Wedding Cake Tasting: A Pre-Wedding Treat

Planning a wedding is a complex task, and the time it takes to organise one depends on many factors. One of the most important tasks is choosing a venue, as this sets the tone for the entire event. From there, other elements such as the style of dress, photography, and music can be decided. Booking the venue, photographer, band, or DJ well in advance is crucial to securing your preferences. But what about the wedding cake? How far ahead of time should you order it, and how long will it stay fresh?

How to preserve your wedding cake

Preserving your wedding cake is a great way to ensure you can celebrate your first anniversary with a slice of cake from your big day. It's a tradition that dates back to Victorian England, when couples served alcohol-soaked fruitcake on their first anniversary. While modern cakes may not keep quite as well, there are still some steps you can take to give your cake a chance. Here's how to preserve your wedding cake:

Choose the right type of cake

Some cakes are better suited to freezing than others. If you want to preserve your cake, opt for a sturdier variety. Fruitcakes, carrot cakes, and oil-based cakes tend to last longer. Avoid delicate cakes with lemon curd or custard fillings, or those with cream cheese, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.

Initial chilling and wrapping

After cutting the cake, get the top tier into the refrigerator or freezer as soon as possible. Allow the cake to chill for a few hours until the icing hardens, which will make it easier to wrap. Then, wrap the cake gently but tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring it is covered in at least three layers to prevent freezer burn. If the cake is on cardboard, wrap that in foil first.

Container and freezing

Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container, such as a cake box, Tupperware, or a special wedding cake freezer container. Seal the container with tape or use a vacuum sealer to remove all the air. Label the container with a permanent marker or sticker so you know what it is. Finally, place the container in the freezer, ideally somewhere it won't be disturbed for a year.

Defrosting

When your first anniversary arrives, take the cake out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator 24 hours before you plan to eat it. Once you're ready to enjoy the cake, unwrap it and let it sit at room temperature for 4-6 hours to fully thaw. It won't taste exactly as it did on your wedding day, but it's a fun tradition to take part in.

How long can you keep a wedding cake?

Wedding cakes can be preserved for a long time, especially if you plan to save the top tier for your first wedding anniversary.

Historically, the top tier of the wedding cake was saved to be eaten on the day of the couple's first child's christening, which usually happened within a year of the wedding. However, this tradition has evolved, and now couples often save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first wedding anniversary.

If you want to save your wedding cake for your first anniversary, it's important to take the proper steps to preserve it. Freezing is the best option to keep your cake preserved. It's recommended to cover your cake and place it in the freezer overnight. The next morning, wrap your cake in several layers of freezer plastic wrap, avoiding aluminium foil, as it can cause freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to a year.

When you're ready to eat your cake, thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours, and then bring it to room temperature for another hour before serving.

It's important to note that the type of cake and filling can impact how well it preserves. Fruit fillings can change the texture of the cake when thawed, and buttercream-based cakes tend to preserve better than oil-based cakes. Additionally, it's crucial to minimise the time the cake sits at room temperature before freezing, as bacteria can grow during this period.

While it's possible to preserve your wedding cake for a year, some people may prefer to eat it sooner. You can enjoy your preserved wedding cake whenever you like, whether it's at your one-month, three-month, or six-month anniversary.

If you're unsure about eating year-old cake, there are other ways to preserve your wedding cake memories. You can ask your baker to make a smaller version of your wedding cake for your anniversary or ensure your wedding photographer captures beautiful photos of the cake to cherish forever.

What type of cake is best for preservation?

The type of cake that is best for preservation depends on how long you want to preserve it for. If you're looking to preserve a wedding cake for your first anniversary, for example, it's important to choose a cake with a longer shelf life, as any cake will be a little stale by the time a year passes, even if it's frozen.

Fruitcakes, for example, were a traditional choice for weddings in 19th-century England, as they could be preserved for long periods. These cakes were dense and often alcohol-soaked, helping them to last.

Today, cakes with dense and hearty compositions, such as chocolate, hazelnut, almond, and carrot cake, will have a longer shelf life. Cakes with delicate ingredients like white cake, fresh fruit cake, and whipped cream fillings will dry out faster.

If you're set on preserving a cake, it's best to avoid those with lemon curd, custard fillings, or cream cheese and whipped cream frostings.

