Preserving The Top Tier: Tips For Storing Wedding Cake

The tradition of saving the top tier of a wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary dates back to Victorian England. Back then, couples served alcohol-soaked fruitcakes, which preserved well without electricity or freezers. Today, many couples continue this tradition, but modern cakes are more delicate and require careful storage to avoid spoilage. Here's a step-by-step guide to storing your wedding cake's top tier for your first anniversary.

Choosing the right type of cake

If you want to save the top tier of your wedding cake, it's best to opt for a sturdy cake. Avoid delicate cakes with lemon curd, custard, or cream cheese fillings, as well as those with whipped cream or fresh fruit toppings, as these won't keep as well.

• Carrot cake (but avoid cream cheese frosting)
• Fruitcake (choose a cake with dry or alcohol-soaked fruits rather than fresh fruit)

Fondant-covered cakes are a good option for preserving as they keep the cake fresh for longer and are ideal for summer weddings. However, some people may not like the taste of fondant, so consider using a thin layer or opting for an alternative covering.

Chocolate ganache is another option that tastes great and looks modern and neat. It offers many styling options, but it may not be suitable for very hot weather.

If you prefer a simpler option, a semi-naked cake with a thin layer of buttercream can seal in moisture and extend the cake's life. However, this style may be more prone to drying out or melting in warm temperatures.

Additionally, certain flavours, such as chocolate, almond, or carrot, will generally last longer and taste better after freezing than white, fruit-filled, or whipped cream-topped cakes.

Wrapping and sealing the cake

Firstly, it is important to allow your cake to chill before you begin wrapping. Place the top tier of your cake in the refrigerator shortly after the wedding. This will harden the icing, making it easier to wrap without creating a mess. Aim for a chilling time of at least 30 minutes, or until the icing and filling are firm.

Once the cake is chilled, remove all flowers and adornments. This includes fresh flowers, sugar flowers, and fondant flowers, as these can spoil quickly. If you wish to keep any sugar flowers as a memento, set them aside in a dry, room-temperature location.

Now, it's time to wrap the cake. Begin by wrapping the entire tier of cake with plastic wrap. Press the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the cake, ensuring a tight seal with no air bubbles. Aim for at least two layers of plastic wrap to provide extra protection.

After the cake is securely wrapped in plastic, it's time to add another layer of protection. You can use either aluminium foil or a cake box for this step. If using foil, wrap the cake with at least two layers, ensuring that all sides are covered. Alternatively, place the wrapped cake in a cake box. If you don't have a cake box, you can use Tupperware or another type of airtight container.

Finally, seal the wrapped cake in a Ziploc bag or similar freezer bag. This will provide an additional layer of protection from moisture, odours, and freezer burn. Label the bag with the date and contents, so you know what it is and when to enjoy it on your anniversary.

Now that your cake is properly wrapped and sealed, it's time to place it in the freezer. Remember to avoid placing anything heavy or bulky on top of the cake, as it can be easily damaged.

Using a cake box or airtight container

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Before placing the cake in the box or container, it's important to remove any fresh flowers, fondant details, or other decorations. These items can spoil quickly and affect the taste of your cake. Also, consider removing the cake from any cardboard base, as it can affect the flavour during long-term storage.

Step 2: Pre-Freeze the Cake

To make it easier to wrap the cake without the icing sticking, place the cake in the freezer for about 20 minutes to pre-freeze it. This will help set the icing and make the wrapping process smoother.

Step 3: Wrap the Cake

Once the icing is firm, remove the cake from the freezer and wrap it in plastic wrap. Cover the entire cake, pressing the edges of the plastic wrap firmly together. Make sure there are no air bubbles or uncovered spots. You can also use a product like KeepCake, which uses vacuum technology to remove air from the container and prevent freezer burn.

Step 4: Use a Cake Box or Airtight Container

Place the wrapped cake inside a cake box or an airtight container. If using a cake box, consider wrapping it in several layers of aluminium foil and placing it in a large Ziploc bag for added protection. Alternatively, you can use an airtight container designed specifically for storing cakes, such as KeepCake or PackFreshUSA's Top Tier Cake Preservation System. These containers use vacuum or oxygen-absorbing technology to keep your cake fresh.

Step 5: Label and Store

Label the cake box or container with a permanent marker or sticker, so you know what it is and don't accidentally throw it away. Place it in your freezer, and your wedding cake is now safely stored!

Step 6: Thawing and Enjoying Your Cake

When your first anniversary arrives, take the cake out of the freezer and place it in the refrigerator for about 24 hours to thaw. Then, remove the cake from its packaging and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying a slice of your wedding cake! Remember, even with the best preservation methods, the cake may still be a bit stale, but it will bring back wonderful memories of your wedding day.

Defrosting the cake

After this, the cake should be removed from the refrigerator and placed on a plate or stand to reach room temperature. This will take around 2 to 3 hours. It is important to note that the cake will not taste like fresh cake, but it is still a fun tradition to take part in.

Some couples choose to forgo the traditional method of preserving the top tier of their wedding cake and instead opt for a fresh replica. This can be ordered from the original bakery or a local baker. This ensures the cake is fresh and sweet while still evoking fond memories of the wedding day.

Alternatives to freezing the cake

If the idea of freezing your wedding cake doesn't appeal to you, there are still ways to enjoy it on your first anniversary. Here are some alternative ideas:

• Order a fresh, mini replica of your original wedding cake from the same bakery. If you no longer live near the original baker, you can ask a local bakery to make a cake in the same flavour.
• Share the top tier of your cake with your spouse as soon as you return from your honeymoon. This way, you can enjoy a slice while the memory of your wedding day is still fresh.
• Order a basic anniversary cake and spice it up with your original wedding cake topper.
• Instead of freezing the whole tier, cut it into slices and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. This way, you can take out slices as and when you want them.
• If you're not interested in eating the cake at all, you could preserve the top tier as a keepsake.

Frequently asked questions