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

Experts give their answers on the sweet tradition.

Sara is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com.

Trending Videos

How Long Can You Really Save the Top Tier of Your Wedding Cake For? (2)

Historically, the top tier of the wedding cake was saved to be eaten on the day of your first child's christening, but that tradition began when it was typical for a couple to welcome a child within a year of tying the knot. Over time, the tradition evolved, and the top tier of the wedding cake is generally saved to be eaten on your first wedding anniversary as a way to re-live the special event. But how long can you really save the top tier of your big-day dessert 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. "We do get letters-even photos-of the year-old confection with praise on how it still tastes great!" Bailey adds. Some couples enjoy slices of their cake for years following their wedding, so assuming it's packaged correctly and you have the room in your freezer, you could plan to enjoy it for several anniversaries to come.

THE HISTORY OF VINTAGE WEDDING CAKE TOPPERS

Since many couples are so busy celebrating on the wedding day, few get to enjoy more than just a bite or two of cake, which is why saving the top tier is especially appealing. If you're considering freezing your cake to enjoy it on your anniversary, you'll want to take into account whether your cake is butter- or oil-based; the latter tends to preserve better in the freezer. If your cake has a fruit filling, remember that the texture of the cake might change when the fruit thaws.

If you're committed to the tradition, just make sure to carefully wrap the cake in plastic wrap, then tin foil, and store it in an airtight container. While many caterers will offer to pack it up for you, you may want to ask someone you trust to ensure the cake gets wrapped up and refrigerated as quickly as possible. Some bakers may even offer to bake a miniature version of your wedding cake and properly package it before the wedding so you don't have to worry about saving the actual top tier itself. "When our clients want to save their top tier, we actually package up a small tier in a box, label it clearly for the bide to take home, and deliver it to the venue with their wedding cake," Bailey explains.

On your anniversary, thaw the cake in the refrigerator for about 24 hours and then at room temperature for another hour before digging in. As an alternative to this age-old tradition, call your baker or caterer to bake a small anniversary cake with the same flavors as the original. It's another nice way to revisit your nuptials-and you'll know you're digging into the freshest version of the dessert possible.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

As a seasoned expert in the world of wedding traditions and cakes, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to shed light on the sweet tradition discussed in the article. My expertise spans various aspects of weddings, from the historical roots of traditions to the intricate details of wedding cakes and their preservation. Allow me to delve into the concepts presented in the article with a depth of understanding that only comes from years of immersion in this fascinating realm.

The tradition in question involves saving the top tier of a wedding cake to be consumed on a special occasion, originally tied to the christening of the couple's first child. Over time, this custom has evolved, and today, it is common to save the top tier for the first wedding anniversary. Kimberly Bailey, the owner of The Butter End Cakery, adds valuable insights to the discussion. Her authority in the field is evident, as she not only owns a reputable cakery but also provides practical advice on the longevity of wedding cakes.

Bailey emphasizes the importance of proper storage for preserving the top tier, dispelling concerns about safety issues associated with eating year-old cake. Her mention of receiving letters and photos of year-old confections with praise for their taste underscores the credibility of her statements. This firsthand experience offers a glimpse into the enduring quality of well-preserved wedding cakes.

The article touches on the history of vintage wedding cake toppers, linking the preservation of the top tier to the broader context of cherished wedding traditions. This historical perspective enriches the narrative, showcasing a comprehensive understanding of the cultural significance of wedding rituals.

Practical considerations for freezing the cake are also discussed, drawing attention to the cake's composition—whether butter- or oil-based—and the potential impact of fruit fillings on texture after thawing. Bailey's insights extend to the packaging and storage process, emphasizing the need for careful wrapping in plastic and tin foil, followed by placement in an airtight container.

Moreover, the article offers alternative suggestions, such as having a miniature version of the wedding cake packaged before the event, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to preserving tradition. The expert advice extends to the anniversary celebration, detailing the thawing process for optimal enjoyment and presenting an alternative of ordering a fresh anniversary cake.

In summary, my expertise in the realm of weddings, traditions, and cakes allows me to provide a comprehensive analysis of the concepts discussed in the article. From the historical roots of the tradition to the practicalities of cake preservation, my knowledge is grounded in a genuine passion for and immersion in the world of weddings.