Freezing Your Wedding Cake? Wrap It Right!

Freezing a wedding cake is a great way to preserve the memories of your special day. If you're looking to save the top tier of your wedding cake, there are several steps you should take to ensure it stays fresh and tasty. Firstly, remove any decorations like flowers or cake toppers, and if the cake is on a cardboard base, transfer it to a foil-covered cardboard or a plastic plate to prevent any cardboard smell or taste from seeping into the cake. Then, chill the cake in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to allow the icing to harden. This will prevent the frosting from sticking to the plastic wrap when you wrap the cake.

Once the icing has hardened, wrap the cake tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, ensuring that every inch of the cake is covered to prevent it from drying out. Do not use aluminium foil as it may cause freezer burn. Instead, place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe airtight container or a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. You can also add an extra layer of protection by placing the container inside a cardboard box, sealing it with tape, and labelling it clearly. Now, your wedding cake is ready to be stored in the freezer!

Removing decorations

The first step to freezing a wedding cake is removing any decorations like sugar flowers, ribbons, cake toppers, figurines, or other adornments. By setting these aside, you can properly wrap your cake without the plastic wrap tearing. Smaller decorations, especially those made from icing, can be left on.

If your cake is placed on a cardboard bottom, which is not wrapped in foil, you need to transfer the cake onto a foil-covered cardboard or onto a plastic plate. This will prevent your cake from getting any cardboard smell or taste.

Then, chill the cake in the refrigerator before wrapping it up so that the icing hardens. The icing will take at least three hours or overnight to harden. Chilling the cake prevents frosting from sticking to the plastic wrap and making a mess. Before you put your cake in the refrigerator, clear out any foods with strong odours to prevent the cake from absorbing that smell.

Chilling the cake

Before chilling, it is recommended to remove any decorations such as sugar flowers, cake toppers, or other adornments. This will ensure that they do not get in the way of the freezing process and prevent the plastic wrap from tearing. If your cake is placed on a cardboard bottom that is not foil-wrapped, transfer it to a foil-covered cardboard or a plastic plate. This will prevent the cake from absorbing any cardboard smell or taste during freezing.

Place the cake in the refrigerator to chill. The icing will take at least three hours or longer to harden, and this step will also help prevent frosting from sticking to the plastic wrap. It is important to clear out any foods with strong odours from the refrigerator to avoid the cake absorbing any unwanted smells.

Once the cake is thoroughly chilled, you can proceed to the next step of wrapping it for freezing. It is important to note that the chilling process is crucial to ensuring the cake maintains its taste, texture, and appearance during freezing.

Wrapping in plastic

Wrapping a wedding cake in plastic is a delicate process, but it can be done. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Before you begin wrapping, it is important to remove any decorations from the cake, such as sugar flowers, cake toppers, or other adornments. These decorations can be set aside and stored separately. This step ensures that the plastic wrap will not tear or be obstructed by the decorations.
• Place the cake in the refrigerator or freezer to chill. Chilling the cake will help harden the icing, preventing it from sticking to the plastic wrap and creating a mess. It is recommended to chill the cake for at least three hours or overnight. Before chilling, clear out any foods with strong odours from the refrigerator to prevent the cake from absorbing unwanted smells.
• Once the cake is thoroughly chilled, remove it from the refrigerator or freezer. It is now time to start wrapping the cake in plastic wrap. It is best to use a product specifically designed for wrapping food, such as Press & Seal or plastic/sarahn wrap. Start by wrapping the cake tightly in the plastic wrap, ensuring that every inch of the cake is covered. This step should be done carefully to avoid tearing the plastic and creating air bubbles. The wrapping should be airtight to prevent the cake from drying out.
• After the initial layer of plastic wrap, add another layer or two for extra protection. The goal is to create a strong barrier that will keep the cake fresh and prevent freezer burn.
• Write down the type of cake and the date it needs to be used by on a piece of paper or a large piece of aluminium foil. This information will be useful when you need to retrieve the cake from the freezer.
• Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe container or box. If the cake is too large for a container, you can wrap it in another layer of plastic wrap or aluminium foil. Ensure that the date and cake information are visible on the outside.
• Store the wrapped cake in the freezer. For optimal taste and texture, it is recommended to consume the cake within three to four months of freezing. The longer the cake is frozen, the more likely it is to dry out and lose its freshness.

By following these steps, you can successfully wrap a wedding cake in plastic and preserve its taste and texture for your first anniversary or any other special occasion.

Sealing in an airtight container

Sealing your wedding cake in an airtight container is the final step in preparing your cake for the freezer. This is an important step to ensure your cake stays fresh and doesn't get freezer burn.

Firstly, wrap your cake in two layers of cling film, making sure to wrap tightly and cover the cake from top to bottom and on all sides. You can also use plastic wrap or Press & Seal, which some sources say is easier to use and keeps the cake fresher.

Next, wrap the cake in tin foil. Again, make sure the wrapping is absolutely airtight. You can also use aluminium foil, ensuring the foil has the date written on the outside.

Finally, place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe, airtight container. If you don't have a container, you can wrap the cake in another layer of foil or place it in a freezer bag.

Now your wedding cake is ready for the freezer! Mark the container with a ribbon or label so you know not to throw it out, and turn off any defrosting settings your freezer may have.

Marking the cake

• Use a ribbon or label: Attach a ribbon or label to the wrapped cake or the container it is stored in. This will help you identify the cake and ensure it doesn't get thrown out. You can even use a ribbon from your wedding if you want to be sentimental!
• Write the date: It is a good idea to write the date you placed the cake in the freezer. This will help you keep track of how long it has been frozen, especially if you plan to store it for an extended period.
• Include the cake type: Indicating the type of cake, such as chocolate, carrot, or hazelnut, can be helpful if you have multiple frozen cakes or plan to freeze other items.
• Specify the occasion: If you are saving the cake for a specific event, such as your first wedding anniversary or the christening of your first child, make a note of it. This will add a sentimental touch and remind you of the special occasion.
• "Do Not Discard" label: Clearly label the box or container with "Do Not Discard" to ensure that no one accidentally throws away your precious cake.
• Use a dedicated container: Consider using a dedicated container or box specifically for wedding cake storage. This will make it easier to locate and reduce the chances of it being overlooked or forgotten.
• Set a reminder: Set a reminder on your phone or calendar to check on the cake periodically. This will help you keep track of its condition and ensure it is still suitable for consumption.
• Store in a designated area: Create a designated area in your freezer specifically for the wedding cake. This will make it easier to locate and reduce the chances of it being overlooked or forgotten.

Remember, marking the cake is an important step to ensure that your frozen wedding cake is easily identifiable and not accidentally discarded. Choose a marking method that works best for you, and consider combining multiple methods for added effectiveness.

Frequently asked questions