Preserving Your Wedding Cake: Freezing Tips And Tricks

Freezing a wedding cake is a great way to preserve a memory from your special day and is a fun way for couples to reminisce about their wedding while enjoying a tasty treat. The tradition of freezing the top tier of the wedding cake is often done to eat on the couple's first anniversary or at the christening of their first child. However, freezing a wedding cake is not as simple as freezing other foods. The correct steps must be taken to ensure the cake stays fresh and doesn't dry out or get freezer burn.

Timing is key: freeze the cake as soon as possible after the wedding

Timing is everything when it comes to freezing your wedding cake. The sooner you can get it into the freezer, the better. Ideally, the cake should be prepped for freezing on the night of your wedding or the morning after. If you're planning to go on your honeymoon right after your wedding, consider asking a friend or family member to take care of this step.

Before freezing, remove any decorations from the top tier, such as real flowers, sugar flowers, or a cake topper. If your cake is on a cardboard base that isn't wrapped in foil, transfer it to a foil-covered cardboard or a plastic plate to prevent any cardboard smell or taste from seeping into the cake.

Next, chill the cake in the refrigerator or freezer until the icing hardens. This will prevent the frosting from sticking to the plastic wrap when you wrap the cake. The icing will take at least three hours or overnight to harden.

Once the icing is firm, it's time to wrap the cake. Gather your supplies: plastic wrap, aluminium foil, and a zippered plastic freezer bag. Wrap the cake tightly, ensuring that the plastic wrap hugs the cake without being too tight. Then, cover it with aluminium foil and place it in a plastic bag, pushing out as much air as possible.

Finally, place the wrapped cake in the back of your freezer, where it's coldest and least exposed to warm air whenever the freezer door is opened. Now you can relax and enjoy your wedding cake on your first anniversary!

Remove decorations and chill the cake before wrapping

To prepare your wedding cake for freezing, it's important to remove any decorations such as sugar flowers, ribbons, cake toppers, or other adornments. This will ensure that your cake is properly wrapped without the plastic tearing or getting stuck in the icing.

After removing the decorations, it's best to chill the cake in the refrigerator or freezer until the icing hardens. 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. It's also important to clear out any foods with strong odors from your refrigerator or freezer to prevent the cake from absorbing unwanted smells.

During this time, you can also prepare the cardboard or plastic plate on which the cake will be placed by covering it with foil. This will prevent the cake from absorbing any cardboard smell or taste.

Once the icing has hardened, you can remove the cake from the refrigerator or freezer and begin the wrapping process. It's important to wrap the cake tightly, pushing the plastic wrap against the cake to create an airtight seal. Make sure there are no tiny open holes or folds in the plastic wrap, as this can lead to freezer burn.

After wrapping the cake in plastic, it can be placed back in the freezer to fully harden. This will help ensure that your cake stays fresh and tasty during its time in the freezer.

Wrapping and freezing: use plastic wrap, not aluminium foil, to avoid freezer burn

Wrapping and freezing a wedding cake is a delicate process, but it can be done effectively. Here is a detailed guide:

Firstly, it is important to remove any decorations from the cake, such as sugar flowers, to ensure they don't interfere with the wrapping process. Then, the cake should be placed in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight, to allow the icing to harden. This step is crucial as it prevents the frosting from sticking to the plastic wrap. Before refrigerating, it is recommended to clear out any foods with strong odours to prevent the cake from absorbing unwanted smells.

The next step is to remove the cake from the refrigerator and wrap it in plastic wrap. It is important to use plastic wrap instead of aluminium foil at this stage, as foil can lead to freezer burn. The plastic wrap should be applied loosely, with several layers used to ensure the cake's taste and texture are preserved. It is also important to wrap every inch of the cake tightly, with no air bubbles, to prevent the cake from drying out.

After the cake is securely wrapped in plastic, it can be sealed in a freezer-safe airtight container. This container should then be placed in the freezer, preferably in a spot where it will remain undisturbed. If the freezer has any defrosting settings, it is recommended to turn them off to ensure the preservation process is not interrupted.

Finally, it is a good idea to mark the cake with a ribbon or label, especially if you plan to store it for a long time, to ensure it is not accidentally thrown out. With these steps, your wedding cake can be preserved and enjoyed at a later date!

Defrosting: take the cake out of the freezer 24-48 hours before eating

Defrosting a frozen wedding cake is a delicate process, but if done correctly, you'll be able to enjoy a delicious slice of cake that tastes almost as good as it did on your wedding day. Here's what you need to know about defrosting your wedding cake:

Take the cake out of the freezer 24-48 hours before you plan to eat it. This is the most crucial step in the defrosting process. By slowly thawing the cake over a long period, you'll ensure that condensation doesn't form and ruin the icing. Place the cake, still wrapped, in the refrigerator to defrost. This will allow the cake to gradually come up to temperature without damaging the icing or affecting the taste and texture.

Once the cake is fully defrosted, it's time to bring it to room temperature. Take the cake out of the refrigerator and remove the wrapping. Place the cake on a countertop or table and let it sit for about two hours before serving. This will ensure that your cake has the best possible taste and texture when you finally get to enjoy it.

If you're short on time, you can speed up the process by removing the wrapping and placing the cake in an airtight container on the countertop. However, this may affect the quality of the cake. It's best to plan ahead and give the cake plenty of time to defrost slowly.

Finally, enjoy your delicious wedding cake! Savor the taste and allow yourself to be transported back to your wedding day. It's a wonderful way to commemorate your first anniversary or any other special occasion.

Storage: use an airtight container to prevent condensation when defrosting

Storing your wedding cake in an airtight container is crucial to preserving its taste and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your cake remains in optimal condition during freezing and defrosting:

Choosing the Right Container

Select an airtight container that is slightly larger than your cake to ensure a proper fit. A cake carrier or any plastic airtight container will work well. If using a plastic container, ensure it is freezer-safe. You can also use a freezer bag, but it is recommended to double bag it for added protection.

Preparing the Cake

Before placing the cake in the container, wrap it securely in several layers of plastic wrap. Ensure the wrap is tight and hugs the cake closely, with no air bubbles. This creates a barrier that prevents air and moisture from reaching the cake. After wrapping, place the cake in the airtight container.

Freezing the Cake

Store the wrapped and sealed cake in the freezer, preferably at the back where it is coldest and less exposed to warm air when the freezer door is opened. If your freezer has a defrosting setting, turn it off to avoid interrupting the preservation process.

Defrosting the Cake

When you're ready to enjoy your cake, take it out of the freezer and remove the plastic wrap. Then, place the cake back into the airtight container and put it in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours to defrost slowly. This slow defrosting process helps prevent condensation from forming, which can leave marks on your icing. Finally, a few hours before serving, take the cake out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours.

Additional Tips

• Mark your cake with a ribbon or label so you don't accidentally throw it out during the year.
• If your cake has decorations like sugar flowers or a cake topper, remove them before wrapping and store them separately.
• To prevent odour absorption, ensure the cake is not stored near any foods with strong aromas in the freezer or refrigerator.

Frequently asked questions