Storing Your Fruit Wedding Cake: Tips And Tricks

Preserving the top tier of a wedding fruit cake is a time-honoured tradition, symbolising good luck and prosperity. Couples traditionally save the top tier to be enjoyed on their first anniversary or the christening of their first child. The alcohol in the cake acts as a preservative, allowing it to be stored for years. If you plan to store your wedding fruit cake for a special occasion, there are several steps you can take to ensure its longevity. Firstly, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminium foil. Then, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container to protect it from external odours and moisture. If you intend to store the cake for longer than a month or two, it is best to transfer it to the freezer. When the time comes to serve the cake, allow it to thaw gradually by removing it from the freezer and letting it thaw in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. Finally, bring the cake to room temperature for around 12 hours to enhance the flavours and restore its original texture.

Wrapping the cake: Use plastic wrap, greaseproof paper, or foil to protect the cake from freezer burn and stop it drying out

Wrapping your fruit wedding cake is an important step in preserving it for future enjoyment. Here are some detailed instructions on how to properly wrap your cake using plastic wrap, greaseproof paper, or foil:

Plastic Wrap:

• Start by getting the cake refrigerated as soon as possible.
• Wrap the cake gently but tightly with plastic wrap (such as Saran/Cling Wrap) in three separate layers. Ensure no part of the cake is left exposed.
• This initial layer of plastic wrap protects the cake from freezer burn and helps to prevent drying out.

Greaseproof Paper:

• If you are keeping the marzipan and icing on the cake, use greaseproof paper to wrap the entire cake, including the cake board.
• The greaseproof paper helps to create a barrier against moisture and air, preventing the cake from drying out or becoming exposed to air.

Foil:

• Once you have wrapped the cake in greaseproof paper, add another layer of protection by wrapping it in tin foil.
• The foil helps to insulate the cake and protect it from external odours and potential moisture.

After wrapping your cake, it is important to place it in an airtight container and store it in the freezer. This will ensure that your fruit wedding cake stays fresh and tasty for future celebrations.

Containers: Store the cake in an airtight container or bag to shield it from external odours and moisture

Containers are crucial to protect your fruit wedding cake from external odours and moisture. Opt for an airtight container or bag, ensuring it is spacious enough to accommodate the cake without disruption. Commercial food containers are an excellent choice, providing a narrow fit for your freezer while allowing ample room for the cake.

When selecting a container, consider the dimensions of your cake and freezer. Measure both beforehand to ensure a perfect fit. The Cambro containers, for instance, offer a diverse range of sizes to accommodate various cake sizes.

For a more affordable option, consider using a plastic bag specifically designed for freezer storage, such as a zip lock bag. This choice will help protect the cake from odours, moisture, and freezer burn, while also maintaining its freshness.

Proper container selection is essential to shield your fruit wedding cake from external influences and ensure its longevity.

Timing: Freeze the cake as soon as possible after the wedding and eat within a year to avoid freezer burn

Timing is crucial when it comes to storing your fruit wedding cake. To ensure your cake remains in the best possible condition, it is recommended to freeze it as soon as possible after the wedding. This will help to preserve its freshness and flavour.

Firstly, wrap the cake gently but tightly with plastic cling film in three separate layers. This creates a protective barrier against freezer burn. Then, place the wrapped cake inside an airtight container to be stored in the freezer for up to 12 months.

It is important to choose a container that is the right size for your cake and your freezer. A commercial food container is a good option, as it is narrow enough to fit in most freezers and provides an airtight seal to prevent freezer burn.

If you intend to keep the cake for longer than a year, it is recommended to store it in the refrigerator instead of the freezer. Fruit cakes can last for several years when properly stored in the refrigerator, but their life is shorter when frozen.

To eat your frozen wedding cake, remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator two days in advance to allow it to thaw gradually. On the day you plan to eat it, remove the cling film and let the cake sit at room temperature for 4-6 hours to fully thaw.

Fruit wedding cakes can be preserved for a long time, but for optimal taste and texture, it is best to consume them within a year of freezing.

Thawing: Allow the cake to thaw in the fridge for at least 12 hours, then bring to room temperature for around 12 hours before serving

Thawing a fruit wedding cake is a crucial step in ensuring it tastes as good as the day it was baked. Here is a detailed guide on how to properly thaw your fruit wedding cake:

Firstly, it is important to plan ahead and allow ample time for the cake to thaw. The recommended time is at least 12 hours in the fridge, followed by around 12 hours at room temperature. This slow and gradual process ensures that your cake thaws evenly and maintains its texture and freshness.

When you are ready to begin the thawing process, remove the cake from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator. It is important to keep the cake wrapped during this step, as condensation can form on the cake itself, leading to a wet and sticky texture. The wrapping will act as a barrier, protecting the cake from any moisture.

The refrigerator is ideal for thawing as it provides a cold, controlled environment. Leave the cake in the fridge for at least 12 hours, or until it is completely thawed. This duration may vary depending on the size of your cake, with larger cakes taking longer to thaw.

Once the cake has thawed in the fridge, you can then bring it to room temperature. Remove the cake from the refrigerator and place it on a countertop or table. It is generally not recommended to remove the wrapping at this stage, as it will help prevent the cake from drying out or becoming stale. However, if your cake is sealed in a bag, it is best to remove it from the bag to prevent condensation buildup.

Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for around 12 hours. This step is crucial in ensuring the cake is ready to serve and enjoy. It allows the cake to reach the perfect texture and temperature for consumption.

Finally, once the cake has thawed completely and reached room temperature, you can carefully remove the wrapping. Your fruit wedding cake is now ready to be served and enjoyed!

By following these detailed steps, you can ensure that your fruit wedding cake thaws properly, maintaining its taste, texture, and freshness.

Alcohol: Alcohol-soaked fruitcakes can be preserved for years, but alcohol-free cakes should be eaten within a few days

Alcohol-soaked fruitcakes can be preserved for years, but alcohol-free cakes are only good to eat for a few days. The alcohol acts as a preservative, with its antimicrobial properties creating a hostile environment for microorganisms, slowing down the spoiling process. This gives alcohol-soaked fruitcakes a shelf life of years, and sometimes even decades.

To preserve an alcohol-soaked fruitcake, wrap the cake in several layers of greaseproof paper, then tin foil, and store it in a cardboard box or a tin. The cake should be stored somewhere cool and dry. If you periodically add more alcohol to the cake, it can be preserved for even longer.

Fruitcakes without alcohol have a much shorter shelf life. To maximise their shelf life, they should be stored in an airtight container, covered with plastic wrap, and placed in a cool, dry place. They can be frozen for up to six months but should be consumed within a few days if left out.

If you want to add alcohol to an alcohol-free fruitcake to extend its shelf life, you can poke holes in the cake and pour alcohol over it, or steam the cake with alcohol.

Frequently asked questions