Freezing Wedding Cake: Which Layer Should You Save?

Freezing the top layer of a wedding cake is a time-honoured tradition, but it's not as simple as sticking it in the freezer and forgetting about it. The cake must be carefully prepared and wrapped to prevent it from drying out or getting freezer burn. The icing should be hardened before wrapping, and multiple layers of plastic wrap are required to ensure an airtight seal. It's also important to remove any decorations, such as flowers or cake toppers, and to store the cake in an airtight container. If you're planning on freezing your wedding cake, it's worth doing your research to ensure it stays as delicious as the day it was made.

How to freeze a wedding cake

Freezing a wedding cake is a great way to preserve the memory of your special day. The top tier of the wedding cake is usually saved and eaten at one of two events: a couple's first wedding anniversary or the christening of their first child.

Know your cake:

Freezing a cake for a whole year and expecting it to taste the same is a tall order. A frost-free freezer can dry the cake out, so be mindful of that. Delicate cakes like angel food cake are more likely to become stale during freezing, and certain fillings like custard or fresh fruit might not maintain their original texture. Heartier cakes like chocolate, carrot, hazelnut, and almond cakes will fare better in the freezer.

Pre-freeze:

Immediately place the cake in the freezer until the icing hardens. If the cake is decorated with sugar flowers or any other adornments, it is best to remove them so they don't get in the way of the freezing process.

Wrap it up:

Remove the cake from the freezer and wrap it loosely in several layers of plastic wrap. Now that the icing is frozen, it won't stick to the plastic. Do not use aluminium foil as it could lead to freezer burn.

Seal it:

If you are storing your cake in a box, wrap the box in several layers of plastic wrap. Alternatively, place the cake in an airtight container.

Mark and store:

Pop the cake back into the freezer and mark it with a ribbon or label so you don't accidentally throw it out.

Defrost:

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

Tips:

• If you are concerned about your wedding cake not holding up in the freezer, you can ask your bakery to create a replica for your anniversary.
• If you are freezing the cake on a cardboard bottom, transfer it onto foil-covered cardboard or a plastic plate to prevent any cardboard smell or taste from seeping into the cake.
• If you want to save slices of each tier instead of freezing the whole tier, wrap the slices well and store them in an airtight container.
• To avoid condensation marks on your icing, slowly defrost the cake in the fridge for a couple of hours, and then bring it to room temperature.
• It is best to consume the frozen cake within a year.

Happy anniversary!

How to defrost a wedding cake

Preserving your wedding cake is a great way to celebrate your first anniversary or even the christening of your first child. However, defrosting a year-old cake can be a tricky process. Here is a detailed guide on how to defrost your wedding cake:

Timing

Firstly, it is important to defrost your wedding cake a few days before your anniversary. The cake will need at least 24 to 48 hours to thaw.

Condensation

Condensation is a common issue when defrosting a frozen cake. To avoid this, it is best to defrost the cake slowly in the refrigerator. This will prevent condensation from forming and leaving permanent marks on the icing.

Wrapping

Before placing the cake in the refrigerator, ensure that it is still wrapped. This will prevent the cake from drying out during the defrosting process.

Temperature

After the cake has thawed, allow it to sit at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours before serving.

Storage

If you have not finished the entire cake, it is best to wrap and store any leftovers in the refrigerator. This will help to preserve the cake for a few extra days.

Alternatives

If you are concerned about the quality of your frozen cake, you may want to consider ordering a replica from your baker. This will ensure that you have a fresh and tasty cake to enjoy on your anniversary. Alternatively, you can order a small cake from a local baker that resembles your original wedding cake.

Expectations

Finally, it is important to manage your expectations. A year-old cake will likely not taste the same as it did on your wedding day. The texture may be drier, and the cake may be a bit crumbly. However, sharing this sweet treat with your loved one will surely bring back fond memories of your special day.