How to transport a wedding cake

Transporting a wedding cake is a nerve-wracking task that requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here are some comprehensive guidelines on how to transport a wedding cake safely:

Pre-Transport Preparations:

Before embarking on the delivery, it's crucial to decide whether to transport the cake tiers individually or stacked. Unless the cake has a central dowel for support, it's generally recommended to transport no more than two tiers stacked. Central dowelling involves using a long pine dowel secured to a sturdy base, allowing individual cake tiers to be stacked securely and preventing movement during delivery.

Packing the Cake for Transport:

Ensure that each cake tier is properly dowelled and placed in a sturdy and secure cake box. The box should be tall enough to accommodate the cake and any additional decorations, such as sugar flowers. Line the box with a non-slip mat or bubble wrap to prevent the cake from shifting during transport. Secure the lid of the box tightly to protect the cake from unexpected weather conditions, such as wind or rain.

Additionally, prepare an emergency kit with essential tools and supplies, such as smoothers, spare dowels, florist tape, cocktail sticks, spare ribbon, royal icing, wire cutters, scissors, a spatula, wipes, and spare decorations. This kit will come in handy in case of any last-minute issues or accidents during transport.

Vehicle Preparation:

The choice of vehicle is crucial. Opt for a car, SUV, or van with a spacious and flat loading area to ensure the cake has a stable surface. Pre-cool the vehicle by turning on the air conditioning to maintain a cool environment, especially if the cake contains perishable ingredients like buttercream. Protect the cake from direct sunlight by using sun shields or positioning it in a shaded area of the vehicle.

Transporting the Cake:

When placing the cake in the vehicle, ensure it rests on a flat and level surface, such as the boot or footwell. Avoid placing it on car seats, as they can be unstable and slanted. If possible, line the boot or chosen area with a non-slip mat for added stability. Refrigerate buttercream cakes a few hours before delivery to prevent melting during transport.

Always allow extra time for deliveries and drive slowly and cautiously. Avoid sudden accelerations, sharp turns, or abrupt brakes to minimise the risk of cake damage. If possible, have a helper accompany you to monitor and support the cake during the journey.

Arriving at the Venue:

Upon arrival, carefully inspect the cake for any movement or damage. If any issues are found, use your emergency kit to make necessary repairs. Once the cake is set up, conduct a final inspection to ensure it is stable and intact. Take photographs from multiple angles for your records and proof of safe delivery. Provide the venue staff or event coordinator with a hand-off sheet detailing flavours, allergens, non-edible items, and any other relevant information.

How to cut a wedding cake

Cutting the wedding cake is one of the most beloved wedding traditions. It is the first official activity that the newly married couple will do together, and it makes for the perfect photo opportunity. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut a wedding cake:

Choose a Solid Location

Pick a spot with a solid surface where you both have enough room to stand comfortably. Avoid direct sunlight, as you don't want the tiers to slide as soon as you touch the cake.

Take a Slice Out of the Bottom Tier for the Ceremony

Stand behind the cake and hold the knife together. Take a small slice out of the largest tier, which is usually the bottom tier. This is when the cake is whisked away to the kitchen, and the tiers are removed for the actual cutting to begin.

Use the Right Knife

While there are beautiful keepsake cake-cutting knives, it is recommended to use a real knife for cutting the cake in the kitchen. An 8-inch sharp-bladed knife and a pitcher of hot water are suggested for making nice, neat slices. Also, have a spatula handy to help with plating.

Separate the Tiers

Separate the tiers, as each tier of cake is built on its own piece of cardboard. Look out for dowels used for stability throughout the cake.

Cut It Into a Grid

Cut the cake into a grid pattern. For a round cake, cut it like a dartboard with circular sections and slices down the middle. The slices should be about 1 inch thick. For a square cake, cut it into a large grid to make each slice a little square.

Add a Flower to Each Piece

If your cake has fondant decor, carefully place a flower on each plate as a garnish.

Serve It Buffet Style

If you have multiple flavours of cake, serve it buffet-style so that guests can choose their favourite. If there is only one flavour, it can be served to everyone at their tables.

Don't Forget Your Anniversary Tier

If you plan to save a piece of your cake to eat on your first anniversary, remember to save the top tier. This is traditionally what couples save as a mini version of their cake.

Frequently asked questions