Rhiannon Hendricks
Wedding cake freezing is a tradition that allows couples to reminisce about their special day while enjoying a tasty treat. The top tier of the wedding cake is usually preserved and consumed at the christening of the couple's first child or on their first anniversary. However, this tradition requires proper knowledge of how to store a wedding cake in the fridge or freezer to prevent it from turning sour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to store | If you're not planning on serving the cake for a few days, or if your kitchen is particularly warm |
| How long it lasts in the fridge | About four to five days |
| How to store in the fridge | Chill it uncovered for 15-20 minutes, then cover loosely in plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odours |
| How to store after cutting into it | Cover the exposed part tightly with a separate piece of plastic wrap to retain moisture |
| How to store in the freezer | Wrap in two layers of plastic wrap and an additional layer of aluminium foil to prevent freezer burn |
| How long it lasts in the freezer | Up to three months |
| How to defrost | Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for about eight hours |
What You'll Learn
How to wrap a wedding cake for the fridge
To wrap a wedding cake for the fridge, you should first allow the cake to chill. This will allow the icing to harden, which will make it easier to wrap the cake without messing up the icing.
Next, remove any decorations or ornaments, like sugar flowers, ribbons, or cake toppers. This will ensure that the plastic wrap doesn't tear and will also prevent the decorations from getting soggy.
Once the cake is chilled and the decorations removed, wrap the cake in plastic wrap, pressing it directly against the surface of the cake. Then, follow up with at least two layers of foil to shield it from anything entering the freezer. Ensure that the wrapping is airtight, with no air bubbles, to prevent the cake from drying out.
Finally, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. If you plan to store the cake for a long time, consider brushing the cake with a cake soak before wrapping it to ensure it stays moist.
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How long a wedding cake can be stored in the fridge
The length of time a wedding cake can be stored in the fridge depends on its ingredients and how it's been decorated. Some cakes are best stored at room temperature, while others need to be kept in the fridge or freezer.
Most cakes—including butter-based cakes, oil-based cakes, chiffon cakes, and sponge cakes—keep well at room temperature for at least one to two days. However, if the temperature of your kitchen is hot, or if your cake includes fresh fruit, a fruit compote, or fresh dairy such as cream cheese, whipped cream, or mascarpone, it's best to store it in the fridge.
If you're storing a frosted cake in the fridge, chill it uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes to harden the frosting a little, then cover it loosely in plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odours. Once you've cut into it, cover the exposed part tightly with a separate piece of plastic wrap to retain moisture. Frosted cake will last for about four to five days in the fridge.
If you want to store your wedding cake for longer than a few days, you'll need to freeze it. Before freezing, remove any decorations and chill the cake in the refrigerator to allow the icing to harden. This will take at least three hours or overnight. Once the icing is hard, wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap to preserve its taste and texture, then seal it in a freezer-safe airtight container.
Most cakes can be stored in the freezer for up to a year and will be at their best within three to four months of freezing. If you're planning to save the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary, it's important to remember that the cake will only taste as good as the day it was baked if it's been properly preserved.
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How to defrost a frozen wedding cake
To defrost a frozen wedding cake, you should first take it out of the freezer 24 to 48 hours before you plan to eat it. This will give the cake enough time to defrost. Take the cake out of its airtight container and slowly remove the plastic wrap. Place the cake back into the airtight container and put it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight. You want the cake to be fully defrosted and soft. On the day you plan to eat the cake, take it out of the refrigerator and the container. Let the cake sit out for about two hours or until it reaches room temperature. Then, enjoy your delicious cake!
Some other tips to keep in mind:
- It is important to slowly defrost the cake in the fridge to avoid condensation forming and leaving permanent marks on the icing.
- Make sure to keep the cake wrapped in its plastic covering while it defrosts in the fridge.
- If you are short on time, you can defrost the cake on the counter for about eight hours.
- If your cake is a cheesecake, it should be defrosted in the fridge.
