Freezing Your Wedding Cake? Here's How To Wrap It Right

Freezing a wedding cake is not as simple as freezing other foods. If you're looking to preserve your wedding cake for your first anniversary, or even for your first child's christening, you'll need to take certain steps to ensure your cake doesn't dry out or get freezer burn.

Firstly, you'll need to remove any decorations, like flowers or cake toppers, from the cake. Then, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight so that the icing hardens. This will prevent the frosting from sticking to the plastic wrap. Next, wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap, ensuring that every inch of the cake is covered tightly. Do not use aluminium foil, as this can cause freezer burn. Instead, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or freezer bag and put it in the freezer. Mark the cake with a ribbon or label so you don't accidentally throw it out.

When you're ready to eat the cake, take it out of the freezer and remove the wrapping. Allow the cake to thaw for 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator, and then let it come to room temperature for two to three hours before serving.

Removing decorations and wrapping the cake

To prepare your wedding cake for freezing, you must first remove any decorations, such as sugar flowers, cake toppers, ribbons, and other adornments. This is to ensure that the cake can be properly wrapped without the plastic tearings or cling wrap sticking to the icing. Smaller decorations made from icing can be left on the cake.

Once you have removed the decorations, place the cake in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight so that the icing can harden. Chilling the cake will prevent the frosting from sticking to the plastic wrap and creating a mess. Before putting the cake in the refrigerator, clear out any foods with strong odours to prevent the cake from absorbing unwanted smells.

After the cake has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and start wrapping. It is recommended to wrap the cake in two to four layers of plastic wrap or cling film, ensuring that every inch of the cake is covered tightly and there are no air bubbles. This will help to keep the cake's original taste and texture and prevent it from drying out. Do not use aluminium foil at this stage, as it can cause freezer burn.

After the cake is wrapped in plastic, place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or a clean freezer drawer. If using a container, ensure it is large enough so that the cake does not touch any ice, as this can cause freezer burn. Alternatively, you can wrap the cake in another layer of plastic wrap or place it in a ziplock bag to ensure it is fully protected from air exposure.

Using an airtight container

First, remove any decorations, such as sugar flowers or cake toppers, from the cake. This will ensure that these items do not get in the way of the freezing process and allow you to properly wrap the cake without tearing the plastic wrap. If your cake is placed on a cardboard bottom that is not wrapped in foil, you should transfer it to a foil-covered cardboard or a plastic plate to prevent the cake from absorbing a cardboard smell or taste.

Next, chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight to allow the icing to harden. This step is important as it prevents the frosting from sticking to the plastic wrap when you wrap the cake. Before placing the cake in the refrigerator, remove any foods with strong odours to prevent the cake from absorbing those smells.

Once the icing has hardened, remove the cake from the refrigerator and wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap. This will help to keep the cake's original taste and texture. Do not use aluminium foil at this stage, as it can cause freezer burn. Instead, ensure that every inch of the cake is tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, with no air bubbles, to prevent the cake from drying out.

Now, your wedding cake is ready to be placed in an airtight container. Choose a freezer-safe container that is large enough to fit the cake comfortably. Seal the container tightly to create an airtight seal. If you are planning to store the cake for a year, it is a good idea to mark the container with a ribbon or label, so you don't accidentally throw it away.

Finally, place the airtight container with the wrapped cake inside your freezer. When your anniversary draws near, take the cake out of the freezer and follow the defrosting instructions to enjoy a delicious slice of your wedding cake!

Choosing the right type of cake

Firstly, it's important to know that not all cakes are created equal when it comes to freezing. Delicate cakes, like angel food cake, are more likely to become stale during freezing. Heartier cakes, like chocolate, carrot, hazelnut, and almond, will stand up better to a year in the freezer.

If you're set on a lighter, more delicate cake, consider serving this on the day and freezing a separate, smaller cake that has been specifically chosen for its freezing abilities.

Fruit cakes, for example, have long been a traditional choice for weddings and are known for their impressive shelf life. A rich and dense fruit cake can be preserved for longer than a year and is said to bring good luck and prosperity to the couple if eaten a year later.

Alternatively, a simple buttercream cake is always a good option. While it may not last as long as a fruit cake, a buttercream cake can still be frozen for up to a year and will defrost beautifully.

Chocolate cakes are another good choice for freezing, especially if paired with a ton of fillings and frostings to create a decadent experience.

If you're looking for something a little different, a red velvet cake is a great option for a winter wedding. Its moist texture and characterful flavour will still shine through after freezing.

For a summer wedding, a lemon cake is a perfect choice. Light and refreshing, it pairs well with a variety of fillings and can be topped with a light and fluffy frosting.

If you're set on a traditional white cake, consider a vanilla flavour. This timeless classic will appeal to a wide range of guests and can be decorated elegantly with flowers or ribbon.

Whatever flavour you choose, be sure to discuss your plans with your baker, who will be able to advise on the best options for freezing and offer guidance on storage and defrosting.

Defrosting the cake

After removing the cake from the freezer, the next step is to take off all the plastic wrap. This should be done slowly and carefully, especially if the cake is still frozen, to avoid tearing the wrap and damaging the cake. Once all the plastic wrap has been removed, the cake should be placed back into its airtight container and returned to the refrigerator.

The cake should be left in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight. This will ensure the cake is fully defrosted and soft. It is important that the cake is not rushed to reach room temperature, as this can cause condensation to form and leave permanent marks on the icing.

On the day you plan to eat the cake, take it out of the refrigerator and the container. Allow the cake to sit out and reach room temperature, which usually takes about two hours. Then, your delicious wedding cake is ready to be enjoyed and celebrated!

How long to freeze the cake for

How long you should freeze your wedding cake for depends on the type of cake.

A traditional fruit cake can be preserved for longer than a year. However, a sponge cake, especially one with fruit and cream, will not hold up as well. Sponge cakes are usually not recommended to be frozen for longer than a month.

However, one couple shared that they froze their sponge tier and enjoyed it on their first wedding anniversary, saying it was "as delicious then as it was on their wedding day".

To avoid freezer burn, it is recommended to stick to the three-month rule. After three months, periodically check your cake to make sure no ice is building up on it.

If you are concerned about the quality of your cake after freezing it for a year, you can always order a replica from your bakery.

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