Creative Ways To Enjoy Your Wedding Cake Anniversary Treat

The tradition of saving the top layer of a wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary is a cherished one for many couples. It is believed that sharing the preserved cake can strengthen your bond and bring good luck and prosperity to your marriage. However, the taste of the cake is not always pleasing, and some couples choose to forgo this tradition due to concerns about food safety and quality. For those who want to savour a slice of their wedding cake on their first anniversary, proper preservation techniques are essential. Freezing is the best method to keep the cake fresh, but it should be noted that not all cakes freeze equally well. Oil-based cakes, such as carrot or chocolate, tend to freeze better than butter-based cakes. Additionally, fruit cakes have a dense texture that makes them ideal candidates for freezing.

How to wrap and store your wedding cake

If you want to save the top tier of your wedding cake for your one-year anniversary, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, it's important to note that not all cakes are suitable for freezing, and even with proper storage, the cake may not taste as fresh as it did on your wedding day. Oil-based cakes, such as carrot or chocolate cakes, tend to freeze better than cakes made with butter. Fruit cakes are also ideal candidates for freezing due to their dense texture.

When it comes to frostings, buttercream holds up well in the freezer. In contrast, cakes with fruit-based fillings may not maintain their texture after freezing. Always consider the type of frosting and filling you use to maximise the cake's quality after thawing.

If you decide to go ahead and freeze your cake, start by removing any decorations, such as sugar flowers and cake toppers, so that it is easier to wrap. Then, chill the cake so that the icing hardens, which will prevent making a mess. Next, wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap, ensuring that there are no exposed areas. Do not use aluminium foil, as this can cause freezer burn. Finally, seal the wrapped cake in an airtight container or bag, label it, and store it in the freezer.

It is also important to maintain a constant temperature in your freezer of 0°F (-18°C) or lower to ensure the cake remains safe to eat. When you are ready to enjoy your cake, move it to the fridge several hours beforehand to allow for gradual thawing, which will help preserve the flavour and texture.

The history of the tradition

The tradition of eating a wedding cake on a one-year anniversary dates back to the 19th century. Back then, couples would save the top layer of their wedding cake and eat it on the day of their first child's christening. Some believed it to be an omen of good luck. The tradition likely originated from the days when fruitcakes were the only flavour option at weddings, as they were laced with alcohol and easier to preserve. The ingredients used to make fruitcakes, such as candied fruits and spices, were also expensive, so couples would save and eat the top tier rather than throw it out.

Over time, the tradition evolved, and couples began to save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their one-year anniversary. This tradition has been passed down through the generations and is still practised by many newlyweds today. In a 2019 study, nearly 46% of brides and grooms who married in 2019 saved or planned to save the top tier of their wedding cake for their one-year anniversary.

While the tradition of eating a year-old wedding cake may seem unappealing to some, it is a way to honour the past and celebrate the couple's first year of marriage. However, modern sponge cakes and buttercream recipes are not made to be frozen for long periods, so couples who choose to follow this tradition may need to take extra care to preserve their cake properly.

Is it safe to eat year-old cake?

There are many different opinions on whether it is safe to eat year-old cake. Some people believe that it is safe to eat as long as it has been properly stored, while others argue that modern sponge cakes and buttercream recipes are not made to be frozen for any period of time.

Freezer burn can impact the texture and taste of cake, causing it to become dry and altering the flavours. Bacterial growth is another concern, as moisture can lead to the development of mould if the cake is not stored correctly. Therefore, it is important to inspect the cake carefully before consuming it and to err on the side of caution if you are unsure about its condition.

Proper storage is crucial for preserving a cake for a year. It should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container at the back of the freezer, where the temperature is more stable. The container should be labelled with the date the cake was frozen.

Some people suggest that fruit cakes, which are often made with alcohol, can age well and develop more complex flavours over time. Oil-based cakes like carrot or chocolate may also stay moist and flavorful for longer than butter cakes. On the other hand, cakes with fruit-based fillings might taste less fresh after a year.

