Want to delight your friends or family with a homemade treat for the holiday table, but don't know how to package a cake if you don't have a ready-made box or the dessert is a non-standard size? In this article, we'll explain the alternative packaging options used by professional pastry chefs and how to safely transport your cake to the event venue.

General rules for transporting cakes

At first glance, the cake could simply be placed on a round stand or a large flat plate during assembly, uncovered. This option is acceptable if the treat is being prepared on the day of the celebration and you'll need to carry it to a neighboring apartment or house.
Cake on a tray
However, according to regulations, any cake that is to be transported across the street (by hand, by car, or on public transport) must be wrapped. This will protect the dessert from dust settling on the surface of the cream, which can be carried by a gust of wind, as well as from mechanical damage.

Experienced confectioners recommend taking the following general rules into account when transporting a sweet gift:

  1. The presence of a rigid base (the base must be dense and able to support the weight of the confectionery product).
  2. Additional fixation (It is important that the cake does not move on the base, so it is recommended to secure the base in the box using double-sided tape).
  3. Reliable design (Multi-tiered cakes require additional reinforcement during the assembly stage).
  4. Transportation without decoration (It is better to attach complex, three-dimensional decor to the cake once it is in place, as there is a high risk of damage during transportation).
  5. Flat, hard surface (If you need to transport a gift in a car or bus, it is not recommended to place the cake on the seat).

Cake packaging methods

Below we'll explain in detail how you can package a cake at home if you don't have a ready-made special box.

Ready-made cake box

Method #1 – a strong cardboard box

If your cake is to be transported by train or bus over long distances, the optimal packaging option is always a cardboard box, which you can make yourself from corrugated cardboard sheets, taking into account the dimensions and geometry of your dessert.

To make it you will need:

  1. corrugated cardboard (or ordinary packaging cardboard);
  2. pencil;
  3. ruler;
  4. scissors;
  5. glue or tape for fastening.

To make a box with your own hands, you need to correctly draw a diagram on cardboard.

Cardboard box template

It is important to consider the following parameters for the box itself:

  • a – box width (should be 2 cm larger than the size of the cake);
  • h – height of the box (should be 2 cm higher than the cake, taking into account the height of the decoration);
  • c - bend for rigidity (necessary if a large box is made from insufficiently rigid cardboard; it is not necessary to make it in corrugated cardboard).

The lid also has its own parameters:

  • a1= a+0.5 cm (the lid will be placed on top of the box);
  • h1 – height of the lid (it is advisable to do it about 5 cm so that the lid holds securely);
  • c - bend On the lid we make the same as on the box (or we don’t make it if the material is hard enough).

Step-by-step procedure for making a box:

  1. Apply the pattern onto the cardboard, taking into account the size of the cake.
  2. Cut out the blank.
  3. Bend the workpiece along the lines.
  4. Glue or tape together.
  5. Cover the outside of the box and lid with pretty gift wrapping paper (optional).

Once the cake is wrapped, you can tie the box with twine for easy transport. You can also decorate the gift with a bright satin ribbon and bow.

Watch this video to see how to beautifully tie a cake box:

You can also create a window in the lid by gluing transparent film to the inside. However, keep in mind that such film on the side wall can significantly reduce the strength of the box.

Method #2 – Cardboard lid for a round cake

A standard-height round cake that fits comfortably on a large flat platter or tray can be protected from dust during transport by quickly making a round paper cover yourself.

This option is perfect for those looking for a quick way to package a cake at home for easy transport or transport in your car. The design is quite simple and can even be made from scrap materials, such as wrapping paper or wallpaper that's been left in a clean, unused roll.

To make it you will need:

  • paper;
  • pencil and ruler;
  • glue or tape.

The step-by-step process for making a simple tall lid is described in this video:

Method #3 – Transparent cake topper with decorations

If you've made a really beautiful cake and need to figure out how to package it without hiding all the beauty behind cardboard, try making a frame top out of film, like the one in this photo.

To implement this idea you will need:

  • corrugated cardboard;
  • pencil + ruler;
  • scissors;
  • scotch;
  • thick film;
  • wooden skewers of appropriate length (longer than the height of the cake).
DIY Cake Wrapping
This packaging looks great, but it's not suitable for transporting a cake on public transportation. It also won't let you tie a large bow in the film.

Algorithm of actions:

  1. We assemble the lower part of the box from corrugated cardboard.
  2. We insert skewers between the ribs of the corrugation.
  3. We cover the structure with film and secure it with tape.

For more information on how to wrap a cake in clear film yourself, watch this video:

Method No. 4 – packaging in “mica”

Another simple way to beautifully wrap a cake is with “mica” (a thick transparent film that is widely used for decorating bouquets).

These charming compositions can be created by simply placing the cake on a base, wrapping it with mica and securing it at the top with a bow.

Packaging cakes in mica

It is important to remember:

  1. This method is suitable for cakes covered with fondant, but is not suitable for soft cream decorations.
  2. The base should be rigid and 4-6 cm larger in diameter than the cake.
  3. The film must be rigid enough for the structure to hold its shape.

Method #5 – acetate ring and cling film

If the cake is not tall, you can make a package from improvised means that every novice pastry chef has - acetate ring and cling film.

Algorithm of actions:

  1. Roll the acetate film into a ring of the desired diameter, taking into account the size of the cake.
  2. Secure the ring with tape or clamps.
  3. Stretch cling film over the top.
  4. Secure the makeshift lid to the tray using tape.
Cake packaging in acetate film

This improvised lid will have fairly strong edges and will allow you to immediately appreciate the beautiful presentation of the dessert.

Pastry Chef's Advice

For more information on how to properly transport cakes, watch this master class from an experienced cake maker:

Read also: