Keep Your Wedding Cake Fresh: Tips For Longevity

The tradition of saving the top tier of a wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary dates back to 18th-century Great Britain. Back then, couples would typically welcome a child within a year of their marriage, so the cake was saved to be eaten on the day of their first child's christening. Nowadays, the tradition has evolved, and couples save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first wedding anniversary as a way to relive their special day. But how long can you really keep a wedding cake fresh?

Wedding cake freezing tips

The tradition of saving the top tier of your wedding cake to eat on your first wedding anniversary is a lovely way to relive your special day. Here are some tips to ensure your cake stays fresh and tasty for up to a year:

Before Freezing

• Let your baker know that you plan to save the top tier of your wedding cake. They can adjust the ingredients for a longer shelf life and provide tips for keeping it preserved.
• Identify what portion of the cake you want to save before the wedding and bring a suitable container to the venue.
• Assign a member of the wedding party to be responsible for saving and storing the cake after it has been cut.
• As soon as possible after the cake has been cut, cover it and place it in the freezer overnight. This will help keep it in great condition for long-term freezing.

Wrapping and Storing

• In the morning, wrap the cake in several layers of freezer plastic wrap. Do not use aluminium foil as this can cause freezer burn.
• Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container to provide an extra layer of protection.
• Store the container at the back of your freezer, where the temperature is most consistent.

Thawing and Eating

• When it's time to enjoy your cake, thaw it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before serving.
• If you're not ready to eat the cake after a year, you can continue to store it in the freezer. However, be aware that the cake's texture and taste may deteriorate over time.
• If you don't want to wait a year, you can also enjoy your wedding cake on your one-month, three-month, or six-month anniversary.

How to store wedding cake

Storing wedding cake is a unique tradition that allows couples to savour their cake on their first wedding anniversary or even on the day of their first child's christening. Here are some detailed and instructive steps on how to properly store your wedding cake to ensure it stays fresh and delicious:

Planning and Preparation:

Before your wedding, decide whether you want to save the top tier, a mini-cake, or a slice of your wedding cake. Inform your baker about your plans so they can adjust the ingredients for a longer shelf life and provide preservation tips. Bring a suitable container to your wedding, large enough to hold the portion you wish to save.

Preservation Process:

After cutting the cake, remove any decorations such as the cake topper or flowers to prevent any reactions during preservation. Identify a member of the wedding party to be responsible for saving the cake. As soon as possible, cover the cake and place it in the freezer overnight for pre-freezing.

Wrapping and Storage:

The next morning, remove the cake from the freezer and wrap it in several layers of freezer plastic wrap. Do not use aluminium foil, as it can cause freezer burn. Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container to ensure maximum protection.

Freezer Storage:

Store the airtight container in a freezer for up to a year. The freezing temperature slows down spoilage, preserving the cake. If you are not planning to wait a year, you can enjoy your cake at the one-month, three-month, or six-month mark of your anniversary.

Thawing and Serving:

When it's time to enjoy your preserved wedding cake, remove it from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours. Then, bring it to room temperature for another hour before serving. Remember, the cake's texture and taste may change, and it may not taste as fresh as the day of your wedding.

Alternative Options:

If you are hesitant about storing your wedding cake for an extended period, there are alternative options to consider. You can ask your baker to create a smaller version of your wedding cake for your anniversary, ensuring you enjoy a fresh cake. Alternatively, you can opt for a non-traditional approach, such as cupcakes, pies, or other desserts, and adjust the portion you save accordingly.

How long does cake last in the fridge?

The shelf life of a cake depends on its ingredients, moisture content, and storage method. A plain cake without any frosting or filling can last in the fridge for about 5-7 days. However, if the cake has buttercream, whipped cream, or custard, it should be consumed within 4 days as dairy products spoil quicker. Fruit-filled cakes typically last 3-5 days, depending on the acidity and moisture content of the fruit.

To extend the shelf life of a cake, it is important to store it properly. An airtight container can help keep the cake fresh, whether it is stored in the fridge or not. If you plan to store a cake in the fridge, it is recommended to let it cool down to room temperature first to prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container. You can then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container to ensure freshness.

It is worth noting that storing cake in the fridge may lead to texture changes and speed up the staling process due to starch retrogradation, resulting in a drier and stiffer texture. Additionally, strong-smelling foods in the fridge can cause flavor transfer. Therefore, it is recommended to place the cake in the least crowded part of the fridge, preferably on a middle shelf, to avoid absorbing any odors.

For longer storage, freezing is a better option than refrigeration. Properly wrapped and stored in an airtight container, a cake can be frozen for up to a year. When it's time to thaw the cake, it should be defrosted slowly in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours and then at room temperature for another hour before serving.

How to tell if a wedding cake has gone bad

A wedding cake can be preserved for a whole year if it is properly preserved. However, there are several signs to look out for to tell if a wedding cake has gone bad.

Firstly, visual cues are the most obvious indicator. Look out for mould or discolouration, especially in cream or fruit fillings. If the cake has any unusual spots or discolouration, it is best to discard it.

Secondly, pay attention to any unusual smells. A cake that is going bad will often have an off-putting or sour smell. If your cake smells unpleasant or different from how it did freshly baked, it is best to avoid consuming it.

Lastly, consider the texture of the cake. If the cake feels overly hard or has developed mushy or sticky spots, this is a sign that it is either dried out or beginning to spoil.

It is important to note that even if the cake looks and smells fine, it might still taste stale or dry due to changes in the starch caused by refrigeration. Therefore, it is recommended to consume the cake within a few days of baking or defrosting to ensure optimal taste and texture.

In summary, a wedding cake that has gone bad will show signs of mould, discolouration, unpleasant smells, or changes in texture. It is important to check for these signs before consuming the cake to ensure it is safe and enjoyable.

Wedding cake traditions

Wedding cakes are steeped in tradition, with many customs dating back to Roman and Medieval times. Here are some of the most popular wedding cake traditions and their significance:

Freezing the Top Tier

A longstanding tradition is to save the top tier of the wedding cake and eat it on the couple's first anniversary. This custom dates back to the 18th or 19th century when couples would typically have their first child within a year of marriage, and the preserved cake would be eaten at the christening of the child. Today, it is more common to eat the cake on the first wedding anniversary, symbolising a celebration of getting through the toughest part of the marriage.

Feeding Each Other Cake

The tradition of the couple feeding each other the first bites of wedding cake dates back to Ancient Roman times. It symbolises their first feat together as a unified team and their commitment to creating a sweet life together.

Having a Groom's Cake

The tradition of having a separate groom's cake dates back to Victorian England, when there were three cakes served at weddings: the guest cake, the bride's cake, and the groom's cake. The groom's cake often includes the groom's favourite sports team logo or something else he loves. Today, this tradition has evolved, and couples may choose to incorporate their partner's favourite flavours or hobbies into the design of the main wedding cake.

Cutting the Cake Together

The cake-cutting ceremony symbolises the first activity done as a couple. Historically, the bride cut the cake alone to symbolise the loss of her virginity, but today, couples usually cut the cake together. The cake-cutting also indicates to older guests that the day's activities have been completed, and it is time for them to leave.

Wedding Cake Charms and Ribbon Pulls

Another tradition involves baking charms into the wedding cake, each with a special meaning. These can include a ring (symbolising an upcoming engagement), a four-leaf clover (for luck), a star (for a wish come true), or a kite (for a leisurely life). The charms can also be attached to ribbons for guests to pull out before the cake is cut.

White Wedding Cake

White wedding cakes became popular in the Victorian era as white sugar was extremely expensive, so a white cake symbolised the family's wealth and social standing. The colour white also symbolised purity and the start of the marriage union, as brides traditionally wear white dresses.

Sleeping with a Piece of Cake Under Your Pillow

A 17th-century superstition says that sleeping with a slice of wedding cake under your pillow will lead you to dream of your future spouse. This tradition dates back to when fruitcakes were the typical wedding cake, which were more durable than modern cakes.

Frequently asked questions