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How do you keep a wedding cake cool for an outdoor wedding?


An outdoor wedding can be a beautiful and memorable experience, but with a wedding cake, the heat can make things a little tricky. As the wedding cake is an essential element to many ceremonies, it is crucial to ensure that it stays fresh and cool throughout the celebration. That is why in this blog post, we will provide all of the best tips and tricks for keeping your cake cool and delicious on your special day.

Choose Your Cake Wisely

The type of cake you choose can play a significant role in keeping your cake cool. Many cake flavors are more heat-stable than others. For example, if you opt for a fondant-covered cake, it will hold up better than a buttercream cake. Fondant does not melt easily, making it a better option for outdoor weddings.

Another great option is cheesecake. Cheesecake is denser and can withstand higher temperatures without melting. It can also be served chilled, making it a refreshing dessert choice for the summer months.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight is the enemy of an outdoor wedding cake. Even if it’s a beautiful day, the sun’s rays can cause the cake to melt and become mushy. Therefore, it’s best to keep the cake in a shaded area out of the direct sunlight.

If you’re planning a tented wedding, position the cake table underneath the tent and invest in a white-colored tent. A white-colored tent is less likely to absorb heat and will keep the area cooler than a colored tent or other decorative options.

Use A Cooler or Refrigerator

If there’s no way to avoid an outdoor location that is sunny and hot, you’ll need to work extra hard to keep your wedding cake cool. One of the best options is to invest in a large cooler or refrigerator to store the cake in during transportation and the wedding. You will likely need a lot of ice, which will need to be replenished frequently.

When storing your cake in a cooler, be sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap first to prevent any moisture or pieces of ice from melting onto the cake. While this method requires a little extra effort, it is the best way to keep your cake cool even in the hottest of temperatures.

Take Advantage of the Breeze

If you’re lucky enough to have a breezy outdoor location, you can use the natural air currents to keep your cake cool. Set up the table with the cake in an area where there is a steady breeze. Doing this will help circulate cold air around the cake and prevent any moisture from building up.

However, do be aware that wind can cause other problems. For example, the wind can blow the flowers or other decorations on your cake away. So, make sure that everything is secured so that the cake does not become damaged.

Conclusion

An outdoor wedding can be a dream come true, but it’s essential to protect your dream cake at all costs. With these tips, you can ensure that your cake stays cool, fresh, and delicious throughout your special day. Remember to choose a heat-stable cake, avoid direct sunlight, use a cooler when necessary, and take advantage of any breeze that comes your way. By following these guidelines, you can have your cake and eat it too, without worrying about it melting in the sun.

FAQ

What do you do with your wedding cake on a hot day?


Wedding cakes are undoubtedly one of the most important parts of a wedding celebration, but, on a hot day, keeping your cake looking and tasting delicious can be a challenge. Leaving your wedding cake in direct sunlight will facilitate melted frosting and wilted flowers, thus it is essential to strategically place the cake table in the shade.

The first and most crucial step in preserving your wedding cake on a hot day is to choose the right location for the cake table. If possible, select a shady spot to place your cake table, which could be under a tree, umbrella, or canopy. Make sure that the cake’s location is not too close to any heat sources, including generators, DJ tables, or lighting equipment.

Furthermore, transporting your wedding cake to the reception venue needs to take into account the weather conditions and time of day. If your wedding reception is in the middle of the hot summer day, ensure that you have a suitable transportation method to protect the cake from any heat, such as a refrigerated van or cooler. In contrast, if your reception takes place in the evening, you may not need as many safeguards to keep the cake fresh and cool.

Another aspect to consider is the type of frosting you choose for your wedding cake. Some frosting types, such as buttercream and fondant, are more susceptible to melting in the heat. Opting for royal icing or chocolate ganache instead would be a better option for outdoor weddings.

Finally, it is essential to communicate with your baker regarding the weather conditions of your wedding day. Professional bakers have mastered their techniques to keep the cakes fresh and can provide you with tailored options to keep the cake perfect in any weather.

Wedding cakes are precious, and it is crucial to take proper precautions to keep them fresh and delicious on a hot day. By following the above tips, you can ensure that your cake remains the stunning centerpiece it was meant to be.

How long can wedding cake stay outside?


Wedding cake is a traditional dessert served at weddings. As much as this cake is considered a centerpiece of the occasion, its shelf life can be a concern for couples, caterers, and wedding planners. The duration that a wedding cake can stay outside depends on different factors such as the quality of the cake, the weather conditions, and how the cake is stored.

Generally, wedding cakes are designed to last for several hours outside as they are usually cut and eaten soon after the ceremony. A freshly baked and covered wedding cake can last up to two or three days at room temperature. However, if the wedding cake has perishable decoration such as fresh fruits or flowers, then it cannot stay out of the fridge for more than a day.

Moreover, the temperature and humidity levels of the wedding venue can affect the cake’s shelf life. If it is an outdoor wedding and the weather is hot and humid, it is advisable to keep the cake in a cool place or under a shade. Otherwise, the heat and humidity can cause the cake to spoil, the frosting to melt, or the fondant to soften.

To increase the longevity of a wedding cake, it is recommended that it is stored in the refrigerator. The cold temperature of the fridge will help preserve the cake’s freshness for up to four to five days. However, it is essential to note that the cake should be wrapped in airtight containers to prevent it from absorbing any unwanted airs or scents from other food items stored in the fridge.

Wedding cakes can stay outside for a limited amount of time. The duration that the cake will last outside depends on several factors, including the quality of the cake, weather conditions, and storage. Ideally, it is best to consume the cake as soon as possible after the ceremony or store it in the refrigerator for a maximum of up to four or five days while maintaining its quality and freshness.

How do you keep frosting from melting outside?


Frosting melting outside can be a very frustrating problem, especially if you are trying to create an impressive and visually appealing cake or cupcake display. There are several factors that contribute to frosting melting outside, such as humidity, temperature, and exposure to direct sunlight. However, there are several methods to prevent frosting from melting outside and keep it stable.

One of the easiest ways to stabilize frosting is by adding powdered sugar. Powdered sugar, also known as confectioner’s sugar, helps to absorb extra moisture from the frosting and create a thicker consistency. However, if you don’t want to use too much powdered sugar, there are several other additives that can help you stabilize frosting.

Adding powdered milk or melted marshmallows to the frosting and thoroughly mixing it in can add stability and improve the flavor of the icing. Powdered milk contains milk proteins that help in maintaining the shape and structure of the frosting. Adding melted marshmallows to the frosting creates a marshmallow cream-like consistency, which lasts longer than regular frosting. It provides extra thickness to the mixture, along with a hint of sweetness and vanilla flavor.

Another option is to add some meringue powder to your buttercream frosting. Meringue powder is a blend of egg whites, sugar, and food starch. The egg whites and starch help to bind the ingredients together and provide stability to the frosting. Meringue powder is the go-to additive for many professionals when using buttercream for cake decorating. Gelatin and instant pudding powder can also be added to buttercream frosting to stabilize it and create a creamy texture.

Frosting melting outside can be avoided with a few simple tips and tricks. Adding powdered sugar, powdered milk, melted marshmallows, meringue powder, or gelatin to your frosting can help stabilize it and ensure it keeps its shape and structure, even in humid or hot conditions. It is also essential to avoid exposing the frosted desserts directly to sunlight or heat and to store them in a cool and dry environment. Following these tips will help you create stunning dessert displays that will last throughout the event.