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How to store a wedding cake with fresh fruit
Storing a wedding cake with fresh fruit requires special care to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. Here is a detailed guide on how to store a wedding cake with fresh fruit:
Before the Wedding:
Firstly, if you plan on storing the top tier of your wedding cake, inform your cake maker and catering team in advance. The cake maker may need to make allowances for the integrity of the board under the tier, and they can also provide you with spare boxes to transport the cake after the wedding.
During the Wedding:
Designate someone to carefully remove any decorations or cake toppers from the top tier immediately after the cake-cutting ceremony. This ensures a smooth preservation process.
Storing the Cake:
Use multiple layers of plastic wrap to tightly cover the cake, ensuring no part is left exposed. This initial layer protects the cake from freezer burn. Once plastic-wrapped, encase the cake in aluminium foil for an additional layer of insulation. Place the wrapped tier in an airtight container to shield it from external odours and potential moisture.
Short-Term Storage:
If you plan to eat the cake within a month or two, store it in the refrigerator. Allow the cake to come to room temperature for 12 hours before serving to maintain its texture.
Long-Term Storage:
For longer storage periods, transfer the wrapped top tier to the freezer. Before serving, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator to prevent condensation. The tricky part is slowly defrosting the cake to avoid marking the icing. First, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge for at least a couple of hours, and then, once it's almost defrosted, bring it to room temperature.
Additional Tips:
- Slicing the cake into individual portions before freezing makes it easier to thaw and enjoy without compromising the remaining cake.
- If space is an issue, consider using airtight freezer bags for storage.
- Label the container or bag with the date of the wedding and any other relevant information.
- When the time comes to enjoy the cake, plan ahead for gradual thawing. Remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
- Before serving, bring the cake to room temperature for around 12 hours to enhance the flavours and restore its original texture.
- Consider adding fresh berries or a light dusting of powdered sugar to enhance the presentation.
By following these steps, you can preserve the top tier of your wedding cake with fresh fruit and enjoy it on future anniversaries or special occasions.
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How to store a wedding cake with buttercream
Storing a wedding cake with buttercream frosting can be done in a few simple steps. Firstly, it is important to note that a cake with buttercream frosting does not need to be chilled and can be stored at room temperature for several days. However, if you are looking to store the cake for longer, or if the room is particularly warm, refrigeration is recommended.
If you are storing the cake in a refrigerator, it is important to first remove any large decorations, such as ribbons and cake toppers, and place the cake in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other odours. It is also a good idea to chill the cake for 15-20 minutes before wrapping it, to allow the icing to harden and prevent it from sticking to any plastic wrap.
When wrapping the cake, use several layers of plastic wrap to keep the original taste and texture intact. Ensure that the cake is tightly wrapped, with no air bubbles, and then seal it in an airtight container. If you are storing the cake for a year, as is traditional, mark the cake so that you do not accidentally throw it away.
When you are ready to serve the cake, remove it from the freezer 24-48 hours beforehand to allow it to defrost. Then, remove the plastic wrap and place the cake back in the airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight. On the day of serving, take the cake out of the refrigerator and let it sit for about two hours to reach room temperature.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your wedding cake with buttercream stays fresh and delicious for your special occasion.
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Frequently asked questions
It is not recommended to store a wedding cake in the fridge as it will become stale more quickly. If you are planning to store it in the fridge, it should be covered loosely in plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odours. It will last for about four to five days in the fridge.
To store a wedding cake in the freezer, first chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least three hours or overnight so that the icing hardens. Then, wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap to preserve its original taste and texture. Seal the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe airtight container and place it in the freezer.
A wedding cake can be stored in the freezer for up to a year, although it is usually best within three to four months of freezing.
To defrost a wedding cake, take it out of the freezer 24 to 48 hours before you plan to eat it. Remove the cake from its airtight container and slowly unwrap it. Place the cake back into the airtight container and put it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight. On the day you plan to eat it, take the cake out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about two hours.
Both buttercream and fondant iced cakes freeze very well. Fruit cakes can also be frozen.
