Franklin Dean
There are many reasons why couples might want to freeze their wedding cake. A lot of thought and consideration go into choosing the perfect cake, from the buttercream texture to the layer flavor and filling. Not to mention, the cake is often designed to match the wedding's aesthetic. Freezing the top tier of the wedding cake is a way to preserve a memory of the special day. The tradition of freezing a wedding cake dates back to the 18th century in Great Britain, when the cake was served as part of the celebration to welcome the couple's first child. Nowadays, the top tier is often eaten on the couple's first anniversary. However, it is important to note that freezing a wedding cake for a whole year and expecting it to taste the same is a tall order. While some cakes will fare better than others, most bakers recommend not saving the cake for more than six months.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How long can a wedding cake be frozen? | A traditional fruit cake can be preserved for longer than a year. However, a sponge cake will not hold up as well. Sponge cakes should not be frozen for longer than one month to avoid freezer burn. |
| How to freeze a wedding cake? | To freeze a wedding cake, first, remove any decorations like sugar flowers or other adornments. Then, chill the cake in the refrigerator before wrapping it up so that the icing hardens. Wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap to keep the cake's original taste and texture. Do not use aluminum foil as it can cause freezer burn. Seal the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe airtight container and place it in the freezer. |
| How to defrost a wedding cake? | Take the cake out of the freezer 24 to 48 hours before you plan to eat it. Remove the cake from its airtight container and slowly unwrap it. Place the cake back into the airtight container and put it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight. On the day you plan to eat the cake, take it out of the refrigerator and the container. Let the cake sit for about two hours or until it reaches room temperature. |
What You'll Learn
How to freeze a wedding cake
Freezing a wedding cake is a great way to preserve the top tier for your first anniversary or the christening of your first child. Here is a detailed guide on how to properly freeze a wedding cake:
Before the Wedding
Before your wedding, it is important to inform your catering staff about your plan to save the top tier of the cake. Ask them to carefully box it up for transport immediately after the cake-cutting ceremony. You can also appoint a "cake captain", a family member or friend, to take the cake home after the wedding.
Remove Decorations
The first step to freezing a wedding cake is to remove any large decorations such as cake toppers, ribbons, and sugar flowers. Smaller decorations made from icing can be left on.
Transfer to Airtight Container
If the cake is placed on a cardboard bottom that is not wrapped in foil, transfer it to a foil-covered cardboard or a plastic plate. This will prevent the cake from absorbing any cardboard smell or taste.
Pre-Freeze
Place the cake in the freezer for about an hour to harden the icing. This will prevent the icing from sticking to the plastic wrap when wrapped.
Wrap the Cake
Remove the cake from the freezer and wrap it tightly in two layers of cling film and tin foil, if necessary. Ensure that the wrapping is airtight and covers the cake from top to bottom and on all sides.
Store in the Freezer
Place the wrapped cake back into the freezer, preferably in a clean drawer, and let it harden completely. If you plan to store the cake for a year, consider marking it with a ribbon or label so you don't accidentally throw it away.
Defrosting
When it's time to enjoy your cake, take it out of the freezer and remove the wrapping. Then, let the cake defrost in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours. Finally, bring the cake to room temperature for about 2 to 3 hours before serving.
Alternative Method
An alternative method is to slice the cake into individual servings and wrap each slice separately before placing them in freezer bags. After a week or two, remove the wrappings and vacuum seal each slice before returning them to the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy your cake, take a slice out of the freezer, keep it vacuum-sealed, and let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
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How to defrost a wedding cake
Preserving your wedding cake and eating it on your first anniversary is a sweet tradition. However, defrosting it incorrectly can lead to condensation forming and leaving permanent marks on your icing. Here is a guide on how to successfully defrost your wedding cake:
Before freezing
Before you think about defrosting your wedding cake, it's important to prepare it for freezing. Wrapping the cake is essential to prevent it from drying out and to stop it from tasting like cardboard. It's recommended to use at least two layers of cling film and then foil if necessary. Make sure the wrapping is airtight to avoid any taste of freezer burn.
The day before
Take the cake out of the freezer and remove the wrapping. Then, place the cake in the fridge for at least a couple of hours or up to 24-48 hours. This will ensure the cake defrosts slowly and carefully, avoiding any marks on the icing.
Two hours before
Take the cake out of the fridge and place it on a cake stand or plate to bring it to room temperature. This will take around two to three hours.
Enjoy!
Your wedding cake is now ready to eat and should taste as sweet as it did on your wedding day!
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How long can you keep a wedding cake frozen for?
