Preserving Your Wedding Cake: Tips And Tricks

Saving the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary is a time-honoured tradition. But is it worth it? Some say the cake will be stale, dry, and freezer-burned, while others attest that it will taste just as good as it did on your wedding day. If you're willing to risk it, there are several steps you can take to maximise the chances of your cake tasting delicious a year later. Firstly, consider the size of your cake and whether you have enough freezer space. Timing is also crucial – get the cake into the refrigerator or cooler as soon as possible after cutting it, and place it in the freezer within a few days. Remove any decorations, and let the frosting harden before wrapping the cake tightly in multiple layers of plastic wrap and aluminium foil. Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container and store it in the deepest part of your freezer. When your anniversary comes around, give the cake plenty of time to thaw before tucking in!

Remove decorations and cardboard

Before you wrap your wedding cake, it's important to remove any decorative additions, such as cake toppers, large sugar flowers, and other large ornaments. You can leave smaller sugar flowers and icing details on the cake. If you want to, you can save these larger sugar flowers as mementos by setting them aside in a dry, room-temperature location.

If your cake is on cardboard, it's important to transfer it to a plastic board or plate. If you leave it on cardboard, the cake will absorb the cardboard's taste, which will negatively impact the flavour of your cake. You can also use a foil-covered board, but some people are paranoid about the potential connection between aluminium and Alzheimer's.

Pre-freeze the cake

Preserving your wedding cake is a great way to celebrate your first anniversary. Freezing your wedding cake for a whole year is a tall order, and some cakes will fare worse than others. Delicate cakes, such as angel food cake, are more likely to become stale during freezing, and certain fillings like custard or fresh fruit might not maintain their original texture.

Before you wrap the cake, place it in the freezer until the icing hardens. This will prevent the icing from sticking to the plastic wrap and making a mess. It is recommended to chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight to allow the icing to harden.

If your cake has decorations, it is best to remove them before placing the cake in the freezer. Sugar flowers and other adornments can be set aside and kept in a dry, room-temperature location as a memento.

When pre-freezing, it is also important to consider the other items in your freezer. Clear out any foods with strong odors to prevent the cake from absorbing unwanted smells.

Once the icing has hardened, you can proceed to the next steps of wrapping and sealing the cake.

Wrap in plastic wrap

Wrapping your wedding cake in plastic is an essential step in preserving your cake. The plastic wrap will help to protect your cake from freezer odors and freezer burn. It is recommended that you use at least five full layers of plastic wrap to mummify your cake.

Before you begin wrapping, it is important to let your cake chill in the refrigerator or freezer. This will allow the icing to harden, making it easier to wrap the cake without creating a mess. If you are using buttercream icing, it is especially important to let it harden, as it is very soft.

When wrapping the cake, press the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the buttercream or fondant. Make sure there are no tiny open holes or folds in the plastic wrap, as you want to ensure an airtight seal. You may also want to consider using a toothpick to create a tent and prevent the plastic wrap from sticking to the cake.

After wrapping your cake in plastic, you can add additional layers of protection, such as aluminum foil or a plastic container, to further shield your cake from anything entering the freezer.

Place in a large plastic container

Once you've removed the decorations, cardboard, and pre-frozen the cake, it's time to wrap it up and place it in a large plastic container.

It's important to wrap the cake with several layers of plastic wrap, pressing the plastic directly onto the surface of the buttercream or fondant. This will prevent freezer odours and burn from getting into your cake. You can then add a final layer of aluminium foil before placing the cake in a large plastic container.

The container should be big enough to fit the wrapped cake with some room to spare. It's also important to ensure that the container is airtight to prevent the cake from drying out. If the container is not airtight, you can add an extra layer of plastic wrap or aluminium foil to seal it.

Finally, place the container at the back of your freezer, where it's the coldest and least exposed to warm air.

Have a backup plan

Saving the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary is a long-standing tradition. However, it's not for everyone, and you may prefer to eat fresh cake on your special day. If you're unsure, it's best to have a backup plan. Here are some detailed suggestions on how to ensure you have a tasty treat to enjoy on your first anniversary:

Contact Your Baker

Ask your baker to make a simple replica of your wedding cake, perhaps a 4" or 6" cake in your original wedding cake flavour. This way, you can skip the hassle of preserving your cake and still enjoy a delicious treat on your anniversary. This option is ideal if you're particular about taste and want to avoid stale, dry, or freezer-burnt cake.

Preserve a Different Cake

If you're set on preserving a cake but don't want to risk compromising the taste of your wedding cake, consider preserving a different one. Ask your baker to create a small, duplicate cake that you can pick up on your first anniversary. This way, you can still enjoy a freshly baked cake without worrying about the preservation process.

Alternative Treats

If you're not sold on the idea of eating frozen cake at all, there are other ways to mark your first anniversary. You could ask your baker to create cupcakes in your wedding cake flavour or opt for entirely different treats altogether. This way, you can still celebrate with something sweet without worrying about the quality of a frozen cake.

Practice Proper Preservation

If you're determined to preserve your wedding cake, ensure you do it correctly. Allow the cake to chill before wrapping it, and remove any decorations and cardboard. Wrap it tightly in multiple layers of plastic wrap and aluminium foil, and store it in an airtight container at the back of your freezer. This will give you the best chance of enjoying a well-preserved cake on your anniversary.

Frequently asked questions