Preserving Wedding Cake Decorations: How Long Should You Keep Them?

Wedding cake decorations are often packed away with the top tier of the cake, which is traditionally saved to be eaten on the first wedding anniversary. While some couples may opt to skip this tradition, those who choose to follow it should be mindful of how long they plan to keep the cake and take the necessary preservation steps. Properly stored wedding cake decorations can last for several anniversaries, but they may also be removed before freezing the cake to avoid damage.

The tradition of saving wedding cake

The tradition of saving the top tier of your wedding cake dates back to the 18th or 19th century in Great Britain. Back then, the family unit and societal norms looked much different than they do today. Wedding cakes were primarily made of preserved fruit or chocolate, which gave them a much longer shelf life than modern cakes. The first child was usually born within the first year of marriage, and families would make large decorative cakes to celebrate their first child's christening. With the increasing popularity of three-tier cakes, couples would save the top tier to serve at their child's christening.

Over time, the tradition evolved, and the top tier of the wedding cake is now generally saved to be eaten on the couple's first wedding anniversary. This is because the birth of the first child happens much later than it did in the past. The wedding cake itself has become a symbol of the love shared and the vows exchanged, and eating the saved top tier is a way to relive the special event and rekindle those newlywed feelings.

Some couples choose to follow this tradition, while others skip having a wedding cake entirely, opting for alternative desserts such as cupcakes, doughnuts, or DIY s'mores bars. For those who want to save their cake, it is important to properly store and preserve it to prevent spoilage. It is recommended to let your baker know about your plans so they can adjust the ingredients for a longer shelf life and provide preservation tips. Identify what portion of the cake you want to save before the wedding and bring a suitable container. Remove any decorations, chill the cake in the refrigerator, wrap it in plastic wrap, and store it in an airtight container in the freezer.

When it's time to enjoy your cake, thaw it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours, then let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before digging in! While the cake may be stale, if properly preserved, it can still be enjoyed and is a unique way to celebrate your anniversary.

How to store wedding cake

Storing your wedding cake is a unique tradition that allows couples to save the top tier of their wedding cake (or a portion of their cake if it is not tiered) to be eaten a year later on their first wedding anniversary. This tradition dates back to the 18th century in Great Britain, where it was typical for couples to welcome a child within the first year of marriage. The saved cake would then be served at the child's christening to cut down on costs.

Today, the tradition has evolved, and the top tier of the wedding cake is generally saved and eaten on the couple's first wedding anniversary as a way to relive their special day and celebrate their bond. While some couples choose to rely on their baker or caterer for post-wedding preservation, others opt for a DIY approach. If you fall into the latter category, here is a step-by-step guide on how to store your wedding cake:

Step 1: Remove Decorations

It is important to remove all flowers and adornments from the cake. This includes fresh flowers, sugar or fondant flowers, and other decorative additions. These items can cause a reaction during preservation and will spoil quickly. If you want to save sugar flowers as a memento, set them aside in a dry, room-temperature location.

Step 2: Chill the Cake

Before wrapping the cake, it is recommended to chill it in the refrigerator to harden the icing. This will make it easier to wrap the cake without making a mess. Place the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours until the icing feels sturdy.

Step 3: Wrap the Cake

Once the icing has set, remove the cake from the refrigerator and wrap it with plastic wrap. Ensure you cover the cake with several layers of plastic wrap to prevent freezer odors and burn from penetrating the cake. Do not use aluminum foil as the base layer, as it can stick to the frosting.

Step 4: Place in an Airtight Container

After wrapping the cake, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. This step is crucial to ensure that air cannot get to the cake while it is in the freezer. Label the container so you know what it contains, and place it in the back of your freezer, where it is the coldest and least exposed to warm air.

Step 5: Thaw the Cake

A few days before your first wedding anniversary, remove the cake from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to thaw. It is best to allow 24 to 48 hours for the cake to defrost properly. Then, remove the cake from its packaging and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Tips for Successful Preservation:

• Inform your baker of your plans to save the top tier of your wedding cake. They can adjust the ingredients for a longer shelf life and provide preservation tips.
• Oil-based cakes tend to preserve better in the freezer.
• If your cake has a fruit filling, be aware that the texture of the cake may change when it is thawed.
• Double-wrap your cake with plastic wrap and foil to ensure proper preservation.
• Store the cake somewhere it can remain untouched for a year, especially if you plan to move during that time.
• Avoid removing the cake from the freezer until your first wedding anniversary, as frequent defrosting and refreezing are not ideal.
• Consult your baker about the type of cake you plan to freeze, as some cakes may not freeze or thaw well.

By following these steps and tips, you can successfully preserve your wedding cake and enjoy a sweet reminder of your special day on your first wedding anniversary.

How to freeze wedding cake

There are several ways to preserve your wedding cake for your anniversary. One traditional method is to save the top tier of your wedding cake, which is often preserved and eaten a year later on your first wedding anniversary. This tradition dates back to the 18th century in Great Britain, where it was customary to serve the top tier of the wedding cake at the christening of the couple's first child, which typically occurred within the first year of marriage.

Today, the tradition has evolved, and the top tier of the wedding cake is usually saved and eaten on the first wedding anniversary, symbolising the love shared and the celebration of the couple's first year of marriage. Freezing is the best option for preserving your wedding cake. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to freeze your wedding cake:

How to Freeze Your Wedding Cake:

Remove Decorations:

Before freezing your wedding cake, it is important to remove any decorations such as sugar flowers, cake toppers, or other adornments. These decorations can cause a reaction during preservation and may get in the way of the freezing process.

