How to Frost a Cake
If you are planning to start a bakery, knowing how to ice a cake is an essential part of the business. We’ll show you a few frosting tips to help you achieve smooth and clean sides on your cakes for a professional-looking final product. Learning how to frost a layer cake helps you to create a strong foundation for any celebration, from weddings and graduations to birthdays and baby showers.
Shop All Cake Decorating SuppliesHow to Frost a Cake Video
Learn how to professionally frost a cake by watching our video below:
Cake Decorating Tools
In order to learn how to ice a cake smoothly, you’ll want to start by stocking up on the proper tools. Ranging from a turntable to different types of spatulas, here’s are some cake frosting tools we recommend to help you get started:
- Cake board or cake circle
- Cake turntable
- Cake leveler or serrated knife
- Straight baking spatula
- Offset baking spatula
- Cake scraper or bowl scraper
If you don’t have access to a cake turntable, it’s possible to make your own. This can be done by turning a mixing bowl upside down and placing a plate or an upside-down cake pan that fits the diameter of your cake on top.
How to Decorate a Cake Like a Professional
Use our easy-to-follow instructions to learn how to frost a cake like a professional:
1. Trim the Cake
- Completely cool each tier before you start working with your cake.
- Start by using the cake leveler or serrated knife to cut off the slightly domed top of your sponges.
- Use your cake board as a template and trim off the browned edges around your sponge.
Tip: Place a piece of parchment under each sponge to make them easier to lift and maneuver. You can use the scraps of the cake to make cake pops afterwards.
2. Stack the Cake
- Start by adding a dollop of icing onto the center of your cake board or plate and slightly spread it around. This keeps the cake sponge from sliding around while you work with it.
- Place the first sponge onto the center of your cake board.
- Using a piping bag, pipe a swirl of icing along the top of your first cake tier.
- Use your offset spatula to evenly smooth out the icing. You can add any additional fillings at this time.
- Set the next layer of sponge directly even with the layer of sponge below it.
- Repeat the icing and stacking steps until you have reached the top tier of the cake. Do not ice the top of the final sponge yet.
Tip: Consider placing a few strips of parchment paper under the edges of your cake. This makes it easier to remove excess icing and keep your cake clean and presentable.
3. Add the Crumb Coat
Follow these steps to learn how to crumb coat a cake:
- Spread a layer of frosting over the sides of the cake using a straight spatula. The icing layer does not have to be thick. You should be icing on the opposite side of the cake from the hand you are using.
- Spin the turntable with your free hand to reach each side of the cake instead of maneuvering yourself around the cake.
- Once the sides are covered, use the offset spatula to spread frosting over the top of the cake. Sweep the excess frosting towards the center of the cake to create a clean edge.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 to 60 minutes.
Tip: If you want to achieve a naked cake look, you can stop at this step.
What Is a Crumb Coat?
A crumb coat is a light layer of icing that forms a barrier between the sponge’s surface and the final coat of icing. It ensures that crumbs stay out of the outer layer of frosting so that the finished product is smooth and without blemishes.
4. Frost Your Cake
- Spread a thick layer of buttercream icing over the sides of your cake, approximately 1 centimeter in thickness, using a straight spatula. Don’t worry about it being perfectly smooth at this stage.
- Angle the cake scraper at 90 degrees to the cake and sweep the scraper across the surface by spinning the turntable. This allows you to evenly distribute the buttercream icing. As the icing spreads, you’ll see some excess building on the front of the scraper. Simply return the excess to your icing bowl.
- Add a dollop of icing to the top of your cake and spread it evenly across the top with your offset spatula.
- Using the cake scraper, sweep the excess from the edges towards the center of the cake to create a smooth surface.
Tip: Be sure to not lift your spatula or scraper directly off the cake to keep from peeling off the crumb coat. Sweep the spatula over the surface of the cake and angle it off instead of lifting away.
5. Add Final Decorations to the Cake
Once your cake has been frosted smoothly, it should be ready for further decorations. You can now add some piped buttercream roses or writing to the top of the cake to customize it to your customers’ liking.
Cake Decorating Tips and Tricks
Learning how to decorate a cake with icing is an essential skill for any baker. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind to improve your cake-making efficiency and ensure that your cakes look professional every time.
Reduce Cake Doming
Cake doming is usually caused by baking at temperatures that are too high for the batter. Use an oven thermometer to ensure that your oven is reaching the desired temperature of your recipe. You can also use a wet cake strip around your cake pan to keep the outside of your cake from cooking too quickly.
Easily Coat Your Cake
You may want to decorate the sides of your cake with baking toppings, like sprinkles, nuts, red velvet crumbs, etc. To do so, hold a bowl under the edge of your cake and pat a handful of your decorations onto the side of your cake, allowing the excess to fall into the bowl below.
