How to Transport a Cake
Key Takeaways
- Keep your car temperature cool in warm weather to prevent your frosting from melting.
- Bring extra supplies, like spatulas and extra frosting, for touch-ups.
- Invest in a cake carrier or sturdy box with a non-slip mat/base.
You’ve just picked up a beautifully decorated cake for a special occasion, and now it’s time to celebrate! But how do you get your cake from point A to point B without making a mess? Every turn, red light, and speed bump risks the cake getting smooshed or the frosting smeared.
Your cake can arrive safe and sound with these tips!
How to Transport a Wedding Cake Safely: The Basics
- Temperature Matters - Gourmet cakes with frosting, icing, and mascarpone cream, like our Espresso Chocolate Cake, are sensitive to heat. Keep your car as cool as possible. Turn on the air conditioning if needed! Traveling in freezing temps? Icing may sweat as it comes back to room temperature. Keep your car at a comfortable temperature and have paper towels handy to dab any sweat from the cake.
- Drive Carefully - Avoid speed bumps and sudden starts/stops to prevent any mishaps!
- Plan Ahead - If you were the one to bake the cake, you may want to bring extra supplies to touch it up after you’ve arrived. This includes leftover buttercream, a spatula, and any decorations.
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Chill Your Cake - No matter how you choose to transport a cake, chill it in the refrigerator before packaging. It’ll firm the frosting or fondant, minimizing smudging and the chances of the layers underneath from sliding.
- Important note: We recommend storing the cake in the fridge, if you aren’t going to serve the cake immediately, to maintain the freshness. But, a cake that has been stored in the refrigerator for several hours should sit out at room temperature for up to two hours before serving.
How to Travel with a Cake
Use a Cake Carrier
The number one tip for how to transport a cake: use a cake carrier! They’re specially designed with a sturdy construction and secure closures for the safe transport of cakes. The lid helps prevent everything, from the frosting to the cake itself from getting squished or damaged in transit. They also ensure your cakes are fresh, just like our cakes at The Bold Bakery!
Pro Tip: Secure the cake round or plate with tape or a non-adhesive grip liner so the cake doesn’t slip.
Get a Cake Box
When planning how to transport a wedding cake, packaging is your top consideration. No cake carrier? No problem! Use a durable cake box instead. Make sure you choose the right-sized box to prevent your fresh baked goods from sliding and from getting squashed. Your box should be at least 2 inches taller than the cake, especially if you have elaborate decorations.
All About that Base
Learning how to transport a cake? You’ll need a sturdy base, like a cake board, cake drum, or even a wooden cutting board. It should be at least 2 inches bigger than your cake, even if you have one of our mini cakes. This prevents your cake from getting smudged against the side of the box. It also makes it easier to move the cake in and out of the box or cake carrier.
Think Outside the Box
Regardless of how carefully you drive, your cake may slide around when traveling. Place a non-slip mat under the cake box. A yoga mat will work, too! It’ll provide traction between the cake and the car floor or trunk bed, preventing excess slipping and sliding.
Carry the Right Way
Carry the cake box from the bottom, NOT the sides, when loading and unloading. Though a rare occurrence, this ensures the cake won’t fall out from the bottom.
Place the Cake on a Flat Surface
It may be tempting so you can keep an eye on it, but don’t put your cake in the passenger seat next to you. The slanted surface could cause the cake to slide off the board, damaging the cake and its decorations.
How to travel with a cake without damaging it: place it on a flat surface in your car. This could be the trunk or the floor of the car.
How to Transport a Wedding Cake in Hot Weather
Transporting cake can be tricky if the weather is hot. But it is possible! Here are a few ideas for how to transport a cake without it melting:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to firm the buttercream.
- Turn on the car’s air conditioning around 10 minutes before loading your cake.
- Place ice packs around the cake box to keep it cool.
- Wrap dry ice in towels or newspaper and place it in a separate container beside the cake box.
- Drive a car with a hatchback or one that allows the back seats to fold down. Air conditioning won’t reach traditional car trunks, leaving you with a melted cake.
Celebrate with Specialty Cakes
Now that you know how to transport and travel with a cake, you can confidently move your cake without worrying about bumps and spills. We take great care baking and assembling your cake at our artisan bakery for an exceptional experience, no matter the occasion. Choose your favorite flavor, and come pick it up or get it delivered! We also provide catering in Tysons Corner, VA and its surrounding areas.
