Cake Transport and Care 101

Transporting Your Cake

When you pick up your cake, it will be chilled and securely packaged in a bakery box. A cold cake keeps the buttercream firm and stable for safe transport.

For tiered cakes, I’ll add sturdy supports in the lower tiers along with a central dowel that runs through the entire cake to help prevent shifting during transit.

Keep it Level:
Place the cake on a flat surface in your vehicle — like the trunk of an SUV or the floorboard. Avoid placing it on a seat or someone’s lap.

Keep it Cool — Especially in Warm Months:
Crank the A/C all the way up and head straight to your destination — no extra stops. Even a chilled cake can soften quickly in a warm car, especially if you're running errands or stuck in traffic. In colder months, skip the cabin heat too — buttercream is sensitive!

Drive Like Cake Depends on It:
Imagine Grandma in the backseat holding a pot of chili in her Sunday best. That’s the energy. Go slow, avoid sharp turns, sudden stops, and be mindful of railroad tracks and potholes.

Caring for Your Cake

Before Serving:
Keep your cake in the fridge until about 1–3 hours before serving (timing depends on size). Buttercream cakes are best enjoyed at room temp for the softest texture and flavor.

Unboxing:
To remove the cake, flatten the box completely and slide a knife under the cake drum edge to lift it out. Avoid using your fingers to lift the board directly — that’s a risky move!

After Serving:
Cover any exposed cake with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. If your cake has fruit filling, store leftovers in the fridge.