When you’ve finished the finishing details on your cake and are pleased with how your baking endeavor came out, the following step is to successfully transfer it without damaging the decorations. This may be even more difficult than creating the cake!
Fortunately, there are a few ways you may use to carry a cake across great distances without ruining the decorations. If you follow these guidelines, your cake will be just as lovely at the conclusion of your vacation as it was at the start!
Contents
1 – Avoid Soft Fillings, When Possible
Before you begin assembling your cake, putting frostings and fillings in between layers of cake, consider if your filling selections will carry properly.
Buttercream layers work well because the firm buttercream holds your cake together. A soft, loose filling, such as pastry cream, may not be the greatest choice.
The pastry cream may move about as you transfer your cake, causing the layers to shift. Also, pastry cream and other cream-based fillings must be refrigerated.
If you are traveling your cake for more than 4 hours, you should use an alternative filling that does not need refrigeration.
Sometimes the filling options are not up to you. If you’re baking a cake for someone else, they could insist on that delicious but slick pastry cream.
If this is the case, make a border of buttercream around the outside of each layer before adding the soft filling to the middle. A buttercream border will keep the cake layers in place while also preventing the delicate filling from slipping around too much.
Consider it a barrier to keep your filling in! This procedure will strengthen your cake and make it simpler to carry.
2 – Think About Your Decorations
Consider how well the embellishments will hold up during traveling while decorating the cake. Strong gumpaste flowers may move well, but piped whipped cream flowers may wilt and dissolve in transit.
Pick a decorative style that is suitable for travel. You might also consider what decorations to bring with you once you get at your location.
Consider adding fragile fondant figurines or other delicate embellishments to the cake after it has been put in its final display location if you have them. It will not only make traveling less stressful, but it will also guarantee that your cake looks beautiful before serving.
3 – Stacking a Cake for Transport
If you want to carry a two-tiered (or higher) cake, make sure it is well-constructed so that it gets at its destination safely.
Cake supports (link to Amazon) are required for any stacked cake. Cake supports are pushed into the bottom layer of a cake after it has been built.
The cake supports should be the same height as the cake, so that when pushed in, they are level with the top of the cake.
When you set the second cake on top of the first, it will rest on the supports rather than the cake itself. This implies that there will be no weight on top of the bottom cake.
If you omit the cake supports, the top cake will gradually sink into the bottom because the weight of the top cake is too much for the bottom to sustain. When the cake supports can sustain the whole weight of the cake, it will be simpler to carry and the integrity of the stacked cake will be preserved.
To transport any stacked or tiered cakes, invest in strong supports!
4 – Connect the Cakes
Linking the cake’s stages will also make transporting considerably simpler. If you have a two-tiered cake, try joining each layer in some manner so that the cake functions as one unit rather than separate cakes.
Just insert a wooden dowel into the top of the cake and gently push it down through all of the layers. There are also other cake systems on the market that may be used to link tiered cakes, making them simpler to carry.
When the stages of your stacked cake are joined together, they will not slide during transit and will be much simpler to move. When hauling a cake over long distances, no one wants the layers to slip about!
5 – Get a Good Box
If you’re carrying a smaller cake across lengthy distances, invest in a robust box. The cake should be placed on a board or plate that touches the edges of the box so that it does not slide about inside as you travel.
For example, if the cake is on a ten-inch cake board (available on Amazon), the box should be ten inches in diameter as well. This will protect your cake from moving about and keep it looking nice even on a lengthy journey.
6 – Get a Non Slip Mat
When transporting a cake in the back of a vehicle, whether in a box or simply piled on a cake board, you want to ensure that it does not shift about while you drive. The most convenient method is to set the cake or box on top of a non-slip mat.
A silicone baking surface, such as this one, that is slightly bigger than your cake is the ideal alternative. Place the mat down first, and then the cake on top. The non-slip pad will keep your cake from sliding around while you travel, ensuring that it arrives safely!
Use a silicone pot holder, a rubber can opener, a yoga mat, or even a rubber cabinet liner if you don’t have a silicone baking surface. Anything that helps the cake hold (rubber, silicone, plastic, etc.) will work!
7 – Invest in a Carrier
If you intend on carrying cakes often, you might consider investing in a specifically made cake carrier. There are several cake transporting devices available that may be ideal for you and will help preserve your cake while in travel. You can even acquire a container designed specifically for transporting large tiered cakes!
Some traveling cake carriers are expensive, but if you transport and move cakes regularly, they are well worth the expense. There are two basic procedures to successfully transporting a cake.
First, consider transportation when you create the cake, taking into account the filling and decorations, and ensuring that the cake is built securely.
The second stage in traveling with a cake is to properly pack it. Utilize the appropriate-sized box, a non-slip pad, and anything else you can to keep the cake from shifting while you travel.
If you follow these two broad principles, you will have a successful cake delivery!
FAQs
How do you make a cake safe for travel?
A few toothpicks and aluminum foil may help preserve the icing and keep it from dust, grime, or anything else that can attach to your cake during transportation. Stick 5 to 6 toothpicks across the top of the cake, then loosely wrap aluminum foil over the cake to make a tent.
How do you transport a cake 6 hours away?
6 – Purchase a Non-Slip Mat
A silicone baking surface, such as this one, that is slightly bigger than your cake is the ideal alternative. Place the mat down first, and then the cake on top. The non-slip pad will keep your cake from sliding around while you travel, ensuring that it arrives safely!
How do you transport a cake and keep it cool?
10 Ways to Store and Move a Frosted Cake
Frost the bottom of the cake.
Chill the cake ahead of time…
Separately pack the decorations….
Have a look at the weather…
Make sure you have adequate fridge space.
Choose a box that fits snuggly.
Pack the essentials…
Put the cake on a flat surface.
More to come…
•Oct 21, 2020
How do you keep a cake safe without a refrigerator?
Layers should be stored in a zip-top plastic bag.
Store the wrapped layers in a zip-top plastic bag on the kitchen counter for up to five days, but keep the cake in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight.
How do you travel with baked goods?
Yes, checked bags are permitted.
Food that is solid (not liquids or gels) may be brought in either your carry-on or checked luggage. Food items greater than 3.4 oz are not permitted in carry-on luggage and should be stored in checked bags if feasible.
Can you travel with a birthday cake?
Indeed, you can fly with a cake, as the answer to your first question indicates. You may either take it on (as a personal item) or check it in with your baggage.
How do you transport a 3 tier cake long distance?
Use frozen packs around the edges of your cake box to keep it cold. To keep it from melting, keep it away from direct sunshine (preferably, with a sun protection). Consider employing insulated transportation on hot summer days or for transporting cake across large distances.