The history of the tradition

The tradition of freezing the top tier of a wedding cake is a long-standing one, with roots in the UK, where fruit cakes were commonly served at weddings. This rich and dense cake preserved exceptionally well, so couples could enjoy a slice long after their wedding day. It was also considered good luck and a sign of prosperity for couples to eat a slice of their wedding cake a year later.

Traditionally, the top tier of the wedding cake was saved for one of two occasions: the first wedding anniversary or the christening of the couple's first child. Freezing the cake was a way to ensure that it remained fresh and edible for these future events.

Today, the tradition has evolved, and many couples choose to save a few slices of each tier or order a replica cake from their baker to enjoy on their anniversary. Freezing the entire top tier of a wedding cake can be challenging, as it requires proper wrapping and storage to prevent freezer burn and condensation during thawing.

Some cakes also freeze better than others. Heartier cakes, like chocolate, carrot, hazelnut, and almond, tend to withstand freezing better than delicate cakes like angel food cake or those with fresh fruit fillings.

Overall, the tradition of freezing the top tier of a wedding cake is a way for couples to relive their wedding day and celebrate their bond as they enter their second year of marriage.

Alternatives to freezing a wedding cake

Freezing the top tier of your wedding cake is a long-standing tradition, with many couples choosing to eat it on their first anniversary or at the christening of their first child. However, there are several alternatives to freezing your wedding cake that you can consider if you don't want to eat year-old frozen cake.

Firstly, you could ask your baker to recreate a fresh replica of your wedding cake or its top tier for your anniversary. This way, you can still enjoy the same cake design and flavour but without the impact on taste and texture that freezing can have.

Secondly, you can skip the cake altogether and opt for other sweet treats such as cupcakes, pies, donuts, or strudels. This option provides variety and may be more cost-effective.

Thirdly, if you want to stick with a cake, consider choosing a simpler and more cost-effective option, such as the Berry Chantilly Cake from Whole Foods, which can be customised and is available ready-made. Alternatively, go for a unique and lighter choice like a watermelon cake.

Finally, if you are set on freezing your wedding cake, you can increase its chances of tasting good after a year in the freezer by opting for a denser cake, such as chocolate, carrot, hazelnut, or almond, which tend to freeze better. You can also ask your baker for advice on the best cake types and tactics for freezing.

So, while freezing your wedding cake is a tradition, there are several alternatives to consider, whether you want to skip the cake altogether or find ways to improve its taste and texture after freezing.

How to store a wedding cake in a freezer

Storing a wedding cake in a freezer requires some preparation and the right materials. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your cake stays as fresh as possible:

Know your cake:

Freezing a wedding cake for a whole year is a tall order. Some cakes will fare better than others. For example, delicate cakes like angel food cake are more likely to become stale during freezing, and certain fillings like custard or fresh fruit might not maintain their original texture. Heartier cakes like chocolate, carrot, hazelnut, and almond cakes will withstand freezing better.

Pre-freeze:

Immediately place your cake in the freezer, without any wrapping, to harden the icing. If your cake is decorated with sugar flowers or other adornments, remove them to ensure they don't get in the way of the freezing process.

Wrap it up:

Once the icing is frozen, remove the cake from the freezer and loosely wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap. Do not use aluminum foil as it can cause freezer burn. If you're storing your cake in a box, wrap the box in plastic wrap as well.

Seal it:

Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or a freezer bag, ensuring that it is well-sealed to prevent any air from getting in.

Mark and store:

Label your cake with a ribbon or a simple label so you don't accidentally throw it out. Place it at the back of your freezer, where it's coldest and least exposed to warm air when the freezer door is opened.

Defrosting:

Take your cake out of the freezer 24 to 48 hours before you plan to eat it. Remove the wrapping and place the cake back into the refrigerator to slowly defrost. On the day you plan to eat it, take the cake out of the refrigerator and let it sit for about 2 to 3 hours to reach room temperature.

Remember, freezing a wedding cake for a year is a challenge, and even with the best efforts, it may not taste exactly as it did on your wedding day. An alternative option is to order a replica cake from your bakery to enjoy on your anniversary.

Frequently asked questions