Practice Your Piping
Piping words onto a cake can be challenging! Before you add your message to the cake, practice your piping on a piece of paper by testing out different types of pastry bags and tips. Once you’re comfortable piping your message, outline your message on the cake with a toothpick and follow the outline to create a neat and legible final product.
Once you frost your cake and decorate it, cut the cake for your guests and serve! You’ll be preparing showstopping cakes in no time after implementing some of these tips and tricks!
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Sheet Cake Sizes: How to Choose the Right Size Sheet Cake Pan
Sheet cakes are one of the best forms of cake to make for a crowd because they do not require very much layering or structural support and they're easy to transport. Plus, a slice of sheet cake lends itself well to skilled piping work or other edible decorations. That being said, it can be tricky to determine which size sheet cake is best for your event. To learn about sheet cake sizes and how to calculate the number of servings per sheet cake, keep reading. <left>Shop All Cake Pans</left> The Difference Between Full, Half, and Quarter Sheet Cake Sizes Most bakers think of orders in terms of full, half, and quarter sheet cake pans, which can actually mean a handful of different sizes. As a result, it's best to discuss the number of servings and the size of each serving instead. From there, you can determine which size pan will work best for the application. Buy Pans with Cohesive Sizing Because size conversions can get confusing, one way you can simplify things is to choose pans that have lengths or widths that are divisible by each other. For example, if your “full” sheet pan is 18” x 24”, you should find a half-size pan that’s 12” x 18” and a quarter pan that’s 9” x 12”, since those numbers divide evenly into each other. Number of Servings per Sheet Cake When it comes to determining how many servings you can get out of your sheet cake, you’ll first need to decide how large you want each piece to be. Typically, 2” x 2” or 2” x 3” pieces are suitable sizes for each portion. To figure out how many servings you’ll yield from a given pan, simply follow the formula below. Sheet Cake Servings Formula Number of Servings = Pan Area ÷ Cake Serving Size Area Pan Area = Pan Length x Pan Width Cake Serving Size Area = Piece of Cake Length x Piece of Cake Width Example Calculation You have an 18" x 26" pan. To find the pan area, multiply the pan length by the pan width. 18" x 26" pan = 468"<sup>2</sup> pan area You’re serving cake slices that measure 2" x 2". To find the cake serving size area, multiply the length and width of the cake slice. 2" x 2" slice = 4"<sup>2</sup> cake serving size area Now you know that you have a 468"<sup>2</sup> pan area and a 4"<sup>2</sup> serving size area. To find the number of servings, divide the pan area by the serving size area. 468"<sup>2</sup> ÷ 4"<sup>2</sup> = 117 servings Sheet Cake Size Guide Sheet cake pan sizes may vary by manufacturer. We listed some common full, half, and quarter sizes as well as how many customers you can feed with each type of pan. Full Sheet Cake Servings 18” x 26” x 2” Serving Size 2" x 2": 117 Servings Serving Size 2" x 3": 78 Servings 18” x 24” x 2” Serving Size 2" x 2": 108 Servings Serving Size 2" x 3": 72 Servings 16” x 24” x 3” Serving Size 2" x 2": 96 Servings Serving Size 2" x 3": 64 Servings Half Sheet Cake Servings 18” x 13” x 1” Serving Size 2" x 2": 58 Servings Serving Size 2" x 3": 39 Servings 12” x 18” x 2” Serving Size 2" x 2": 54 Servings Serving Size 2" x 3": 36 Servings 12” x 16” x 3” Serving Size 2" x 2": 48 Servings Serving Size 2" x 3": 32 Servings Quarter Sheet Cake Servings 13” x 9.5” x 1” Serving Size 2" x 2": 30 Servings Serving Size 2" x 3": 20 Servings 13” x 9” x 2” Serving Size 2" x 2": 29 Servings Serving Size 2" x 3": 19 Servings 13” x 8” x 3” Serving Size 2" x 2": 24 Servings Serving Size 2" x 3": 16 Servings Sheet Cake Size Video To learn more about the various sheet cake sizes and their uses, watch the video below: <iframe scrolling="no" width="392" height="226" src="/v/?num=13373&width=600&height=500&embed=1" frameborder="0"></iframe> Choosing the Right Sheet Cake Pan for Your Needs While sheet cake pans are available in a variety of materials and styles, the most important thing to consider while shopping is the size. Sheet pans are measured Length x Width x Height, with the height or depth generally ranging between 1 and 4 inches. Select Your Pan Depth Based on Your Cake Layers The depth of the pan is key to note whether you’re dealing with a single layer or double-layered cake. If you want a single layer cake, use a deeper pan. If you’d like multiple layers, you have two options: use two shallow pans to bake two thinner cakes, or use one deep pan to create a tall cake that you can cut into layers once it cools. You can also use a sheet pan extender to increase the height of your cake. Sheet pan extenders help to prevent your batter from overbaking while simultaneously creating perfectly straight edges. Even though there’s no standard definition of a full, half, or quarter-sized sheet cake, using inches to describe the size of your cake is always a safe bet. So, whether you’re filling a routine sheet cake order or stocking your bakery’s supplies for the very first time, we can help you find the proper sized pan for the job.
What is Fondant Icing?
If you've ever admired a beautifully decorated cake, chances are you've come across fondant icing. Fondant icing, also known simply as fondant, is a type of sugar paste that is rolled out and used to cover cakes, cupcakes, and other confections. Its versatility, smooth texture, and ability to be molded into any shape or color make it a favorite among bakers and a staple in the world of commercial baking. Below, we cover some of the most important information to know about fondant, allowing you to add a flawless finish and intricate designs to your baked goods. Shop All Fondant Use these links to learn more about different aspects of fondant: How to Use Fondant on a Cake What Is Poured Fondant? What Is in Fondant? What Is Fondant Cake? How to Use Fondant on a Cake Whether you're a professional pastry chef or a home baker looking to take your cake decorating skills to the next level, learning how to use fondant on a cake is a valuable skill to have. Here are a few key steps to help you achieve a flawless fondant-covered cake: Prepare Your Cake - Start by trimming any uneven edges and applying a thin layer of buttercream or ganache as a base to create a consistent texture and level cake. This will help the fondant adhere to the cake and create a smooth foundation. Roll Out the Fondant - Take a portion of fondant and knead it until it becomes pliable. Using a rolling pin, roll out the fondant into a thin, even sheet. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch to ensure easy handling and a seamless finish. Cover the Cake - Gently lift the rolled fondant using your rolling pin and drape it over the cake. Start from the center and carefully smooth the fondant over the top and sides of the cake, working your way outwards. Use your hands or a fondant smoother to eliminate any wrinkles or air bubbles. Trim the Excess - Once the fondant is smoothly adhered to the cake, trim off the excess using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Be sure to leave a small border around the base of the cake to prevent the fondant from pulling away. Add Decorative Touches - You can use fondant cutters, molds, or even hand-cut shapes to create intricate decorations. Experiment with different colors, textures, and techniques to personalize your cake and make it truly unique. How to Make Fondant Stick To Cake One important thing to keep in mind when working with fondant is that it needs a slightly tacky surface to adhere to. This means that you'll want to make sure your cake is covered in a thin layer of buttercream or ganache before applying the fondant. Not only will this help the fondant stick, but it will also provide a smoother surface for the fondant to adhere to. What Type of Cake Is Best for Fondant Icing When choosing a cake for fondant icing, opt for a dense and sturdy cake that is also moist, level, and cooled. You want a cake that has a solid base for support, while also being even and level for easy spreadability. By selecting the right type of cake, you'll set yourself up for success when it comes to creating a beautifully decorated masterpiece with fondant icing. What Is Poured Fondant? Poured fondant is a liquid icing that is poured over baked goods to give them a smooth finish. It is made similarly to rolled fondant, but it contains a higher ratio of liquid in order to thin it out. After pouring, it requires time to dry and set to prevent smudging. This type of fondant can also be thickened and used to fill candies and pastries. Many chocolatiers use flavored fondants to fill their chocolates, and you may also find it inside eclairs as an alternative to pastry cream. What Is in Fondant? Fondant is made of sugar, water, and corn syrup. More structured fondant for sculpting usually contains gelatin as well. Some bakers also choose to use marshmallow fondant on their cakes, which is made from melted marshmallows, powdered sugar, and water. Is Fondant Edible? Yes, fondant is 100% edible. In the media, you will sometimes see fondant being removed from a baked good before it is eaten, but this is simply because some people don’t like the flavor or texture of this icing. How Long Does Fondant Icing Last? Commercial fondant, which can be purchased in stores or online, typically comes in a sealed package. This packaging helps to preserve the freshness and extend the shelf life of the fondant for up to a year when stored properly. Due to the absence of preservatives and the freshness of the ingredients used, fondant made from scratch typically lasts for about 2-3 weeks. It is important to note that homemade fondant can be more susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity, which may affect its longevity. What Is Fondant Cake? Sometimes, the term “fondant” is used to refer to certain types of baked goods themselves. Especially in the UK and France, the term “fondant” can be associated with a type of chocolate cake that is molten in the middle, like what Americans call chocolate lava cakes. Fondant fancies, or small cakes that are coated in poured fondant, are also popular in parts of Europe. In the US, though, “fondant cake” generally denotes a cake that has been coated in fondant rather than buttercream or another icing. How to Store Fondant Cake Ideally, you should store your fondant cake at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Extreme temperatures can cause the fondant to melt or become too hard, compromising the texture and overall look of the cake. To prevent the cake from drying out and retain moisture, it's recommended to cover it with a cake dome or a large, airtight container. If you don't have a cake dome or container large enough, you can also use plastic wrap to tightly cover the cake. If you're planning to store the fondant cake for an extended period, such as overnight or for a few days, you can also refrigerate it. To avoid condensation forming in the refrigerator, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving and avoid touching or brushing the fondant until it has fully dried. Whether you're a professional pastry chef or a home baker looking to add some flair to your creations, fondant icing is a versatile and impressive tool to have in your arsenal. Fondant's pliable nature allows for easy molding and shaping, making it ideal for creating three-dimensional decorations and cake toppers. Plus, fondant acts as a protective barrier, keeping your cakes moist and fresh for longer periods of time. Pair fondant with a little practice and creativity, and you'll be able to achieve professional-looking results that are sure to impress your customers or guests.
