Preserving The Wedding Cake: How Long Can You Keep It?

Wedding cakes are a significant part of any wedding celebration, and it's essential to store them correctly to ensure they remain edible. The shelf life of a wedding cake depends on various factors, such as ingredients, frosting, and storage conditions. Generally, wedding cakes can last anywhere from two to seven days, but some cakes can last longer, especially if frozen. Freezing is a popular option for couples who want to save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first wedding anniversary or the christening of their first child. To freeze a wedding cake, it's important to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminium foil and store it in an airtight container at the back of the freezer, where it's coldest. When it's time to serve the frozen cake, it should be thawed properly by taking it out of the freezer and allowing it to thaw at room temperature for several hours or in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours.

Wedding cake freezing tips

If you want to stick with tradition and save the top tier of your wedding cake, here are some tips to ensure it stays fresh and tasty.

Timing is important. Ideally, the cake should be frozen as soon as possible after the wedding, either on the day or the morning after. If you're planning to freeze the top tier, make sure you don't cut into it at the reception. Instead, have the bottom tiers sliced so that the top tier remains intact. Before freezing, remove any decorations such as flowers, cake toppers, and ribbons. If the cake is on a cardboard bottom that isn't foil-wrapped, transfer it to a foil-covered cardboard or a plastic plate to prevent any cardboard smell or taste from seeping into the cake.

To prevent the icing from sticking to the wrapping, it's a good idea to let it chill and set before wrapping the cake. Place the cake in the freezer for about an hour to harden the frosting, then remove it and proceed with the wrapping.

When it comes to wrapping, it's crucial to ensure an airtight seal. Use plastic wrap to tightly wrap the cake, pushing it against the cake's surface to avoid any tiny open holes or folds. You can also use Press & Seal, which is easier to work with and helps keep the cake fresh. After wrapping the cake in plastic, add a layer of aluminium foil for extra protection. Finally, place the wrapped cake in a freezer bag or an airtight container to ensure no air can get to the cake.

Place the wrapped cake in the back of your freezer, where it's coldest and least exposed to warm air when the freezer door is opened.

To defrost the cake, remove it from the freezer a few days before your anniversary and place it in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours to thaw slowly and avoid condensation forming on the icing. Then, bring it to room temperature for about an hour before serving.

While most wedding cakes can be frozen, it's important to note that delicate cakes like sponge cake or those with fresh fruit fillings may not freeze as well. Buttercream and fondant-iced cakes, as well as fruit cakes, are better suited for freezing and will maintain their taste and texture for longer periods.

How long does wedding cake last?

Wedding cakes are a beloved tradition, but how long do they last? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of cake, the frosting, and how it is stored.

Type of Cake

The type of cake you choose for your wedding can impact how long it lasts. Traditional fruit cakes, for example, can be preserved for longer than a year, while a sponge cake may not hold up as well. A sponge cake with fruit and cream, in particular, is not recommended for freezing and should be enjoyed within a month of the wedding.

Frosting

The frosting used on the cake also plays a role in its shelf life. Buttercream and cream cheese frostings tend to spoil faster than fondant frosting. If you plan to freeze your cake, consider using fondant or oil-based frosting, as they tend to preserve better.

Storage

Proper storage is crucial to extending the life of your wedding cake. After the wedding, the cake should be refrigerated as soon as possible to keep it fresh and prevent spoilage. It is recommended to store the cake in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Additionally, avoid storing the wedding cake with other items in the fridge, as they can contaminate the cake and cause it to spoil faster.

If you want your cake to last even longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Frozen wedding cakes are typically enjoyed on the couple's first anniversary. To serve, thaw the cake properly by taking it out of the freezer and allowing it to thaw at room temperature for several hours or up to 48 hours before digging in.

