Tiered cakes are the crowning jewel of any celebration, from weddings to birthdays and everything in between. However, getting that beautiful, multi-tiered confection from your bakery to the event venue without a hitch can be a daunting task. Don't worry, though; with some careful planning and the right techniques, you can ensure your tiered cake arrives in perfect condition. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you transport your tiered cake safely:
When purchasing a cake from a professional bakery, your cake will come in a sturdy cardboard box that will prevent the cake from getting damaged by falling items etc. in the car. And your baker will also give you instructions before you take off with your item.
If your tiered cake has multiple layers, your bakery would have used dowel rods or a support system to keep the tiers stable. If you are using a home baked product, make sure it will contain these structural elements. They are essential for preventing the upper tiers from collapsing onto the lower ones during transport.
Only ever transport your cake when it is properly chilled. A professional bakery will only ever give you a cake that has had enough time to have firmed up in their fridge to withhold normal transport times. Let them know if you are planning on a longer trip (over 1 ½ hours) and they will give you suggestions on how to prepare for it. Never try and transport a soft cake. The structure of it would not withhold any abrupt movements when it is soft.
Be mindful of the weather conditions. Hot weather will soften your cake obviously a lot faster, bear that in mind when it comes to transporting times. Don't walk with your cake in hot and humid conditions, it will soften faster then you anticipate and could get damaged through the motion.
We recommend placing the cake in the trunk (if you have a hatchback) or on the floor behind the passenger seat. If you must travel with a cake on the car seat, bring something deep, sturdy and flat with you, such as a deep hard backed book, to place in the small of the seat and evening out the tilting angle of the seat.
Prevent Slippage: Place a non-slip mat or shelf liner in the trunk or the area where you're securing the cake. This will help prevent the cake box from sliding around during transit.
Keep the Cake Level: Ensure the cake box remains level during transportation. You can use folded towels or other padding materials to keep the box steady if the trunk or vehicle floor isn't perfectly level.
Drive Carefully: When transporting the cake in a vehicle, drive cautiously. Brake gently, accelerate slowly, and take turns gently to avoid sudden jerks that could damage the cake. It's best to have a second person accompany you to hold the cake in place if needed.
Please remember that once the cake has left your bakery, they will no longer be liable for any damage that may occur.
Upon arrival at the event venue, carefully assess the area where the cake will be displayed. Ensure it's a stable, level surface away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and drafts. If the venue is placing it in a fridge for you, make sure they let it come to room temperature before service, it has to be at room temperate and outside of the box it came in for at least two hours, to be at its best flavor.
Any internal cake support should only be removed prior to cutting the cake and not before.
Transporting a tiered cake can be a nerve-wracking experience, but with the right preparation and care, you can ensure your masterpiece arrives intact and ready to impress your guests. So, take a deep breath, follow these steps, and your tiered cake will be a sweet success.