I believe that a cake is more than just a delicious dessert – it's a work of art that deserves to be treated with care and respect. Whether you're a professional baker or just someone who loves to bake, you know how important it is to ensure that your cakes arrive at their destination in perfect condition.
In this blog post, I'll share my top tips for cake delivery and set-up, so you can be sure that your cakes will always be the star of the show.
My Top Tips For Cake Delivery
I've spent years delivering cakes to customers up and down the U.K. (but mainly in Yorkshire) and I wanted to share what I've learnt with other bakers who want to transport their cakes with no fuss, no mishaps and with your cake in perfect condition!
Tip 1: Choose the right packaging
The first step in ensuring that your cake arrives in perfect condition is to choose the right packaging. A sturdy, well-designed box is essential for protecting your cake during transport. I recommend using a box that is at least two inches larger than your cake on all sides. This will give your cake plenty of room to breathe and prevent it from getting squished during transport.
Tip 2: Use a non-slip mat
Another important tip for cake delivery is to use a non-slip mat to prevent your cake from sliding around in the box. This will help to keep your cake in place and prevent any damage that could occur during transport. A non-slip mat can be purchased at most baking supply stores or online, and is a small investment that can make a big difference in the overall quality of your cake.
I like to put a small piece of non-slip mat inside the cake box, under your cake board so the cake will not slide around in the box. Then I also use a larger piece of non-slip mat in my car boot and place the cake box on top. I've driven around so many winding country roads in Yorkshire and the cake never moves if you follow these quick steps! This works particularly well for wedding cakes and removes some of the anxiety when transporting your work of art to the wedding venue.
Here is the non-slip mat that I like to use, it comes on a roll so you can cut off small pieces for each of your cake orders.
Tip 3: Keep it cool
One of the biggest challenges of cake delivery is keeping your cake cool during transport. Heat can cause your cake to melt, lose its shape, collapse or even spoil.
To prevent this from happening, I recommend keeping your cake in a cool, dry place during transport, away from direct sunlight. You can also consider using ice packs or dry ice to keep your cake cool, especially if you're delivering it during the summer months.
I like to keep my air conditioning on full blast in the car during transport, even during the winter months to try and replicate the temperature of your fridge. Make sure to wear an extra layer of clothing if you're travelling long distance so you're not too chilly!
Tip 4: Plan your route
When delivering a cake, it's important to plan your route in advance. This will help you to avoid any traffic or road closures that could delay your delivery and cause your cake to arrive late. It's also a good idea to plan your route to avoid any rough roads or bumpy terrain that could cause your cake to shift or slide around in the box.
Tip 5: Anticipate weather conditions
When planning your cake delivery, it's important to consider weather conditions that could affect the quality of your cake. Anticipate any potential delays or hazards, such as road closures or heavy rain, and adjust your route or delivery time accordingly. If you're delivering during hot weather, keep your air conditioning on and transport the cake away from direct sunlight.
If you live in a rainy climate like we have in the UK, make sure your cake box has a wipeable, waterproof coating as this will help to stop the box from falling apart if it gets wet. If possible, have someone assist you with the delivery and ask them to hold an umbrella over you and the precious cake!
Tip 6: Communicate with your customer
One of the most important tips for cake delivery is to communicate with your customer. Let them know when you plan to arrive and provide them with a phone number where they can reach you if there are any issues with the delivery. You should also let them know how to store the cake once it arrives, and provide them with any additional instructions they may need to ensure that the cake stays in perfect condition.
Tip 7: Practice proper handling
When delivering a cake, it's important to practice proper handling techniques to avoid any damage or mishaps. Always handle the cake from the bottom or base, and avoid touching the sides or top of the cake as much as possible. Use a cake lifter or large spatula to help you move the cake if needed, and be sure to support the bottom of the box as you lift it to prevent any shifting or sliding.
Tip 8: Add a personal touch
Adding a personal touch to your cake delivery can go a long way in making a lasting impression. Consider adding a handwritten note or a small decorative item to the box to show your customer that you care. You can also offer to set up the cake for them once it arrives, if possible, to ensure that it looks its best and is ready to be enjoyed.
A great tip is to include a small leaflet on instructions for storing and also cutting their cake, particularly if you like to create tall layer cakes like I do as they can be tricky to cut into smaller slices.
By going the extra mile, you'll not only ensure that your cake arrives in perfect condition, but also create a memorable experience for your customer.
Tip 9: Have a backup plan
Despite your best efforts, sometimes things can go wrong during cake delivery. To minimize the impact of any mishaps, it's important to have a backup plan in place.
This could include bringing extra buttercream or fondant, decorations, tools such as palette knives or scrapers in case of damage or accidents during transit. Additionally, it's important to have a plan for communicating with your customer in case of delays or other issues. By having a backup plan in place, you'll be better equipped to handle any unexpected challenges that may arise during delivery.
After years of making and delivering celebration and wedding cakes, I know how important it is to ensure that your cakes arrive in perfect condition.
By following these pro tips for cake delivery and set-up, you can be sure that your cakes will always be the star of the show. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to deliver your cakes with confidence, knowing that they will arrive in perfect condition every time.
Want to learn how to get your cake smooth in the first place? Check out my cake decorating courses here.