Transporting Wedding Cakes: Safe Techniques For Moving To Stands

Moving a wedding cake to a stand can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you've never done it before. After all, the last thing you want is to ruin the cake after spending so much time decorating it. The key to a successful transfer is to ensure the cake has a solid foundation and is well-chilled. This means stacking the cake on a sturdy cardboard cake circle or cake drum and chilling it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to solidify the frosting. When moving the cake, it's best to use a cake lifter or a heated angled spatula to help lift and slide the cake without damaging the finish. It's also recommended to transport the cake in a sturdy cardboard box that fits the cake drum perfectly, with the cake stand being assembled at the venue to minimise the risk of damage during transportation.

Use a cake lifter

Using a cake lifter is a great way to move your wedding cake without the stress. The cake lifter, along with a chilled cake, is the key to making this task easy. The first step is to tape a cake board (the same size as your cake) to a larger cake board. The larger cake board is just there to hold on to when moving the cake in and out of the freezer. You can use a small piece of tape to hold the boards together, making them super easy to separate later.

The next step is to chill the cake. Place the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or longer to ensure the frosting stays intact while you move the cake around. Once the cake is chilled, it's time to use the cake lifter. Place the cake lifter nearly covering the base of the cake, and use your other hand to support the cake as well. Slowly lift the cake and move it to the stand.

To slide the cake off the cake lifter, you can use an offset icing spatula for assistance. Gently lower the cake onto the stand, keeping one edge lifted to pivot the cake into the desired position. Finally, slide the spatula back underneath and gently lower the cake edge before removing the spatula.

Using a cake lifter is a simple and effective way to move your wedding cake to its stand, ensuring a stress-free and smooth transfer.

Freeze the cake

Freezing your wedding cake is a great way to preserve it and enjoy it at a later date. Here are some detailed tips on how to freeze your wedding cake:

Pre-Freeze Preparation:

Before freezing, it is important to remove any decorations such as sugar flowers or other adornments. This will ensure they don't get in the way of the freezing process and tear the plastic wrap. Place the cake in the freezer until the icing hardens.

Wrapping and Sealing:

Remove the cake from the freezer and wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap. Ensure that the icing is frozen so that it doesn't stick to the plastic. Do not use aluminium foil, as this can lead to freezer burn. Seal the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe airtight container.

Storage:

Place the sealed cake in the freezer, preferably in a spot where it won't be disturbed. If your freezer has a defrosting setting, turn it off to prevent interruptions in the preservation process. Mark the cake with a ribbon or label so you know what it is and don't accidentally throw it away.

Defrosting:

When you're ready to enjoy your cake, take it out of the freezer and remove the wrapping. Allow the cake to thaw for 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator. Then, take the cake out of the refrigerator and let it sit for 2 to 3 hours to reach room temperature before serving.

Alternative Method:

Another option is to slice the cake into individual servings, wrap each slice, and place them in freezer bags. After a week or two, remove the wrappings and vacuum seal each slice before returning them to the freezer. When you're ready to eat, take a slice out of the freezer, keep it vacuum-sealed, and let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

Remember, freezing a delicate cake like angel food cake or a cake with custard or fresh fruit fillings may affect their texture. Heartier cakes like chocolate, carrot, hazelnut, or almond cakes will fare better in the freezer.

Use a cake drum and sturdy cardboard box

Using a cake drum and a sturdy cardboard box is a great way to transport a wedding cake. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Drum and Box

Ensure you have the right size cake drum for your cake. The cake drum is a heavy-duty cake board that provides a sturdy base for transportation. It should be at least 1/2 inch thick and ideally, slightly larger than the cake itself. For example, a 6-inch cake would typically go on an 8-inch drum.

Next, get a sturdy cardboard box that is the same width as the cake drum and tall enough to accommodate the height of your cake. If you don't have a box that is the exact width, you can cut open one side of a larger box to create a door for sliding the cake in and out.

Step 2: Secure the Cake on the Cake Drum

Before placing the cake on the drum, it is recommended to use a wooden dowel or other cake supports to secure the cake. The dowel should go through all the cake tiers and into the cake drum, preventing the cake layers from sliding around during transport.

Step 3: Place the Cake Drum in the Box

Place the cake drum with the secured cake into the cardboard box. If you cut open one side of the box, make sure to tape it shut securely before transport.

Step 4: Transport with Care

When transporting the wedding cake, it is essential to keep it in a stable and secure position. Place the box on a level surface, preferably on the floor of your vehicle, to avoid any wobbling or slanting. Keep the vehicle cool by using the air conditioner, and avoid direct sunlight on the cake. Drive carefully, slowing down or stopping before sharp turns or speed bumps.

Step 5: Final Placement at the Venue

Once you arrive at the venue, carefully remove the cake from the box and place it on the designated cake stand. If the cake is on a drum that matches the colour of the stand, you can simply leave it as is. Otherwise, you may want to cover the drum with a ribbon or decorate it to match the colour scheme.

By following these steps, you can confidently transport a wedding cake using a cake drum and a sturdy cardboard box, ensuring it arrives safely and securely at its final destination.

Place the cake on a flat surface in the vehicle

When transporting a wedding cake, it's important to ensure that the vehicle has a flat surface to place the cake on. The floor of the vehicle is typically the most stable area, especially if it has a non-stick liner or a textured yoga mat to prevent sliding. Avoid placing the cake on laps or slanted car seats, as they can be unstable and cause damage to the cake.

To ensure the cake's stability during transport, it is recommended to use a cake drum or a sturdy cardboard box. A cake drum is a heavy-duty cake board, typically at least 1/2 inch thick, that provides a sturdy base. The cake should be tiered on the cake drum, which is then placed inside a cardboard box of the same width. This way, the cake won't be damaged during transport.

If you're creating a custom box, start with a cardboard box that is wide and tall enough for your tiered cake and the same size as the cake drum. Securely tape up the short sides of the box, then cut one tall side open to create a door for sliding in the cake. Tape the door shut before driving to the venue.

It's also crucial to keep the vehicle cool during transport, even if the cake doesn't require refrigeration. Keep the air conditioner on and avoid direct sunlight on the cake. For long trips, consider picking up the cake the day before the wedding and placing it in the fridge overnight to slowly thaw.

By following these steps, you can confidently transport a wedding cake while ensuring its stability and structural integrity.

Keep the vehicle cool

When transporting a wedding cake, it's crucial to keep the vehicle cool to ensure the cake remains intact. Here are some tips to achieve that:

• Ensure the car is well-ventilated and turn on the air conditioning to keep the interior temperature cool. If possible, let the air conditioning run for a few minutes before placing the cake inside.
• Consider travelling with a companion who can hold the cake steady and maintain a cool temperature in the car.
• Place the cake on a flat surface to prevent sliding. Avoid placing it on seats that may be angled or uneven.
• Use a cooler with dry ice or ice packs to keep the cake chilled during transport, especially for longer journeys. Alternatively, a styrofoam cooler can be used to keep the temperature low.
• If using a cooler, ensure there is a towel or barrier between the ice packs and the cake to avoid direct contact.
• Tinted windows can help insulate the car and reduce the amount of direct sunlight entering the vehicle, keeping the temperature lower.
• Drive carefully and slowly to minimise sudden movements or bumps that could affect the cake's structure.
• Consider placing a sign on your vehicle, such as "Cake on Board," to alert other drivers and explain your cautious driving.

Frequently asked questions