How Long Can You Really Save the Top Tier of Your Wedding Cake For? (2024)

FAQs

How Long Can You Really Save the Top Tier of Your Wedding Cake For? ›

Kimberly Bailey, owner of The Butter End Cakery, says, "There isn't a safety issue with eating year-old cake, but don't expect to enjoy it if it's been freezer burned!" The truth is, as long as you properly store the cake, it should last even longer than a year.

Most bakers will tell you not to save your cake for more than six months. However, if you properly preserve it, you can keep it for a whole year safely. Here are some tips to ensure it tastes as fresh as the day of your wedding: Let your baker know that you plan on participating in the tradition.

The tradition of saving the top layer of a wedding cake dates back to the 19th century when it was saved as a symbol of good luck. The tradition gained traction in the Victorian era, as many couples adopted this custom as part of their wedding reception celebrations.

Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and place it in your freezer inside an airtight container. After the cake is chilled, it should be simple to wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap without the icing sticking too badly. Then, put the wrapped cake in an airtight container or freezer bag, and set it in your freezer.

For some newlyweds, celebrating their first anniversary means eating a helping of their preserved wedding cake together. The cake-freezing ritual stems from a 19th-century convention in which partners saved the top tier for their first child's christening (with some believing it to be an omen of good luck).

Truly a one of a kind piece of artwork, you can mount your cake topper in a shadow box frame and even include some of the wedding flowers along the base. This is an excellent idea regardless of the type of cake topper you choose. Displaying the framed art in your formal dining or living room is a great idea.

Using an air-tight container is the best and easiest way to keep your cake from getting exposed to air. However, if you don't have one of those, you can wrap your cake in cling film, or if it's iced, place a large inverted bowl over it to trap the air.

If you don't have enough room in your fridge to store the entire stacked cake safely (i.e., without other things potentially touching it), then chill the tiers separately in protective containers.

To store a buttercream cake overnight, use plastic wrap to cover all areas of your cake and store it at room temperature in a container. If your cake is frosted with cream cheese or ganache, make sure to cover it and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Covering your cake prevents the air from making it dry.

After the cake has chilled, the best way to freeze a wedding cake is by wrapping it in several layers of plastic wrap to keep the cake's original taste and texture. Don't use aluminum foil because it can cause freezer burn.

Can I eat cake after 10 days? ›

Plain Cake (like unfrosted Moist Vanilla Cake): About 5-7 days in the fridge. Cake with Buttercream, Whipped Cream or Custard (like Moist Chocolate Cake with Fluffy Chocolate Frosting): 4 days, since dairy spoils quicker.

- Store cakes in the refrigerator and serve at room temp. *Cakes can be left out at room temp (68-72°F) for 5 hours max. For warmer days (temps exceed 80°F), we don't recommend leaving the cake out for more than 3 hours.

Depending on the type of cake, sponge cakes can be baked up to three days before you serve them. However, if this doesn't give you enough time to complete any intricate decorations, or making it this close to the wedding day will bring you up in a rash of hives, you can freeze it.