Tips For Removing The Top Tier Of Your Wedding Cake

The tradition of saving the top tier of a wedding cake dates back to 19th-century England. Back then, it was customary for newlyweds to save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first child's christening, as it was expected that couples would have children soon after marriage. Today, the tradition has evolved, and couples now save the top tier of their wedding cake to celebrate their first wedding anniversary.

Wrapping and storing

Once you have cut the top tier of your wedding cake and removed all flowers and adornments, it's time to wrap and store it.

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.

Next, wrap the cake in plastic wrap. Some sources suggest doing this multiple times, with at least two layers of plastic wrap, while others suggest one to two layers. Then, wrap the cake in at least two layers of tin foil. This will help to shield the cake from anything entering the freezer and prevent freezer burn and freezer smells from getting into the cake.

Finally, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or freezer bag, seal it, label it, and store it safely on a freezer shelf where it will be out of the way.

It's important to note that even when stored correctly, there is a chance that the cake could be a little dry or stale tasting after a year. Most bakers recommend storing it for no longer than six months, depending on the type of cake.

Removing decorations

The first step to preserving your wedding cake is to remove all flowers and adornments. This is especially important if your cake is adorned with fresh flowers, as they will spoil quickly. Even sugar or fondant flowers should be removed to be safe. If you want to keep them as a memento, set them aside in a dry, room-temperature location.

If you have a cake topper, you can carefully remove it and set it aside. If it has any buttercream or frosting on it, gently wipe it off with a paper towel.

Next, you'll want to address any other decorations on your cake. If you have a multi-tiered cake, carefully separate the tiers before removing any decorations. This will make it easier to wrap the cake for freezing and ensure that all parts of the cake are properly preserved.

For cakes with intricate piping, elaborate fondant designs, or other delicate decorations, use a gentle touch to avoid damaging them. You may need to use a knife or offset spatula to carefully lift and remove any decorations adhered to the cake.

Once all the decorations have been removed, give your cake a light brushing to remove any crumbs or stray frosting. This will help ensure that your cake looks as good as new when you come to enjoy it on your first anniversary.

Chilling the cake

Once the icing has hardened, you can begin to wrap the cake. It is important to note that chilling the cake is a temporary step to prepare the cake for freezing. The cake should not be left in the refrigerator for longer than necessary, as it will need to be stored in the freezer for long-term preservation.

Defrosting the cake

Before placing your cake into the freezer, it is important to remove any decorations such as sugar flowers or other adornments. This will ensure they do not get in the way of the freezing process and tear the plastic wrap. Additionally, if your cake has fresh fruit or custard fillings, these may not maintain their original texture and should be removed.

Once your cake is frozen, wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap. Ensure that the wrap is tightly secured and there are no air bubbles. This will help prevent the cake from drying out and protect it from freezer burn. Do not use aluminium foil as it may cause freezer burn.

After wrapping the cake, place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. This will provide an extra layer of protection and ensure the cake's original taste and texture are preserved. Place the container in the freezer, preferably turning off any defrosting settings to avoid interruptions in the preservation process.

Now, for the defrosting process. Take the cake out of the freezer and remove it from the airtight container. Slowly and carefully unwrap the plastic wrap. It is important to keep the cake wrapped until it is fully defrosted to prevent it from drying out.

Place the unwrapped cake back into the refrigerator. Leave it there for a couple of hours or overnight, ensuring it defrosts completely and becomes soft. This slow defrosting process is crucial to maintaining the cake's quality.

Finally, on the day you plan to eat the cake, take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about two hours before serving. This will ensure your cake is perfectly thawed and ready to enjoy, allowing you to relive the delicious memories of your wedding day.

Remember, the key to successfully defrosting your wedding cake is to do it slowly and with care. Following these steps will help ensure your cake tastes as delicious as it did on your special day.

Alternative options

If you don't want to save the top tier of your wedding cake for your anniversary, there are a few alternative options you can consider:

• Order a fresh, miniature replica of your original wedding cake from the same bakery. This option allows you to enjoy a fresh cake on your anniversary while still reliving the memories of your wedding day.
• Request your local bakery to make the same flavour of cake or cupcakes. This is ideal if you don't live near the original baker or if you want a smaller portion.
• Instead of saving the top tier, some couples choose to save a couple of slices of each tier to enjoy a few weeks after the wedding or on their first anniversary. This way, you can relive the magical day without having to worry about the cake going stale.
• If you're having a cupcake tower, you can save some cupcakes for your anniversary or ask the baker to make a replica cupcake to save.
• If you don't want to deal with the hassle of preserving the cake, you can opt to eat the top tier right after returning from your honeymoon. This way, you can still enjoy a slice of your wedding cake while the memory of your special day is still fresh.

Frequently asked questions