Preserving Your Wedding Cake: Top Layer Tips

Preserving the top layer of a wedding cake is a tradition for many newlyweds, who save the cake to eat on their first anniversary. However, not all cakes are suitable for preservation, and some may not keep as well as others. To ensure your cake is still tasty one year on, it's important to act fast. As soon as the wedding is over, place the top tier in the freezer to preserve the outer layer of icing. You should also remove any flowers or other non-edible decorations.

Choosing a cake that will keep well

Some cakes keep better than others, so it's important to choose a sturdier cake if you want to save the top layer. Avoid delicate cakes with lemon curd, custard, cream cheese, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.

It's also a good idea to choose a cake that can be easily wrapped and sealed for freezing. The cake should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, with the plastic pressed directly onto the surface of the buttercream or fondant. Then, add at least two layers of foil to shield it from anything else in the freezer. You can also place the wrapped cake in a cake box, Tupperware, or another airtight container for added protection.

Time is also a factor in preserving your cake. As soon as the wedding is finished, place the top tier in the freezer for a few hours to freeze the outer layer of icing without damaging it.

By choosing a sturdy cake and following these wrapping and freezing techniques, you can help ensure that your wedding cake stays fresh and tasty for your first anniversary.

Wrapping the cake

Time is of the essence for freshness, so as soon as the wedding is finished, place the top tier of the cake in the freezer for a few hours to freeze the outer layer of icing without damaging it. Aim for three or four layers of wrap to preserve it for longer and avoid freezer burn.

When you are ready to eat the cake, remove it from its packaging and let it sit out for a few hours to bring it up to room temperature, which is ideal for eating.

Freezing the cake

Before freezing, make sure to remove all flowers or other non-edible decorations. Then, wrap the cake in plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the buttercream or fondant. Follow this with at least two layers of foil to shield the cake from anything else in the freezer. You can also use a cake box, Tupperware, or another airtight container, wrapping the box in several layers of aluminium foil and possibly a large Ziploc bag, too, before placing it in the freezer.

Smells and tastes can transfer, so if anything aromatic is going into the freezer, make sure it is well-wrapped and sealed. You can also throw a box of baking soda in the freezer to absorb any smells and flavours.

It's also worth noting that some wedding cakes keep better than others. If you've chosen a delicate cake with lemon curd, custard filling, cream cheese, whipped cream, or fresh fruit, it might not keep as well.

Using a cake box

To preserve the top layer of a wedding cake using a cake box, follow these steps:

Firstly, wrap the cake in plastic wrap, pressing the plastic directly onto the surface of the buttercream or fondant. Then, wrap the cake in at least two layers of foil. This will shield the cake from anything entering the freezer and prevent smells and flavours from transferring to the cake. If you're still worried about smells, you can throw a box of baking soda in the freezer to absorb any unwanted odours.

Next, place the wrapped cake in a cake box. You can request one from the bakery that made your cake, or use Tupperware or another airtight container. Wrap the box or container in several layers of aluminium foil and consider placing it inside a large Ziploc bag for added protection.

Finally, stick the entire wrapped tier into the freezer. It's a good idea to keep the cake somewhere it can remain untouched for a year, such as at a family member's house if you know you'll be moving.

Removing flowers and other decorations

If you want to preserve the top layer of your wedding cake, it's important to remove any flowers or other decorations before freezing. These could include ribbons, fresh fruit, or other non-edible items.

When it comes to removing flowers and other decorations, it's best to do this carefully and thoroughly. Start by gently lifting or peeling away any large items, such as flowers or ribbons, taking care not to damage the cake's surface. For smaller or more delicate items, you may need to use a small knife or toothpick to carefully pry them off without causing any damage. If there are any traces of decoration left on the cake, you can use a soft brush to gently remove them. It's important to be thorough, as even small amounts of non-edible items can affect the taste and texture of the cake over time.

Once you've removed all the decorations, give the cake a final once-over to ensure nothing has been missed. It's also a good idea to take some photos of the cake before and after removing the decorations, so you can remember exactly how it looked on your wedding day.

After removing the flowers and other decorations, the next step is to wrap and freeze the cake. It's important to act quickly, as time is of the essence for freshness. Aim for three to four layers of wrap, using plastic wrap and then foil, to shield the cake from the freezer and prevent freezer burn.

Frequently asked questions