Refrigerating Wedding Cake Fondant: Yes Or No?

Fondant is a sugar paste that is used to cover cakes and is often used for wedding cakes. It is much smoother than frosting and can also be moulded into decorations. But does a wedding cake covered in fondant have to be refrigerated?

Refrigerating fondant cakes: Yes or No?

Fondant cakes are a delight to behold, but what happens when the party's over and there's still cake left? Or perhaps you're a baker who needs to know the best way to store a cake before the big event. Should you refrigerate fondant cakes or not? Well, it depends on a few factors.

The Case for Refrigeration

Some bakers swear by refrigeration for fondant cakes. They argue that it helps to keep the cake fresh, especially if it's going to be stored for a few days. If your cake has perishable fillings or decorations, or if your kitchen is hot or humid, refrigeration can be a good idea. Fondant itself is made of sugar, which is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture. So, in a humid environment, fondant can act as a protective barrier, keeping your cake fresh.

The Potential Pitfalls

However, there's a reason why some bakers are hesitant to put their fondant cakes in the fridge. Fondant can get sticky and soft after being refrigerated, and there's also the risk of condensation forming on the cake as it adjusts to room temperature after being taken out of the fridge. This condensation can cause colours to run and decorations to melt, ruining hours of hard work.

So, What's the Verdict?

Well, it seems there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. The best approach may depend on your specific circumstances and the type of fondant you're using. If you do choose to refrigerate, it's recommended to wrap the cake in plastic and place it in a corrugated cardboard box to minimise the impact of moisture. You can also try refrigerating a small test cake to see how it holds up before committing to refrigerating a larger creation.

A Few Final Tips

• Keep the cake away from direct light, whether it's natural or artificial, as this can cause the fondant colours to fade.
• If you need to store the cake for longer than a few days, it's best to freeze it.
• If you're storing individual slices of fondant cake, you can spread some frosting on the exposed side to prevent it from drying out, or simply wrap the slice in plastic wrap.

How to store a fondant cake in the refrigerator

Storing a fondant cake in the refrigerator is a tricky business, and it's best to avoid it if possible. Sugar, which is a key ingredient in fondant, is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Therefore, when you put a fondant cake in the refrigerator, it can become a sloppy mess.

However, if your kitchen is hot or humid, or your cake has fillings that need to be chilled, you may need to store your fondant cake in the refrigerator. Here's how to do it:

Storing a Whole Fondant Cake:

Firstly, wrap the cake in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped cake in a corrugated cardboard box and seal it with tape. Make sure the box is close to the dimensions of your cake so that the weight of the cake is evenly dispersed. The box will help to protect the cake from excess moisture in the refrigerator. Finally, place the sealed box in the refrigerator until you need it.

Note that your cake will likely sweat when you take it out of the refrigerator, so make sure to remove it a couple of hours before serving to give it time to dry.

Storing Slices of Fondant Cake:

If you only have slices of fondant cake left, you can store them at room temperature for 1-2 days. Lay the slices on a plate and cover the exposed side with frosting to prevent the cake from drying out. Alternatively, you can wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air can get in.

If you need to store the slices for longer, you can freeze them. Wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer. Fondant cake slices can be stored in the freezer for up to a year. When you're ready to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator, then bring them to room temperature before serving.

How to store a fondant cake in the freezer

If you want to store a fondant cake in the freezer, it is important to follow the right steps to ensure that it stays fresh and does not get damaged. Here is a detailed guide on how to store a fondant cake in the freezer:

• Prepare the fondant cake: Before storing the cake, make sure it is completely covered in fondant. This will help seal in the moisture and keep the cake fresh.
• Place the cake in the fridge: Put the entire cake in the fridge for about 30 minutes to allow the fondant to firm up. This step is important to prevent condensation from forming on the fondant when it is placed in the freezer.
• Wrap the cake tightly: Remove the cake from the fridge and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Make sure there are no gaps or openings where air can get in.
• Add an extra layer of protection: Cover the plastic wrap with a layer of aluminium foil. This will help protect the cake from freezer burn and prevent moisture loss.
• Place the cake in a freezer bag or container: Transfer the wrapped cake to a large freezer bag or an airtight storage container that is big enough to hold it. Make sure the container is sealed tightly.
• Store the cake in the freezer: Put the cake in the freezer, making sure it is placed in an area where it will not get crushed or damaged. The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 year.
• Thaw the cake gradually: A few days before you are ready to eat the cake, take it out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to thaw gradually. Keep it wrapped during this process.
• Bring the cake to room temperature: Once the cake has thawed completely, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before unwrapping and serving.

By following these steps, you can successfully store a fondant cake in the freezer, ensuring that it stays fresh and delicious for future enjoyment.

How to prevent fondant cakes from sweating after refrigeration

Fondant is made of sugar, which is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. This is why fondant cakes can "sweat" after being refrigerated. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

Choose the Right Fondant

Different fondant brands are designed for specific climates. Select a fondant that suits your climate and working conditions. For instance, some fondants are designed for humid climates, while others perform better in moderate or dry climates. You can also make your own fondant to suit your needs.

Store in a Cardboard Box

Place your finished cake in a heavy-duty corrugated cardboard box, similar to those used for shipping or moving. Choose a box that's close to the dimensions of your cake. Seal every seam, edge, and corner with packaging tape. The box helps absorb moisture and prevents the fondant from getting too soggy.

Control the Temperature

Avoid drastic temperature changes for your cake. If you need to store your cake in the freezer, first chill it in the fridge, then wrap it in cling wrap/film before placing it in the freezer. This helps the cake adjust to the temperature change and prevents condensation. When removing the cake from the freezer, let it thaw in the fridge, and then bring it to room temperature gradually. Avoid direct sunlight or heat, as this can melt your cake and cause condensation.

Use a Fan

If your cake has already developed condensation, you can use a clean fan to direct air onto the cake as it returns to room temperature. This helps evaporate the sweat and prevents it from dripping or ruining your decorations.

Use Absorbent Materials

Line a cupboard or box with absorbent materials such as crystal-type kitty litter or food-grade silica gel. Place a few layers of kitchen paper over these materials to ensure they don't touch the cake or decorations. This setup helps absorb excess moisture from the air, reducing the likelihood of condensation on your cake.

Adjust Your Fondant Recipe

You can also try reducing the amount of glucose in your fondant recipe and adding a bit more CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose). Glucose tends to make fondants sweat, while CMC helps harden the fondant and prevent sweating.

How to store slices of a fondant cake

Storing slices of a fondant cake is simple and can be done in a few ways. Firstly, you can lay the slice on a plate and frost the exposed side before storing for up to two days. This will prevent the cake from drying out. Alternatively, you can wrap the slice in plastic wrap, ensuring no air is touching the cake, and store it at room temperature for one to two days.

If you want to freeze slices of a fondant cake, you can do so for up to a year. Wrap the slice tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. A few days before you're ready to eat the cake, move it to the refrigerator to defrost, and then to room temperature before serving.

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