Last Updated on February 25, 2023
Knowing how to transport a cake in a car is vital if you are a baker. People may think that a baker’s job ends after baking. However, there are times when a baker needs to deliver or transport the finished product to a specific venue, and that task is more nerve-wracking than baking.
Most of the time, expensive cakes for special occasions, like wedding cakes with many tiers, are not easy to transport, especially when using a car. Remember, one wrong move, and you are in big trouble.
Moreover, transporting your decorated cakes using a car is possible if you have made good preparation ahead of time. Also, a suitable container and a stable choice of car is the best way to transport your cake to ensure that it will arrive safely and intact.
Furthermore, to transport your cake using a car, find a flat or leveled surface to place your cake and place your cake inside a container. Then, hold it with both hands to prevent your cake from slipping too much.
You can also place your cake in your lap while using one hand to hold the handle of your container at the top and the other one to support the bottom of the container.
Remember, this process will allow you to lift the cake when there is a bump or a sudden stop, thus giving you more control over how much your cake moves. It is also essential to turn on your car’s air conditioning system to keep its temperature low to avoid melting your cake.
How to Transport a Cake in a Car
Knowing how to transport a cake in a car is important for your cake to arrive at its destination intact. Suppose you are running late, and you forgot to purchase a box for your cake that you need to transport. And you want to deliver your cake in a top-notched state and prevent it from getting ruined.
In essence, transporting cakes needs plenty of time for planning and preparation to maintain your cake’s beautiful appearance upon arriving at the destination. So, if you do not have a box for your cake, here are several effective ways to transport your cake.
How to transport a cake in a car:
1. Using a large cake plate or cake stand
Your big and flat plates can be helpful when transporting your cakes because of their large circumference. In addition to that, you can balance your cake in big containers like using a tray. Also, place your cake on the top of your big plate to have a good grip and balance.
2. Making a toothpick tent
Generally, you can make a barrier to protect your cake from edges by adding a few skewers around your cake that are directed away from it and covering it with plastic wrap.
Do not worry since it will not damage your frosting as long as you do not apply force. Also, once you are at your destination, you can take out the skewers and smooth your frosting using an angled spatula.
3. Purchase a cake carrier
Investing in a cake carrier is a smart choice if you bake often as a cake carrier adds protection to your cakes. It also makes it easier to transport cakes because it has a plastic surface and handles. In addition to that, it comes in different sizes. So with that, open your cake carrier, place your cake inside, and close it using its cover and lock.
4. Look for the car’s leveled spots
When transporting using a vehicle, ensure that your cake is placed on a flat and leveled surface to make it easier to balance. Consequently, a sloped surface can cause your cake to slide off. Likewise, you can use non-adhesive grip shelf liners or a yoga mat to serve as traction or support for your cake from slipping off the board.
How to Transport a Cake in a Car: Transporting The Cake Safely
Transporting a cake must be done with care to avoid damaging the cake and decorations. If your cake is baked, decorated, and ready for the event, or whether you are transporting your cake to a nearby or far destination, here are helpful tips for transporting your cakes safely.
Also, ensure to secure the base of your cake to your cake board. To do that, swipe a small amount of buttercream frosting to prevent your cake from sliding off its base.
Remember, choosing the right size of cake board is essential. So with that, use a cake board that is at least two inches bigger than your cake. Keep in mind that a larger cake board will give you extra room for taking your cake in and out of the box. Besides, it will save your cake’s decoration from getting ruined by the side of the box.
Moreover, for tiered cakes, a little extra support will help. So, tape two or three cake boards together to make your cake board more stable.
To have a secure fit:
- Use a cake box of the same size as your cake board.
- If your box is a bit larger than your cake board, use a non-skid mat inside your cake box to prevent your cake from moving around.
- Consider the height of your cake and the decorations; choose a box that is at least two inches taller than your cake.
Furthermore, if you are using gum paste flowers, fondant toppers, or candles, pack them separately and place them on your cake after you have arrived at the venue.
How to Transport a Cake Long Distance
You have done the last decorating of your cake, and the next step is to successfully transport your cake to the venue and make sure that your masterpiece arrives safely. But what if the destination is far? How do you transport a cake long distance? Here are some tips to ensure your cake will be perfect until it arrives at its long destination.
Refrain from using soft fillings if possible
Remember, you will need to consider the frostings and fillings of your cake. In addition to that, ensure that the filling you have chosen transports well.
