I’ve always had this nervous feeling when it comes to shipping a cake. It just seemed like a big challenge to get a cake from your fridge all the way to another location intact. But guess what? If you’re curious about how I figured out the trick to ship a cake in just 4 simple steps, then keep reading – I’ve got you covered!
After diving into loads of research and giving it a shot myself, I can happily say that shipping a cake is actually much safer and feasible than it might seem. Just like with any project, having the right tools or items can really work wonders and make the whole process a breeze.
So, let me share with you the list of items I used, and also some that you can consider to make this task even smoother. Don’t worry, it’s all quite achievable!
- 1 styrofoam cooler or styrofoam box kit
- 1 box
- Plastic Wrap
- 2 Ice packs
- Foil
- Bubble wrap (optional)
- Packaging Paper (optional)
Step 1: Preparing The Cake.
In order to get the cake ready for shipping, start by tightly sealing it with plastic wrap. Make sure the cake is completely enveloped in 3-4 layers of plastic wrap. Following that, proceed to wrap the entire outer surface of the cake with foil wrap for added protection.
By using layers of both plastic wrap and foil, you’ll ensure the cake remains free from any freezer taste while it’s frozen, and these layers will also guard against any moisture sneaking in during the shipping process.
Once you’ve got the cake all wrapped up, pop it into the freezer for a good 24-48 hours. Make sure it’s as solid as a rock before it heads out for its journey!
Step 2: Finding the Right Box Size
It’s a smart move to measure the wrapped cake to determine the perfect box size. In my case, I used the cake’s dimensions to select a suitable styrofoam cooler that would snugly accommodate the cake for this project.
Next, I utilize the cooler’s dimensions to locate a box that can comfortably contain the cooler. To simplify this task, I recommend considering a shipping kit that includes both the styrofoam box and shipping box. This convenient option will streamline your process.
Step 3: Getting That Cake Packed!
To pack your cake like a pro, pop it snugly into the cooler and layer it up with 1-2 sheets of bubble wrap on top. Then, drop two ice packs on that bubble wrap bed. Tighten up the fit in the box so your cake stays cozy and avoids any pressure during its journey.
Once you’ve got that done, pop the lid on the cooler. Just so you know, the cooler packing process remains the same if you’ve gone for a shipping kit. Now it’s time to slide the cooler or styrofoam box into the main shipping box.
No shipping kit on hand? No worries! You might want to wrap the cooler with some bubble wrap and toss in some packaging paper to keep it from jiggling around in the box. Once the box is sealed up, it’s good to go for shipping.
Step 4: Sending the Cake on it’s Way
For the sweetest shipping rates, go online and snag a free quote based on weight, dimensions, and where it’s headed. My top tip? Opt for overnight shipping to ensure that cake reaches its destination ASAP!
It’s up for the challenge even with two-day shipping. However, if you opt for overnight shipping, you’ll spare yourself heaps of stress. Remember, marking the package as fragile and perishable is crucial. This simple step goes a long way in safeguarding the cake from any rough handling.
My Overall Experience:
With that in mind, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge from my first cake shipping experience and sharing these 4 easy steps with you all. If you’re feeling unsure like I was, give it a shot. I’d suggest trying it out with a family member first to get a sense of things before taking on an actual customer.
I sent this cake to my nephew in Los Angeles, and despite arriving two days later than expected, the cake was still perfectly intact and tasted delicious. If you’re curious about how other cake decorators handle cake shipping, head over to Feedspot.com’s Top 100 Cake Blogs for insightful tips and recommendations.
Being featured in that top 100 list has been an incredible opportunity, and there are numerous skilled bakers who are true baking experts. Overall, I’m eager to hear about your own experiences with cake shipping—whether it was successful or not. Thank you!