Pre-freeze:

Immediately place your cake in the freezer until the icing hardens. This will help keep the cake in great condition for long-term freezing.

Wrap in Plastic Wrap:

Remove the cake from the freezer and wrap it loosely in several layers of plastic wrap. Make sure the icing is frozen so it doesn't stick to the plastic. Do not use aluminium foil as it can cause freezer burn.

Seal in an Airtight Container:

Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or freezer bag. If you're using a box, wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap first for added protection. Label the container or box with a ribbon or a label so you know what it is and don't accidentally throw it away.

Store in the Freezer:

Place the sealed container or box in your freezer. If your freezer has a defrost setting, turn it off while the cake is freezing to avoid interrupting the preservation process.

Thawing:

Take the cake out of the freezer 24 to 48 hours before you plan to eat it. Remove the wrapping and place the cake back in the airtight container or a refrigerator-safe dish. Let it defrost in the refrigerator until it is fully thawed and soft. Finally, take the cake out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 2 to 3 hours before serving.

Alternative Preservation Methods:

If you're concerned about the quality of your cake after freezing, there are alternative preservation methods you can consider:

• Vacuum Sealing: Slice the cake into individual servings, wrap them in plastic wrap, and place them in freezer bags. After a week or two, remove the wrappings and vacuum seal each slice before returning them to the freezer.
• Replica Cake: If you're worried about the taste and texture of your frozen cake, you can order a replica cake from your bakery. This option ensures you have a fresh cake for your anniversary while still enjoying the memories of your wedding day.

How long does cake last in the fridge?

The shelf life of a cake depends on its ingredients and how it's stored. Generally, plain cakes can last up to a week at room temperature, while those with dairy-based fillings or frostings should be refrigerated and will last for 3-5 days. Cakes with fresh fruit, fruit filling, or a fruit-based frosting should be eaten within 24 hours if kept at room temperature.

To extend the shelf life of a cake, it can be stored in the fridge or freezer. When storing cake in the fridge, it's important to prevent it from drying out. Wrap the cake with plastic wrap around its pan or platter so it's airtight. If it has already been sliced into, press plastic wrap directly against the cut sides before sealing. Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container and store it in the least crowded part of your fridge. It's best to consume the cake within a few days.

• Plain cakes such as an unfrosted moist vanilla cake can last for about 5-7 days in the fridge.
• Cakes with buttercream, whipped cream, or custard such as a moist chocolate cake with fluffy chocolate frosting will last for about 4 days, as dairy spoils quicker.
• Fruit-filled cakes such as lemon curd cake will last for 3-5 days, depending on the acidity and moisture content of the fruit filling or topping.

If you want to store your cake for longer, consider freezing it. Most cakes can be frozen for up to a year and will usually be best within three to four months of freezing. To freeze a whole unfrosted cake, first, make sure it is cooled completely. Then, wrap the cake tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and transfer it to the freezer. To defrost, let the cake thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

For frosted, fully assembled cakes, once the final layer of buttercream has been applied, chill the cake for at least 30 minutes until it is firm to the touch. Double wrap the cake with plastic or foil and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, still covered. The next day, remove the wrapping and let it come to room temperature before serving.

For leftover cake, cut the cake into individual slices before freezing. Cover both cut sides of each slice with parchment paper, then lay the slices on a baking sheet and freeze for a few hours until firm. Once frozen, wrap each slice in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil, then store in a zip-top bag or airtight container. To defrost a slice, unwrap it, place it on a plate, and let it thaw in the fridge until soft.

Now, to answer your question about wedding cake decorations, it is advised to remove all flowers and adornments from the cake before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. This is because fresh flowers can spoil quickly, and even sugar or fondant flowers may spoil.

Alternatives to refrigeration

Wedding cakes are often dense and rich, which gives them a longer shelf life compared to lighter cakes. Fruitcakes, for example, can be stored for several weeks or even months if placed in an airtight container and kept in a cool, dry place.

However, more common types of wedding cakes, such as sponge, buttercream, or fondant cakes with perishable fillings and frosting, should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days.

If you want to preserve your wedding cake for longer, there are some alternative methods to refrigeration that you can consider:

• Root Cellars or Cold Rooms: Building a root cellar or utilising an existing cold room in your home can provide a cool environment for storing food. The temperature a few feet underground remains consistently cool, usually between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for preserving many types of produce, wine, fruit, and even dairy products in cooler zones.
• Clay Pot Refrigerators: Clay pot refrigerators, also known as pot-in-pot refrigerators, are simple devices that use evaporative cooling to keep food fresh without electricity. This technology involves using a porous outer earthenware pot lined with wet sand and an inner glazed pot for food storage. The evaporation of the outer liquid cools the inner pot, creating a simple and effective cooling system.
• Ice Baths: Submerging food containers in ice water is a traditional and effective method for quickly cooling food. This technique is commonly used in commercial kitchens and is ideal for soups, sauces, and liquid-based dishes. It helps to rapidly lower the food's temperature, reducing the risk of bacterial growth and maintaining taste and texture.
• Blast Chilling: Blast chillers use intense cold air circulation to rapidly reduce the temperature of food to safe levels. This method minimises the time food spends in the "danger zone" temperature range (40°F to 140°F) where bacteria thrive, making it ideal for commercial kitchens and food processing industries.
• Vacuum Cooling: Vacuum cooling is a technique used primarily for cooling leafy greens and other porous foods. By placing food in a vacuum chamber and reducing the air pressure, moisture rapidly evaporates from the food's surface, resulting in quick and effective cooling. This method is particularly useful for cooling large quantities of perishable items in the agriculture and food processing industries.

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