A Cherished Tradition: Wedding Cake Anniversary

Saving the top tier of your wedding cake to eat a year later is a tradition that dates back to 19th-century England. Back then, couples would save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first child's christening, as it was typical for a couple to have a child within a year of getting married. The cakes were usually dense fruit cakes, which have a much longer shelf life than modern cakes. Nowadays, the tradition has evolved, and couples tend to save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first wedding anniversary.

The tradition dates back to 19th-century England, when couples would save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first child's christening

The tradition of saving the top tier of a wedding cake for a year is thought to have originated in 19th-century England. At the time, dense fruit cakes were the standard choice for wedding cakes, which had a much longer shelf life than modern cakes. Couples would save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first child's christening, which typically occurred within the first year of marriage.

Fruit cakes were also considered a symbol of prosperity and good luck, making them an ideal choice for such a special occasion. The ingredients used to make these cakes, such as candied fruits and spices, were expensive, so it was customary to save and eat the cake to celebrate the birth of their first child.

Over time, the tradition has evolved, and now, couples often save the top tier of their wedding cake to eat on their first wedding anniversary. This shift may be due to the change in family dynamics, with couples typically starting their families a few years into their marriage rather than immediately after the wedding. Additionally, weddings have become more personalised, with some couples opting for non-traditional desserts like cupcakes or doughnuts instead of a wedding cake.

Today, the wedding cake itself has become a symbol of the love shared between the couple and their exchanged vows. Eating the saved wedding cake on their first anniversary is a way for couples to celebrate not only their love but also the achievement of getting through the toughest part of their marriage. While some modern bakers advise against saving the cake for a year due to food safety and taste concerns, others offer tips and alternative options to help couples participate in this sentimental tradition.

Modern cakes are harder to preserve, so couples now eat the cake on their first wedding anniversary

The tradition of saving the top tier of a wedding cake to eat on your first wedding anniversary dates back to 19th-century England. Back then, wedding cakes were dense fruit cakes, which could be preserved for long periods. However, modern cakes are harder to preserve.

Fruit cakes were dense and hardy, making them ideal for freezing. In contrast, modern cakes often have elaborate flavours, frostings, and decorations, which complicate preservation. Cakes with delicate ingredients like white cake, fresh fruit, and whipped cream fillings will dry out faster in the freezer.

Bakers and caterers can provide instructions on how to properly preserve a cake. They may recommend specific preservation methods, such as wrapping the cake in plastic wrap and tin foil and storing it in an airtight container. However, even with proper preservation, modern cakes may not taste as good after being frozen for a year. Some couples have reported that their cake was inedible or that they even got food poisoning from eating it.

Instead of preserving the cake, some couples choose to order a fresh cake from their baker on their first anniversary. This ensures that they can enjoy a delicious cake without worrying about food safety or taste issues. Others choose to eat the frozen cake before their first anniversary, opting for a three-month, six-month, or nine-month celebration instead.

To avoid freezer burn, wrap the cake in plastic wrap, then tin foil, and store it in an airtight container

Freezer burn is a common issue when freezing cakes, and it can affect the taste and texture of your wedding cake. To avoid this, it is essential to wrap the cake properly and store it in an airtight container. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure your cake stays fresh and delicious:

Firstly, it is important to let the cake cool completely before freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming, which can affect the quality of your cake. Once the cake has cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This creates an essential barrier to protect the cake from the dry air of the freezer. Make sure all sides of the cake are covered with plastic wrap, with no exposure to air.

Next, wrap the cake in tin foil. This adds another layer of protection and ensures that no condensation will seep in. It is important not to use tin foil directly on the cake, as this can lead to freezer burn. Write the date on the foil before wrapping, in case the ink seeps through.

Finally, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container. This provides an extra layer of protection from the dry air of the freezer and helps to guard against freezer burn and taste transfer from other foods.

Your wedding cake should now be safely stored and ready for freezing. It is best to freeze the cake at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below, and to consume it within three to four months for optimal taste and texture.

When you are ready to enjoy your cake, remove it from the freezer and allow it to defrost slowly in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours. It is important to let the cake thaw while it is still wrapped, as this will ensure that condensation forms on the wrapping, rather than on the cake itself.

By following these steps, you can avoid freezer burn and enjoy your wedding cake on your first anniversary, or any other special occasion.

If you don't want to eat year-old cake, ask your baker to recreate a smaller version for your first anniversary

The tradition of saving the top tier of your wedding cake to eat a year later on your first anniversary is a long-standing one. However, it originated at a time when wedding cakes were primarily fruit cakes, which have a much longer shelf life than modern cakes. Nowadays, many people are put off by the idea of eating year-old cake, and some even report getting food poisoning from it.

If you are hesitant about eating year-old cake but still want to participate in the tradition, you can ask your baker to recreate a smaller version of your wedding cake for your first anniversary. This way, you can still enjoy the sentiment of the tradition without worrying about the quality and safety of year-old cake. Some bakers even offer this service for free or include it in the original cost of the wedding cake.

If you decide to go this route, be sure to give your baker enough notice before your anniversary. You can also ask them if they have any specific recommendations for preservation methods to ensure that your anniversary cake stays fresh.

By ordering a fresh anniversary cake, you can avoid the hassle and uncertainty of freezing your wedding cake for a year. This option allows you to celebrate your first anniversary with a delicious and safe cake, making it a truly special and memorable occasion.

The longer a cake is frozen, the more likely it is to be tasteless or inedible when it's time to eat it

The tradition of saving the top tier of a wedding cake to eat a year later dates back to 19th-century England when newlyweds would save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first child's christening. Typically, wedding cakes were dense fruit cakes, which allowed couples to preserve them for long periods. However, modern cakes with elaborate flavours, frostings, and decorations are not made to be frozen for any period of time, even a few days. The longer a cake is frozen, the more likely it is to be tasteless or inedible when it's time to eat it.

Freezing a cake for a long period can result in freezer burn, which will affect the taste and texture of the cake. In addition, modern cakes do not contain preservatives or stabilizers like manufactured cakes, so they are more susceptible to bacteria and mould growth during freezing. Without proper preservation methods, the cake is likely to be dry and lose flavour over time.

Some couples who have frozen their wedding cakes for a year have reported that the cake was inedible or tasted bad. Others have even gotten food poisoning. It is important to note that the success of freezing a cake depends on various factors, including the type of cake, the ingredients used, and the method of preservation. Some cakes, such as chocolate, hazelnut, almond, and carrot cake, have a longer shelf life and can withstand freezing better than others.

To increase the chances of successfully freezing a wedding cake for a year, it is recommended to wrap the cake tightly in multiple layers of plastic wrap and aluminium foil and store it in an airtight container in the freezer. However, even with proper preservation methods, there is still a risk that the cake will not taste as fresh as it did on the wedding day. As an alternative to freezing the cake, some couples choose to have their baker create a small anniversary cake with the same flavours as the original, ensuring a fresh and tasty treat for their celebration.

Frequently asked questions