Tasting Wedding Cake After A Year: Does It Still Taste Good?

There is a long-honoured tradition for married couples to freeze the top layer of their wedding cake and eat it on their first anniversary for good luck. However, most people who follow this tradition say the cake tastes terrible. The custom dates back to a time when weddings were celebrated with liqueur-soaked fruitcakes, which acted as natural preservatives. Modern sponge cakes and buttercream recipes are not made to be frozen for any period, even a few days.

The tradition of saving the top tier

Today, wedding cakes are typically made with modern sponge cake and buttercream recipes that are not designed to be frozen for long periods. As a result, many couples who have tried year-old wedding cake report that it is inedible or even caused food poisoning.

To properly preserve the top tier of a wedding cake, it should be wrapped in plastic shrink wrap and tin foil, sealed inside an airtight container, and placed in the refrigerator as soon as possible after the wedding. It is also recommended to let the cake solidify in the fridge before freezing to prevent the frosting from being crushed.

Despite the risks to taste and quality, some couples still choose to participate in this tradition. Bakers and caterers can advise on the best methods for preserving a specific cake and, if requested, may even provide a fresh replica of the top tier on a couple's first anniversary.

How to preserve the cake

Preserving a wedding cake for a year is possible but challenging. The tradition of saving the top tier of a wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary dates back to when weddings were celebrated with liqueur-soaked fruitcakes, which acted as natural preservatives. Modern sponge cakes and buttercream recipes are not designed to be frozen for long periods. However, if you wish to preserve your cake, here are some steps to follow:

Wrapping and Storing:

• As soon as possible after cutting the cake, wrap the top layer securely in plastic shrink wrap, ensuring all sides are covered.
• Then, wrap the cake in tin foil, again making sure all sides are covered.
• Place the wrapped cake inside an airtight container and store it in the freezer.
• If possible, use a chest freezer instead of a standard freezer for better preservation.
• If you need to transport the cake during the year, make sure it stays frozen during the move.

Choosing the Right Cake:

• Cakes with more moisture tend to do better in the freezer.
• Oil-based cakes are thought to last longer than butter-based ones.
• Chocolate cakes may fare better than vanilla.
• Avoid fruit-based fillings as freezing and thawing can alter the texture of the fruit.

Thawing and Eating:

• When you are ready to eat the cake, thaw it in the fridge for around 24 hours, then let it sit at room temperature for about an hour.
• Be aware that the flavour and texture of the cake will likely have deteriorated, even if properly preserved.

Alternative Options:

• Instead of freezing the cake, consider asking your baker to make a miniature version of your wedding cake for your first anniversary, ensuring it is fresh and tasty.
• Some bakers include a small cake a year later as part of their package, so you can enjoy a fresh cake without the hassle of preservation.

Preserving a wedding cake for a year is possible, but it requires careful preparation and storage. Even then, the cake's quality will likely suffer. Weighing the options and choosing an alternative may be a wiser choice for a more enjoyable anniversary experience.

Cakes with more moisture do better in the freezer

Cakes with more moisture are more likely to retain their quality in the freezer, even if they are not as delicious as a fresh cake. The moisture content helps to prevent the cake from drying out, which can happen with butter-based cakes. Chocolate cakes also tend to freeze better than vanilla cakes, as the cocoa content can mask any changes in flavour that may occur during freezing.

Additionally, it is important to avoid fruit-based fillings when freezing a cake. Freezing and thawing can change the texture of the fruit, making it mushy or mealy. This can affect the overall quality of the cake.

To further preserve the quality of a cake in the freezer, it is essential to wrap it properly. Designate a member of the wedding party to ensure that the cake is wrapped in plastic shrink wrap and tin foil and sealed inside an airtight container before placing it in the refrigerator as soon as possible. This will help to protect the cake from freezer burn and prolong its shelf life.

While it is possible to freeze a cake with high moisture content, it is still recommended to enjoy a fresh cake on special occasions. A miniature recreation of the original wedding cake can be a delightful alternative, guaranteeing a fresh and delicious experience.

The psychology of wedding cake

The wedding cake is a highly anticipated part of the wedding, and not just for the happy couple but for the guests too. The cake is often seen as a symbol of the wedding, and it is presented and displayed as such. It is a centrepiece, a work of art, and a focal point of the reception.

The cake is often chosen with great care and consideration, with couples sampling and tasting a variety of options before making their final decision. The flavour, texture, and design are all important factors and can be tailored to the couple's preferences and personalities.

The tradition of saving the top tier of the wedding cake to eat on the first anniversary is a long-standing one. It is said to bring good luck, and it harks back to a time when weddings were celebrated with liqueur-soaked fruitcakes. The sugar and alcohol in these cakes acted as natural preservatives, and they would often be eaten at the christening of the couple's first child.

Today, the tradition is more of a ritual, and many couples are unsure about the safety and taste of year-old cake. Experts agree that freezing cake for a year is generally safe, provided it is properly wrapped and stored at a constant frozen temperature. However, the quality of the cake will likely suffer, and it may not taste as delicious as it did on the wedding day.

Some couples choose to forego the tradition, opting for a fresh cake on their anniversary instead. This ensures a more enjoyable experience, as a year-old cake, even when properly preserved, may not live up to taste expectations.

The presentation and context of the wedding cake play a significant role in how it is perceived and enjoyed. The same cake served at a wedding and on another occasion may be received differently due to the psychological associations and expectations surrounding wedding cakes.

Ultimately, the wedding cake is a special part of the celebration, and whether it is enjoyed fresh or frozen, it holds symbolic significance for the couple and their guests.

Fresh alternatives to frozen cake

It is a tradition for couples to save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their one-year anniversary. However, opinions vary on whether or not year-old cake tastes good. Some say it tastes terrible or causes food poisoning, while others claim that it still tastes fine, as long as it is wrapped well and stored in a chest freezer.

If you're looking for fresh alternatives to frozen cake, here are some suggestions:

Order a Fresh Cake

Ask your baker to make a small, fresh cake for your one-year anniversary that mimics your wedding cake. This way, you can enjoy a delicious, fresh cake without having to worry about freezer burn or food poisoning. Some bakers even include this as part of their wedding cake package.

Sheet Cakes

Sheet cakes are a great alternative to freezing the top tier of your wedding cake. They can be made ahead of time and frozen, then thawed and decorated for your one-year anniversary. This ensures that you have a fresh cake to enjoy without the hassle of preserving and storing a tiered cake.

Other Desserts

Instead of freezing your wedding cake, you could opt for other fresh desserts to enjoy on your anniversary. Consider ordering a selection of pastries, cupcakes, or even a dessert that complements your cake flavours. That way, you can still indulge your sweet tooth without worrying about the taste of year-old cake.

Vacuum-Sealed Cake

If you're set on freezing your wedding cake, consider investing in a vacuum sealer. Vacuum-packing your cake can help it hold up better in the freezer and prevent freezer burn. Just be sure to wrap it tightly and store it in a chest freezer to ensure maximum freshness.

Fresh Breads

If you're looking for a longer-lasting alternative to freezing an entire cake, consider making and freezing homemade sweet breads. They can be frozen for up to six months without issue, as long as they are not frosted or filled. This way, you can enjoy a sweet treat on your anniversary without worrying about the quality of year-old cake.

Frequently asked questions