How To Preserve Your Wedding Cake's Top Tier

Saving the top tier of a wedding cake is a long-standing tradition, with roots in 18th-century and 19th-century England. Back then, dense fruit or chocolate cakes were commonplace, making it easier to preserve the top tier for a year or more. The saved cake was consumed during the christening of the couple's first child, expected to arrive within a year of marriage. Today, the tradition has evolved, with couples now eating the preserved cake on their first anniversary. While some couples still embrace this ritual, others forgo it due to concerns about cake dryness and freezer space.

History of the tradition

Saving the top tier of a wedding cake is a tradition that dates back to 18th or 19th-century England. During this time, newlyweds would save the top tier of their wedding cake, which was typically a dense fruit cake, for their first child's christening, which was expected to occur within the first year of marriage. The cake would be preserved, then served during the celebration of the couple's first child. Some historians believe that this practice was done as a prophecy of good luck.

Over the years, the tradition has evolved. Nowadays, couples tend to save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their one-year anniversary, rather than for their first child's christening. This is because couples now tend to start their families around three years into their marriage, rather than within the first year. In addition, wedding cakes are now typically made with elaborate flavors, frostings, and decorations, which can make them more challenging to preserve for long periods. Despite these changes, the tradition of saving the top tier of the wedding cake remains popular, with around 46% to 48% of couples still choosing to participate in this custom.

How to preserve the cake

Preserving the top tier of your wedding cake is a tradition that dates back to 19th-century England. Back then, couples would save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first child's christening. Nowadays, couples tend to save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first wedding anniversary.

If you want to preserve the top tier of your wedding cake, here is a step-by-step guide:

Prepare the cake:

• Remove all flowers, cake toppers, and other decorations from the cake. This is especially important for fresh flowers but applies to sugar and fondant flowers as well, as they can cause a reaction during preservation.
• If your cake is on a cardboard base, transfer it to a plastic one. Otherwise, your cake will absorb the taste of cardboard during the preservation process.
• Chill the cake in the refrigerator to harden the icing. This will make it easier to wrap the cake without sticking and prevent a mess.

Wrap the cake:

• Wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap. Do not use aluminium foil as your base layer, as it can cause freezer burn and stick to your frosting.
• After wrapping the cake in plastic, add a final layer of aluminium foil for extra protection.
• Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Label the cake so you know what it is and when it was stored.

Store the cake:

• Store the wrapped cake in the freezer. Make sure the freezer is set to the right temperature and that the cake will not be disturbed or moved around.
• Avoid defrosting and refreezing the cake. It is best to keep the cake untouched for the entire preservation period.
• Consider placing a box of baking soda in the freezer to absorb any unwanted smells or flavours.

Thaw and enjoy:

• When you are ready to eat the cake, remove it from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours.
• Remove the cake from its packaging and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
• Keep in mind that even with proper preservation, the cake will likely be stale after a year.

Alternative options:

If you don't want to preserve your wedding cake for a year, there are a few alternative options:

• Enjoy the top tier of your cake after your honeymoon. This way, you can still savour the cake while the memory of your wedding is fresh.
• Order a small replica of your wedding cake from the bakery for your first anniversary.
• Have your wedding photographer take beautiful photos of the cake so you can admire it anytime.

Remember, it is important to plan ahead if you want to preserve your wedding cake. Discuss your plans with your baker, as they may have specific recommendations or alternative options.

Alternative options

If you don't want to save the top tier of your wedding cake, there are several alternative options to consider. Here are some ideas:

• Ask your cake baker to recreate a smaller version of your original wedding cake for your first anniversary. This way, you can still enjoy a slice of your wedding cake without having to worry about preservation or taste issues.
• Ensure your wedding photographer captures beautiful photos of the cake. This visual reminder will allow you to reminisce about the cake whenever you want, without having to physically keep it.
• If you're not a fan of the idea of eating year-old cake, you can opt for other commemorative treats to savour on your first anniversary. For instance, some bakers offer fresh, replicated top tiers or other baked goods designed especially for this purpose.
• Instead of saving the entire top tier, consider saving just a few slices of the cake. This way, you can still participate in the tradition without taking up too much freezer space.
• If you're not serving a traditional wedding cake, you can still adapt the tradition. For example, if you're having cupcakes, pick one or two to set aside. If you prefer pies, ask for a mini pie or just a slice to save.
• Host a gathering for the wedding party or your closest friends and family. Share the saved cake with them, making it a celebration of your first year of marriage.

How long can you save the cake for?

The tradition of saving the top tier of a wedding cake dates back to 19th-century England, when newlyweds would save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first child's christening. Typically, wedding cakes were dense fruit cakes, which allowed them to be preserved for long periods. However, in modern times, this tradition has evolved, and couples now save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their one-year anniversary.

While it is possible to save the top tier of a wedding cake for a year, it is important to note that the cake may become stale during this time, even if it is frozen. Most bakers recommend storing it for no longer than six months, depending on the type of cake. The taste and freshness of the cake after a year will depend on various factors, including the ingredients used, the preservation methods, and the storage conditions.

To ensure the cake stays fresh for as long as possible, it is important to prepare it for preservation. This includes removing any decorations, such as cake toppers or flowers, as they may cause a reaction during preservation. It is also crucial to wrap the cake properly to prevent freezer burn. The cake should be wrapped in several layers of plastic wrap, placed in an airtight container, and stored in a freezer.

When it comes to thawing and consuming the cake, it is recommended to defrost it slowly in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours before enjoying it. However, it is worth noting that even with proper preservation techniques, there is a chance that the cake may not taste as fresh as it did on the wedding day.

Ultimately, the decision to save the top tier of the wedding cake depends on personal preference. Some couples may choose to skip this tradition altogether and opt for alternative options, such as ordering a fresh replica of the original wedding cake for their anniversary.

Best cake types for preservation

The tradition of saving the top tier of a wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary dates back to weddings in 18th or 19th-century England. Couples served alcohol-soaked fruitcake, which had a long shelf life.

Today, cakes with more delicate ingredients, like white cake, fresh fruit cake, and whipped cream fillings, will dry out faster in the freezer. Therefore, it is best to preserve cakes with denser and hardier ingredients. Here are some cake types that preserve well:

• Chocolate cake
• Hazelnut cake
• Almond cake
• Carrot cake
• Fruitcake (with dry or alcohol-soaked fruits, not fresh fruit)

If you want to preserve your wedding cake, it is recommended to remove any decorations, like flowers or cake toppers, and wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap, not aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. Then, seal the wrapped cake in an airtight bag or container and store it in the freezer.

Frequently asked questions