How to Ship Baked Goods
If you develop a reliable shipping strategy, selling baked goods online can broaden your customer base or allow you to forgo a storefront. Mailing delicate, perishable pastries requires extreme care. Whichever type of bakery you operate, use our bakery shipping guide to ensure your customers receive fresh, safe-to-consume, and intact baked goods. Click below to dive into the bakery shipping information that interests you: How to Ship Cookies Bakery Shipping Strategy How to Ship Macarons How to Ship Bread How to Ship Banana Bread How to Ship Cake How to Ship Cupcakes How to Ship Pie How to Ship Brownies Bakery Shipping FAQ How to Ship Cookies <iframe itemprop="embedURL" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7z34J5Owmv8?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe> How to Ship Cookies without Breaking Given their hearty nature, cookies are one of the best baked goods to ship. They transport so well, ghost kitchen entrepreneurs have created entire concepts around cookies. Household name Mariah Carey even has a virtual brand, Mariah's Cookies. However, some cookies ship better than others. Cookies with eggs in their recipe are sturdier than their eggless counterparts (ex. shortbread cookies), making them better candidates for shipping orders. We explain the ins and outs of how to ship cookies below. How to Package Cookies for Shipping Wrap the cookies. If you’re shipping multiple types of cookies in one order, individually wrap each cookie in a sealed bag to prevent flavor diffusion. If you’re shipping cookies of the same flavor, you can arrange them back-to-back and loosely wrap them in plastic wrap. Secure the cookies. Fill the nooks and crannies in your box with packing supplies. Otherwise, your cookies will jostle and break in transit. Shake test your box. Give your box a shake to make sure the cookies aren’t slipping around before shipping them. Don’t skimp on the packing materials. The expense of the packing materials is nothing compared to losing a customer because their cookies arrived as a pile of crumbs. Use a shallow, flat container. Don't stack the cookie layers higher than two layers deep. Ship smaller cookies. Smaller cookies are less likely to crumble than larger cookies. Use a teaspoon rather than a 2" cookie scoop to make cookies for shipment orders. If customers are used to receiving giant cookies when they buy them on your bakery's premises, consider shipping multiple small cookies for the price of one large storefront cookie. How to Ship Decorated Cookies To prevent your cookies from crumbling in transit, use a food tin or box to protect them inside their shipping box. Start by creating a cushion layer of crumpled wax paper on the bottom of the cookie tin. Then add your wrapped cookies to the tin and top them with another cushioning layer of crumpled wax paper. These extra protections are especially helpful for shipping fragile and decorated cookies. Should I Freeze Cookies before Mailing? Freezing cookies before mailing them is an excellent way to protect them and help them stay fresh. Frozen cookies are more solid and less likely to break in transit. You can ship frozen cookies in their plastic packaging, saving you money on insulated shipping containers. Most cookies freeze and defrost without altering their flavor or consistency. You can arrange your cooled cookies on a plate as you’d like to present them, wrap the plate in plastic, and freeze them together. Once frozen, your plate of cookies is ready for packaging. Typically, the moisture the cookies release as they defrost isn’t enough to make their package leak. However, since leaks go against USPS rules, it’s advisable to use water-soluble packaging materials. How to Send Baked Goods in the Mail If you’re sending sturdy baked goods locally, you can put pastries in priority mail. However, overnight shipping is the ideal way to send baked goods to preserve their quality. For fragile or temperature-sensitive items like cheesecakes, overnight shipping isn't just beneficial, it's required. Whether you’re packaging your goodies for the mail or shipment, follow our step-by-step instructions for shipping or mailing baked goods. 1. Package Your Baked Goods for Shipping The ideal packaging for baked goods varies by the type of sweet treat you’re shipping. No matter what, you must secure them inside their shipping container. There is nothing more disappointing than receiving a crumbled pastry mess in the mail. We provide some bakery shipping tips that will help preserve the structural integrity of your sweets. How to Package Baked Goods for Shipping Follow these general guidelines to package baked goods for shipping and upgrade your small business shipping services: Cool baked goods before packing them. You should only package cooled baked goods to prevent moisture build-up. Secure each item. Use food-grade bags, parchment paper, or food liners to help keep them intact. Individual wrapping also prevents sticky treats from conjoining. Leave no wiggle room. Fill any voids in the box with bubble packaging or foam. Give your package a good shake. If you hear any rattling or feel jostling, reopen the package and add additional cushioning. 