Who started this silly tradition about saving your wedding cake to eat on your first anniversary? Here’s your little history lesson for the day…
Once upon a time people got married, got pregnant and had a baby. Bam, bam, bam. So these celebrations were often fairly close together and once the baby was born a christening celebration was held. And of course when we celebrate, we eat cake. Around the 19th century, tiered wedding cakes became increasingly popular and the top tier was left over in many instances, so it was saved to be served at the christening celebration.
In more modern day, the amount of time that separates the wedding and christening has increased, so couples have opted for enjoying their cake in celebration of their first anniversary. Cakes originally were more of a dense fruitcake that lasted well over time (without modern refrigeration methods), rather than the light, fluffy buttercream covered versions we enjoy today.
So should you honor this tradition? It’s completely up to you. Many bakers will now recreate a mini cake for you to enjoy on your anniversary, which is a great option. I personally saved my wedding cake, and it was surprisingly delicious! I would have never guessed it was year old freezer cake.
If you decide to honor tradition, here’s how I saved mine (although your baker might have some additional tips for you!):
- Refrigerate the cake to ensure the outside frosting is nice and firm for handling.
- Wrap the cake in plastic wrap, ensuring the entire surface area of the cake is completely covered.
- Next wrap the cake in aluminum foil, again covering the entire cake.
- Place the wrapped cake into a large freezer bag and seal.
- Enjoy in 1 year!!
*This is not a fool proof method, but it definitely worked for me!
Now you can have your cake and eat it too!
Photo by Bradley James Photography
