Preserving Your Wedding Cake Top: A Step-By-Step Guide

The wedding cake is a ceremony classic, and many newlyweds observe the tradition of saving, freezing, and storing the top tier of their cake to share on their first anniversary. This custom dates back to the 19th century when it was done for good luck and fertility. While some couples may choose to rely on their baker or caterer for post-wedding preservation, it is possible to do it yourself. Here's a guide on how to properly store your wedding cake top.

Remove decorations and flowers

If you want to preserve your wedding cake, it's important to remove any decorations and flowers. This includes real flowers, sugar flowers, fondant flowers, and cake toppers. You can set these aside in a dry, room-temperature location as a memento if you wish, but they will get soggy if left on the cake. Removing them will also allow for better coverage when wrapping the cake, reducing the chance of spoilage.

If you have large sugar flowers or gumpaste flowers, it's best to take them off. However, smaller sugar flowers and icing details can be left on the cake if you prefer. Just be aware that they may not look or taste the same after a year in the freezer.

It's also important to note that fresh flowers should definitely be removed from the cake before storing. Even sugar or fondant flowers will spoil quickly, so it's best to take them off as well.

When removing decorations, be gentle to avoid damaging the cake. You can use a spatula or a butter knife to carefully lift them off, but be careful not to tear the icing or cake surface. Place the decorations in a safe place if you want to keep them, such as a dry box or container.

Place the cake on a plastic board

To properly store your wedding cake top, it is recommended that you place the cake on a plastic board. This is because, over the course of a year, your cake will absorb the taste of cardboard and become disgusting. A plastic board will also help to prevent the plastic wrap from sticking to the cake.

It is also important to note that you should not use aluminium foil as your base layer. Not only are there potential health concerns associated with wrapping food in aluminium foil, but it will also stick to your frosting.

Before placing your cake on the plastic board, it is important to pre-freeze the cake. Place the cake unwraped in the freezer for an hour or two to let the frosting firm up. This will make it easier to wrap the cake without creating a gooey mess.

Once the frosting is firm, place the cake on a plastic board. You can then begin the process of wrapping the cake in plastic wrap. It is recommended that you use at least five full layers of plastic wrap to prevent freezer odours and burn from getting into your cake.

After the cake has been wrapped in plastic, you can then add a final layer of aluminium foil. This will provide additional protection against freezer burn and help to ensure that your cake stays fresh for your first anniversary.

Pre-freeze the cake

To store your wedding cake top properly, it is important to pre-freeze the cake. This is a crucial step as it helps to firm up the frosting, preventing a gooey mess when you try to wrap the soft, sticky icing.

Firstly, place the cake in the freezer, leaving it unwrapped for around an hour. This will allow the frosting to harden, making it easier to wrap. If you skip this step, you will find it challenging to wrap the cake without creating a mess.

After an hour, remove the cake from the freezer. It is now ready to be wrapped and stored in the freezer until your first anniversary.

It is worth noting that some sources suggest chilling the cake in the refrigerator before wrapping, rather than placing it in the freezer. This is to allow the frosting to set without risking a change in texture or bacterial growth, which can occur when a hot cake is placed in the freezer.

By pre-freezing your wedding cake top, you ensure that it maintains its shape and texture during storage, making it a worthwhile step in the process of preserving your special cake.

Wrap in plastic wrap

Wrapping your wedding cake top in plastic wrap is an essential step in preserving your cake. It's important to cover every inch of the cake with plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn and to ensure the cake doesn't go stale. Aim for at least five full layers of plastic wrap, pressing the plastic directly onto the surface of the cake. This will help to prevent any air from getting to the cake while it's in the freezer.

It's also a good idea to place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or freezer bag, which will provide an extra layer of protection from the cold and prevent any smells from seeping into the cake. If you're using a box, wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap as well. You can also add a final layer of aluminium foil to the outside of the cake for added protection.

Loosely wrapping the cake is important, as it will help to avoid the plastic sticking to the icing. It's also a good idea to let the cake chill in the refrigerator before wrapping it, so the icing hardens and you don't end up with a mess.

By following these steps, you'll be able to preserve your wedding cake top and enjoy it on your first anniversary or another special occasion.

Place in an airtight container

Once you've removed all flowers and adornments from the wedding cake and chilled the cake in the refrigerator, it's time to wrap it up and place it in an airtight container.

Wrap the cake in plastic wrap. Make sure to cover every inch of the cake with at least five full layers of plastic wrap. This will help to prevent freezer odors and burn from getting into your cake.

Then, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or freezer bag. If you're using a box, wrap the box in several layers of plastic wrap as well. This will give you an extra layer of protection to ensure that air can't get to the cake.

Finally, pop the airtight container or freezer bag back into the freezer. You might want to mark it with a ribbon or label so you don't accidentally throw it out over the course of the year!

When your first anniversary draws near, take the cake out of the freezer and remove the wrapping. Then, allow the cake to thaw for 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator. Before serving, give the cake time (2 to 3 hours) to come to room temperature.

Frequently asked questions