Storing Your Wedding Cake: Tips For Leftover Treats

Preserving your wedding cake is a great way to ensure you can enjoy it after your big day. Many couples save the top tier of their cake to eat on their first wedding anniversary, continuing a tradition that dates back to Victorian times. There are several ways to store your leftover wedding cake, including freezing it or keeping it in the fridge. If you want to freeze your cake, it's important to remove any flowers or decorations and wrap it properly to avoid freezer burn. On the other hand, if you plan to enjoy your cake within a few days, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge is a better option.

How to store leftover wedding cake in the fridge

Storing leftover wedding cake in the fridge is not recommended for long-term storage, as it can dry out the cake and make it stale. However, if you are planning to enjoy your leftover wedding cake within a few days of your wedding, storing it in the fridge can keep it fresh. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to store leftover wedding cake in the fridge:

Step 1: Choose the right type of cake

Not all cakes are suitable for refrigeration. If you want to store your wedding cake in the fridge, choose a classic sponge cake such as red velvet, classic white, or chocolate sponge. Stay away from light, fluffy, and non-oil-based sponges like angel food cake, as they can stale quickly.

Step 2: Remove decorations and flowers

Before storing your wedding cake in the fridge, remove any decorative flowers, sugar work, fondant decorations, or cake toppers. These decorations can get soggy and smush into the icing, affecting the taste and texture of the cake. If you want to save sugar flowers as a memento, set them aside in a dry, room-temperature location.

Step 3: Use airtight containers

To store your wedding cake in the fridge, use airtight containers. If the cake is already cut into slices, place each slice in an individual airtight container. If the cake is not cut, place it in a large airtight container. This will help prevent the cake from drying out and keep it fresh.

Step 4: Keep the cake away from strong odours

The wedding cake can absorb strong odours from other foods in the fridge. To avoid this, keep the cake in a separate container or area of the fridge, away from strong-smelling items like fish or onions. You can also place a box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odours.

Step 5: Consume the cake within a few days

Leftover wedding cake stored in the fridge is best consumed within three to five days. After this period, the cake may start to dry out or spoil. If you plan to keep the cake for a longer period, consider freezing it instead.

Step 6: Bring the cake to room temperature before serving

When you are ready to serve the leftover wedding cake, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This will ensure that the cake has a soft and consistent texture when served.

How to freeze leftover wedding cake

Freezing your wedding cake is a great way to preserve it for a special occasion, such as your first wedding anniversary or your child's christening. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions to ensure your leftover wedding cake stays fresh and tasty.

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Before freezing, it is important to remove all flowers and adornments from the cake. This includes fresh flowers, sugar flowers, and fondant decorations, as they can spoil quickly. If you wish to keep them as mementos, place them in a dry, room-temperature location.

Step 2: Chill the Cake

To make the wrapping process easier, chill the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours. This will harden the icing, preventing it from sticking to the plastic wrap. It is important not to leave the cake in the fridge for too long, as it may dry out.

Step 3: Wrap the Cake

Once the icing has hardened, wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap. Ensure that all edges are completely sealed to prevent air bubbles and odours from seeping in. Then, wrap the cake in at least two layers of aluminium foil for added protection.

Step 4: Place in an Airtight Container

Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or freezer bag. You can also use a cake box, which you can request from the bakery. Wrap the container in several layers of aluminium foil and/or place it in a large Ziploc bag for extra protection. Label the container with the date and contents to avoid any confusion.

Step 5: Store in the Freezer

Place the airtight container at the back of your freezer, away from the door. This will minimise the chance of the cake thawing and preserve it for as long as possible. It is recommended to store sponge wedding cakes for no more than six months in the freezer.

Step 6: Defrost the Cake

When you are ready to enjoy your cake, remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours to thaw. Then, take the cake out of the container, remove the plastic wrap, and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your leftover wedding cake stays fresh and delicious until your next special occasion.

How to defrost frozen wedding cake

To defrost a frozen wedding cake, you should first take it out of the freezer and place it in the fridge for 24 hours to gradually thaw. Then, remove the wrapping and leave the cake out for 2 to 3 hours to bring it to room temperature before serving.

Some other tips to keep in mind:

• It is recommended to wrap the cake in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container before freezing it.
• Chocolate, carrot, hazelnut, and almond cakes will taste better after being frozen than white, fruit-filled, or whipped cream-topped cakes.
• If you are concerned about the quality of your frozen wedding cake, you can order a replica from your bakery or a fresh cake in the same flavour from a local bakery.

How to preserve leftover wedding cake for the long term

Preserving the top tier of your wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary is a centuries-old tradition that dates back to Victorian England. Here are some tips to ensure your wedding cake stays fresh:

Know your cake

Not all cakes freeze well. Light, fluffy, and non-oil-based sponges like angel food cake tend to go stale very quickly. Classic sponges like red velvet, classic white, and chocolate sponge are better options for freezing. Fruitcakes, especially those with alcohol-soaked fruits, are also a good choice.

Remove decorations

Strip the cake of any flowers or other non-edible decorations. This will ensure that the plastic wrap sits flush against the cake, preventing air and odours from seeping in. You can dry fresh florals or save sugar flowers and other decorations as mementos.

Chill the cake

Before wrapping the cake, it's important to chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours. This will harden the icing, making it easier to wrap and preventing the plastic wrap from sticking.

Wrap the cake

Use plastic wrap to wrap the entire cake, ensuring all edges are completely sealed. For optimal protection, wrap the cake in plastic at least twice, or up to six times. Then, add a layer of aluminium foil or place the cake in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Store in the freezer

Place the wrapped cake in the back of your freezer to minimise the opportunity for it to thaw. If possible, store the cake in a safe location where it won't be disturbed, especially if you plan to move in the near future.

Defrost the cake

When you're ready to enjoy your cake again, move it from the freezer to the refrigerator 24 hours before serving. Then, remove the cake from its packaging and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

What to do with leftover wedding cake if you don't want to eat it

If you don't want to eat your leftover wedding cake, you have several options to consider. You could give slices of the cake to your guests as they leave, or send slices to friends and family who couldn't attend the wedding. Alternatively, you could donate the cake to a local food bank or homeless shelter. If you don't want to give the cake away, you could use it for a cake smash photo shoot or even use it as bait when fishing!

If you want to keep the cake for sentimental reasons but don't want to eat it, you can still follow the steps outlined previously to store it in the freezer. This will ensure it stays as fresh as possible and can be enjoyed at a later date if you change your mind.

If you're set on not eating the cake, you could also consider using it as part of a wedding anniversary celebration. While you might not want to eat it, seeing the cake and sharing it with guests can be a great way to remember your wedding day and rekindle those newlywed feelings.

Finally, if you're feeling creative, you could use the cake in a variety of arts and crafts projects. You could make cake-themed artwork, create cake-scented candles, or even use the cake as a mould to create a unique wedding cake souvenir.

Frequently asked questions