Wedding Cake Fridge Life: How Long Does It Last?

Wedding cakes are a delicious tradition, but how long do they stay good in the fridge? The answer depends on the type of cake and the ingredients used. For example, a plain cake without any frosting or fillings will last longer than a cake with buttercream or fruit fillings. On average, a wedding cake can last in the fridge for about 3 to 7 days, but it's important to consider the specific ingredients and storage methods to ensure freshness and food safety.

Wedding cake fillings and toppings

There are many options for wedding cake fillings and toppings, and you can have fun creating different combinations to suit your taste. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Fillings

• Vanilla buttercream: A classic and simple option that goes with everything.
• Cream cheese: Rich and creamy, it pairs well with bold flavours like red velvet, spice, strawberry, or chocolate.
• Swiss meringue: A buttery version of buttercream that is less sweet than traditional frosting.
• Chocolate buttercream: For a moderate chocolate hit.
• Chocolate ganache: For chocolate lovers.
• Fruit fillings: Can be a fruity buttercream, a jam or jelly, or pureed and added to buttercream. Raspberry, lemon, and strawberry are popular choices.
• Salted caramel: Perfect for chocolate cake without being too overwhelming.
• Cookies and cream: A fun and unique option.
• Peanut butter: Goes surprisingly well with chocolate or spice cake.
• Cappuccino: A surprisingly versatile option.
• Floral flavours: Great with lightly flavoured cakes.

Toppings

• Flowers: The most popular choice, as they are available in a wide range of colours and can be coordinated with the wedding's floral arrangements. They can be used in a variety of ways, from cascading down the side of the cake to simple clusters on each layer.
• Fruit: Underrated but effective, fruit toppings lend an air of abundance and can hint at the cake's fillings. Berries, citrus slices, figs, grapes, and cranberries are all great options depending on the season.
• Customised toppers: A custom topper with the couple's name and wedding date can be a lovely keepsake.
• Silhouettes: Using silhouettes of the couple as a cake topper is a unique and subtle way to personalise the cake.
• Bunting: Adding a whimsical, vintage touch, bunting can spell out sayings like "Mr. & Mrs." or "Love".

How to store wedding cake in the fridge

Storing wedding cake in the fridge is a great way to extend its shelf life and preserve it for a future celebration, such as an anniversary or a christening. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive steps to properly store your wedding cake in the fridge:

Prepare the Cake for Storage:

• Before storing your wedding cake in the fridge, it is essential to allow it to cool down completely. This step ensures that condensation does not form inside your storage container.
• If you have a fondant-covered cake, remove any large decorations, ribbons, and cake toppers. Smaller decorations made from icing can usually remain on the cake.
• If the cake is on a cardboard base that is not foil-wrapped, transfer it to a foil-covered cardboard or a plastic plate. This prevents the cake from absorbing any cardboard smell or taste.

Wrap the Cake:

• Once the cake is prepared, wrap it with two layers of plastic wrap to create an airtight seal. Ensure that the wrap is tight and covers the cake from top to bottom and all sides.
• As an additional layer of protection, wrap the cake in aluminium foil. This shielding helps prevent any smells or flavours from entering the cake while in the freezer.

Store in an Airtight Container:

• Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container to provide an extra layer of protection.
• Label the container with the date using masking tape. This way, you will know how long the cake has been stored.
• Choose a spot in the fridge that is not too crowded and where the cake is less likely to absorb strong odours. A middle shelf usually works well.

Defrosting and Serving:

• When you are ready to serve the cake, take it out of the freezer and keep it in the fridge overnight to defrost slowly.
• Then, leave the cake at room temperature on the counter for about five to six hours, still wrapped.
• Condensation may form during the defrosting process, which can leave permanent marks on the icing. Therefore, it is crucial to bring the cake to room temperature slowly and carefully.
• Once the cake is at room temperature, remove the wrapping and enjoy!

Alternative Storage Methods:

• If you do not want to store your wedding cake in the fridge, consider freezing it for longer-term storage. Wrap the cake well to prevent freezer burn.
• Another option is to repurpose the leftover cake into something new, such as cake pops, trifle, or a cake shake.
• Additionally, you can store wedding cake at room temperature. For cakes with buttercream or fondant, this can last for about three days. For cakes with dairy-based fillings or fresh fruit, it is best to consume them within 24 hours.

