How Long Does Wedding Cake Stay Fresh?

Saving the top tier of a wedding cake to eat a year later is a long-standing tradition. The ritual is thought to have originated in the 19th century, when couples would save the tier for their first child's christening. In modern times, the cake is often eaten on a couple's first wedding anniversary. While some couples enjoy the taste of their year-old cake, others find it inedible. Bakers and experts offer tips on how to preserve the cake, including wrapping it in plastic and storing it in an airtight container in the freezer.

Wedding cake freezing tips

Freezing your wedding cake is a great way to preserve it for your first anniversary or even for your first child's christening. However, it's important to take the right steps to ensure your cake stays fresh and tasty. Here are some tips to help you successfully freeze your wedding cake:

Choose the Right Cake

Not all cakes are created equal when it comes to freezing. Heartier cakes like chocolate, carrot, hazelnut, and almond cakes are more likely to stand up to freezing for a year. Delicate cakes, such as angel food cake, are less ideal for freezing and may become stale. If you're set on freezing your cake, consider choosing a flavour that will hold up better over time.

Pre-Freeze

As soon as possible after your wedding, cover your cake and place it in the freezer. This will help keep it in good condition for the long freeze. If your cake has decorations like sugar flowers, remove them before freezing to avoid any interference with the process.

Wrap it Up

Take your cake out of the freezer and wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap. Avoid using aluminium foil, as it can cause freezer burn. Make sure the wrapping is airtight to prevent any taste of freezer burn from seeping into the cake.

Use an Airtight Container

Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container. If you're using a box, wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap first. This will give your cake the best chance of retaining its taste and texture.

Mark and Store

Clearly mark your cake with a ribbon or label so you don't accidentally throw it out during the year. Store it in a frost-free freezer if possible, as these can dry out cakes.

Defrosting

When your anniversary draws near, take the cake out of the freezer and remove the wrapping. Allow the cake to defrost in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours. Then, let it come to room temperature for 2 to 3 hours before serving.

Alternative Options

If you're concerned about the quality of your frozen cake, consider ordering a replica from your bakery. They can create a fresh copycat cake for your anniversary, ensuring a delicious and memorable experience. Alternatively, you can ask your baker to make a smaller version of your wedding cake for your anniversary.

The history of the tradition

The tradition of saving the top tier of a wedding cake to eat a year later dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries in Great Britain. Back then, wedding cakes were primarily made of preserved fruit or chocolate, which gave them a much longer shelf life than modern cakes. The cakes were also often heavily laced with alcohol, which helped with preservation.

Originally, the top tier of the wedding cake was saved to be eaten on the day of the couple's first child's christening, which typically occurred within the first year of marriage. The cake was also believed to be an omen of good luck. However, as the timing of starting a family changed, the tradition evolved, and the top tier of the wedding cake became associated with the couple's first wedding anniversary instead.

Today, the wedding cake itself is seen as a symbol of the love shared, the exchanged vows, and the celebration of the couple's union. Eating the saved wedding cake on their first anniversary is a way for couples to honour their achievement of getting through the toughest part of their marriage and a symbolic way to renew their vows.

While some couples still choose to follow this tradition, others opt for more modern approaches, such as ordering a fresh cake from their baker every year or saving a different type of dessert, like cupcakes or a mini pie. Ultimately, whether or not to participate in the tradition is a personal choice, and there are no rules about how to enjoy it.

Is it safe to eat?

The safety of eating a year-old wedding cake depends on several factors, including the type of cake, the storage method, and the presence of bacteria.

Firstly, the type of cake is important. Traditional wedding cakes, such as fruit cakes, tend to have a longer shelf life and can be preserved for longer periods. Modern sponge cakes or buttercream cakes, on the other hand, are not designed to be frozen for extended periods and may not taste or hold up well after a year. Cakes with fresh fruit fillings may also not freeze successfully as the texture of the fruit can change upon thawing.

