Preserving Your Wedding Cake: Tips For Sweet Memories

Preserving the top tier of a wedding cake is a tradition that dates back to the 19th century. Newlyweds would serve the top tier of their wedding cake at their first child's christening to cut down on costs. Today, the tradition has evolved into a way for couples to celebrate their first wedding anniversary by rekindling memories of their wedding day. While some couples may choose to rely on their baker or caterer for post-wedding preservation, it is possible to preserve the top tier of a wedding cake at home by following a few simple steps.

Remove decorations and flowers from the cake

Removing flowers and decorations from your wedding cake is an important step in preserving your cake. This is especially true for fresh flowers, as they will spoil quickly, but it is recommended to remove all flowers and decorations to ensure your cake is properly preserved.

If you want to keep your flowers as a memento, you can set them aside in a dry, room-temperature location. However, it is important to note that flowers are often treated with pesticides and other chemicals, so be sure to use food-safe materials to handle them if you plan to eat your cake.

To remove flowers and decorations from your cake, start by carefully pulling them out of the cake. If the flowers have been taped or glued in place, you may need to gently loosen them before pulling them out. Be careful not to damage the cake or icing during this process.

Once the flowers and decorations have been removed, inspect the cake for any remaining pieces. You may need to use a small knife or offset spatula to gently lift and remove any stuck-on pieces. Again, be gentle to avoid damaging the cake.

After removing all the flowers and decorations, it is important to smooth out the surface of the cake. Use a spatula or your hands to gently press down any icing peaks or bumps created during the removal process. This will help ensure your cake is evenly covered and sealed for preservation.

Finally, give the cake a light dusting of icing sugar or cornstarch to help absorb any excess moisture and create a barrier between the cake and the plastic wrap. This will help keep your cake fresh and prevent it from drying out during storage.

Chill the cake in the refrigerator

To preserve your wedding cake, it is important to chill it in the refrigerator before wrapping it up. This will prevent the icing from sticking to the plastic wrap and making a mess. It is also a good idea to clear out any foods with strong odors from your refrigerator to prevent the cake from absorbing unwanted smells.

Chilling the cake will take at least three hours or even overnight for the icing to harden. If you are in a hurry, you can place the cake in the freezer for an hour or so to speed up the process. However, it is important to note that freezing the cake for too long before wrapping it can lead to a gooey mess as the soft, sticky frosting starts to melt.

Once the icing has hardened, you can then wrap the cake in plastic wrap. This step is crucial as it helps to seal in the cake's original taste and texture. Make sure to wrap every inch of the cake tightly, with no air bubbles, to prevent it from drying out.

After the cake has been properly chilled and wrapped, it is now safe to place it in an airtight container and store it in the freezer until your first anniversary.

Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container

Wrapping and storing your wedding cake is a delicate process. If you want to preserve your wedding cake for your first anniversary, it's important to follow the correct steps to ensure your cake stays fresh.

Firstly, it's crucial to remove all decorations from the cake, including flowers, cake toppers, and other adornments. This will ensure that your cake is smooth and ready for wrapping. It is also important to note that if your cake is on a cardboard base, you should transfer it to a plastic one to prevent the cardboard from affecting the taste of the cake during the freezing process.

Once your cake is free of decorations, it's time to chill it. Place the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the icing to harden. This step is important because it will make the cake easier to handle and prevent the plastic wrap from sticking to the icing.

Now, it's time to wrap the cake. Remove the cake from the refrigerator and wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap. Make sure to press the plastic wrap directly against the surface of the cake, ensuring there are no gaps or holes. This step is crucial in creating an airtight seal to protect the cake from freezer odours and burn.

After the cake is securely wrapped in plastic, it should be placed inside an airtight container or a freezer bag. This additional layer will provide extra protection from air and odours in the freezer. It is a good idea to label the container or bag, so you know what it is and don't accidentally throw it away.

Finally, place the wrapped and containerised cake in the freezer, ideally at the back where it will be the coldest and least exposed to warm air when the freezer door is opened. By following these steps, you will give your wedding cake the best chance of staying fresh and tasty for your first anniversary.

Place the wrapped cake in the freezer

Once you have wrapped your wedding cake in plastic wrap and foil, it's time to place it in the freezer. This is best done as soon as possible after your wedding day, to ensure the cake is as fresh as it can be when it comes to defrosting and eating it.

The cake should be put at the back of the freezer, where it is coldest and least exposed to warm air when the freezer door is opened. It is also important to remember that the cake will not be the only thing in your freezer for the next year, so it is a good idea to ensure that any aromatic foods, such as fish or onions, are well-wrapped and sealed. You could also put a box of baking soda in the freezer to absorb any smells.

It is also worth noting that power outages and other unexpected events may occur, which could cause the cake to be temporarily removed from the freezer. This is not ideal, but it is not the end of the world. It is possible to freeze and defrost a cake more than once, but it should be avoided if possible.

Finally, if you are planning on moving house during the first year of marriage, it is a good idea to keep the cake somewhere that it can remain untouched, such as a parent's house, to avoid defrosting and refreezing.

Defrost the cake before eating

So, the big day has been and gone, and you want to save your wedding cake to enjoy on your first anniversary. It's a lovely tradition, but now you need to know how to defrost it safely.

First, it's important to remember that your cake will be stale after a year in the freezer. It won't taste as good as it did on your wedding day, but if you've wrapped and stored it correctly, it won't be inedible.

The best way to defrost your wedding cake is to put it in the fridge, still wrapped, for at least 24 hours. You can leave it in the fridge for up to two days before eating, but not much longer, or it will go stale.

After it has thawed in the fridge, take your cake out and place it on the counter, still covered, for about an hour before you plan to eat it. This will bring it up to the perfect temperature for eating.

Once you're ready to serve the cake, carefully remove the wrappings. If the frosting or decorations have been damaged during the freezing or thawing process, you can touch them up now.

And that's it! You're now ready to enjoy your wedding cake all over again.

Frequently asked questions