Cake Freshness: Keep Your Wedding Cake Perfect
Nothing ruins a happy wedding like a dry or soggy cake. The good news? You can keep your cake tasting fresh with a few easy steps. Below are straightforward tips you can start using right away.
How to Store Your Wedding Cake
First, think about when you’ll pick up the cake. If it arrives the night before, wrap it tightly with a cake dome or a clean airtight container. This keeps air out and prevents the frosting from drying.
When you transport the cake, place the box on a flat surface and avoid sudden moves. A sturdy cake carrier works best, but a sturdy cardboard box with a non‑slip mat will do if you’re on a budget.
Once you’re at the venue, keep the cake in a cool, dry room away from direct sunlight. If the venue is hot, ask the staff to move the cake to a refrigerated area for a few hours before the ceremony. A temperature around 65‑70°F (18‑21°C) is ideal – not too cold, not too warm.
For multi‑tier cakes, wrap each tier separately with plastic wrap before you stack them. This prevents frosting from squishing into the layers below. When it’s time to set up, remove the wraps carefully so you don’t pull off any frosting.
Quick Fixes for a Dry or Soggy Cake
Accidents happen. If a slice looks a bit dry, brush a thin layer of simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water boiled and cooled) onto the cut side. The syrup seeps in and brings back moisture without making the cake soggy.
For a soggy bottom, use a thin spatula to scrape away a little of the wet cake and replace it with fresh sponge or a layer of buttercream. It looks neat and the texture improves instantly.
Sometimes frosting cracks as the cake cools. A quick fix is to smooth a tiny bit of fresh buttercream over the crack with a palette knife. The new frosting blends in and hides the line.
Remember, the best way to avoid these fixes is to plan ahead. Talk to your baker about the cake’s ingredients – a cake with a higher butter content stays softer longer. Ask if they can add a light syrup soak during baking for extra moisture.
When you pick up the cake, inspect it right away. Spot any cracks or bugs before you leave the bakery. If you see a problem, let the baker know – most will fix it on the spot.
Finally, enjoy the cake! The moment you cut into it, the whole room will smell amazing, and the fresh taste will be unforgettable. Follow these simple storage tips and quick fixes, and your wedding cake will stay as beautiful and tasty as when it left the bakery.
