Preserving Your Wedding Cake Top: Freezing Tips For Couples

Freezing and saving the top tier of your wedding cake is a tradition that many couples choose to follow. The top tier is often saved for the christening of the couple's first child, or for their first anniversary. To preserve the cake, it should be chilled in the refrigerator shortly after the wedding, before being wrapped in plastic and stored in a freezer bag. The cake will then need to be removed from the freezer and allowed to thaw in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before it is ready to be enjoyed.

How to prepare the cake for freezing

Preparing your wedding cake for freezing is an art, but it's worth it to preserve your cake for your first anniversary or your child's christening. First, place the top tier of your cake in the refrigerator to chill. This will only take a few hours, but it will harden the icing and make it easier to prepare the cake for freezing, as well as prevent the plastic wrap from sticking. Once the buttercream is hard to the touch, wrap the cake in a double layer of plastic wrap tightly. Seal the plastic-wrapped cake in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. You can then place the cake in an airtight freezer-safe container.

The best way to wrap the cake

Wrapping the cake is an art form in itself. You must do it well to minimise damage and freezer burn as much as possible. For best results, you’ll need clear plastic wrap, aluminium foil, and ideally a freezer bag and an airtight freezer-safe container.

Firstly, chill the cake in the refrigerator. This will only take a few hours, but it will harden the icing and make it easier to prepare the cake for freezing, and prevent the plastic wrap from sticking.

Then, wrap the cake in a double layer of plastic wrap tightly. Seal the plastic-wrapped cake in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Since the cake should have been in the refrigerator already, the buttercream should be hard to the touch. Make sure this is the case before you wrap it.

Finally, wrap the cake in aluminium foil and place it in an airtight freezer-safe container.

How long to chill the cake for

The length of time you need to chill your wedding cake depends on how soon you plan to eat it. If you want to eat it the next day, place the top tier in the refrigerator for a few hours to harden the icing. This will make it easier to prepare the cake for freezing and prevent the plastic wrap from sticking.

If you want to eat the cake after it has been frozen, you should remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to thaw for about 24 hours. On the day you want to eat the cake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for at least 3-4 hours before consuming.

How long to defrost the cake for

To defrost a frozen wedding cake, you should remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. Then, on the day you want to eat the cake, remove it from the refrigerator, take off all the wrapping, and leave it at room temperature for at least 3-4 hours. This will ensure it is at the ideal temperature for eating.

When to eat the cake

The top tier of a wedding cake is traditionally saved for the christening of the couple's first child. However, if you don't plan on starting a family right away, you can eat the cake on your first anniversary.

If you're planning to eat the cake on your first anniversary, you'll need to remember to take it out of the freezer ahead of time. It's recommended that you remove the cake from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. Then, take the cake out of the refrigerator and remove all the wrapping. Let the cake sit at room temperature for a few hours before consuming it.

Frequently asked questions