Cakes may break, or become disfigured, and their decorations come tumbling off if not transported and stored correctly, leading to an unfortunate event or occasion and impacting both customers as well as cake baker.
Please follow these tips for an enjoyable cake-purchasing and serving experience!
Please keep it away from direct sunlight.
Maintaining the ideal conditions for storing cakes can help extend their freshness. Exposing them to too much heat or sunlight could cause them to dry out and lose texture, and they could even become exposed to moisture and odors that alter their taste and alter their taste.
To prevent this from occurring, cakes must be stored in a calm and dark location away from direct sunlight. Refrigerator storage may also be an ideal way to preserve perishable fillings or frostings; however, keep in mind that any smells from your refrigerator (e.g., onion or garlic odors) can come through and affect the flavoring of the cake.
As another way of keeping cakes from drying out, store them in an airtight container with a secure lid and seal to prevent moisture seepage. Furthermore, it may be helpful to wrap each layer with plastic or foil prior to storage for extra security.
If you’re planning on transporting a cake, it is best to place it on the flat floor rather than on a car seat and carry it from its center, as this will reduce any risk of any dents occurring during transit.
If you are hosting an outdoor party, your cake must remain fresh and delectable for guests to enjoy. Therefore, try keeping it in an area shaded from sunlight while away from direct heat sources like grills or fire pits.
Store it in the fridge.
As much time, effort, and love go into crafting cakes, it makes sense that we would want them to remain fresh as long as possible. But keeping it moist requires not just keeping out excess heat or moisture; decorations may become damaged easily from heat exposure. Therefore, for optimal storage conditions, it should be stored away from direct sunlight in the fridge or another calm environment.
Many people believe that placing their cake in the refrigerator will extend its lifespan, but this couldn’t be further from reality. Storing cakes in the fridge actually shortens their lives due to taking away their natural moisture source, which gives cakes their soft, fluffy texture; without moisture present, they become dry, complex, and brittle over time.
Iced cakes can be especially vulnerable to the elements. Unless your cake contains perishable ingredients like fresh fruit or dairy (such as cheesecake or mousse) that could spoil, always leave your creation out of the refrigerator.
If you do need to store a cake in the fridge, the ideal location would be in the back, where temperature fluctuations won’t be so abrupt. Also, be sure to wrap or use a freezer-safe container to protect from absorbing odors from other foods stored within. When ready to serve your cake, remove it from the refrigerator 20-30 minutes ahead so the icing has time to soften and become tender before removing it from the fridge again.
Please keep it in a cool place.
Store cakes in a cool place away from direct sunlight and heat sources for maximum freshness and taste retention. As cakes contain ingredients that can quickly degrade when exposed to heat or light sources, keeping a cake cool also prevents its icing from melting prematurely.
This will help the icing retain its shape and texture, especially when made of buttercream while avoiding any wrinkling or dimpling. In addition, it will preserve the freshness of fruit cakes by protecting them with an icing layer so they don’t dry out as quickly.
If you are storing the cake in the refrigerator, be sure that it remains in its original container and away from any other food items to avoid picking up odors and flavors from nearby food items, such as onions or garlic, which could alter its flavor and scent.
Cake containers or wraps can help protect the cake from the elements; remember that cakes need air to breathe! Also, be wary when using aluminum foil as storage; fruit cakes, sultana loaves, and other acidic baked goods can corrode it and give off metallic flavors in your treat!
Once you’ve collected your cake, be sure to store it in a cool and dry location away from direct sunlight for at least two hours before placing it in the fridge 1-2 hours before your event so it will reach room temperature quickly and be ready for consumption!
Carry it from the bottom of the box.
When transporting a cake, the best method is to pick it up by its bottom edge and hold it this way to spread its weight evenly and avoid shifting or tilting that could result in damage to itself or its surroundings. Avoid having your cake by its sides or top, as this could result in creasing and damage being done to it.
To ensure the safe transport of your cake, it is advised to purchase an appropriate box. A box that is too small won’t provide adequate support, while one that is too large may cause it to shift during transportation and potentially cause it to crack or split open during its journey. Furthermore, any debris should be thoroughly removed prior to transport.
One essential tip when transporting cakes is keeping them cool during transport. It is best to store your cake in the boot of your car or a well-ventilated area such as a footwell in order to prevent melting that would compromise its quality. Travel directly towards your destination as stopping and starting can increase chances of damage; also, leave the box until 30 minutes prior to serving in order to reduce chances of bacteria growth because buttercream cakes melt at room temperature and collapse if left in the refrigerator too long.
Transport it carefully
At its heart, a cake’s journey from bakery to event or occasion requires it to travel smoothly. Therefore, bakers should provide customers with adequate cake care instructions in order to prevent mishaps from the moment they receive their cakes until they’re fully assembled and ready for serving.
Prevent your cake from shifting during transport by placing a mat or towel a little larger than its base underneath it. This will keep it from sliding during transit while also helping absorb any heat generated during travel. A cake carrier provides additional protection from shifts or falls that might occur while transporting.
Remember, when transporting cakes, it is best to place them on the passenger floor of your vehicle (avoiding slanted car seats) and drive carefully, avoiding sudden stops or sharp turns, as this can damage it.
If you are new to transporting cakes, be sure to practice before the big day. If hiring a professional cake delivery service for an important event, read their policies thoroughly to make sure they can deliver your cake safely and carefully. Bring extra frosting and decorations just in case there are any mishaps during transport – after all, nobody wants their special occasion to end in soggy disappointment!