2. Create an Elevated Unboxing Experience While your primary concerns are food safety and product quality, you also need to consider your customer’s unboxing experience. Memorable tins and packaging build excitement. A great presentation prompts customers to post their unboxing experience on social media, providing you with free advertising. It can also help boost brand loyalty and encourage repeat sales. How to Create the Perfect Unboxing Experience The primary goal of unboxing is to increase your customers’ value perception. The moment they receive your package, patrons evaluate its quality and whether it was worth purchasing. From the box you send it in to how you organize it, we explain how to create the perfect unboxing experience below: Package your baked goods in branded boxes. It builds anticipation when customers can tell where their package came from as soon as it arrives. Use attractive and sustainable packing materials. Customizing your internal materials ties your overall aesthetic together. If you use sustainable packaging, include an insert that shares this information with your customers. Environmental responsibility can earn respect and boost brand loyalty. Thoughtfully lay out your products. Use dividers to manage your products' placement. Consider the color scheme of the cushioning that you choose and how it compliments your items. Browse the social media hashtags #unboxing and #flatlay for inspiration. Give free samples. Free samples encourage repeat business and introduce your clients to your other product lines. For example, if your customer ordered a shipment of your banana bread, consider adding a sample of your cake pops. Personalize the package. From handwritten notes to customizable gift packaging, personal touches can go a long way in earning brand loyalty. Leverage inserts. Physical inserts carry greater weight than emailed information. You can insert coupons, new flavor/product promotions, or branded stickers. Mark the package as perishable. This is for the customer, not the carrier! If someone sends your baked goods as a gift, you want the recipient to know they should open the box immediately. Apply a "use by" sticker so recipients know exactly when you made the baked good and how long they have to enjoy it. 3. Choose a Shipping Service You must decide how you want to ship your baked goods. While ground services are less expensive, air delivery services help keep your perishable treats fresh, especially if you're sending them several states away. You'll need to weigh your packages because their weight affects shipping fees. Select overnight, next-day, or two-day air shipping to keep temperature-sensitive items safe. Talk to different carriers’ customer service representatives and see which team you feel best working with. The success of your bakery’s e-commerce business depends on customers receiving their orders fast and intact. You need to have a good working relationship with your shipping company. How Much Does It Cost to Ship Baked Goods? The carrier will determine the cost of shipping your baked goods based on the package’s weight, dimensions, and distance traveled. EasyShip provides a shipping rate calculator that compares your shipping options. In most cases, UPS and FedEx are in the same price range and offer the same guarantees Which Shipping Service Is Best for Shipping Baked Goods? The best shipping service for baked goods depends on the volume and type of baked goods you’re sending. We explain the benefits of different carriers below: USPS - The US Postal Service provides the best rates on small, lightweight packages and usually offers fast delivery timelines. UPS - For large and/or heavy shipments, use UPS to get the best rate. Given their expedited shipping times, UPS is also ideal for highly perishable deliveries. FedEx - FedEx offers niche shipping services for frozen food and businesses. The Cheapest Way to Ship Baked Goods In most cases, USPS is the cheapest way to ship baked goods. We break down the cheapest ways to ship baked goods using USPS below: Packages Under One Pound - USPS First-Class Package Service is the cheapest shipping option for packages that weigh less than 1 lb. (16 oz). This service will deliver packages between 1 and 3 business days. Depending on where you’re shipping to, it may only cost $3 or $4 per package. However, First Class Package doesn’t provide USPS insurance, so we recommend purchasing shipping insurance in case something goes wrong. Packages Over One Pound - USPS Priority Mail Cubic prices shipping fees based on a package’s outer dimensions, not its total weight. This allows you to ship fully loaded packages for the same price as lightly loaded packages. USPS Priority Mail Cubic offers 1-3 business day delivery and comes with insurance up to $100. The fine print: the package’s total weight must not exceed 20 pounds and its total volume must be under 0.5 cubic feet. 4. Ship Baked Goods at the Beginning of the Week The best time to ship baked goods is early in the week. Sweets shipped on Fridays often get stuck in sorting facilities over the weekend. The likelihood of delays goes up later in the week, increasing the chances that your customers will receive stale loaves of bread, or worse, sweets that have fallen into the food safety temperature danger zone. Tips for Maintaining Freshness in Shipped Baked Goods While shipping your baked goods early in the week and avoiding Friday shipments will help them arrive on time, there are other practical shipping strategies for maintaining product freshness. Discover the top bakery shipping tips below: Create a shipping timeline. Map out exactly how long it will take you to get your cooled baked goods into your customers' hands. If you can’t get frosted or cream-filled items to your customers quickly, you’ll have to cut these items from your bakery's shipment order offerings. Set