How Long Does A Wedding Cake Last? Explained

Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by Shari Mason

As you plan your wedding, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing the cake to serve.

Wedding cake is a tradition that dates back centuries, with many different flavors and styles to choose from. 

But once you have decided on the flavor and style of your cake, you next need to ask yourself – how long does a wedding cake last?

How Long Does A Wedding Cake Last In The Fridge?

It is important to note that fondant-covered cakes [1] should not be stored in the fridge for more than two weeks, as the humidity can cause the fondant to become sticky. 

Most wedding cakes are made with fondant, a type of sugar paste with high sugar content. Fondant is not as prone to drying out as other types of icing, so that it can last for several weeks in the fridge. 

If you need to store your cake for longer than two weeks, it is best to wrap it tightly in plastic and freeze it. When ready to eat the cake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and enjoy.

But do Korean cakes need to be refrigerated?

How Long Does It Last In The Freezer?

When properly stored, a frozen wedding cake can last up to one year. 

While a wedding cake can be enjoyed fresh, many couples choose to freeze their wedding cake and enjoy it on their first anniversary.

Surprisingly, freezing helps to preserve the flavor and texture of the cake. However, it is important to care when freezing and thawing a wedding cake.

The cake should be wrapped in several layers of plastic or foil and then placed in an airtight container. 

It is also important to allow the cake to thaw slowly in the refrigerator rather than at room temperature. Taking these precautions allows you to enjoy your wedding cake for months after your big day.

Read: How Long Do French Fries Last In The Fridge?

How Long Can A Wedding Cake Be Left Out?

While most types of cake will start to stale after a few hours, a wedding cake can last for days. 

Many bakers recommend storing an uncut wedding cake in a cool, dry place for up to a week before serving. This allows the cake to mature and develop more flavor. 

Of course, if you plan to keep your cake for more than a few days, you’ll need to take some precautions. Be sure to wrap the cake in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying. 

And if you live in a humid climate, consider storing the cake in the refrigerator to keep it from becoming too moist.

Find out how long can cheesecake sit out in car here.

Tips On How To Store Wedding Cakes

One of the most important aspects of wedding cake storage is to keep the cake out of direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause fading and discoloration, so storing the cake in a cool, dark place is best. 

Another important tip is to make sure the cake is well-sealed. Specialty cake-sealing products are available, but you can also use plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Be sure to seal the cake tightly so that no air can get in and dry out the cake. 

Finally, checking on the cake regularly and adding more sealing if necessary is important. With proper care, a wedding cake can last for months.

Read: How Long Do Krispy Kreme Donuts Last Unrefrigerated?

How To Know If Wedding Cake Has Gone Bad

Here are a few signs to watch out for:

• If the cake has developed mold, it’s time to trash it. Mold can form on the surface or inside the cake, so check for both before taking a bite.
• If the cake is dry, crumbly, or feels dense, it’s probably past its prime. A fresh wedding cake should be moist and fluffy.
• If the cake has an off smell, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it away.
• If the cake is more than a week old, it’s probably not going to be as fresh as you’d like. While it might not be harmful to eat, it won’t taste very good.

FAQs

Can you eat a wedding cake after five years?

Yes, you can. Technically, you could eat a wedding cake after five years, but it wouldn’t be the most delicious thing in the world. The frosting will likely have gone bad, and the cake will be stale.

How long does cake last at room temperature?

Cakes can last for about two or three days at room temperature. If you want to make your cake last longer, store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to four or five days.

Why do wedding cakes last so long?

Wedding cakes last so long because they are made with a lot of sugar and butter, which act as natural preservatives.

Sugar and butter are two of a cake’s main ingredients, and both have preservative properties. 

Sugar is a natural antiseptic, meaning it helps kill bacteria, and butter is a natural moisturizer that helps prevent these cute cakes from drying out. 

This is why wedding cakes can often last for weeks or even months without going bad.

How long does buttercream cake last in the fridge?

Buttercream cake usually lasts in the fridge for 3-5 days. If you’re not going to eat it within that time, I recommend freezing it. Buttercream cakes do well in the freezer and last 1-2 months.

How do you preserve wedding cake slices?

You can preserve wedding cake slices by freezing them. Freezing will help to keep the cake from becoming dry or crumbly.

To freeze the cake slices, first place them on a baking sheet and freeze them for 3-4 hours. Once frozen, you can place them in a sealed or Ziploc bag. They will last in the freezer for 2-3 months.

In Conclusion

All in all, freezing your cake is the best way to ensure it lasts. 

But if you can’t do that or don’t want to, know that as long as you keep it away from heat and moisture, your cake should last 3-5 days on the counter and up to two weeks in the fridge. 

So go ahead and enjoy your wedding cake—it might not be around forever, but it’ll certainly be around for a while.

Reference:

1. https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-cover-a-cake-with-fondant-521284