Preserving Your Wedding Cake: Tips For Longevity

Preserving the top tier of your wedding cake is a tradition that dates back to the 19th century. Newlyweds would typically serve the top tier of their wedding cake at their first child's christening to cut down on costs. Today, the tradition has evolved into a way for couples to celebrate their first wedding anniversary by rekindling those newlywed feelings. While some couples may choose to rely on their baker or caterer for post-wedding preservation, it is possible to DIY. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to properly preserve your wedding cake for your first anniversary.

Remove decorations and flowers from the cake

When it comes to removing flowers and decorations from a wedding cake, there are a few important steps to ensure that your cake remains intact and ready for preservation. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Firstly, it is crucial to remove all large and prominent decorations adorning your cake. This includes any cake toppers, large sugar flowers, or other ornamental details. You can carefully detach these elements by gently lifting or peeling them off the cake's surface. If they are attached with wooden or plastic supports, slowly twist and pull them out, being cautious not to damage the cake's structure. Place these decorations aside, as you may want to reuse or repurpose them later.

Next, focus on the flowers. Fresh flowers are a delicate matter, so it is essential to handle them with care. Start by gently pulling or cutting the flower stems as close to the cake as possible, ensuring that you don't damage the icing or cake layers. If the flowers are attached with straws or bubble tea straws, carefully remove them by slowly pulling them out or using a pair of long-nosed pliers. Once removed, lay the flowers on a flat surface to prevent wilting.

After removing the flowers, carefully inspect the cake for any remaining flower parts, such as loose petals, leaves, or stamens. Remove these carefully, as they can cause discolouration or moisture build-up if left on the cake. You can use a small brush or clean hands to gently wipe away any loose particles.

Now, let's address any icing details or smaller sugar flowers that you wish to keep on the cake. If you plan to preserve the cake for an extended period, it is best to remove these as well. Carefully peel or scrape them off with a spatula or butter knife, taking care not to damage the underlying icing. If you are not concerned about long-term preservation and wish to maintain the cake's decorative appeal, you may choose to leave these details intact.

Lastly, give your cake a final once-over to ensure that all flowers and decorations have been successfully removed. Check for any remaining wires, tape, or supports that may have been used to secure the flowers and remove them as well. Your cake is now ready for the next steps in the preservation process! Remember, it is crucial to work carefully and patiently throughout this process to avoid damaging your precious wedding cake.

Chill the cake in a refrigerator or freezer

To properly preserve a wedding cake, it is important to chill it in a refrigerator or freezer. This process helps to set the icing and prevent it from melting into the cake, ensuring a smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process:

Firstly, it is recommended to allow the cake to cool down before placing it in the refrigerator or freezer. This can be done by leaving the cake out for at least 10 minutes, and then placing it on a cooling tray. If time permits, it is ideal to let the cake cool for a few hours or even overnight.

Once the cake has cooled down, it can be placed in the refrigerator or freezer to chill further. This step is crucial, especially if your cake has soft frosting or buttercream icing. By chilling the cake, you allow the icing to harden and set, making it easier to handle and wrap for storage. The recommended chilling time can vary, but it is generally suggested to leave the cake in the freezer for at least an hour or two.

During the chilling process, it is important to remove any decorations, such as cake toppers, sugar flowers, or ornaments. This ensures that the cake has a smooth surface and prevents any damage or mess during wrapping. It is advisable to keep these decorations aside in a dry, room-temperature location if you wish to use them again when serving the cake.

After the cake has chilled, it is now ready for the wrapping process. This involves using plastic wrap to cover the cake tightly, pressing the plastic directly against the surface of the cake. It is crucial to ensure that there are no open holes or folds in the plastic wrap, as you want to create an airtight seal. This step may require multiple layers of plastic wrap to be truly effective.

Once the initial wrapping is done, it is common to add an additional layer of protection with aluminium foil. This helps to further protect the cake from any potential odours or taste transfer that could occur in the freezer. Again, ensure that the foil is wrapped tightly around the cake, creating a secure barrier.

By following these steps, you will successfully chill and wrap your wedding cake, preserving it for future enjoyment. This method helps to maintain the integrity of the cake's appearance and taste, making it a delightful treat to savour on special occasions, such as a couple's first anniversary.

Wrap the cake in plastic wrap

Wrapping your wedding cake in plastic wrap is an essential step in preserving your cake. It is important to wrap the cake tightly, pushing the plastic directly onto the surface of the buttercream or fondant. It is recommended to use at least two layers of plastic wrap, though some sources suggest using five or six layers. This will ensure that there are no tiny open holes or folds, and will prevent air, freezer odours, and moisture from seeping in.

Before wrapping the cake, it is important to let the cake chill so that the icing hardens. This will make it easier to wrap the cake and prevent a mess from soft frosting. It is also important to remove any decorative additions, such as cake toppers and sugar flowers, as these can get in the way of the plastic wrap and create gaps for air to enter.

After wrapping the cake in plastic wrap, it is recommended to add additional layers of protection, such as aluminium foil or an airtight container, to further shield the cake from anything entering the freezer.

Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or freezer bag

Now that your cake is securely wrapped, it's time to place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. This is an important step to ensure your cake stays fresh and free from freezer burn. The airtight seal will also protect your cake from absorbing any unwanted odours or flavours from other items in your freezer.

It is recommended to use a zippered plastic freezer bag, which can be purchased from most grocery or homeware stores. If you don't have access to a freezer bag, a plastic airtight container will also do the trick. Make sure to place the wrapped cake inside the container, pushing out as much air as possible before sealing.

If you're using a box, it's a good idea to wrap the box itself in several layers of plastic wrap to provide an extra barrier against odours and moisture. You could also add a layer of aluminium foil over the box, which will help protect the cake from freezer burn and ensure it stays fresh for your first anniversary.

Finally, don't forget to label your container or freezer bag with the date and contents. This will ensure you don't accidentally throw it out or forget about it during the year. You might also want to add a little note reminding yourself to defrost the cake a day or two before your anniversary, so you can enjoy a tasty treat straight from your freezer!

Store the cake in the freezer

Storing your wedding cake in the freezer is a great way to preserve it for your first anniversary. Here are some tips to ensure your cake stays fresh and tasty:

Wrap the Cake

It is important to wrap the cake properly to prevent freezer burn and odours from affecting the taste and texture of your cake. Firstly, remove any decorations and ornaments from the cake, such as flowers and cake toppers. Then, place the cake in the freezer unwrapped for about an hour to let the frosting firm up. This will make it easier to wrap without creating a mess. After that, remove the cake from the freezer and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It is recommended to use at least five layers of plastic wrap to ensure the cake is well protected.

Add a Second Layer

Once the cake is securely wrapped in plastic, it is time to add a second layer of protection. You can use aluminium foil for this. Wrap the cake with at least two layers of foil to shield it from anything else in the freezer. This will also help to keep odours out.

Place in a Container

After the cake is wrapped, place it in a large plastic container. This will provide even more protection from the cold and any smells in the freezer. It will also help keep the cake from getting squashed or damaged by other items in the freezer.

Label and Date

Don't forget to label and date your wrapped cake. Use a marker to write the date you froze the cake on the outside of the wrapping. This way, you'll know when it's time to take it out and enjoy it.

Store in the Freezer

Finally, place your wrapped and container-protected cake in the freezer. It is best to put it at the back of the freezer, where it will be the coldest and least exposed to warm air when the freezer door is opened. Now, your wedding cake is safely stored and you can look forward to enjoying it on your first anniversary!

Frequently asked questions