If you are unsure about eating a year-old cake, you could consider replicating the top tier of your wedding cake with a fresh version from a bakery. This way, you can still enjoy the tradition and sentimentality of eating your wedding cake on your anniversary without worrying about the risks of consuming aged cake.

Alternative desserts

There are many alternative desserts to choose from if you don't want to stick with the traditional wedding cake. Here are some ideas:

Crepe Cake

Crepe cakes can be kept low or stacked high, with whipped cream or fruit preserves slathered between each layer. A dusting of powdered sugar is a perfect topper, but fresh flowers, fruit, or other classic options can easily decorate them.

Cupcakes

Cupcakes have serious staying power, with 38% of couples serving them at their weddings in 2023. A tiered display of cupcakes below a small wedding cake is an easy way to satisfy your guests' sweet tooths.

Croquembouche

A croquembouche is a triangular tower of cream puffs drizzled with strands of caramelised sugar and is the traditional wedding dessert in France. You can nestle wheels and peels of citrus or small flowers between the pastries to make it extra special.

Doughnuts

Doughnuts are festive and easy to serve, with no slicing required. You can still top your tower with a small wedding cake. Plain-glazed doughnuts feel rustic, understated, and elegant, but you can also ice the sweets in your wedding colours.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

Stacks of concentric cookies are fun alternatives to wedding cakes, offering whimsy and nostalgia. Your baker can employ some attractive icing techniques to secure each layer and leave the edges exposed to give guests a glimpse of the treats.

French Macarons

French macarons are perhaps the classiest cookies around. They are often displayed on their edges in a tiered serving platter, filling side out, but a unique conical "cake" can show off the cookies' hand-painted tops. Add some flowers and greenery to soften the edges.

Cheesecake

Cheesecake is a popular and excellent choice for an alternative wedding dessert. It comes in a wide variety of flavours and can be made in smaller batches, enabling you to provide several different options for your guests.

How to get a fresh cake on your anniversary

The tradition of saving the top tier of your wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary is a cherished one for many couples. However, it can be challenging to preserve the cake for that long, and it may not taste as good as you remember. Here are some tips to ensure you get to enjoy a fresh cake on your first anniversary:

Ask your baker for preservation methods

Your baker will be the best person to advise you on how to preserve your specific wedding cake. They may have special techniques or recommendations to help you keep your cake as fresh as possible. Some bakers even offer to recreate a smaller version of your wedding cake for your first anniversary, so be sure to inquire about this option!

Prepare the cake for freezing

If you decide to freeze your cake, it's important to remove any decorations and wrap the cake carefully. Plastic wrap is a popular choice, with some sources recommending multiple layers to prevent freezer burn. You can then place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag to further protect it from freezer burn and maintain its quality.

Choose the right type of cake

Not all cakes freeze well. Oil-based cakes, such as carrot or chocolate, tend to fare better than butter-based cakes. Fruit cakes, with their dense texture, are also good candidates for freezing. When it comes to frosting, buttercream holds up well in the freezer. Avoid fruit-based fillings, as they may not maintain their texture.

Store the cake properly

To ensure the safety and quality of your frozen cake, it's crucial to maintain a constant temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower. When you're ready to thaw the cake, do it gradually in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature to prevent bacterial growth. Check the cake for any signs of freezer burn, unusual discolouration, or changes in texture before consuming. If in doubt, it's better to skip it!

Alternative celebratory options

If you're concerned about the taste or safety of your year-old wedding cake, there are plenty of alternative options to consider. Cupcakes or pies can be a fun and comforting twist on the traditional wedding cake, and they don't require the same level of preservation techniques. You could also offer a range of diverse desserts like donuts or strudels, creating a unique and memorable dessert bar for your first anniversary celebration.

Frequently asked questions