Wedding Cake Display: To Refrigerate Or Not?

do cakes usually sit out for a wedding

The length of time a wedding cake can be left out depends on several factors, including the type of cake, icing, fillings, and the temperature of the venue. Cakes with perishable fillings, such as custard or fresh fruit, should be refrigerated and can only be left out for a maximum of four hours. Cakes without perishable fillings do not need to be refrigerated and can be left out for longer, but it is still recommended that they are consumed within a few days to maintain freshness. The temperature of the room is also important, with cakes left out at room temperature (68-72°F) for a maximum of 5 hours, and a maximum of 3 hours if the temperature exceeds 80°F. Direct sunlight should also be avoided as this can cause the cake to lose its shape and stability.

Characteristics Values
Cakes sitting out for a wedding Usually ok if left out for hours, but depends on the type of cake, icing, fillings, and location
Recommended time 1-2 hours for classic cakes, 2-3 hours for designer cakes, 5 hours max at 68-72°F, 3 hours max at temps exceeding 80°F
Refrigeration Not necessary if there are no perishable fillings
Perishable fillings Can be outside of refrigeration for a total of four hours
Fondant More heat resistant than buttercream
Buttercream Should be kept indoors, will melt in hot temperatures
Swiss meringue buttercream Can be left out for 2-3 hours

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Cakes with buttercream icing are more likely to melt than fondant cakes

Wedding cakes are often displayed for several hours before being cut and served, but whether they are kept indoors or outdoors can make a difference in how long they can be left out. If you're planning on having buttercream icing on your wedding cake, it's important to note that it is more likely to melt than fondant, especially in hot weather.

Buttercream is a fluffy frosting made from sugar and butter, while fondant is a sculptable paste made from sugar and water. Fondant has a higher sugar content and lower fat content than buttercream, which makes it more stable and less likely to melt in warm temperatures. Fondant also contains stabilising ingredients like gelatin, which helps it hold its shape in hot weather.

If your wedding is outdoors or in a venue without air conditioning, it's best to choose a cake with fondant icing to avoid melting. You can also ask your baker to deliver the cake as close to the reception start time as possible to minimise the time it is left out.

However, if you prefer the taste and texture of buttercream, there are some tricks to help stabilise it. Substituting some of the butter with shortening or adding starch, such as cornstarch, can help prevent it from melting rapidly. Other stabilising agents include melted marshmallows, meringue powder, or milk powder, which can also add a unique flavour to the icing.

Ultimately, the decision between buttercream and fondant depends on your priorities for your wedding cake. Fondant is ideal for creating a smooth, flawless finish and intricate decorations, while buttercream has a richer, creamier taste that is usually preferred by most people.

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Cakes with perishable fillings should be refrigerated

If a cake with perishable fillings is left out at room temperature for longer than four hours, it is no longer safe to eat. This is a serious food safety issue, as consuming the cake could make people very sick. It is important to take precautions and educate yourself on food safety practices to avoid any potential health hazards.

To keep a cake with perishable fillings safe to eat, it is recommended to refrigerate it overnight and then leave it out at the wedding for the day. Alternatively, the cake can be delivered to the wedding venue a couple of hours before the ceremony and kept in a cool, shaded area until it is served.

It is worth noting that sugar acts as a preservative, so cakes with fruit preserve fillings or chocolate fudge can typically be left out for longer periods without refrigeration. Additionally, freezing a cake before an event can help to keep it cold and extend its shelf life. However, it is crucial to consider the type of cake, icing, and fillings used, as well as the temperature and location of the wedding, when determining the best way to store and display the cake.

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Cakes can be left out of the fridge for a maximum of four hours

Cakes are often the centrepiece of a wedding, but they can be delicate creations that require careful handling. Many factors can affect the longevity of a cake, including the type of cake, icing, and fillings used, as well as the temperature and location of the venue.

When it comes to keeping a wedding cake out of the fridge, the general consensus is that it is safe to do so for a maximum of four hours. This is especially important if the cake has perishable fillings, such as custard or fresh fruit. If the cake is left out for longer than four hours, it may start to spoil, and the icing may melt, causing the cake to become unstable.

To ensure the cake stays fresh and stable, it is recommended to refrigerate it overnight and then bring it out on the day of the wedding. This is a common practice, especially for outdoor weddings in warm months. It is also crucial to keep the cake out of direct sunlight, as the heat can cause the buttercream to soften, leading to potential blemishes or dents.

Additionally, it is advised to avoid placing the cake near open windows or doors, as bugs and insects may be attracted to it. Keeping the cake in a well-shaded area will help maintain its shape and stability.

It is worth noting that the type of icing used can also impact the longevity of the cake. Fondant, for example, is generally more heat-resistant than buttercream, which may melt in warmer temperatures.

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Cakes should be kept out of direct sunlight

Wedding cakes are often displayed for several hours, and it is common for them to be left out for this period. However, it is important to keep cakes out of direct sunlight, especially during summer.

Direct sunlight can cause cakes to lose their shape and stability as the buttercream softens. Warmer temperatures can also cause the icing to melt, and the cake to spoil. If the cake is displayed outdoors, it is recommended to keep it in a shaded area, such as under a tent or awning.

The type of icing and filling used will also impact how well the cake holds up. Fondant icing is generally more heat-resistant than buttercream, which may melt in warm temperatures. Perishable fillings, such as custard or fresh fruit, will also affect how long the cake can be left out. If the cake has perishable fillings, it should not be left out of refrigeration for more than four hours.

To prevent melting or spoilage, some couples choose to have the cake delivered closer to the reception or cake-cutting time. Others opt for a small fondant cake for display and cutting, with a separate buttercream cake kept indoors for guests to eat.

It is important to consider the temperature and conditions of the venue when deciding how to display the wedding cake. Keeping the cake out of direct sunlight will help ensure it remains in good condition.

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Cakes can be delivered during the ceremony

Another factor to consider is the location of the cake. If your ceremony and reception are outdoors, especially in hot weather, the cake may start to melt or spoil. It is recommended to keep the cake in a cool, shaded area, away from direct sunlight. If possible, have the cake delivered as close to the reception as possible to ensure it stays fresh.

It is also important to handle the cake with care during transportation. Cakes should be placed on a flat, level surface in the vehicle and transported with caution to avoid bumping or shaking the cake. Some bakers may freeze the cake before delivery to help it hold up during transport.

Additionally, it is a good idea to discuss your plans with your baker and venue coordinator. They can provide valuable advice and suggestions based on their experience. They may also have specific requirements or recommendations for cake delivery and setup.

By considering these factors and working with your vendors, you can ensure that your cake is delivered and displayed safely during your ceremony, providing a delicious treat for you and your guests to enjoy.

Frequently asked questions

A wedding cake can be left out for a maximum of 5 hours if the room temperature is 68-72°F. If the temperature is warmer than 80°F, it is recommended to not leave the cake out for more than 3 hours.

Wedding cakes with perishable fillings, such as custard or fresh fruit, should be refrigerated. If there are no perishable fillings, refrigeration is not necessary.

Fondant is a better option than buttercream for an outdoor wedding as it is more stable in warmer temperatures.

It is recommended to deliver the cake 1-2 hours before the start of the wedding.

Leftover wedding cake can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

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