The beautiful tradition of celebrating your first anniversary by sharing the top tier of your wedding cake could turn sour if the cake isn’t stored properly. No matter how fresh your romance remains, a stale cake is no way to remember that perfect wedding day. In Nigeria, so many couples would want to use their wedding ( or trad wedding )cake on their first anniversary or better still their first baby christening. Just follow these simple tips to keep your cake as moist and delicious as possible.
First, remove any ornaments or large breakable decorations. You may choose to leave certain smaller icing decorations on the cake to retain the charm of your original design. If the cake is resting on an unwrapped cake board, replace the board with one wrapped in foil. This will prevent a cardboard taste from seeping into the cake. If the cake is resting on a plastic separator plate, it’s fine to leave that on when freezing.
Next, place the cake in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This will firm up the icing and prevent it from adhering to the wrap.
Now you’re ready to wrap the cake. Completely cover the cake with plastic wrap, making sure to wrap airtight. Follow by wrapping with at least 2 layers of heavy duty aluminum foil. The more protection you give the cake, the less chance of freezer taste or freezer burn. If desired, you can also place the cake in a storage container.
One day before your 1st anniversary or your baby christening, begin defrosting the cake in your refrigerator. After about 2 hours, remove the cake from its wrapping and continue to defrost. Just before serving, let the cake rest at room temperature.
Storing A Decorated Cake Before Delivery
Take some final precautions and store your cake the best way possible. After all, your time, effort and creativity have made it very special!
Beware of the following factors, which can affect the look of your decorated cake:
Sunlight and florescent lighting – will alter icing colors. Keep your cake stored in a covered box and out of direct sunlight and florescent lighting.
Humidity – can soften royal icing and gum paste decorations. If you live in a climate with high humidity (as it is here in Nigeria), prepare your royal icing using only pure cane confectioners’ sugar (not beet sugar or dextrose), add less liquid and add 1 more teaspoon Meringue Powder to the recipe
Heat – can melt icing and cause decorations to droop. Keep your decorated cake as cool as possible and stabilize buttercream icing by adding 2 teaspoons Meringue Powder per recipe. Protect your cake by placing it in a clean, covered cake box. Avoid using foil or plastic wrap to cover a decorated cake when you are not sure to store it in the freezer – these materials can stick to icing and crush delicate decorations. The icing that covers your cake determines how it should be stored – in the refrigerator, at cool room temperature, or frozen, if storing for longer than 3 days. If you want to store your iced cake in a different way than noted, make a small test cake.
