Wedding Cake Strain: Top-Shelf Nuptial Delight?

Wedding cakes are traditionally dense fruit cakes, which are easier to preserve. Couples save the top tier of their wedding cake by wrapping it in plastic wrap and then tin foil before storing it in the freezer. This custom dates back to 19th-century England when newlyweds would save the top tier for their first child's christening. Today, the tradition has shifted to celebrating a couple's first anniversary. While it is a nice way to reminisce about your wedding, it is important to note that the cake will be stale after a year in the freezer.

The tradition of saving the top tier of a wedding cake

Saving the top tier of a wedding cake is a long-standing tradition that dates back to 19th-century England. At the time, marriage was primarily a means to increase family size, and newlyweds were expected to have their first child within the first year of marriage. Families would bake large, decorative cakes for the christening of their first child. As wedding cakes became more elaborate, the top tier was often left over, and couples would save it to celebrate their first child's christening.

Over time, the birth of the first child happened further away from the wedding date, and the tradition shifted. Today, the top tier of the wedding cake is typically saved and shared by the couple on their first wedding anniversary to rekindle those newlywed feelings and celebrate their special day all over again. According to The Knot 2021 Trends and Traditions Study, 48% of couples did or planned to save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first anniversary.

If you want to participate in this sentimental tradition, there are some important steps to follow to preserve your cake properly. Firstly, remove all flowers and adornments from the cake, as these will spoil quickly. Then, chill the cake in the refrigerator to harden the icing and make it easier to wrap. Wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap, pressing the plastic directly onto the surface of the buttercream or fondant. Finally, seal the wrapped cake in an airtight bag or container, label it, and store it safely on a freezer shelf.

When you are ready to eat the top layer, take it out of the freezer and keep it in the fridge overnight. Then, remove the cake from its packaging, and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before enjoying! While your year-old wedding cake may be a little stale, if you follow these preservation steps, it won't taste too bad, and you can relive the happiness of your wedding day.

How to preserve a wedding cake

Preserving a wedding cake is no easy feat, but it is possible. Here's how to do it:

Before You Start

If you're planning to preserve your wedding cake, it's worth noting that certain types of cake will last longer and taste better after being frozen. Chocolate, hazelnut, almond, and carrot cakes are good options, while white, fruit-filled, or whipped cream-topped cakes will dry out faster. If you're not sure, ask your baker for recommendations—they will know which cakes are best for a longer shelf life.

Step 1: Remove Decorations

Start by removing any flowers, cake toppers, and other decorations from your cake. This is especially important if you have fresh flowers on your cake, but even sugar or fondant flowers should be removed to be safe. If you want to keep any sugar flowers as a memento, set them aside in a dry, room-temperature location.

Step 2: Chill the Cake

Before you wrap your cake, it's important to let it chill. Place the cake in the refrigerator to harden the icing, which will make it easier to wrap and prevent the plastic wrap from sticking.

Step 3: Wrap the Cake

Once your cake is chilled, it's time to wrap it. Start by wrapping it in several layers of plastic wrap, pressing the plastic directly onto the surface of the cake. Then, add at least two layers of foil to shield it from anything else in the freezer. Make sure to wrap the cake airtight, as you don't want any airflow under the plastic wrap, which could cause spoilage.

Step 4: Store in an Airtight Container

After your cake is wrapped, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Label it, so you know what it is, and store it in your freezer. If you have any aromatic foods in your freezer, like fish or onions, make sure they are also well-wrapped and sealed. You can also put a box of baking soda in your freezer to absorb any smells.

Step 5: Consider Your Post-Wedding Plans

If you know you'll be moving or going on an extended honeymoon in your first year of marriage, consider storing your cake somewhere else, like at a family member's house, to avoid defrosting and refrosting it.

Step 6: Thaw and Enjoy

When you're ready to eat your cake, take it out of the freezer and keep it in the fridge overnight. Then, remove the cake from its packaging and let it sit at room temperature on the counter for a few hours before enjoying. Just remember, even if you've preserved it perfectly, your cake will still be a little stale—it is a year old, after all!

