Preserving Wedding Cake: Safe To Eat A Year Later?

Eating wedding cake a year after the wedding is a long-honoured tradition for married couples, who freeze the top layer of their cake to eat on their first anniversary for good luck. But is it safe?

The general consensus is that it is safe to eat year-old wedding cake, but it depends on how it was stored. If the cake was preserved properly, at a constant food-safe temperature, then it is relatively harmless to eat. However, the quality of the cake will suffer, and it won't taste as good as it did on the wedding day.

To preserve a wedding cake for a year, it should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container in the freezer. It's also important to check for any signs of spoilage before eating.

The tradition of saving wedding cake

The tradition of saving the top tier of a wedding cake to eat on a couple's first anniversary is a long-honoured one. It supposedly dates back to a time when weddings were celebrated with liqueur-soaked fruitcakes, which were natural preservatives. These cakes would then be eaten at the christening of the couple's first child.

The tradition is said to symbolise love, commitment, and good fortune. It is also a way to relive the wedding day and create new memories.

However, modern sponge cakes and buttercream recipes are not made to be frozen for long periods. The quality of the cake will suffer, and the flavour and texture will deteriorate. It is important to store the cake correctly to avoid food safety issues, such as bacterial growth and food poisoning.

Despite the risks, some couples still choose to save their wedding cake. To ensure the cake stays edible, it should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container in the freezer. It is also recommended to let the cake solidify in the fridge before freezing to prevent crushing the frosting.

For those who want to enjoy a fresh cake on their first anniversary, some bakers offer a free replica of the wedding cake or a small anniversary cake. This guarantees a delicious experience without the risks associated with eating a year-old cake.

How to preserve wedding cake

Preserving your wedding cake for a year is possible, but it will likely be stale and dry, and the flavour and texture will have deteriorated. If you want to give it a go, here is how to preserve your wedding cake:

Before the Wedding

If you want to preserve the top tier of your wedding cake, it is best to plan ahead. Ask your baker for ideas, as they will know which cakes are best for a longer shelf life. Oil-based cakes are thought to last longer than butter-based ones, and chocolate cakes will fare better than vanilla. Fruit-based fillings likely won't freeze well, as freezing and thawing changes the texture of the fruit.

On the Day

In the hectic shuffle of the wedding day, it’s easy to let the cake become an afterthought, but haphazard planning could lead to pastry disaster. Designate a member of the wedding party to ensure the task gets done before the cake spoils.

After the Wedding

Firstly, remove any decorative flowers and ornaments from the cake. You can save sugar flowers as a memento by setting them aside in a dry, room-temperature location.

Allow the cake to chill in the fridge until the icing has hardened. This will make it easier to wrap the cake without creating a mess.

When you are ready to wrap the cake, start with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the buttercream or fondant. Then, add at least two layers of foil. This will shield the cake from anything entering the freezer.

Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container. This will lock in moisture and flavour. Label the container with the date for easy reference.

During the Year

Avoid opening the freezer frequently, and keep the cake away from strong-smelling foods. You can also throw a box of baking soda in the freezer to absorb any unwanted smells and flavours.

Check the cake every few months. If you notice any ice crystals, rewrap it immediately.

On Your Anniversary

Take the cake out of the freezer and keep it in the fridge overnight. Then, leave it at room temperature on the counter for five or six hours, unwrapped. Finally, enjoy your wedding cake!

Is it safe to eat?

Eating wedding cake a year after the wedding is considered safe, but it depends on how it was stored. The tradition of saving the top layer of the wedding cake and eating it on the first anniversary for good luck dates back to a time when weddings were celebrated with liqueur-soaked fruitcakes, which had natural preservatives.

How to Safely Store a Wedding Cake for a Year

Proper freezing methods are crucial to preserving the cake's edibility. It should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then covered with aluminium foil, and placed inside an airtight container. This method locks in moisture and flavour, and protects the cake from freezer burn. The container should be labelled with the date for easy reference.

Potential Risks and Spoilage

Even when stored correctly, wedding cakes can undergo noticeable changes over time. Flavour and texture may deteriorate, and the cake may become dry and crumbly. Frosting may also harden or become dull. Ingredients like fruit can ferment, affecting the taste.

Checking for Edibility

Before consuming a year-old wedding cake, it is important to check for any signs of spoilage. A visual inspection for mould or unusual colours, a smell test for sour odours, and a texture check by touching the cake are recommended. If it looks and smells fine, a small taste test can be done to assess edibility.

Alternative Options

Some couples may prefer alternatives to eating a year-old cake due to potential risks and changes in taste and texture. One option is to order a fresh replica of the original wedding cake from the baker to enjoy on the anniversary. Others may opt for celebratory options like cupcakes or cookies with the same flavours as the wedding cake.

Alternatives to saving the top tier

If you don't want to save the top tier of your wedding cake for your first anniversary, there are several alternatives you can consider:

• Order a fresh, mini replica of your original wedding cake from the same bakery. This way, you can still enjoy the taste of your wedding cake without having to worry about preservation or stale cake. Some bakeries even offer this service for free.
• Ask your local bakery to make the same flavour of cake or cupcakes for your first anniversary. This is a good option if you don't live near the baker who made your original wedding cake or if you're not a fan of stale cake.
• Eat the top tier of your wedding cake right after your honeymoon. This way, you can enjoy a piece of your wedding cake while the memory of your big day is still fresh.
• Save the top tier of your wedding cake for a special occasion other than your first anniversary, such as your first child's christening. This was the original purpose of the tradition, as it was expected that couples would have children right away after getting married.
• If you're having a cupcake tower instead of a traditional wedding cake, save the top cupcake for your first anniversary. This way, you can still participate in the tradition without having to save an entire tier of cake.
• If you don't want to save any cake at all, you can simply order a nice cake for your first anniversary from a different bakery or make your own.

Best practices for storing cake

Storing wedding cake properly is crucial for preserving its taste and texture. Following these best practices ensures that your cake remains safe to eat, even a year later.

Choosing the right container

Using the right container can protect your cake from air and moisture. Here are some options:

• Plastic wrap: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap. This will lock in moisture and flavour.
• Aluminium foil: Use this for extra protection and to cover the cake securely.
• Airtight container: Place the wrapped cake inside an airtight container for long-term storage. Make sure the container is clean and odourless.

Optimal freezer settings

Freezing your cake requires the right settings for safety:

• Recommended temperature: -0°F (-18°C) or lower
• Defrosting temperature: Refrigerator (38°F or 3°C)

Ensure your freezer maintains a consistent temperature. Frequent temperature changes can affect the cake's quality. Label the container with the date for easy reference.

Avoiding freezer burn

Freezer burn can ruin your cake. Here are some ways to prevent it:

• Remove as much air as possible from the wrapping.
• Avoid opening the freezer frequently.
• Keep the cake away from strong-smelling foods.
• Check the cake every few months. If you notice any ice crystals, rewrap it immediately.

Frequently asked questions