How to Freeze a Wedding Cake
Your wedding cake is more than just a dessert, it’s a symbol of celebration and a sweet reminder of your special day. Are you considering partaking in the age-old tradition of saving the top tier to eat on your first anniversary? Freezing the top tier or a slice of your wedding cake allows you to savor that special flavor and revisit cherished memories months or even a year later. Here’s how to ensure your cake emerges from the freezer as moist and delightful as the day it was made.
A Guide to Freezing Your Wedding Cake for a Delicious Future Bite
Eating the cake served at your wedding is a special way to look back on the memories from that special day. If you have the foresight, talk to your baker while you’re picking your cake, so you can consider what types of cake will freeze the best. Dense, fruit-filled cakes like carrot or fruitcake freeze best, while lighter cakes like angel food or chiffon might not fare as well. Your baker might be able to adjust the recipe or suggest frostings that will freeze well.
Regardless of what kind of cake masterpiece you end up with for your wedding, talk to your caterer beforehand and have a plan for them to box up the top tier of your cake. Timing is essential, ideally, you want to freeze the cake as soon as possible after the wedding, preferably within 24 hours. The fresher the cake, the better it freezes. Here are the steps someone will need to commit to taking to ensure your cake freezes correctly.
Remove decorations: Carefully take off decorations like cake toppers, sugar or fresh flowers.
Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 3-4 hours or overnight. This allows the frosting to set and prevents it from sticking to the wrapping. Before you put your cake in the refrigerator, clear out any foods with strong odors to prevent the cake from absorbing the smell.
Wrap it tight: Use multiple layers of plastic wrap to create a completely airtight seal to prevent the cake from drying out. Press the plastic wrap gently against the cake to ensure no air pockets remain.
Extra layer of protection: For added security, wrap the cake in a layer of aluminum foil after the plastic wrap layers.
Box it up: Place the wrapped cake in a sturdy cardboard box or airtight container to provide additional insulation and prevent freezer burn.
Location: Choose a stable and cool spot in your freezer, away from fluctuating temperatures and strong odors.
If you missed out on the tradition of freezing your cake and eating it one year later or find that your cake wasn’t frozen correctly, don’t fret. Your bakers can likely create a replica of the top tier of your wedding cake on your anniversary, plus you’ll be digging into a freshly baked cake. Whether it’s a fresh cake or a previously frozen one, this ritual is a sweet way to reminisce about that special day and commemorate your first year together.
Bringing the Sweetness Back: Defrosting Your Frozen Wedding Cake
Your wedding cake, frozen and preserved, awaits its second chance to shine, and with your first anniversary approaching you and your partner might be wondering how to bring that frozen beauty back to its former flavorful glory? Luckily it’s relatively easy to defrost your cake and ensure it emerges from its icy slumber ready to be savored. Here’s how to do it.
Allow ample time for your cake to defrost completely. Aim for at least 24 hours, but preferably 48 hours, especially for larger cakes. Rushing the process can lead to uneven thawing and a textural mismatch.
After unwrapping it, defrost your cake in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
Gently press the cake with your fingertips. It should feel soft and yield slightly, but not mushy. The cake should also be free of any visible ice crystals.
Once fully defrosted, let your cake sit at room temperature for an hour before serving. This allows the frosting to soften slightly and the flavors to fully bloom.
With a little patience and these simple steps, your frozen wedding cake will be ready to be enjoyed once again. Share it with your partner or loved ones, reminisce about your special day, and create new memories around this timeless symbol of love and sweetness.
Let us help you plan your wedding day at Historic Acres of Hershey. Our beautiful property features multiple spaces indoors and out. Give us a call at 717-298-6340 to learn more or contact us.