Storing your wedding cake properly after your big day is important if you want to be able to enjoy it for days or even weeks after. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind:
Should I freeze my wedding cake?
Freezing is the best way to store your cake long term. Properly frozen wedding cake can last for several months. Make sure to wrap the cake layers well in plastic wrap before freezing. Avoid freezing fondant or gumpaste decorations as they will not hold up well.
How long does wedding cake last unfrozen?
An unfrozed cake will only last about 1 week if stored properly. Make sure to keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature. You can help preserve it by brushing simple syrup over the cake layers before stacking and icing.
Should I refrigerate my wedding cake?
Refrigeration can extend the shelf life of your wedding cake to 2-3 weeks. Ensure all cake layers are well wrapped in plastic before refrigerating. Keep the cake toward the back of the fridge where the temperature is most consistent. Let the cake come to room temperature before serving.
How should I wrap my cake for the freezer?
Each cake layer should be individually tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container before freezing. Avoid wrapping in aluminum foil or wax paper as this can lead to freezer burn. Make sure all decorations are removed before wrapping as well.
Can I freeze fondant or buttercream frosting?
It’s best not to freeze fondant decorations or buttercream as they will not hold their shape well. Fondant may become hard, cracked or sticky. Buttercream can curdle, separate or become grainy. Best to remove decorations before freezing the cake layers.
What is the best way to thaw frozen wedding cake?
Thaw your cake slowly in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours for smaller cakes and 48 hours for larger cakes. This prevents condensation from forming on the icing. Leave the wrapping on until the cake is fully thawed before unwrapping and decorating to serve.
How do I serve a thawed frozen cake?
A thawed frozen cake may be slightly dry after freezing, so brush simple syrup over the cake while it is still partially frozen. This helps keep it moist. Let the cake come fully to room temperature before icing and decorating. Add fresh flowers or fruit before serving.
Can I re-freeze thawed cake?
It is best not to refreeze wedding cake once it has been thawed. Any condensation or moisture that has formed during thawing will recrystallize during a second freeze, leading to freezer burn and poor texture.
What are signs my cake has gone bad?
Some signs your wedding cake has spoiled include mold growth, foul odors, dry or cracked crust, weeping icing, and changes in coloration. Discard the cake immediately if any mold, sour smell or unnatural colors develop.
How can I prevent my cake from drying out?
To prevent your stored wedding cake from drying out, wrap it airtight before refrigerating or freezing. Brush simple syrup over the cake layers before icing to keep it moist. Store at proper temperatures and keep refrigerated cake toward the back where temps are most stable.
Should I take off the cake topper before storing?
Definitely remove your cake topper along with other non-edible decorations before storing. These items can damage the cake during storage or thawing. Store them separately in a safe place to reuse later.
Storing your wedding cake properly ensures you’ll be able to enjoy leftovers for days or even weeks after your wedding. Following some simple guidelines like freezing for long term storage, removing decorations, and wrapping layers airtight will keep your cake tasting freshly-baked. Be sure to carefully thaw and freshen up the cake before serving or gifting freezer-stored confections.
Tips for Freezing Wedding Cake
Freezing is the optimal way to preserve wedding cake and allow enjoyment long after the big day. Here are some best practices for successfully freezing wedding cake:
Wrap thoroughly in plastic wrap
Each layer of cut cake should be individually tightly wrapped in plastic wrap before freezing. This prevents freezer burn. Cling wrap or aluminum foil can also be used.
Use airtight rigid containers
For further protection, each cake layer can be placed in an airtight rigid plastic container before freezing. This also helps prevent damages during storage.
Freeze unfrosted
Freeze wedding cake unfrosted, without any buttercream, fondant or icing on it. These decorations do not hold up well to freezing.
Cut into servable slices
Cut the cake into the number of slices you will want to serve before freezing. This avoids having to thaw the entire cake when you may just want a slice or two.
Remove decorations
Be sure to remove any inedible decorations, pillars, or flowers before wrapping for the freezer. These items can damage the cake during freezing.
Label with date
Clearly label your cake with the type of cake and date it was frozen so you know how long it has been stored.
Select right freezer temperature
Use a freezer that maintains a temperature of 0°F or below. The colder the temperature, the better your cake will freeze.