order cut-off times. Setting a cut-off time will keep you, your customers, and your shipping carrier on the same schedule. If you're worried about losing clientele, you can always offer a rush delivery service for an additional fee. Offer custom tracking. Use a post-purchase platform like parcelLab to create a customized tracking page. Provide food storage instructions, serving suggestions, and coffee pairing ideas on your custom page. Communicate shipping fees early. State shipping options and fees early in the ordering process. Perishable items require additional packaging and rushed timelines, leading to higher shipping costs than nonperishables. You don’t want customers to make it all the way to check out and then abandon their order because of false shipping cost expectations. Consider including shipping in the sales price. Providing "free shipping" presents an accurate picture of the total expense of ordering your sweets from the start. Adding “shipping included” in the product description helps prevent failed conversion because of shipping fees. Bake with invert sugar. While well-executed shipping is important, the ingredients you use for your baked goods affect their shelf life and freshness, too. Invert sugar retains moisture and keeps baked goods fresh. Sub invert sugar for table sugar to improve your shipped baked goods' quality. Back to Top How to Ship Different Baked Goods Now that you understand the big picture of shipping baked goods, learn how to package each type of baked good for shipping. In the following sections, we break down how to prepare the most popular bakery items for shipping. How to Ship Macarons Follow these steps to protect your delicate French macarons in transit: Place your macarons in a macaron container. These French pastries are extremely fragile, so they require sturdier packaging than other types of cookies. Their strong flavors diffuse, so we recommend using airtight packaging and separating flavors. Use a shipping box that snugly fits your plastic container. You don’t want to leave room for the plastic container to knock around during transit. Slide ice packs around the macaron container. This keeps them fresh and safe to consume. Use packing materials. This keeps the macarons in place during the shipping process. Choose next-day shipping. Work with a carrier you trust. Back to Top How to Ship Bread Homemade bread is time-consuming to make but delicious. Many would rather order bread from a premium bakery than try to make it themselves. However, not all loaves of bread ship as well as others. The best type of bread to ship is quick bread leavened with baking powder or soda such as pumpkin, zucchini, and banana bread. Unyeasted, "quick bread" is heartier and has a longer shelf life than yeast-risen dough. Your next best choice is bread leavened with sourdough. Yeast-leavened bread has the shortest shelf life and is the most fickle, making it the most challenging type of bread to ship. Steps to Ship Bread Bake your bread on the same day you ship it. Make sure the loaf is completely cool before packaging it. Then, follow these steps: Wrap the bread. According to USPS, there are unique methods for wrapping different types of bread. You should double-wrap soft bread in plastic wrap before wrapping it in either a plastic bag or foil. Wrap your stiff, yeast-leavened bread in foil before wrapping it in plastic or adding it to a bread bag. You should wrap crusty bread in plastic wrap or put it in a plastic bag to preserve its moisture before shipping it. While the crust will inevitably soften, this is still preferable to stale bread. Package your bread in a sturdy box. A padded envelope will not provide enough protection for your bread. Choose a box that can house your bread without smashing it. Fill empty spaces in the box with packing supplies. Bubble packaging is an excellent choice for cushioning shipped bread. Seal the box with carton sealing tape. Make sure there aren’t any openings. An airtight box will help keep the bread fresh. Consider Par Baking Your Bread for Shipping Par baking stands for “partially baking”. To par-bake bread, bake the dough 80% of the way and then freeze the loaf. Quick freezing with a blast chiller kills the yeast’s future power and creates a stable inside without browning the crust. The customer can finish the bread by baking it for an additional 10-15 minutes when it arrives. This allows the customer to enjoy a truly fresh, perfectly browned, and warm loaf of bread. How to Ship Banana Bread We explain how to wrap, package, and ship banana bread. You can use this method for other moist, quick loaves such as pumpkin, zucchini, and glazed lemon bread. Lay the plastic wrap on a flat surface. You can use a baking sheet, cutting board, or cleared countertop. Place the loaf on top of the plastic wrap. Leave enough plastic wrap on the left-hand side to fold over the banana bread. Cut a piece of wax paper the size of your loaf. Lay it on top of your bread to preserve its moisture. Wrap the banana bread in your sheet of plastic wrap. Fold the plastic wrap to the left of your banana bread over the loaf. Then, roll the bread down the length of the plastic wrap. Tuck the plastic wrap at the top and bottom of your loaf into the roll as you turn the bread. Freeze the banana bread. Freezing the banana bread before shipping will help keep it fresh. Lay down a sheet of aluminum foil. Not only will aluminum foil protect your loaf, but it will also shield your banana bread from flavor-altering odors. Remove the banana bread