Preserving Your Wedding Fruit Cake: Tips For Longevity

Wedding cakes are often preserved by newlyweds to be eaten on their first anniversary, or at the christening of their first child. This tradition dates back to the 19th century when couples would typically have their first child within the first year of marriage and serve the top tier of their wedding cake at the christening to cut down on costs. While wedding cakes today are less likely to be fruit cakes, traditional fruit cakes are the best type to preserve as they have a long shelf life and improve with age. If you want to preserve your wedding fruit cake, it's important to remove any decorations and chill the cake before wrapping it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight container in the freezer. When you're ready to eat the cake, remove it from the freezer and allow it to defrost slowly in the fridge, before bringing it to room temperature.

Refrigerate the cake before freezing

To preserve a wedding fruit cake, it is important to refrigerate the cake before freezing. This is because the refrigeration process hardens the icing, making it easier to wrap the cake without the icing sticking to the plastic wrap.

Chilling the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until the buttercream or filling is firm will make wrapping the cake a lot easier. If you want to cut individual slices, do so after the cake is chilled.

Chilling the cake will also help to preserve the integrity of the icing, as it will be less likely to get damaged during the wrapping and freezing process. This is an important step to ensure that your cake stays fresh and tasty.

After the cake is chilled, wrap the whole tier or individual slices with cling film. It is recommended to wrap tightly with 1 to 2 layers. This will provide the cake's first defence against freezer burn.

Once the cake is wrapped, it can then be placed in an airtight container or zip lock bag. It is important to remove as much air as possible from the bag to help protect the cake from odours, moisture, freezer burn, and to maintain freshness.

Labelling and dating the cake will help you identify what it is and how long it has been frozen. If the cake is in a zip lock bag, place it on a flat surface in the freezer overnight until it is solid. Once the cake is frozen, you can move it around and store it alongside other items in the freezer.

Wrap the cake in cling film

Wrapping your wedding fruit cake in cling film is an essential step in preserving it for your first anniversary. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Firstly, it is important to note that your cake should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes or until the icing or buttercream is firm. Chilling the cake will make it easier to handle and prevent the cling film from sticking to the icing. If you plan to cut the cake into slices, it is best to do so after it has been chilled.

Now, you are ready to wrap the cake. Take the cake out of the refrigerator and place it on a clean surface. Start by placing the cling film directly on top of the cake, gently but tightly wrapping it around the sides and underneath the bottom. Ensure that you cover the cake thoroughly and securely, creating a firm hold. Repeat this step, adding another layer of cling film for extra protection. It is important to wrap the cake tightly and smoothly to minimise the chance of spoilage.

At this point, some sources recommend adding an extra layer of protection by wrapping the cake in tin foil. This additional layer helps to ensure the wrapping is airtight and provides further defence against freezer burn.

Once you have finished wrapping the cake, place it in the freezer for an hour to allow the icing to harden and prevent sticking when you handle the cake. After this, your cake is ready to be placed in an airtight container or freezer bag and stored in the freezer until your anniversary!

Remember, taking the time to wrap and store your wedding fruit cake properly is essential to ensure it stays fresh and tasty for your first anniversary.

Store in an airtight container

Storing your wedding fruit cake in an airtight container is the final step in the preservation process. Before this, you should have already wrapped the cake in cling film, with some sources recommending multiple layers of cling film.

The airtight container will help to protect the cake from odours, moisture, and freezer burn. It will also help to maintain the freshness of the cake. It is also recommended to label and date the cake so that you know what it is and how long it has been frozen.

If you are using a ziplock bag, place it on a flat surface in the freezer overnight until the cake is solid. Once the cake is hard, you can move it and store it alongside other items. However, it is important to remember that a cake will never freeze completely solid and can be easily damaged by heavy or bulky items.

Defrosting the cake

Remove from Freezer:

Take the wrapped, frozen cake out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator. It is important to defrost the cake slowly to avoid excess moisture and condensation. Aim to leave it in the fridge for at least 12 hours or until it is almost completely thawed. The duration may vary depending on the size of the cake.

Unwrap the Cake:

Once the cake is mostly defrosted, remove it from the refrigerator and carefully take off the cling wrap or plastic wrapping. It is important to note that the cake should still be slightly frozen to avoid damaging the cake or its decorations during the unwrapping process.

Allow to Reach Room Temperature:

Place the unwrapped cake on a bench or countertop and let it come to room temperature. This step is crucial as it allows the cake and fillings to soften. Depending on the size of the slice or tier, this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours. The ambient temperature of the room will also play a role in the defrosting time.

Re-decorate (Optional):

If you have any salvaged decorations, such as sugar flowers, faux fruit, or a cake topper, you can use them to redecorate your cake. For sugar flowers, gently wipe off any excess frosting with a paper towel and allow them to dry completely before placing them on the cake.

Enjoy Your Cake:

Finally, your wedding fruit cake is ready to be enjoyed! Remember that even with proper preservation, the cake may taste a little dry or stale compared to when it was fresh. However, with these steps, you will still be able to savour a delicious piece of your wedding cake and relive the memories of your special day.

Re-icing the cake

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Before you start re-icing, ensure that your cake is well-wrapped and frozen. If you haven't already, wrap the cake tightly in two layers of cling film and then in tin foil. This helps to protect the cake from freezer burn and prevents condensation from forming when you thaw the cake later on.

Step 2: Choose Your Icing

There are several types of icing you can use for a fruit cake. A popular option is royal icing, which is made from icing sugar and egg whites. You can also add glycerine to make the icing softer, or a bit of lemon juice to reduce the sweetness. Fondant icing is another option, although it can be more challenging to make. Cream cheese icing is also a delicious choice, especially if you're looking for something a little less sweet.

Step 3: Prepare the Icing

If you're using royal icing, start by separating egg whites and putting them in a large bowl. Beat the egg whites briefly to break them down. If you're using cream cheese icing, simply mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. You can adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or cream.

Step 4: Apply the Icing

Once your icing is ready, it's time to apply it to the cake. Start by placing a thin layer of icing on the cake, also known as a crumb coat. This helps to seal in any crumbs and creates a smooth base for the final layer of icing. Place the cake in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to let the crumb coat set. Then, apply the final layer of icing, making sure to cover the entire cake evenly.

Step 5: Decorate the Cake

Now comes the fun part—decorating your cake! You can use sugar flowers, faux fruit, a cake topper, or any other decorations you choose. If you're using royal icing, you can also create a snow effect by placing the flat blade of a palette knife on the icing and quickly pulling it off.

Step 6: Store the Cake

Once your cake is re-iced and decorated, it's important to store it properly. Place the cake in an airtight container and store it in the freezer until you're ready to enjoy it. To thaw the cake, remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator two days before you plan to eat it. Then, take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before serving.

Re-icing your wedding fruit cake is a great way to ensure it stays fresh and delicious for your special occasion. By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy a beautiful and tasty cake on your one-year anniversary or any other celebration.

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