Preserving The Wedding Cake: Freezing A Slice Of The Celebration

Freezing the top tier of a wedding cake is a tradition that stems from a 19th-century convention where couples saved the top tier for their first child's christening, with some believing it to be an omen of good luck. Today, many couples choose to eat the tier on their first wedding anniversary. Freezing a wedding cake is not without its challenges, and it's important to wrap the cake properly to avoid freezer burn and condensation when defrosting.

How to freeze a wedding cake

Freezing a wedding cake is a great way to preserve the memories of your special day. However, it's important to know how to do it properly to ensure your cake stays tasty and doesn't dry out or become stale. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to freeze a wedding cake:

Know Your Cake:

Before freezing, it's important to know that not all cakes freeze equally. Delicate cakes like angel food cake are more likely to become stale, while heartier cakes like chocolate, carrot, hazelnut, and almond will better withstand freezing. Certain fillings, such as custard or fresh fruit, may also not maintain their texture.

Pre-Freeze:

As soon as you receive the top tier of your cake, remove any large decorations, such as sugar flowers or cake toppers, and place the cake in the freezer. Freezing the cake first will harden the icing and prevent it from sticking to the wrapping material.

Wrap It Up:

Remove the cake from the freezer and loosely wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap. Ensure that every inch of the cake is covered tightly, with no air bubbles, to prevent drying out. Do not use aluminium foil, as it can cause freezer burn.

Seal It:

Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe airtight container or box. If using a box, wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap first. Alternatively, you can use a cake preservation box or an airtight cake storage caddy.

Mark and Store:

Label the container or box with a ribbon or a label so you don't accidentally throw it out. Place it in a safe spot in your freezer, preferably turning off any defrosting settings to avoid interrupting the preservation process.

Defrosting:

When your anniversary or special occasion approaches, take the cake out of the freezer and remove the wrapping. Let the cake thaw for 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator. Then, bring it to room temperature for about 2 to 3 hours before serving.

Remember, freezing a wedding cake for a long period may affect its texture and taste. If you're concerned about the quality, consider ordering a replica cake from your bakery for a fresh and sweet treat while still reliving the memories of your wedding day.

How to defrost a wedding cake

Preserving a wedding cake is a tradition that many couples choose to follow. The top tier of the cake is usually saved and eaten at one of two events: the couple's first wedding anniversary or the christening of their first child.

Step 1:

Remove the cake from the freezer and take off any wrapping or covering. If the cake is in a box, leave it in the box and simply remove the outer wrapping. It is important to keep the cake covered during the defrosting process to prevent it from drying out.

Step 2:

Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 24 to 48 hours to allow it to thaw gradually. This slow thawing process will help prevent condensation from forming and causing marks on the icing.

Step 3:

Once the cake has thawed, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours before serving. This will ensure the cake is soft and ready to be enjoyed.

Step 4:

Finally, enjoy your wedding cake! It may not taste exactly as it did on your wedding day, but it will bring back fond memories of your special day.

It is important to note that some cakes will fare better than others after being frozen for an extended period. Delicate cakes, such as angel food cake, are more likely to become stale, while heartier cakes like chocolate, carrot, hazelnut, and almond will hold up better. Additionally, certain fillings like custard or fresh fruit may not maintain their original texture.

The history of the tradition

The tradition of freezing the top tier of a wedding cake dates back to the 19th century. Back then, couples would save the top layer of their cake and eat it on the day of their first child's christening. It was believed to be an omen of good luck.

Nowadays, couples tend to freeze their wedding cake to eat on their first wedding anniversary. This is because not all newlyweds plan on starting a family immediately after their wedding.

The type of cake also determines how long it can be preserved for. A traditional fruit cake can be preserved for longer than a year, whereas a sponge cake will not hold up as well.

The tradition of freezing wedding cakes started in England, where the cake was always a fruit cake. This type of cake is rich and dense, so it preserves exceptionally well.

The best types of cake to freeze

Freezing a cake is a great way to preserve it for a later date, and it can be done with most types of cakes. However, some cakes are better suited for freezing than others. Here are some of the best types of cakes to freeze:

Buttercream and Fondant-Iced Cakes

Both buttercream and fondant-iced cakes freeze very well. Buttercream, in particular, acts as an insulator for the inside of the cake and will keep it tasting fresh. Fondant-covered cakes can also be frozen successfully, but special care must be taken during the thawing process to avoid condensation forming on the icing.

Oil-Based Cakes

Oil-based cakes are ideal for freezing because they have a lower water content, which helps prevent ice crystals and moisture loss. Make sure the cake layers are completely cooled and out of their pans before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminium foil for freezing.

Fruit Cake

Fruit cakes are traditionally made with large amounts of candied fruits and liquor, which act as natural preservatives. This type of cake was commonly used for wedding cakes in the past and was often frozen for the couple to enjoy on their first anniversary or their first child's christening.

Chocolate Cake, Banana Cake, Carrot Cake, and Pumpkin Cake

These flavourful cakes freeze and thaw beautifully when wrapped in a couple of layers of plastic wrap and aluminium foil. The flavour of these cakes can even be enhanced after the freezing and thawing process!

Bundt Cakes and Pound Cakes

Bundt cakes and pound cakes are also excellent choices for freezing. Just make sure they are completely cooled and wrapped tightly before placing them in the freezer.

It is important to note that while most cakes can be frozen, some delicate cakes such as angel food cake, vertical cake, and pavlova are best enjoyed fresh, as freezing may compromise their taste and texture. Additionally, certain types of icing, such as royal icing and meringue-based frostings, do not freeze well and can affect the overall quality of the cake.

How to get a fresh cake on your anniversary

Freezing your wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary is a long-honoured tradition. However, after a year in the freezer, it's unlikely to taste as good as it did on your wedding day. If you're looking for a fresh cake-eating experience, here's how to get one:

Opt for a heartier cake

Certain cakes will fare better in the freezer than others. Delicate cakes like angel food cake are likely to become stale, and fillings like custard or fresh fruit may not maintain their texture. Opting for a heartier cake like chocolate, carrot, hazelnut, or almond will give you a better chance of having a tasty anniversary treat.

Pre-freeze your cake

Before wrapping your cake, place it in the freezer until the icing hardens. This will help to prevent the icing from sticking to the plastic wrap. If your cake has sugar flowers or other decorations, remove them first so they don't get in the way of the freezing process.

Wrap it up

Remove your cake from the freezer and loosely wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap. Do not use aluminium foil, as this could lead to freezer burn. If you're storing your cake in a box, wrap the box in plastic wrap as well, or place the cake in an airtight container.

Don't defrost your freezer

Make sure your freezer doesn't defrost during the year, as this could impact the quality of your cake. It's also important to keep the cake at a consistent temperature throughout the year, so try to avoid moving it around too much.

Thaw it properly

When your anniversary draws near, take the cake out of the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours. Then, let it come to room temperature for 2 to 3 hours before serving.

Order a replica

If you're concerned about the quality of your frozen cake, you can always order a fresh replica from your bakery. This option ensures that your anniversary cake will be fresh and sweet, while still bringing back fond memories of your wedding day.

Frequently asked questions