Likewise, you can use buttercream as it can hold your cake well, but soft and loose filling like pastry cream may not be a good choice. Remember, pastry cream can move around and needs to be refrigerated. So, if you plan to transport a cake for longer than four hours, you must carefully choose your filling, which does not need to be refrigerated.
Think about your decorations
It is essential to consider how well your decorations will hold up when traveling when designing your cake. Compared to piped whipped flowers, you can opt for gum paste that can wilt and melt while traveling.
On the contrary, if you have delicate fondant toppers or flowers, you can pack them separately from the cake and add them when you are at the location.
Stack your cake for transport
If you have tiered cakes, construct your cake correctly to ensure that it can arrive at the venue safely. With that, use cake supports when stacking your tiered cake to ensure that it can support the weight of your cake.
Connect your cakes
Remember, connecting the tiers of your cake will make transportation easier. If you have two or more tiers, you can consider connecting the tiers to act like one rather than separate units.
Also, using dowels and the same devices can make your cake easy to transport. When your cakes are stacked and linked together, your cake’s tiers will refrain from sliding and is easier to move.
Box, non-slip mat, and carrier
When transporting small cakes, get yourself a sturdy box to place your cake in. Then, get a box of the same size as your cake board so that it will not slide around when traveling.
Furthermore, when transporting your cake in the car’s back, place your cake or box on top of a non-slip mat. Make sure that it is larger than your cake to prevent it from sliding around when you drive.
Also, you can use a silicone baking mat, pot holder, rubber can opener, yoga mat, or a rubber cabinet liner. So with this, invest in a carrier; find a specially designed cake carrier if you are transporting cakes. Cake carriers will protect your cake, and you can even find carriers made to transport tall-tiered cakes.
How to Transport a Tiered Cake
How do you transport a tiered cake in a car? Transporting a tiered cake can be stressful, as there is the risk of it getting damaged. After spending so much time working on your masterpiece, you have to put it inside your vehicle where you can’t see or protect it. But it is not entirely impossible; you can use these helpful tips to transport your tiered cake in a car.
Decorate before stacking the tiers
Handling decorated tiers is tricky, but this will give you more time to work on your mistakes.
Stack your cake’s tiers at home
Assembling a tiered cake at a venue can be tricky if the venue is limited in workspace and supplies. Many things could go wrong in the venue than in your home.
However, you cannot stack cakes taller than sixteen inches at home because they will not fit in your car. Ensure that the bottom tier of your cake is supported firmly by a cake board to lift your cake in a single unit. So, use ribbon and piping after stacking your cakes to hide the seams, and the frosting will act as glue to hold the other tiers in place.
Use dowels
In most cases, ensure that you dowel each layer of your cake before stacking to have proper structural support. You can use wooden dowels because they will easily support your cake’s weight.
When transporting, place a wooden dowel through the center of your cake, boring through the cake board to support each tier until you reach the base of your cake. It will prevent your tiers from moving around, and the center dowel will keep your cake upright and centered.
Chilling for 24 hours
Remember to chill your cake for 24 hours; as cold buttercream acts like armor to your cake, holding your cake together during transport. When the frosting is cold, it will not move around every time you hit a bump in the road.
On the other hand, if you do not have enough storage in your fridge, chill your tiers separately in protective containers before stacking them.
Use non-slip mats
When transporting cakes, non-slip mats and non-skid liners are your best friend. For that reason, lay non-slip padding in the center of your trunk. Or any leveled space in your car and place your cake to prevent it from moving around.
Cold car
Get your car cold as much as possible, and turn your AC on to full power to make your car cold. Also, give your car about five minutes’ head start before placing your cake inside. Remember, a cold vehicle will help your cake not to melt too much or sweat.
Drive carefully
Remember, drive safe when you have tiered cake in your car. Drive at a slow pace because delivering your cake in perfect condition matters.
Be prepared
For starters, always bring extra frosting when you are transporting cakes. It is also essential to bring tools like a piping bag, tip, and frosting spatulas to touch up any smudged frosting. You can also phone the venue ahead of time to get a picture of what to expect upon arriving. Not only that but also plan what you need to.
How to Transport a Cake in a Car: DIY Cake Carrier
While a plastic cake carrier is generally ideal, you can always make your own DIY cake carrier. Many of these DIY cake carriers can be made with items you already have in your home. Whether you are wanting a quick, easy solution or something that is a long-term solution, we have you covered.
