Freezing A Wedding Cake: The Right Way To Preserve Perfection

Freezing a wedding cake is a great way to preserve a memory from your special day and relive it on your first anniversary. However, it's not as simple as freezing any other food item. To ensure your cake stays tasty and doesn't dry out, there are several steps you should follow. Firstly, it's important to know your cake and set your expectations. Some cakes will fare better than others in the freezer, with heartier cakes like chocolate, carrot, hazelnut, and almond likely to withstand the freezing process better than delicate cakes like angel food cake. Next, you'll want to pre-freeze your cake. Place it in the freezer until the icing hardens, and remove any decorations like sugar flowers beforehand. Then, wrap your cake in several layers of plastic wrap, being careful to cover every inch to prevent air bubbles. Do not use aluminum foil, as this can cause freezer burn. Finally, seal the wrapped cake in an airtight container and place it in the freezer. When your anniversary arrives, remove the cake from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours before serving.

Timing: freeze the cake as soon as possible after the wedding

Timing is everything when it comes to freezing a wedding cake. Ideally, the cake should be prepped for freezing on the wedding day after the cake-cutting ceremony or the morning after.

If you're going on your honeymoon, ask a relative or friend to take charge of this step. First, remove any decorations from the top tier, such as real flowers, sugar flowers, or a cake topper. Then, place the cake on a tray or baking sheet and freeze it uncovered for at least three hours or overnight. This will allow the frosting and decorations to set and prevent smearing when you wrap the cake.

It is important to note that the cake should not be placed near anything in the freezer with a strong aroma, as the cake may absorb these odours. Once the frosting is firm, remove the cake from the freezer and wrap it with plastic wrap. The plastic should fit snugly around the cake to prevent air and moisture from getting in. Finally, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container and put it back in the freezer.

By freezing the cake as soon as possible after the wedding, you'll ensure that it stays as fresh as possible for your first anniversary.

Remove decorations

To properly freeze a wedding cake, you must first remove any decorations from the top tier, such as real flowers, sugar flowers, or a cake topper. This is an important step as it will allow you to properly wrap the cake without the plastic wrap tearing. If you will be on your honeymoon, you can ask a relative or friend to do this for you.

When removing decorations, be gentle to avoid damaging the cake. Use a small offset spatula or a butter knife to carefully lift and separate the decorations from the cake. If the decorations are attached to wires or toothpicks, gently pull them out, twisting slightly if needed. Place the decorations in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry place until you are ready to serve the cake.

If your cake has fresh flowers on it, remove them as soon as possible, as they will begin to wilt and can contaminate the cake with bacteria. You can ask your baker for recommendations on the best way to remove and store fresh flowers.

Once all the decorations have been removed, place the cake on a baking sheet or plate and freeze it uncovered for at least three hours or overnight. This will allow the frosting to harden, making it easier to wrap the cake without creating a mess.

Chill the cake

Chilling the cake is an important step in the process of freezing a wedding cake. It ensures that the cake will be preserved in the best possible condition and prevents the frosting from sticking to or smearing the plastic wrap.

To chill the cake, first, remove any decorations such as sugar flowers, cake toppers, or real flowers. Then, place the cake uncovered in the refrigerator or freezer for at least three hours or overnight. This will allow the frosting to harden. Before chilling the cake, it is recommended to clear out any foods with strong odours from the refrigerator to prevent the cake from absorbing unwanted smells.

Chilling the cake is a crucial step as it helps to set the frosting and prevents it from sticking to the plastic wrap when wrapping the cake. This will ensure that the cake is properly protected and sealed before placing it in the freezer for long-term storage.

It is also important to note that the cake should be chilled as soon as possible after the wedding, ideally on the same day or the day after. This helps to preserve the freshness of the cake and prevents it from drying out.

Wrap the cake

Wrapping the cake is a crucial step in the process of freezing a wedding cake. It ensures that the cake remains fresh and prevents freezer burn. Here is a detailed guide on how to wrap the cake:

Firstly, it is important to remove any decorations from the cake, such as sugar flowers, cake toppers, or other adornments. This will ensure that the plastic wrap doesn't tear when you start wrapping the cake. Place the cake on a baking sheet or plate and remove all the decorations.

Next, chill the cake in the refrigerator or freezer to allow the icing to harden. This step is important because it prevents the frosting from sticking to the plastic wrap. Leave the cake in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight. Before placing the cake in the refrigerator, ensure that there are no foods with strong odours, as the cake may absorb these smells.

Once the icing has hardened, it's time to wrap the cake. Gather your supplies, including plastic wrap and an airtight container. Start by wrapping the cake tightly in several layers of plastic wrap. Ensure that the plastic wrap hugs the cake closely, with no air bubbles or folds, to prevent air and moisture from getting in.

After the cake is wrapped in plastic, place it in an airtight container, such as a cake carrier or any other freezer-safe container that fits the cake. This adds an extra layer of protection to ensure freshness.

Finally, seal the container and place it in the freezer. Choose a spot in the freezer that is undisturbed and not exposed to warm air when the freezer door is opened. Mark the container with a ribbon or label to indicate that it is your wedding cake, so you don't accidentally throw it away.

By following these steps, you will properly wrap and protect your wedding cake, ensuring that it stays fresh and tasty during its time in the freezer.

Seal the wrapped cake in an airtight container

Sealing your wrapped wedding cake in an airtight container is an essential step in the freezing process. The container will ensure the cake is protected from the elements and prevent it from drying out.

The first step is to remove any decorations from the cake, such as sugar flowers or cake toppers. This will ensure the wrapping process is smooth and the plastic wrap doesn't tear. Then, place the cake in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight. Chilling the cake will allow the icing to harden and prevent it from sticking to the plastic wrap.

Once the icing has hardened, remove the cake from the refrigerator and wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap. Ensure that the wrap is tight and that there are no air bubbles. The plastic wrap should hug the cake to prevent air and moisture from getting in.

After the cake is securely wrapped, it's time to seal it in an airtight container. Place the wrapped cake inside the container, ensuring that the container is the right size and that the lid fits snugly. Label the container with the date and the contents, so you know what it is and when to eat it by.

Finally, place the sealed container in the freezer, preferably at the back where it will be the coldest and least exposed to warm air when the freezer door is opened. With these steps, your wedding cake will be well-protected and preserved for your first anniversary.

Frequently asked questions