Cake decorating is an art that requires skill, creativity, and patience. A beautifully decorated cake is not only a visual delight but also a treat for the taste buds. However, the job doesn’t end once the cake is decorated. Proper storage and transportation of the cake are equally important to maintain its appearance and taste. In this article, we will discuss some cake decorating do’s and don’ts when it comes to storing and transporting cakes.
Do’s:
Store in the refrigerator: Most cakes need to be stored in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. However, before storing the cake, make sure that the frosting is set and dry. Cover the cake with plastic
Get a signature!
wrap or aluminium foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odours from other foods in the refrigerator.
NOTE: A cake covered in sugarpaste/fondant must be wrapped or boxed properly to ensure that the humidity from the fridge does not reach the sugarpaste/fondant. Condensation on the sugarpaste/fondant will cause the surface to sweat, which results in discolouration and moisture. The cakes must be brought back to room temperature slowly, usually take them out the fridge an hour or two before use.
Keep the cake flat: When storing the cake in the refrigerator, make sure it is flat. Keeping the cake at an angle can cause the frosting to slide off, ruining the appearance of the cake.
Use a cake carrier: If you need to transport the cake, use a cake carrier. A cake carrier is specifically designed to keep the cake in place and protect it from damage during transportation. Make sure the carrier is large enough to hold the cake and has a sturdy handle to make it easy to carry.
Freeze the cake: If you need to store the cake for an extended period, freezing it is a good option. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminium foil before putting it in the freezer. To prevent freezer burn, consider placing the cake in an airtight container.
Label and date the cake: When storing the cake, it’s a good idea to label and date it. This will help you keep track of how long the cake has been stored, and whether it’s still safe to eat.
When transporting cakes always ensure that the temperature of the car/van is ambient and that the cake will not attract direct sunlight. TIP: Car/van ac does not effectively reach the back of the vehicle. To keep the cake cool is warm days you should place sealed plastic containers full of ice around the cake. This will help to keep the ambient temperature down.
When delivering a cake always ensure that the venue avoid placing the cake in the path of direct sunlight. Always get a signature from the customer or authorised member of staff. NOTE: when you deliver the cake the sun may not have reached the point that it will reach by the time the cake is cut! There are lots more hints and tips on cake delivery in our TRANSPORTING CAKES business tutorial.
When delivering cakes, always check your vehicle insurance policy. NOTE: Business insurance does not usually include delivery!
Poorly Stacked Cake
Don’ts:
Store in the refrigerator uncovered: Never store the cake in the refrigerator uncovered. This can cause the cake to dry out and absorb odours from other foods in the refrigerator.
Transport the cake without support: Transporting a cake without support is a recipe for disaster. Always use a cake carrier or other supportive container to keep the cake in place during transportation and ensure that you have used plenty of doweling. Check out our FREE tutorials on CakeFlix on HOW TO STACK CAKES.
Store the cake in a warm place: Storing the cake in a warm place can cause the frosting to melt, ruining the appearance of the cake.
Wrap the cake in plastic wrap before the frosting sets: Wrapping the cake in plastic wrap before the frosting sets can cause the frosting to stick to the wrap, ruining the appearance of the cake.
Store the cake near strong-smelling foods: Storing the cake near strong-smelling foods, such as onions or garlic, can cause the cake to absorb the odours and taste off.
In conclusion, proper storage and transportation are crucial to maintaining the appearance and taste of a beautifully decorated cake. By following these cake decorating do’s and don’ts, you can ensure that your cake looks and tastes as good as it did when it was first decorated. Remember, taking care of your cake is just as important as decorating it!
