Preserving Your Wedding Cake: A Yearly Tradition

Saving the top tier of your wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary is a popular tradition. However, it's not the most appetising tradition, as year-old cake is likely to be stale and dry. But, if you're determined to save your wedding cake, there are some steps you can take to preserve it. Firstly, remove any decorations and cardboard from the cake. Then, chill the cake in the refrigerator to harden the icing. Next, wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container in the freezer. Finally, remember to take the cake out of the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator before you plan to eat it.

Remove decorations and cardboard from the cake

To save your wedding cake for a year, you should start by removing all decorations from the cake. This includes real flowers, sugar flowers, cake toppers, and other adornments. Even if you are leaving the cake in the freezer, these decorations will spoil quickly and could get smushed into the icing when you wrap the cake. If you want to keep them as a memento, set them aside in a dry, room-temperature location.

Next, you will need to remove the cardboard. Transfer the cake to a plastic or foil-covered board. If you leave the cake on cardboard, it will absorb the cardboard's taste and smell, which will affect the flavour of your cake.

If you are planning to eat the cake after a year, it is best to have a backup plan. You could call your local baker and ask them to make a simple replica of your wedding cake, so you can actually enjoy your cake on your first anniversary.

Pre-freeze the cake to firm up the frosting

To save your wedding cake for a year, it is important to pre-freeze the cake to firm up the frosting. This will make it easier to wrap the cake without creating a mess. Place the cake in the freezer for about an hour or two, uncovered, to allow the frosting to harden. This step is crucial if you have soft frosting, such as buttercream, as it will prevent the frosting from sticking to the plastic wrap and creating a gooey mess. By pre-freezing the cake, you ensure that the frosting sets and becomes firm, making it easier to handle and wrap securely.

Once the frosting has firmed up, you can proceed to wrap the cake. Gather the necessary supplies, including plastic wrap, aluminium foil, and a zippered plastic freezer bag. It is essential to wrap the cake tightly, ensuring that the plastic wrap is pressed directly against the surface of the cake. This creates a sealed barrier that protects the cake from freezer burn and odours. After wrapping the cake with plastic wrap, add another layer of protection by covering it with aluminium foil. Finally, place the wrapped cake inside the plastic freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to create an airtight seal.

By pre-freezing the cake and wrapping it securely, you are ensuring that your wedding cake remains well-preserved and protected from the elements during its year-long storage. This process helps to maintain the integrity of the cake's appearance and texture, reducing the chances of spoilage and freezer burn. Remember, the key to successful long-term storage is to prevent air from reaching the cake, so take the time to carefully wrap and seal it before placing it in the freezer.

It is worth noting that even with proper preservation techniques, your wedding cake may still be slightly stale or dry after a year in the freezer. However, with careful preparation and storage, you can minimise the chances of spoilage and enjoy a slice of your special day on your first anniversary.

Wrap the cake in plastic wrap

Wrapping your wedding cake in plastic wrap is an essential step in preserving your cake for your first anniversary. It's important to wrap the cake tightly, pushing the plastic wrap against the surface of the cake. Aim for at least five full layers of plastic wrap to prevent freezer odours and burn from getting into your cake.

Before wrapping the cake, it's a good idea to chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours to harden the icing. This will make it easier to wrap the cake without the plastic sticking to the icing. You should also remove any decorations, such as flowers and cake toppers, as these can get soggy and smushed when wrapped.

After wrapping the cake in plastic, it's recommended to add another layer of protection, such as aluminium foil or a plastic container, to shield the cake from anything entering the freezer. Make sure there are no tiny open holes or folds in the wrapping, and consider placing the wrapped cake in a zippered plastic freezer bag to add another layer of protection.

Place the cake in a large plastic container

Once you've removed the decorations and cardboard from your wedding cake, pre-frozen the cake, and wrapped it in plastic wrap, it's time for the final step: placing the cake in a large plastic container. This is an important step in ensuring your cake stays fresh and tasty for your one-year anniversary.

Choose a large plastic container that is clean and dry. Make sure the container is big enough to fit the wrapped cake comfortably, with some extra space for air circulation. You don't want the cake to be too snug in the container, as this can affect the freezing process. If possible, use a container with a tight-fitting lid to ensure the cake is protected from any smells or flavours in your freezer.

Gently place the wrapped cake inside the container. If you have multiple cakes or tiers, you can place them in the same container, but make sure they are not touching. You don't want the cakes to stick together or crush each other during storage. Once the cake is in the container, seal it shut and label it clearly so you know what it is and when it was frozen.

Now, find a spot in your freezer where the container can remain undisturbed for a year. Ideally, choose a spot towards the back of the freezer, where the temperature is more consistent and the cake is less likely to be affected by frequent opening and closing of the freezer door. If you have an upright freezer, consider placing the container on a shelf, rather than the door, for the same reason.

Remember, the key to successfully saving your wedding cake for a year is to prevent airflow and odours from reaching the cake. By following these steps and placing your wrapped cake in a large plastic container, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a tasty treat on your first anniversary.

Have a backup plan

It's important to be realistic about your expectations for year-old cake. Even if you follow all the steps to preserve your wedding cake, it will likely be stale and not taste as good as fresh cake.

If you're concerned about the quality of your cake after a year in the freezer, you can always have a backup plan. Here are some ideas to ensure you still get to enjoy a delicious cake on your first anniversary:

• Order a replica cake from your baker: Many bakeries offer a smaller, duplicate cake that you can pick up on your first anniversary. This way, you can enjoy a freshly baked cake that tastes just as good as it did on your wedding day. Ask your baker if they offer this service, or if they can make a simple cake in your wedding cake flavour.
• Make your own replica: If you want to recreate the magic of your wedding cake, you could try baking a replica yourself! Find a recipe that matches your original cake, or put a fun twist on it by adding new flavours or decorations. This option lets you relive the memories of your wedding day while still enjoying a delicious, freshly baked cake.
• Save other treats from your wedding: If you're not too keen on eating year-old cake, consider saving other treats from your wedding day. For example, you could save a bottle of champagne or mead and drink it on your first anniversary. This way, you can still celebrate with something special from your wedding, even if it's not the cake itself.
• Create a cake ornament: If you want a truly long-lasting memento of your wedding cake, consider turning it into an ornament. You can send a photo of your cake to a company that specialises in this, and they'll create a small, mini version of your cake to display. This way, you can always have a reminder of your special day, even after the cake is long gone.
• Eat the cake sooner: Who says you have to wait a year to enjoy your wedding cake? Many couples choose to eat the top tier of their cake after returning from their honeymoon, or even sooner. This way, you can savour the cake while the memories of your wedding are still fresh.

Frequently asked questions