the cake in the refrigerator before wrapping it. This will allow the icing to harden, preventing it from sticking to the plastic wrap and creating a mess. Leave the cake in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight to ensure the icing is sufficiently hardened.

Step 3: Wrap the Cake

Once the icing is set, gather your wrapping materials: plastic wrap, aluminum foil, and a zippered plastic freezer bag. Wrap the cake tightly with at least two layers of plastic wrap, pushing the wrap against the cake itself, not the box. Ensure there are no tiny holes or folds in the plastic wrap. Then, cover the cake with at least two layers of aluminum foil.

Step 4: Place in a Freezer Bag

After wrapping the cake with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, place it in a plastic freezer bag. Push out as much air as possible from the bag to create an airtight seal. This extra layer of protection will further prevent air from reaching the cake.

Step 5: Store in the Freezer

Finally, place the wrapped cake in the freezer, preferably at the back where it is the coldest and least exposed to warm air when the freezer door is opened.

By following these steps, you can effectively preserve your wedding cake and maintain its freshness and flavour.

How long can you freeze a wedding cake for?

Freezing a wedding cake is a great way to preserve the memories of your special day. The ideal length of time to freeze a wedding cake is for up to one year. This is a long-held tradition for couples to enjoy a piece of their wedding cake on their first anniversary.

However, it is possible to freeze a wedding cake for longer than a year, up to a maximum of around 18 months. After this point, the cake may begin to dry out and the texture and taste will be compromised.

If you are planning to freeze your wedding cake for a year, there are a few important steps to follow. Firstly, remove any decorations and flowers from the cake. Then, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight, so that the icing hardens. Wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap, ensuring that every inch is covered tightly. Finally, seal the wrapped cake in an airtight container and place it in the freezer, preferably towards the back, where it will be undisturbed and less exposed to warm air when the freezer door is opened.

When it's time to enjoy your frozen wedding cake, remove it from the freezer and let it defrost for 24 to 48 hours. Then, take off the plastic wrap and place the cake back in the airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight. 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.

How to defrost a frozen wedding cake

• The key to the thawing process is to defrost the cake slowly, so place the cake in the refrigerator first.
• After two hours, remove the tin foil and replace the cake in the refrigerator.
• Wait for another two hours, then remove the cake from the airtight container. If the plastic wrap easily separates from the cake, remove it. Otherwise, wait for another two hours or until you can peel it away with ease.
• Wrap the cake in clean plastic wrap or wax paper and return it to the refrigerator for four hours or overnight.
• Remove the cake from the refrigerator and let it return to room temperature.
• Now, you are ready to cut the cake!

Some additional tips to keep in mind:

• It is best to work in a cool kitchen because the buttercream will sweat if you take the cake from cold to hot.
• If your cake does crack, wait until it comes to room temperature and fill in the cracks with fresh buttercream.
• Before using your cake layers, remove the layers from the freezer about an hour before you plan to decorate.
• If you are going to decorate the cake, it is better to let the layers thaw a bit, but start decorating while they are still chilled.
• Having chilled cake layers is much easier to handle and decorate.

What types of wedding cake are suitable for freezing

Freezing a wedding cake is a great way to preserve a memory from your special day and relive it on your first anniversary. While almost all wedding cakes can be frozen, some types are more suitable for freezing than others. Here are the types of wedding cakes that are suitable for freezing:

Buttercream Frosting Cakes:

Buttercream cakes are a good choice for freezing. The frosting helps to seal in the moisture, keeping the cake fresh and delicious. It is important to note that there is a risk of cracking with buttercream frosting, especially when transporting the cake or lifting it from the fridge. To reduce the chances of cracking, consider using an Italian meringue buttercream recipe. Additionally, letting the cake defrost to refrigerator temperature before finalising the icing can help minimise condensation and make it easier to handle.

Fondant Iced Cakes:

Fondant-iced cakes also freeze well. Similar to buttercream, fondant acts as a protective layer, sealing in the moisture and flavour of the cake. When defrosting a fondant-covered cake, it is important to do so slowly and carefully to avoid marking the icing. Condensation can form during the thawing process, so allowing the cake to defrost slowly in the fridge before bringing it to room temperature will help minimise any marks on the fondant.

Fruit Cake:

Fruit cakes, a traditional choice for wedding cakes, are ideal for freezing. The rich and dense fruit cake preserves exceptionally well, allowing it to be enjoyed well past the wedding day. It can be frozen for longer periods, providing an opportunity to savour it on special occasions like the first wedding anniversary or even the christening of the couple's first child.

Sponge Cake:

While sponge cakes can be frozen, they have a shorter shelf life compared to other types. It is recommended to consume a frozen sponge cake within one month to ensure optimal freshness and flavour. If you plan to freeze a sponge cake for your wedding, consider doing so for a shorter period, such as during your honeymoon, to enjoy a fresh and tasty treat upon your return.

When freezing any type of wedding cake, it is crucial to follow proper wrapping and storage techniques to prevent freezer burn and maintain the cake's original taste and texture. This includes using multiple layers of plastic wrap, chilling the cake before wrapping, and storing it in an airtight container in the freezer.

Frequently asked questions