How to defrost a wedding cake

If you've managed to preserve your wedding cake, you might be wondering how to defrost it. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Remove the cake from the freezer: Take the cake out of the freezer and unwrap it. If you had multiple layers of wrapping, you can leave one layer intact to protect the cake.
• Transfer the cake to the fridge: Place the cake in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours to allow it to thaw gradually. This helps prevent the icing from melting.
• Let the cake come to room temperature: A few hours before serving, remove the cake from the fridge and leave it at room temperature. This will ensure the cake is at its best texture and taste for consumption.
• Enjoy your cake: It might not taste exactly as it did on your wedding day, but it will bring back fond memories of your special day.

Some additional tips to consider:

• Timing: Give the cake enough time to thaw, depending on its size. It's recommended to let it thaw for at least a day, and possibly two days for larger cakes.
• Expect changes in texture: Even with proper preservation, the cake may be a little dry or have a different texture than it did when fresh. This is normal, and it's all part of the fun of revisiting your wedding cake!
• Alternative options: If you're concerned about the taste or texture, consider ordering a replica cake from your bakery. They can create a fresh cake with the same design, ensuring a delicious treat while still honouring the tradition.

Alternative ideas to saving a wedding cake

Saving the top tier of your wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary is a long-standing tradition. However, if you're looking for alternative ideas, here are some options to consider:

Fresh Replica Cake

If you're not keen on the idea of eating a year-old cake, you can order a fresh, miniature replica of your original wedding cake from the same bakery. This way, you can still enjoy the taste and memories of your wedding day without worrying about stale cake.

Spicing up an Anniversary Cake

Another option is to order a basic anniversary cake and spice it up by using your original wedding cake topper. This allows you to enjoy a fresh cake while still incorporating a sentimental element from your wedding.

Early Celebration

If you and your spouse would like to enjoy the top tier of your cake while the memory of your wedding day is still fresh, you can choose to share it right after your honeymoon. This way, you can savour the cake together and relive the special moments from your big day.

Alternative Desserts

If you're looking for something completely different, you can opt for non-cake dessert options. Cupcake towers, macaron stacks, donut walls, or a dessert table with cookies, brownies, chocolate, candy, or pie slices can be a fun and unique way to celebrate your first anniversary.

Cultural Cake Variations

You could also consider cakes that reflect your cultural background. For example, a croquembouche (a cone of cream-filled pastries with caramel) is a classic French choice, while Italy's millefoglie (a multi-layered puff pastry) and Mexico's tres leches cake are other traditional options.

Health-Conscious and Dietary-Restriction-Friendly Cakes

If you or your spouse have dietary restrictions, you can explore gluten-free, vegan, or sugar-free cakes. Many bakers offer these options, ensuring that you can still enjoy a delicious treat while accommodating your specific needs.

Remember, the key is to choose an option that suits your preferences and ensures you can celebrate your first anniversary in a memorable and enjoyable way.

The history of saving the top tier of a wedding cake

Saving the top tier of a wedding cake is a tradition that dates back to 19th-century England. Back then, marriage was primarily a means to increase family size, and newlyweds were expected to have their first child within the first year of marriage. Families would bake large, decorative cakes for the christening of their first child. With the advent of more elaborate and tiered wedding cakes, the christening cake became less significant. Couples would often have a tier left over, which they would then save to celebrate their first child's christening.

Over time, as the birth of the first child became less closely tied to the wedding date, the tradition evolved. Instead of saving the cake for their child's christening, couples began saving it to eat on their first wedding anniversary for good luck in their marriage. This shift also reflected the changing nature of marriage, from being a means to an end to a celebration of romance.

Today, the tradition of saving the top tier of the wedding cake continues, though it is no longer driven by the same practical considerations. The type of cake has also changed, moving away from dense fruit cakes that were popular in the 19th century, to cakes with more elaborate flavours, frostings, and decorations. This evolution has made cake preservation more challenging, but couples can still choose cakes with longer shelf lives, such as chocolate, hazelnut, almond, or carrot cake.

For those who wish to participate in this sentimental tradition, there are several steps to properly preserve the top tier of a wedding cake. Firstly, it is important to remove all flowers and adornments from the cake. The cake should then be chilled in a refrigerator to harden the icing and make it easier to wrap. After that, the cake should be wrapped in several layers of plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container or bag before being stored in the freezer. Finally, on the first wedding anniversary, the cake can be thawed in the refrigerator and then brought to room temperature before being enjoyed by the couple.

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