Secondly, proper storage is crucial. Freezing is the best option to preserve a wedding cake for a year. It is recommended to wrap the cake tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by aluminium foil, and then place it in an airtight container. The cake should be frozen as soon as possible after the wedding to maintain freshness.

Despite following these recommendations, there is still a risk of bacteria growth on the cake, especially if it was exposed to room temperature for a prolonged period during the wedding or came into contact with many people. Bacteria can survive in freezer temperatures and may cause food poisoning if consumed.

In conclusion, while there may not be a safety issue with eating a year-old wedding cake in terms of food spoilage, the taste and texture may have deteriorated, and there is a risk of bacterial contamination. It is essential to carefully consider the type of cake, follow proper storage procedures, and be aware of the potential risks before consuming a year-old wedding cake.

Alternatives to freezing

Freezing is the best option for preserving your wedding cake for a year. However, if you are looking for alternatives, here are some other options to consider:

• Mason or Ball jars: Wide-mouth jars are ideal for freezing, but be sure to leave at least an inch of space at the top for the contents to expand. Regular jars are not recommended as their non-tempered glass may shatter due to temperature fluctuations.
• Metal: Metal containers are great for the freezer. You can put opened cans of food directly into the freezer, and they thaw quickly in a dish of hot water. Stainless steel food storage containers are also an option and often come with a silicone seal to ensure freshness.
• Butcher or waxed paper: For shorter periods of freezing (2-3 weeks), you can wrap food in unbleached butcher or waxed paper. Double or triple wrap for longer freezing periods, and seal with freezer tape.
• Foil: Although fragile, foil can be used for freezing if you are careful with wrapping and use heavy-duty foil sealed with freezer tape.
• Milk, juice, and cream cartons: Wash and dry these cartons, then seal with freezer tape. They are especially good for soups and stocks since they allow for expansion and are waterproof.
• Baking tins: For small quantities of food, you can use metal ice cube trays, muffin tins, or bread tins to freeze, then transfer to a container or wrap well for longer-term storage.
• Beeswax wraps: These can be moulded to the shape of bowls or dishes, providing a natural alternative to plastic wrap.
• Silicone bags: Food-grade silicone bags are a fun and colourful alternative to plastic bags and are dishwasher-safe.

How to defrost

Freezing is the best way to preserve your wedding cake for a year. However, there are some important steps to follow to ensure your cake is properly defrosted and safe to eat. Here is a detailed guide on how to defrost your wedding cake:

Defrosting a Whole Cake:

Firstly, it is important to note that your wedding cake should be consumed within a year of freezing. While it is safe to eat after a year, the flavour and quality will deteriorate. Ideally, you should aim to eat your frozen wedding cake within six months for the best quality.

When you are ready to defrost your cake, place it in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours, keeping it wrapped to protect it. You can leave the cake in the refrigerator for up to two days before eating. Taking it out about an hour before you plan to eat it will allow it to reach the perfect temperature for consumption.

Once you are ready to serve the cake, carefully remove the wrappings. If the outside of the cake is unfrosted, you can add frosting at this point. You can also add decorations to the cake, such as sprinkles or other toppings. If your cake had decorations before freezing, they may have been damaged or smudged, so you may need to do some touch-ups.

Defrosting Cake Layers:

Cake layers can be frozen for much longer than a whole cake, but the quality will start to degrade after a few months. It is recommended to use the layers within two months for the best quality, although they will still be safe to eat for up to a year.

Place the covered cake layers in the refrigerator overnight to defrost. You can use the layers within two days, as they may get stale after that. You can frost the cake layers straight from the fridge, as they will warm up during the frosting process. It is actually easier to frost previously frozen cake layers, as they create fewer crumbs. You can add any desired decorations, such as piping, sprinkles, or chocolate shavings.

It is important to avoid defrosting cake layers by leaving them out on the counter, as this can cause them to become mushy.

Frequently asked questions