If you have a bakery business and want to go global with it, knowing how to ship is a crucial aspect of that. If you don't package it properly or choose the wrong shipping carrier, you could be looking at smashed or moldy cake. While this may seem like a lot of work to get right, we've got your back and with step-by-step instructions, the process will be much easier. In this easy-to-follow guide, we'll walk you through the process of shipping cake.
How to Ship a Cake
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to ship cake:
Step 1: Freeze the Cake
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After baking, let your homemade cake cool completely at room temperature. This might take a couple of hours. Once cool, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap. Not just one layer; we're talking about two to three layers here. Now, place your wrapped cake in the freezer. This will keep your cake fresh during transit and will prevent the icing from smudging. It usually takes at least 8 hours for a cake to freeze.
Step 2: Wrap the Cake Again
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After your cake has been frozen solid, the next step is to wrap it again, but this time, you'll be using aluminum foil and a freezer bag.
Start with a layer of aluminum foil over the already plastic-wrapped cake. Wrap the frozen cake snugly, ensuring every inch is covered, and press the foil against the contours of the cake to minimize air pockets. Air pockets can lead to freezer burn or, worse, cause the cake to shift and crumble during its journey.
Next, consider sliding the foil-wrapped cake into a freezer bag if it fits. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing the bag.
Step 3: Place the Wrapped Cake in Insulted Cake Boxes With Ice Packs
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Find an insulated cake box that's slightly larger than your cake. Before placing the cake inside, line the bottom of the box with a layer of bubble wrap or foam padding.
Gently place your wrapped cake in the center of the box. Once it's in, it's time to add the ice packs. Use frozen gel ice packs rather than ice cubes to avoid water damage as they melt. Wrap each ice pack in a paper towel or a thin cloth to prevent direct contact with the cake, which could cause moisture build-up. Position the ice packs around the cake, ideally on the top and sides where there's less risk of squishing the cake.
If there’s still space, fill it with more bubble wrap or packing peanuts to prevent any movement. After adding the ice packs, seal all the seams of the box with heavy-duty tape to prevent it from opening.
Step 4: Place the Insulated Box in a Sturdy Shipping Box
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Choose a shipping box that leaves about 2 to 3 inches of space around the insulated box. Before placing the insulated box inside, lay a base layer of cushioning material—either crumpled newspaper, bubble wrap, or packing peanuts—at the bottom of the shipping box.
Carefully place the insulated box in the center of the shipping box. Once in, fill the gaps around the sides, top, and any spaces with your chosen cushioning material. The cushioning material should be packed snugly, but not so tight that it compresses the insulated box.
Again, seal the shipping box with heavy-duty shipping tape and label it with "Fragile" and "This Side Up" stickers.
Step 5: Choose the Right Shipping Carrier
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Since you're shipping a perishable item, your choice of carrier is very important. When making a choice, research and compare different options. Look for those with excellent reviews for handling perishable items.
Next, consider the shipping options available. Opt for a shipping method that guarantees the cake will arrive quickly, ideally within 1-2 days to prevent spoilage. Be aware that faster shipping might be more expensive, but it's a worthwhile investment to ensure your cake arrives in perfect condition.
Also, inquire about the carrier's policy on handling fragile items. Some carriers offer special handling services for an additional fee. If available, take advantage of these services to ensure your cake gets extra attention during its journey.
Don't forget to ask about the carrier's delivery policies, especially if the cake needs to be delivered by a certain date or time. This will be important for events like birthdays or weddings.
What Type of Cakes are Good for Shipping and What are Not?
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Dense and moist cakes, such as pound cakes, carrot cakes, and fruitcakes, are ideal for shipping. Their texture and moisture content helps them remain intact and delicious even after a long journey.
On the other hand, delicate cakes like angel food, chiffon, or cakes with elaborate decorations and toppings are not well-suited for shipping. These cakes can easily get damaged, squished, or lose their decorative elements during the shipping process. Lastly, cakes such as cheesecakes, cream-filled cakes, and those with multiple cake layers (multi-tiered cake) can be shipped but might be a little tricky due to the extra care required.
Summary
Shipping cakes might seem daunting, but with the right steps, it's entirely feasible as long as you package it properly and choose the right shipping carrier. If you're looking to ship cakes differently, check out Nice Packs. Whether you want to ship a pound cake or carrot cake, our top-of-the-line dry ice packs and insulated shipping boxes are designed to keep your baked goods in pristine condition, no matter the distance. Shop with us today.
