It’s one of the most romantic and delicious wedding traditions: saving the top tier of your beautiful wedding cake to share with your spouse on your first anniversary. It’s a sweet, sentimental way to revisit the magic of your wedding day.
However, many couples worry about how to preserve their cake so it tastes fresh and delicious a year later, not just frozen! As experts in crafting cakes that last (and taste amazing), we’ve put together a foolproof guide to properly freezing and thawing your top tier.
Step 1: Prep the Cake Immediately (The Day Of or Day After)
Time is the enemy of fresh flavor. The sooner you seal the cake, the better the flavor and moisture retention will be.
- Remove Non-Edible Decor: Gently take off any fresh flowers, plastic toppers, fondant figurines, or internal supports (like dowels) that are not meant to be eaten.
- Chill It Down: If possible, place the entire top tier uncovered in the freezer for about 20–30 minutes until the buttercream or fondant is completely firm to the touch. This “flash freeze” ensures the packaging won’t stick to the delicate frosting.
Step 2: The Three Layers of Protection (Your Cake’s Armor)
The goal is to protect the cake from freezer burn, which causes dryness and that stale “freezer taste.” You need three distinct layers of protection.
- The Plastic Wrap Barrier: Carefully wrap the chilled cake tier in several layers of plastic wrap (cling film). Be generous and ensure the wrap is snug against the frosting and covers every single surface, minimizing air exposure.
- The Foil Shield: Wrap the plastic-covered cake tightly in two layers of aluminum foil. The foil provides a secondary barrier against odors and temperature fluctuations inside the freezer.
- The Airtight Container: Place the double-wrapped cake into a sturdy, airtight container or a large, high-quality freezer bag. This final layer protects the cake from being squashed and provides the ultimate shield against freezer smells.
Step 3: Label and Find Its Perfect Resting Place
- Label: Write the date you froze the cake and your anniversary date clearly on the outside of the container with a permanent marker.
- Location: Place the container in the deepest, most stable part of your freezer, away from the door. Fluctuations in temperature (when the door is opened and closed) are what cause freezer burn. Avoid storing it near foods with strong odors (like frozen fish).
The Big Day: Thawing and Enjoying (One Year Later)
About 24 to 48 hours before your anniversary celebration, it’s time to thaw your treasure!
- The Fridge Thaw (48 Hours): Take the cake out of the freezer, but keep it in all its protective layers. Place the wrapped cake in your refrigerator for a full 24–48 hours. Slow thawing is key to preventing condensation and preserving the texture.
- The Room Temperature Finish (2 Hours): Once thawed, remove the cake from the refrigerator. Take off the outer container and the aluminum foil, but keep the plastic wrap intact. Let the cake sit at room temperature for about two hours.
- The Unwrapping: Just before serving, remove the plastic wrap. If you notice any condensation, gently dab it with a clean paper towel. The cake will be perfectly moist and ready to enjoy!
Sharing that first slice a year later is a beautiful way to celebrate your journey together. Happy Freezing, and Happy Anniversary from all of us at Infinity Cakes!