Avoid refreezing
Refreezing cake after it has been thawed can lead to poor texture. It’s best to thaw only what will be consumed within a day or two.
| Cake Layer Size | Recommended Freezing Time |
|---|---|
| 6-inch | 2-3 months |
| 8-inch | 3-4 months |
| 10-inch | 4-6 months |
Following proper cake freezing procedures allows wedding cake to be enjoyed long after the reception. Take time to individually wrap layers, remove decorations, select ideal freezer temperatures and avoid refreezing to get the most out of your frozen confection.
Refrigerating Wedding Cake
While freezing is best for long term storage, refrigeration can help extend the shelf life of wedding cake to 2-3 weeks when done properly. Here are some tips for refrigerating cake:
Wrap thoroughly
Each cake layer should be individually tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container before refrigerating.
Use back of refrigerator
Place the wrapped cake toward the back of the refrigerator, away from the door where the temperature fluctuates.
Allow cake to cool first
Let the cake cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Refrigerating a warm cake can lead to condensation.
Keep refrigerated when not serving
After cutting into the cake, return unconsumed portions to the refrigerator as soon as possible.
Maintain stable temperature
Try to keep refrigerator temp at 40°F or below. Use a thermometer to monitor.
Freshen before serving
Allow refrigerated cake to come to room temp before serving. Brush simple syrup over it to freshen it.
Avoid freezing after refrigerating
Refrigerated cake shouldn’t be returned to the freezer, as this can negatively impact texture.
| Cake Thickness | Recommend Refrigeration Time |
|---|---|
| 1-inch | 3-5 days |
| 2-inch | 5-7 days |
| 3-inch | 1 week |
With proper refrigeration techniques, wedding cake can stay fresh tasting and textured for up to 2-3 weeks after the big day. Let layers cool before wrapping and refrigerating. Maintain stable cool temps and freshen cake before serving refrigerated confections.
Storing Unfrozen Wedding Cake
While freezing is best for long-term storage, you can store wedding cake unfrozen at room temperature for shorter durations. Follow these guidelines:
Use an airtight container
Place the iced cake in a cake box, under a cake dome, or in another airtight non-porous container at room temperature.
Wrap layers if stacking
If stacking cake layers, wrap each one independently in plastic wrap before stacking and icing.
Keep away from light
Avoid storing the cake anywhere brightly lit. Light can cause fading and discoloration.
Control temperature
Ideally keep the cake in a climate controlled environment, between 60-68°F.
Check regularly
Check the cake daily for any signs of mold growth, dryness, weeping icing, or other issues.
Consider refrigerating
If keeping longer than 3-4 days, move the cake to the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.
| Cake Type | Shelf Life Unrefrigerated |
|---|---|
| Fondant-iced | 3-5 days |
| Buttercream-iced | 2-3 days |
| Un-iced layers | 1 week |
Unfrozen wedding cake can only be kept for a limited time at room temperature. Keeping cake in an airtight container, away from light and elevated temperatures is key. Refrigerate cake after 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Serving and Refreshing Thawed Cake
Once thawed, wedding cake may need some refreshing before serving or icing. Here are some tips:
Thaw slowly in fridge
For best results, thaw frozen cake slowly in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature. This prevents icing weeping.
Keep partially frozen if icing
If planning to ice the thawed cake, keep it partially frozen, around 20°F, to make icing easier.
Brush with flavored syrup
After thawed, brush simple syrup over the cake layers to restore moisture and flavor before icing or serving.
Avoid re-freezing
Do not refreeze cake once it has been thawed, as texture will suffer.
Use fresh decorations
Decorate the cake with fresh fruit, flowers or newly piped icing for the best presentation.
Serve at room temperature
Allow cake to come completely to room temp before serving for the best flavor and texture.
| Cake Size | Recommended Thawing Time |
|---|---|
| 6 inches | 12-14 hours |
| 8 inches | 16-18 hours |
| 10 inches | 24-28 hours |
Take care when thawing, icing and decorating previously frozen wedding cake for optimal flavor and texture. Allow plenty of refrigerator thawing time and refresh with flavored syrups before serving thawed confections.
Conclusion
Storing wedding cake properly after your reception allows you to enjoy leftovers for days or weeks after. Freezing cake layers independently provides optimal long-term preservation. Refrigeration extends shelf life moderately when freezing is not an option. And room temperature storage works for quick consumption within 3-4 days. Follow guidelines like wrapping cake airtight, maintaining ideal temperatures, and refreshing thawed cake for best results. With proper storage and handling, wedding cake can be a sweet reminder of your special day for many days beyond.
