Proper storage is essential for both food safety and the presentation of your cake. Most Wonderland Bakehouse cakes contain dairy-based fillings and must be stored correctly to ensure quality. Once the cake has been delivered or collected, the client or venue is responsible for following these instructions. Failure to do so voids any complaints.
- General guidelines
- Keep the cake away from sunlight, heaters, radiators, ovens, catering equipment or draughts.
- Place the cake on a stable, level surface.
- Avoid warm rooms (e.g., conservatories, rooms with large windows, fireplaces or strong lighting).
- Follow the specific instructions provided for your cake type.
- Dairy-based cakes (default for most Wonderland Bakehouse cakes)
Most of our cakes contain soft cheese, mascarpone, fresh cream, cream cheese frostings, mousse-style fillings or dairy-based ganache. For food safety reasons, these cakes must be refrigerated at all times until shortly before serving.
Store:
- Refrigerated at 2–5°C
- In the original cake box (to minimise condensation)
- Away from strong-smelling foods
Before serving:
- Remove the cake from the fridge 1.5–2 hours before cutting
- Keep in a cool room while it warms to serving temperature
- Do not leave the cake out for long periods during hot weather or in warm venues
Do not:
- Leave the cake at room temperature for more than 2 hours total
- Leave it out overnight
- Transport the cake after it has softened
- Place it under lights, candles or near heating systems
- Buttercream & ganache cakes
Our buttercream and ganache cakes are made with dairy-based ingredients.
Instructions:
- Keep refrigerated until 1.5–2 hours before serving
- Do not refrigerate again once softened (condensation may affect the finish)
- Avoid heat or direct sunlight at all times
- Cakes should not be on display all day in warm venues
- Cakes with fresh fruit, mousse or perishable fillings
These cakes must remain refrigerated at all times except for the 1.5–2 hour serving window.
Shelf life:
- Refrigerated: 24–48 hours
- Leftovers: refrigerate immediately and consume within 48 hours
Fresh fruit and mousse-based elements spoil quickly if mishandled.
- Wedding cakes
Multi-tier cakes require stricter handling.
Venue requirements:
- Wedding cakes must be placed in a cool room, away from windows and heat sources
- Venue staff must not move the cake after setup
- Cake should only be displayed 1.5–2 hours before cutting
- If florals are used, they must be food-safe and prepared correctly
A printed copy of instructions is provided to venue staff.
- For clients collecting cakes (custom cakes and approved 1–2 tier wedding cakes)
- Transport the cake on a flat, cool surface (front passenger footwell is ideal)
- Keep the car air-conditioned
- Drive carefully, avoiding sudden stops
- Go directly to the destination without detours
Once collected, the client confirms the cake was in good condition and accepts full responsibility.
Wonderland Bakehouse is not liable for damage occurring during client transport or after collection.
- After delivery or setup
Responsibility transfers fully to the client or venue once the cake has been handed over or confirmed on-site.
Wonderland Bakehouse cannot accept responsibility for:
- damage caused by improper storage
- melting due to heat or sunlight
- condensation damage caused by incorrect refrigeration
- structural damage after the cake is moved by venue staff or guests
- cakes left unrefrigerated for extended periods
- cakes left out overnight
- any food safety issues resulting from improper storage
- partial or fully consumed cakes
- Complaints
Complaints are only considered if:
- reported within 24 hours of delivery/collection
- supported with clear photographs
- the cake was stored according to the above instructions
Complaints cannot be accepted if leftovers were not refrigerated promptly or storage guidelines were ignored.
- Contact
If you have questions about storing your cake or need additional guidance, please email:
info@wonderland-bakehouse.co.uk