Freezing Wedding Cakes: How Long Can You Keep Them?

The tradition of freezing the top tier of a wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary is a long-honoured one. But how long is a frozen wedding cake good for?

The good news is that, as long as it's preserved properly, a frozen wedding cake is safe to eat after a year. The bad news is that it probably won't taste anywhere near as good as it did on your wedding day. Experts say that, to preserve your cake, you should wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then cover it with a few layers of aluminium foil and place it in a freezer bag. It's also important to let the icing harden in the fridge before wrapping up your cake.

While freezing a wedding cake for a year is relatively harmless, it's worth noting that the quality of the cake will suffer. Oil-based cakes are thought to last longer than butter-based ones, and chocolate cakes will fare better than vanilla. Fruit-based fillings are not recommended, as freezing and thawing changes the texture of the fruit.

How to wrap a frozen wedding cake

Freezing a wedding cake is a great way to preserve the memory of your special day. It's a tradition that dates back to when weddings were celebrated with liqueur-soaked fruitcakes, which were natural preservatives. However, freezing a cake for a year will impact its quality, and it won't taste as good as it did on your wedding day. Here's how to wrap your cake to give it the best chance of preserving its taste and texture:

Step 1: Remove Decorations

First, remove any decorations from your cake, such as sugar flowers or other adornments. This will ensure they don't get in the way of the wrapping process and cause tears in the plastic wrap.

Step 2: Chill the Cake

Before wrapping your cake, it's important to chill it so that the icing hardens. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight. Chilling the cake will prevent the frosting from sticking to the plastic wrap. It's also a good idea to clear out any foods with strong odours from your refrigerator to prevent the cake from absorbing any unwanted smells.

Step 3: Wrap the Cake

Once the icing has hardened, remove the cake from the refrigerator and wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap. Ensure that you cover every inch of the cake tightly, with no air bubbles, to prevent the cake from drying out. Do not use aluminium foil at this stage, as it can cause freezer burn.

Step 4: Seal the Cake

After wrapping the cake, place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. If you're using a box, you can wrap the box in several layers of plastic wrap for added protection. Alternatively, an airtight container will help to preserve the cake's taste and texture.

Step 5: Label and Freeze

Before placing your wrapped and sealed cake in the freezer, be sure to label it. You can use a ribbon or a simple label so that you don't accidentally throw it away or confuse it with other frozen items. It's also important to turn off any defrosting settings on your freezer to ensure the preservation process isn't interrupted.

Step 6: Defrosting

When your anniversary draws near, take the cake out of the freezer and remove the wrapping. Allow the cake to thaw for 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator. Then, take the cake out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 2 to 3 hours before serving.

How long to defrost a frozen wedding cake for

The length of time it takes for a frozen wedding cake to defrost depends on the size of the cake and how it has been wrapped. Most sources recommend taking the cake out of the freezer 24 to 48 hours before you plan to eat it. This is usually enough time for a small or medium-sized cake to defrost.

However, if your cake is large, it may take longer than 48 hours to defrost completely. In this case, it is better to leave the cake in the refrigerator for a full day or overnight to ensure that it is fully defrosted and soft.

Once the cake is defrosted, it is best to let it sit at room temperature for about two hours before serving. This will ensure that it is the same temperature as the cake was on the wedding day and will give you the best flavour and texture.

It is important to note that the longer a cake is frozen, the more the quality will suffer. Therefore, it is best to eat the cake as close to the one-year mark as possible.

How long a frozen wedding cake lasts

Freezing a wedding cake is a long-honoured tradition, with couples saving the top tier of their cake to eat on their first anniversary for good luck. While it is safe to eat a wedding cake that has been frozen for a year, it is not risk-free. The quality of the cake will suffer, and it will not taste as good as it did on the wedding day.

Wedding cakes should be frozen for no longer than a year. One source suggests that a frozen wedding cake can be eaten up to a year and a half after the wedding, but ideally, it should be eaten on the one-year anniversary when it is meant to be eaten.

How to Freeze a Wedding Cake

To ensure the best taste and texture, it is important to wrap the cake tightly to prevent air from getting to the cake while it is in the freezer. This can be done by using plastic wrap and aluminium foil, with one source suggesting three layers of each. The wrapped cake should then be placed in a freezer-safe airtight container and put in the coldest part of the freezer.

How to Defrost a Wedding Cake

The cake should be taken out of the freezer 24 to 48 hours before it is planned to be eaten to give it enough time to defrost. It should be placed in the refrigerator, ideally overnight, to ensure it is fully defrosted and soft. On the day it is planned to be eaten, the cake should be taken out of the refrigerator and left to sit for around two hours so that it reaches room temperature.

Types of Wedding Cake That Shouldn't Be Frozen

While almost all wedding cakes can be frozen, not all types will freeze well or taste good after being defrosted. Sponge cakes, cakes with whipped cream toppings, and cakes with fresh fruit fillings may not keep well in the freezer.

Best types of wedding cake to freeze

Freezing a wedding cake is a great way to preserve the memories of your special day and enjoy a tasty treat on your first anniversary. While freezing a wedding cake is mostly safe, the taste and texture may not be as good as you remember. To ensure the best possible outcome, it is important to choose a cake type that freezes well and follow the proper freezing and thawing techniques. Here are some of the best types of wedding cakes to freeze:

• Chocolate Cake: Chocolate cakes are a great choice for freezing. They tend to fare better than vanilla cakes in the freezer and have a higher chance of retaining their flavour and texture.
• Carrot Cake: Carrot cakes are another good option for freezing. Their heartier texture and strong spices mean they will stand up well to freezing and still taste delicious after thawing.
• Banana Cake: Banana cakes are very flavourful and freeze and thaw beautifully. The freezing process can even enhance their flavour, making them a great choice for a frozen wedding cake.
• Pound Cake: Pound cakes freeze wonderfully, as long as they are properly wrapped and stored. They tend to retain their moisture and texture, making them a good option for freezing.
• Fruit Cake: Fruit cakes were traditionally used for wedding cake freezing because they contain natural preservatives like sugar and alcohol. However, be cautious when freezing fruit cakes with fresh fruit, as the texture of the fruit may change during thawing.

When freezing your wedding cake, it is important to follow these steps:

• Remove any decorations like sugar flowers.
• Chill the cake in the refrigerator to harden the icing and prevent it from sticking to the plastic wrap.
• Wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap to maintain its original taste and texture. Avoid using aluminium foil, as it can cause freezer burn.
• Seal the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe airtight container and place it in an undisturbed area of your freezer.
• Mark your cake with a ribbon or label so you don't accidentally throw it out during the year.

To thaw your wedding cake, follow these steps:

• 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 all the plastic wrap.
• Place the cake back into the airtight container and put it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight to defrost completely.
• 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 before serving.

Alternatives to freezing your wedding cake

Freezing your wedding cake is a well-known tradition for married couples to enjoy a slice of their wedding cake on their first anniversary. However, there are some alternatives to this tradition if you don't want to risk the cake tasting stale or dry. Here are some options to consider:

• Order a replica anniversary cake: If you're concerned about the quality of your wedding cake after freezing, you can opt to order a replica cake from your bakery for your first anniversary. This way, you'll still get to enjoy a fresh and delicious cake while reminiscing about your special day.
• Make a miniature recreation: Instead of freezing the entire cake, you can make a miniature version of the same cake for your first anniversary. This option ensures that you'll have a fresh and tasty treat to enjoy, and it can be a fun activity for the couple to do together.
• Give it to your guests: Another option is to simply let your guests take home any leftover cake. This way, you won't have to worry about storing or preserving the cake, and your guests can enjoy a sweet treat after the wedding.
• Donate the cake: If you have a significant amount of cake leftover, you can consider donating it to a local shelter or food bank. This way, you can bring joy to those in need while also reducing food waste.
• Use it for another celebration: If you have another celebration coming up, such as a baby shower or christening, you can save the top tier of your wedding cake for that event. This way, you won't have to worry about freezing the cake for too long, and it can still be enjoyed by your loved ones.

Remember, freezing a cake for a year can affect its taste and texture, even with proper preservation methods. So, if you're unsure about freezing your wedding cake, consider one of these alternatives to enjoy a delicious treat on your first anniversary or any other special occasion.

Frequently asked questions