How to defrost wedding cake

Freezing your wedding cake is a great way to preserve a memory from your special day and relive it on your first anniversary. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to defrost your wedding cake:

Timing:

Begin the defrosting process a few days before your anniversary. The cake will need at least 24 hours to thaw in the refrigerator and another hour or two at room temperature before it is ready to be served.

Refrigerate:

Take the wrapped cake out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator. This is an important step to ensure slow and gradual defrosting. Keeping the cake in the refrigerator will prevent condensation from forming and avoid damaging the icing and decorations.

Unwrap:

After the cake has thawed in the refrigerator, carefully remove the wrappings. The cake should have been wrapped tightly with multiple layers of plastic wrap and aluminium foil. Slowly and carefully peel off the wrappings to avoid damaging the cake.

Countertop:

Place the unwrapped cake on your countertop or kitchen counter. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about an hour or two before serving. This will ensure the cake reaches the perfect temperature for consumption.

Touch-ups:

If the cake's frosting or decorations have been affected during the freezing or thawing process, you can touch them up now. Smooth out the frosting with a knife and add any desired decorations. If you had decorations on the cake before freezing, they might be smushed, so you may need to remove and replace them.

Serve and Enjoy:

Your wedding cake is now ready to be served and enjoyed! Cut the cake with a cake knife or a serrated knife, and relive the memories of your special day.

It is important to note that the quality of the cake may deteriorate over time, so it is best to eat it within a year of freezing. Additionally, some types of cakes and fillings may not freeze and thaw well, so it is advisable to consult your baker or a cake specialist for specific instructions regarding your particular cake.

Wedding cake preservation boxes

There are several products on the market designed to help you preserve your wedding cake. One option is the Top Tier Cake Preservation System by PackFreshUSA, which features a mylarfoil pouch and an oxygen absorber to keep your cake fresh. Another popular choice is KeepCake, which uses vacuum technology to prevent freezer burn and create an airtight seal. It also includes a cake stabilising plate, a keepsake compartment, and a decorative pedestal attachment.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, you might consider a simple cake preservation box from a craft store or homeware retailer. These typically feature airtight seals and handles for easy transport.

When preparing your wedding cake for preservation, it's important to remove any decorations or toppings that could be damaged or spoiled during freezing. You'll also want to wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil to protect it from the elements. Proper timing is also crucial—aim to freeze the cake as close to your wedding day as possible, ideally within 24 hours of cutting it.

With the right preservation methods and storage containers, you can enjoy your wedding cake on your first anniversary and relive the magic of your special day.

How to store wedding cake

Storing wedding cake is a great way to preserve a memory from your wedding day. Many couples choose to save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first anniversary. However, if not stored correctly, your wedding cake will turn sour and will not keep for a year. Here are some tips on how to properly store your wedding cake:

Remove decorations

Take off any cake toppers, large sugar flowers, and other large decorations. Smaller sugar flowers and icing details can be left on. If you want to keep any of the decorations as a memento, remove them and set them aside in a dry, room-temperature location.

Transfer the cake to a plastic or foil-covered board

If your cake is on a cardboard base, transfer it to a plastic board or a foil-covered board. This is to prevent your cake from absorbing any cardboard taste or smell during the time it is frozen.

Pre-freeze the cake

Place the cake in the freezer for about an hour to let the frosting harden. This will make it easier to wrap the cake without creating a mess.

Wrap the cake

Remove the cake from the freezer and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the cake. Then, add at least two layers of foil to shield it from anything else in the freezer. Make sure there are no tiny open holes or folds in the wrapping.

Place the cake in a container

Place your wrapped cake in a large plastic container or a freezer bag, pushing out as much air as possible. This will protect the cake from any smells or flavours in the freezer.

Store in the freezer

Place the wrapped cake in the back of your freezer, where it is the coldest and least exposed to warm air.

Defrost the cake

A few days before your anniversary, take the cake out of the freezer and let it defrost in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours. Then, leave it at room temperature for about five to six hours before enjoying your cake!

Frequently asked questions