Preserving The Sweet Memory: Saving Your Wedding Cake Top

Saving the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary is a time-honoured tradition. But how do you ensure your confectionery creation stands the test of time? Here's a step-by-step guide to preserving your wedding cake, from prepping and wrapping to freezing and thawing.

Remove all decorations and flowers from the cake

Removing all decorations and flowers from the cake is crucial for successfully preserving your wedding cake. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Remove all ornaments and decorations:

Before wrapping the cake, it's essential to remove any decorative elements, including sugar flowers, cake toppers, and real flowers. These decorations can get soggy if left on the cake and may hinder the airtight wrapping process. However, you can leave smaller sugar flowers and icing details if desired.

Transfer the cake to a plastic board:

If your cake is on a cardboard base, it's best to transfer it to a plastic board. Cardboard can affect the taste of the cake over time, giving it an unpleasant cardboard-like flavour. Alternatively, you can use a foil-covered board, but some people prefer to avoid aluminium due to potential health concerns.

Pre-freeze the cake:

Before wrapping, it's a good idea to place the cake in the freezer for about an hour to let the frosting firm up. This step will prevent a gooey mess when you start wrapping the soft, sticky frosting.

Wrap the cake:

Now, remove the cake from the freezer and wrap it with plastic wrap. Aim for at least five layers of plastic wrap to create a protective barrier against freezer odours and burn. Make sure there are no tiny openings or folds in the plastic wrap.

Add a final layer of aluminium foil:

After mummifying your cake with plastic wrap, add a final layer of aluminium foil. This extra layer will provide additional protection and help keep your cake fresh.

Place the wrapped cake in a large plastic container:

Put your securely wrapped cake in a large plastic container and find a spot in your freezer for the next year.

Have a backup plan:

Even with the best preservation methods, there's always a chance that the cake won't taste as good as you hoped after a year. Consider calling a local baker to make a simple replica of your wedding cake in the same flavours. That way, you can ensure a delicious treat for your first anniversary, even if the original cake doesn't live up to your expectations.

Place the cake in the refrigerator to chill

To save the top tier of your wedding cake, you'll need to place it in the refrigerator to chill. This is an important step as it allows the frosting to chill and set, preventing a mess when you wrap the cake.

Firstly, place the cake on a baking sheet or plate and leave it in the fridge for one to two hours. This will allow the frosting to harden before you wrap it. If you're in a hurry, you can put the cake in the freezer for an hour or so to let the frosting firm up.

Once the cake has chilled, it's time to wrap it. Gather your supplies: plastic wrap, aluminium foil, and a zippered plastic freezer bag. Wrap the cake tightly, pushing the plastic wrap against the cake, ensuring there are no tiny open holes or folds.

After wrapping the cake, place it in a large plastic container and store it in the back of your freezer, where it's coldest and least exposed to warm air. Now you can enjoy your wedding cake on your first anniversary!

Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container in the freezer

Wrapping and storing your wedding cake in an airtight container in the freezer is a great way to preserve it. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, remove any decorations from the cake, such as flowers, cake toppers, or other adornments. This will ensure that the plastic wrap doesn't tear when you wrap the cake. It will also prevent the decorations from getting squished into the icing and getting soggy. You can set these accents aside in a dry, room-temperature location if you want to save them as a memento.

Next, chill the cake in the refrigerator or freezer to allow the icing to harden. This step is important as it will prevent the icing from sticking to the plastic wrap and creating a mess. Place the cake in the refrigerator or freezer for at least three hours or overnight until the frosting is firm to the touch.

Once the icing has set, remove the cake from the refrigerator or freezer. Gather your plastic wrap and an airtight container. Start wrapping the cake in the plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the cake. Ensure that the plastic wrap is hugging the cake tightly to prevent air and moisture from getting in, but be careful not to make it overly tight. Use at least two to five layers of plastic wrap to create a good barrier.

After the cake is securely wrapped in plastic, place it in an airtight container. This container will provide another layer of protection, ensuring that air cannot get to the cake. You can also add a final layer of aluminium foil over the wrapped cake for extra protection before placing it in the container.

Finally, find a spot in your freezer where the cake can remain undisturbed for the next year. It is best to place it at the back of the freezer, where it is the coldest and least exposed to warm air every time the freezer door is opened. You may want to mark the container with a ribbon or a label so you don't accidentally throw it away.

Now your wedding cake is safely stored and will be ready for you to enjoy on your first anniversary!

Thaw the cake in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving

Thawing a frozen wedding cake is a delicate process, but it's important to get it right to ensure your cake is in the best possible condition when you're ready to eat it. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, it's important to plan ahead and give yourself enough time. The cake should be removed from the freezer and placed in a refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving. This slow thawing process is crucial to ensuring your cake retains its quality. It's best to leave the cake wrapped during this time to avoid damaging it.

The refrigerator will prevent the formation of condensation, which could ruin your cake's decorations and icing. If you're in a hurry, you might be tempted to use a microwave, but this is not recommended as it can cause a mess and uneven thawing.

After 24 hours in the fridge, your cake should be almost ready to serve. Take it out of the refrigerator and leave it wrapped on the counter for about an hour before serving. This will bring the cake to room temperature, ensuring it's the perfect texture and temperature for your guests to enjoy.

Once you're ready to serve the cake, carefully unwrap it. If the frosting or decorations have been affected by the freezing and thawing process, you can touch them up at this point.

Remember, the key to successfully thawing a wedding cake is patience. By allowing enough time and following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy your special cake to the fullest!

Let the cake sit at room temperature for a few hours before eating

Letting your wedding cake sit at room temperature for a few hours before eating is an important step in the process of preparing your cake for preservation. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your cake remains in optimal condition:

Firstly, it is crucial to allow your cake to chill before you begin wrapping it for storage. Place your cake in the refrigerator or freezer to let the icing harden. This step is especially important if you have buttercream icing, as it tends to be softer and can create a mess if not properly set. Aim to leave the cake until the icing feels sturdy, which will make the wrapping process easier and prevent any unwanted smudges or marks.

Once your cake is sufficiently chilled, it's time to remove any decorative elements. Take off the cake topper, sugar flowers, and other embellishments. You can set aside sugar flowers and other decorations in a dry, room-temperature location if you wish to preserve them as a memento. It is important to note that these decorations should not be wrapped with the cake, as they may get soggy if left in contact with the icing.

Now, it's time to wrap your cake. Start by placing the cake in the freezer, unwrapped, for about an hour to let the frosting firm up. This step is crucial to prevent a gooey mess when you apply the plastic wrap. After the frosting has set, remove the cake from the freezer and wrap it securely with plastic wrap. It is recommended to use at least five full layers of plastic wrap to create a protective barrier against freezer odours and burn.

At this point, you can add an additional layer of aluminium foil for extra protection. Place your wrapped cake in a large plastic container and store it in your freezer. If you have any aromatic items in your freezer, such as fish or onions, ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent odour transfer. Alternatively, you can place a box of baking soda in your freezer to absorb any unwanted smells.

Finally, when your first anniversary arrives, it's time to enjoy your preserved wedding cake! Take the cake out of the freezer and keep it in the refrigerator overnight. The following day, let the cake sit at room temperature on the counter for five to six hours before indulging in this sweet treat. This process will ensure your cake is ready to be enjoyed, marking a special celebration of your first anniversary.

Frequently asked questions