from the freezer and place it on the foil. Place the foil on the left side of the banana bread over it, then roll your loaf in the aluminum foil, tucking the top and bottom pieces of foil into your roll as you go. Place your loaf in a sturdy bakery box, tin, or container. Choose a container that fits your loaf snugly. Add packing materials to any empty spaces. Load your container into a similar-sized shipping box. Fill any gaps with packing supplies to secure the container. Seal the box with carton sealing tape. Make sure there aren’t any openings. An airtight box will help keep the banana bread fresh. Ship the banana bread. Work with a carrier you trust and choose either overnight or two-day shipping to ensure product freshness. Back to Top How to Ship a Cake Unfrosted cakes, coffee cakes, Bundt cakes, and pound cakes are the best candidates for shipping. These cakes freeze and defrost well, so shipping them frozen is a great way to preserve product freshness. Frosted cakes are harder to ship than other baked goods, but it is possible with the right tools and techniques. How to Package Cakes for Shipping If you’re wondering how to ship a cake with frosting, this is the best way to package frosted cakes for shipping: Use a cake shipping box. A fitted Styrofoam mailer prevents the cake from jostling in transit. Keep the cake cool. Remove frozen cool packs from the freezer and insert them around the cake. Insert the mailer into a box. You want a mailer that fits the box perfectly and leaves no room on the sides. Seal the box. Tape all its seams and smooth them down. Use stickers to mark the outside of your box. Show where the top of the box is so transporters don’t tip your cake upside down. Mark it as perishable and fragile. Your cake is ready to be shipped. Choose overnight shipping and work with a carrier you have a good relationship with. How to Ship Pound Cake Pound cakes ship best in their disposable aluminum pans. Use wax paper or plastic wrap to cover the pound cake in its pan. Place the wrapped pan in a plastic bag and add it to a cushioned food box. How to Ship Cupcakes Once you've baked and decorated your cupcakes as desired, chill them in the fridge or freeze them for a few hours before packaging them for shipping. This will help preserve their flavor during transport. Because cupcakes are delicate and perishable treats, you need to follow a strict packing process to ensure they arrive intact and safe to consume. To ship cupcakes, you must purchase a cupcake container. Choose between a plastic cupcake box with individual compartments or cupcake bakery box inserts. Either option will shield your cupcakes’ frosting and prevent them from knocking into each other. Protect the cupcakes by placing candy sticks in the center of each cupcake and trimming the sticks so they hit the lid of the cupcake box. This anchors the cupcakes in place and prevents their frosting from smashing into the lid. Cupcake Shipping Supplies List Cupcake box and/or cupcake inserts Candy sticks Ice packs Shipping Box Tape Back to Top How to Ship a Pie Shipping a pie requires two boxes for double protection and plenty of cushioning materials. We explain how to ship a pie below: Make your pie. We suggest sticking to fruit-filled or nut pies and avoiding dairy-laden or meringue-topped options. Freeze your pie. Pies freeze and defrost well. Frozen pies stay fresher and stiffer, helping retain structural integrity in transit. Gather your shipping materials. You’ll need bubble packaging, a pie box, a corrugated cardboard box, and carton sealing tape. Add your frozen pie to the pie box. Pie boxes are specifically designed to prevent structural damage to pies, and some even offer security features such as locking corners. Decorate the pie box. Wrapping the pie box in branded gift paper, adding a handwritten note, or providing pairing/serving suggestions boosts brand loyalty. Wrap the pie box in air bubble packaging. Once you pad it, place the pie in the center of a corrugated cardboard box. Surround the pie with ice packs to keep it cool. Cushioned ice packs serve the dual functions of protecting the pie's food safety and structural integrity. Fill in any gaps. Add packing materials to prevent the inner box from sliding around during transit. Seal the pie box with carton sealing tape. Make sure there aren’t any openings. An airtight box will help keep the pie fresh. Ship your pie overnight. Pies are perishable and need to arrive fast and fresh. How to Ship Brownies Brownies are one of the best baked goods to ship. We explain how to package brownies for shipping so your customers receive fudgy, fresh, and fantastic brownies in the mail. Cut brownies into small squares. Small brownies have less circumference to break down in transit. Wrap brownies individually. If you’re shipping your brownies to a humid environment, wrap each brownie in foil to protect them from humidity. If you’re shipping your brownies to an arid environment, wrap each brownie in plastic wrap to protect them from dry heat. Place the tightly wrapped brownies in the freezer. Frozen brownies are firmer and hold their form in transit, and they stay fresher during transport. Box the brownies. Place the individually wrapped brownies inside a box, tin, or plastic container for protection. Slip the box of brownies into a shipping box. Stuff packing materials around the brownies so they remain fixed during transit. Seal the box with carton sealing tape. Make sure there aren’t any openings. An airtight box will help keep the brownies fresh. Shipping