Welcome to the Cake Decorators Q&A

I am making a cake for my friends birthday, but my only day off is a few days before the event. I know I can make the cake in advance and freeze it, but how long will it stay fresh once it is covered in sugarpaste? And how far in advance can I make the sugarpaste models for the top of the cake?

Hello Jessleigh86

Sugarpaste/gumpaste models are best made as far in advance as you can so they dry properly, no problems there. The cake can be made and frozen too and be decorated two to three days in advance depending on what the filling is, and how you’re going to cover it. Cakes with dairy fillings such as whipped cream or custards have to be kept in the fridge and need to be decorated on the day of use, but those with buttercream or ganache can be decorated and kept in a cake box in a cool room and will keep fresh for several days. If you have a look at the question before your’s ‘teddy bear cake shelf life’, there is more information which may help you. Madeira and chocolate cakes have the best shelf life, brushing cake layers with simple syrup prior to filling and decorating also helps to keep the cake moist for longer. Simple syrup is made by boiling together equal quantities of sugar and water or a liquid of your choice. Boil for a couple of minutes until the sugar has dissolved, cool and brush onto cake layers with a pastry brush, allowing the syrup to soak in. If you need more help you just have to ask.