Shipping a cake is a rather risky procedure. With the manipulations that the package could undergo during transit, there are no guarantees that the cake will arrive in perfect condition. Either way, using the correct packaging methods will give you better assurance that the cake reaches its destination successfully.
Steps
Step 1. Cover the cake with a hard topping
If you are shipping a frosted cake, make sure the topping used is the stiff type. It is usually easier to ship fondant-coated cakes, as this holds their shape better even when subjected to slightly higher temperatures. On the other hand, it is not recommended to ship very soft cakes or cakes with abundant coverage, since they spoil more easily and the coverage tends to melt with the increase in temperature.
Step 2. Freeze the cake before shipping to strengthen the icing so that everything retains its shape
The low temperature will also maintain the freshness of the product. When you're ready to pack the cake for shipping, carefully wrap it from top to bottom with saran plastic wrap, making sure the cake is wrapped tightly so that it has enough support. Then wrap it in aluminum foil to keep the temperature low.
Step 3. Place the wrapped cake in a pre-cooled Styrofoam cooler
Place gel packs around the cake to keep it cold and polystyrene balls to protect the cake and limit its movement. For added protection, wrap the Styrofoam cooler or cake box in bubble wrap.
Step 4. Carefully place the cake package in a rigid corrugated cardboard box
Place styrofoam balls around the cake packaging, on all sides and also at the bottom of the box. Fill the box with balls to provide complete insulation and make sure the cake can't move too much.
Step 5. Seal the cardboard box with pressure sensitive plastic packaging, 5 centimeters wide
Do not use cellophane or duct tape, as these would be easy to remove. Apply several layers of packaging to all openings.
Step 6. Label the top of the box
Mark the box with "HIGH" and an arrow pointing up. You can use stickers or write with a permanent marker. Make sure you repeat this on all sides of the box. Also reports the box as "Fragile" and "Perishable".
Step 7. Choose a shipping service that will deliver the box the same day or overnight as soon as possible
This way you will minimize transit times and the chances of the cake being damaged. Also consider taking out shipping insurance.
Advice
- The secret to shipping a cake is to pack it in many layers. Make sure each is solid enough to hold the cake in place.
- If you have to ship a cake with icing, your best bet would be to ship it without the topping and put the icing in a separate container.