Brownies Tips Wondering how to mail brownies so they arrive as perfect, fudgy squares? We provide the top tips for shipping brownies below: For the freshest results: Ship an entire tray of brownies. Uncut brownies stay freshest, so this is the best shipping option. Lay aluminum foil down in your baking dish before adding the brownie batter so you can easily remove the brownies from the pan after they're baked. Use a large enough piece of aluminum foil to fold over the top of the brownies, and it will double as packaging. For bulk orders: If you want to package a few brownies together, lay parchment paper down at the bottom of their container. Add a layer of brownies and cover them with parchment paper. Repeat until your container is full. For moisture: Adding chocolate chips to the batter helps keep the brownies moist. For food safety: Subbing vegetable oil for butter in the brownie recipe helps them stay safe to consume after transit. Back to Top Shipping Baked Goods FAQ Now you know how to start a shipping service for your bakery and how to package each of your baked goods for shipping. But you still have some questions, and we’re way ahead of you. From a list of baked goods that ship well to a bakery shipping supplies list, we outline the nitty-gritty details of shipping baked goods in this FAQs section. Best Baked Goods to Ship The best baked goods to ship are sturdy and aren’t prone to melting. Whole baked goods stay fresher than cut baked goods, so shipping a pie vs. a slice of pie is always best. Ideally, you want to ship baked goods you can wrap individually. We provide a list of the best baked goods to send in the mail with examples by their type below: Bread - Quick bread such as banana bread, pumpkin bread, and zucchini bread does great in the mail. Cakes - Unfrosted cakes such as pound cakes, Bundt cakes, and coffee cakes arrive intact and fresh after shipping. Pies - Fruit/nut pies like cherry, apple, blackberry, and pecan are perfect for mail-ordered sweets. Cookies - Most cookies with eggs in their recipe ship well. Cookies without sticky mix-ins such as oatmeal raisin, snickerdoodle, and chocolate chip ship best. Bars - Brownies, blondies, and magic bars are some of the best baked goods to ship. List of Baked Goods That Don’t Ship Well Just like certain baked goods hold up well in the mail, others lose their form and flavor. Dairy-rich treats require low temperatures for safe consumption, so they make poor shipping candidates. Items with delicate toppings often arrive smashed and ruined. Sticky sweets, like caramel and toffee, cling to packaging and other baked goods, ruining their presentation. This doesn't mean you can't successfully ship these items with the proper packaging, but it will be more expensive. You will also run a greater risk of product loss and customer dissatisfaction. Discover the riskiest baked goods to ship by their type below: Bread - Yeast-leavened and crusty bread (baguettes, boules, pan Cubano) don't ship well. Frosted Cake - All frostings are poor shipping candidates. Whipped cream and cream cheese frosting are the worst for shipping since they must be refrigerated, making carrot cake, strawberry shortcake, and icebox cake the hardest cakes to ship. Pies - French silk pie, lemon meringue pie, and key lime pie are very hard to ship. Cookies - While they're still relatively shipping-friendly, cookies with sticky ingredients like caramel, frosted cookies, and eggless cookies like shortbread are harder to ship. Bars - Ooey gooey butter bars, chess bars, and caramel bars require careful packaging. Cheesecake - Since cheesecake must maintain a low internal temperature, it is not an easy item to ship. Bakery Shipping Supplies Whether you’re selling baked goods on an e-commerce platform or filling nationwide shipping orders, here are the bakery shipping supplies you’ll need: Aluminum Foil Pans - cake pans, pie pans, tart pans, and Danish pans Bakery Boxes - cake boxes, cookie boxes, box insert kits, pastry boxes Cupcake/Muffin Takeout Containers - cupcake boxes, hinged cupcake containers, cupcake inserts Disposable Baking Pans - disposable paper and plastic bakeware, disposable loaf pans Disposable Baking Tools - cake pop sticks, bun rack covers, piping bags, pipettes Insulated Shipping Supplies - round cake/pie shipping boxes, insulated bubble packaging, food pan shippers, box liners, multi-depth shippers Cardboard Shipping/Mailing Boxes - stock up on a variety of cardboard shipping box sizes Mailing/Shipping Labels - shipping tags, mailings tags, handling labels Cold Packs - gel cold packs, thermal cold packs, flexible ice mats, foam cold packs, ice packs Packing Paper - stock up on wholesale rolls and sheets of packing paper How to Keep Baked Goods Fresh for Shipping To keep your baked goods fresh for shipping, bake and ship your treats on the same day. Make sure your baked goods are completely cool before you package them. If you’re sending shipping-friendly treats, Priority Mail will usually get your goodies to your customers on time. However, for dairy-laden, frosted, or heat-sensitive sweets, you’ll need to select next-day delivery. Back to Top Especially around the holidays, sending baked goods in the mail is a popular way to show each other we care. Whether you're starting an online bakery, hoping to tap into remote markets, or simply want to send your loved ones a care package, reference back to this guide to ship your baked goods. With these best practices in mind, your goodies will arrive fresh, intact, and safe to consume.