Freezing a wedding cake is a great way to preserve a memory of your special day and can be a delicious way to celebrate your first anniversary. However, it's important to note that not all cakes are suitable for freezing, and the taste and texture may change over time.
The length of time you can keep a wedding cake frozen depends on the type of cake. For example, a traditional fruit cake can be preserved for longer than a year, while a sponge cake with fruit and cream should not be frozen for more than a month. Buttercream-iced cakes freeze very well, and heartier cakes like chocolate, carrot, hazelnut, and almond can withstand a year in the freezer.
To ensure your cake stays fresh and tasty, it's crucial to follow the proper freezing and wrapping techniques. Before freezing, remove any decorations and chill the cake so that the icing hardens. Then, wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap, making sure there are no air bubbles, and place it in an airtight container. Finally, store it in the freezer, preferably in the back where it's coldest and least exposed to warm air.
When it's time to enjoy your frozen wedding cake, remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours. Then, bring it to room temperature for about two hours before serving.
While it's possible to keep a wedding cake frozen for an extended period, it's recommended to consume it within a year to ensure the best taste and texture.
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What types of wedding cake shouldn't be frozen?
While most wedding cakes can be frozen, there are some types that don't freeze well or won't taste good after thawing. Here are some types of wedding cakes that are not ideal for freezing:
- Sponge cakes: These cakes are delicate and tend not to hold up well in the freezer. While some couples have reported success in freezing sponge cakes, it is generally not recommended to freeze them for longer than one month.
- Cakes with whipped cream topping: Whipped cream is not suitable for freezing and may not keep as intended.
- Cakes with fresh fruit fillings: Fresh fruit may not freeze successfully and could alter the taste or texture of the cake.
- Cakes with royal icing or meringue-based frostings: These types of icing and frostings are not suitable for freezing and may not hold up well.
- Glazed cakes: Glaze does not hold up well in the freezer, so it is recommended to wait to glaze the cake until it is ready to be served.
It is important to note that the type of icing and decorations used can also impact the freezing process. Fondant, buttercream, ganache, and cream cheese frosting generally freeze well due to their high fat content. However, it is recommended to remove large decorations, such as ribbon, cake toppers, and flowers, before freezing to avoid any reactions or condensation issues during thawing.
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Alternatives to freezing your wedding cake
Freezing your wedding cake is a time-honoured tradition, but it's not the only way to preserve this sweet memento. Here are some alternatives to freezing your wedding cake:
Enjoy it later, freshly baked
If you love the idea of enjoying your wedding cake on your first anniversary but don't want to freeze it, you can ask your baker to create a replica of the top tier. This way, you can savour a freshly baked cake on your special day while still honouring the tradition.
Slice and store
Instead of freezing the entire top tier, consider slicing it and storing the pieces in an airtight container. This way, you can savour your wedding cake over time without having to worry about freezer burn or stale cake.
Preserve with photos
If eating your wedding cake later isn't a priority, you can opt to preserve the memory through photographs. Hire a professional photographer to capture beautiful images of your cake, so you can always look back on it fondly without worrying about storage or preservation.
Gift certificates for a fresh cake
Some bakers offer gift certificates for a free fresh top tier on the couple's first anniversary. This option ensures you get to enjoy a freshly baked cake without the hassle of freezing and storing it yourself. It's also a great way to support your baker and potentially receive discounts on future celebration cakes.
Adjust the ingredients for longer shelf life
If you're set on preserving your wedding cake but don't want to freeze it, talk to your baker about adjusting the ingredients for a longer shelf life. They can provide tips and recommendations to help you keep your cake fresh for as long as possible without freezing.
Opt for non-traditional "cakes"
If you're skipping the traditional wedding cake altogether, you can still participate in the tradition of saving a portion. For example, if you choose cupcakes, set aside one or two. If you prefer pies, ask for a mini pie or just a slice to save. The key is to adjust the tradition to fit your unique tastes and preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding cakes can be kept in the freezer for up to a year, although some sources suggest that they can be kept for longer.
Firstly, remove any decorations from the cake. Then, place the cake in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight so that the icing hardens. Wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap, ensuring that there are no air bubbles. Finally, seal the wrapped cake in an airtight container and place it in the freezer.
Heartier cakes such as chocolate, carrot, hazelnut, and almond cakes will stand up better to a year in the freezer.
Sponge cakes, cakes with whipped cream toppings, and cakes with fresh fruit fillings may not freeze well.
Take the cake out of the freezer 24 to 48 hours before you plan to eat it and place it in the refrigerator. On the day you plan to eat the cake, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about two hours.