How to store wedding cake in the freezer

Storing a wedding cake in the freezer is a great way to preserve it for longer. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Before Freezing

Before you freeze your wedding cake, there are a few important steps to follow. Firstly, if your cake has multiple layers, it is advisable to freeze them separately. This will make it easier to handle and ensure more effective freezing. Make sure your cake is completely cooled before freezing. If you plan to freeze the cake for an extended period, it is beneficial to brush the cake with a simple syrup or a cake soak to keep it moist. This step is especially crucial if your cake has a tendency to dry out.

Wrapping the Cake

The next step is crucial to protect your cake from freezer burn and maintain its freshness. You will need plastic wrap and foil for effective wrapping. Start by wrapping the cake tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap. Ensure that all sides of the cake are well covered. Then, add another layer of protection by wrapping the cake with foil. This double wrapping will create an effective barrier against air and moisture, which could affect the quality of your cake.

Storing in the Freezer

Once your cake is wrapped securely, it's time to place it in the freezer. Choose a flat surface in your freezer where the cake can rest without the risk of being crushed or damaged. If possible, use an airtight container or a freezer bag to provide an additional layer of protection. Label the cake with the date and the contents to help you keep track of its storage time. Most cakes can be stored in the freezer for up to a year, but they are best enjoyed within three to four months of freezing.

Thawing and Serving

When you are ready to serve your wedding cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator while still wrapped. This gradual thawing process will help maintain the cake's texture and moisture. The next day, carefully remove the wrapping and bring the cake to room temperature before serving. It is important to note that frosted cakes may require special attention during the thawing process to ensure the frosting remains intact.

Additional Tips

If you are freezing leftover wedding cake, it is advisable to cut the cake into individual slices before freezing. This way, you can easily thaw and serve single portions as needed. Additionally, consider using parchment paper between the cake and the plastic wrap to protect any intricate frosting or decorations. Finally, always check for signs of spoilage, such as mold, unpleasant smells, or changes in texture, before consuming any frozen and thawed cake.

How long does wedding cake last at room temperature?

The length of time a wedding cake lasts at room temperature depends on its ingredients and how it's stored.

A plain cake, such as an unfrosted sponge or pound cake, can be kept at room temperature for up to a week if it's well-wrapped or stored in an airtight container.

A cake with buttercream or fondant could last up to 3 days at room temperature, depending on the filling. If the cake has fresh fruit, a fruit filling, or a fruit-based frosting, it should be eaten within 24 hours if kept at room temperature.

A cake with dairy-based fillings or frostings, such as cream or custard, should be refrigerated as soon as possible. However, if necessary, they can be left out for a few hours, depending on the room temperature.

To keep a wedding cake fresh at room temperature, it should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. It's also important to use an airtight container or well-sealed plastic wrap to protect the cake from air and potential contaminants. Additionally, high humidity can affect the quality of the cake.

It's always important to check for signs of spoilage before consuming any leftover cake. Look for mold, off-putting smells, or changes in texture.

How to tell if wedding cake has gone bad

It's important to know how to tell if your wedding cake has gone bad, especially if you've spent a lot of money on it! Here are some ways to identify if your wedding cake has gone bad:

Visual cues

The most obvious sign that a cake has gone bad is the presence of mould. However, you should also look out for discolouration, especially in cream or fruit fillings.

Smell

A cake that's going bad will often have an off-putting or sour smell. If your wedding cake smells like anything other than cake, it's best to toss it.

Texture

If your wedding cake feels overly hard or has developed mushy spots, that's a sign that it's either dried out or beginning to spoil.

Timeframe

The timeframe for a wedding cake going bad depends on its ingredients and how it's stored. A plain cake, such as an unfrosted moist vanilla cake, will last about 5-7 days in the fridge. A cake with buttercream, whipped cream, or custard will last about 4 days, as dairy spoils quicker. A fruit-filled cake will last 3-5 days, depending on the acidity and moisture content of the fruit filling or topping.

Storage method

An airtight container can help keep a wedding cake fresh, whether it's stored in the fridge or not. Different types of cakes have different lifespans. For example, a fondant-covered wedding cake will last longer than a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting because it's less prone to moisture loss and spoilage.

Frequently asked questions