A cake carrier is designed to keep your cake safe during transportation. It should be sturdy but not breakable as you don’t want it to get damaged in the car.
Cardboard box
A cardboard box is a great solution for a cake carrier if you don’t have one. Place your cake on a bowl or stand and then carefully place it in the cardboard box. Make sure the box is large enough that it won’t smear the frosting but not too big that the cake can move around.
After adding your cake to the cardboard box, you can carefully tape it shut to keep the cake sealed off. Then, carefully place the box in your car.
Gift box
A gift box can make a great option for transporting your cake. Not only will it keep your cake safe, but it will also make for a beautiful presentation. This is a particularly great option if the cake you are making is for a birthday or a gift.
Be sure to choose a gift box with a lid that is an appropriate size for your cake. After carefully placing the cake in the gift box, tie up the box with a ribbon or twine to keep it secure.
Large platter and punch bowl
A large platter with a punch bowl is a great option to replicate a cake carrier. Choose a platter that is two inches larger than your cake. After carefully placing the cake onto the platter, invert the punch bowl to cover up the top of the cake. Choose a large enough punch bowl that will not smear any of the frosting or decorations.
After placing the punch bowl over the cake, you can secure it to the platter by tying it up with twine. In addition, you can also tape it up as well to hold it together during transportation.
Disposable cake box
A disposable cake box is a great alternative to a cake carrier. Simply buy a cake box for the size of your cake, assemble it, and then add your cake. It will keep your cake safe during transportation.
Disposable cake boxes can be found in craft stores and online. They come in both cardboard and plastic options. They are handy as they are specifically designed for cakes and also allow you to keep an eye on them as you travel.
Disposable aluminum pan with lid
A disposable aluminum pan with a lid can also work as a cake carrier. Disposable pans come in a variety of different sizes and often come with lids for easy storage. While they may not be tall enough for certain layer cakes, they can be a great option for sheet cakes.
Make your own wooden cake carrier
If you enjoy crafting and like woodwork, you can make your own wooden cake carrier. This will work as a reusable cake carrier and it will also be high quality, so you know your cake will be safe during transportation. While it may take some time and skill to make, it will definitely be worth the work to have a high-quality cake carrier that also looks good.
The cake pan and plastic wrap
Another option is to leave your cake in the pan, decorating the top of the cake. Cover the top of the cake pan with plastic wrap to keep it protected and transport the cake in the pan that it was baked in.
You can also transport the cake in the pan it was baked in and decorate it after arriving at your destination. The cake pan will protect your cake and make transportation easy.
FAQs
How Do You Transport A Cake In A Car Without A Box?
If you have forgotten to buy a box for your cake, do not worry since there are many ways you can use to transport it without a box. These include purchasing a cake carrier, making a toothpick tent, and using a large cake plate or cake stand. In addition to that, look for car's leveled spots.
How Do You Transport A Cake Safely?
You should secure the cake's base to the cake board. So, be sure to swipe a tiny amount of buttercream frosting. Doing so will undoubtedly prevent the cake from sliding off its base. Also, make sure to choose the correct cake board size; keep in mind that the cake board must be two inches larger than the cake.
How Do You Transport A Cake Long Distance?
There are plenty of ways to transport your cake till it arrives at its long destination. The several ways you can do this are to stack your cake for transport, connect your cakes, use a box, non-slip mat, and a cake carrier. Additionally, please refrain from using soft fillings and always think about your decorations since they are crucial for the overall appearance of the cake.
How To Transport A Tiered Cake In A Car?
It is undeniable that transporting tiered cakes is terrifying since you have to put them inside the car where you cannot see or protect them. There are plenty of helpful tips you can apply whenever transporting a tiered cake. So, you first have to stack the cake's tiers at home and chill for twenty-four hours. Remember to use non-slip mats, including dowels, and drive safely.
Zarah is an experienced pastry chef whose creations have delighted countless customers. With a passion for baking, Zarah has developed a unique style that combines classic techniques with modern flavors. Her desserts are consistently crafted with the finest ingredients, and her attention to detail is evident in the stunning and delectable results. Zarah has a wealth of experience in the pastry kitchen, and loves to share her knowledge with others. Whether it is teaching a class or creating a custom cake for a special occasion, Zarah is committed to making sure every customer is satisfied.
