Top 10 Tips for Cakes During a Pandemic {expert tip}

EXPERT TIP BY CORINA LUDWIG, PASSION FOR CAKES (www.passionforcakes.com) Victoria, BC | Photo above: Kim Kalyn Photography

This year is certainly like no other. While your celebration will surely be a little different, the best news of all… Love is not canceled! Like many businesses, the wedding cake industry is no exception to the changes and has had to adapt to survive and thrive. It has been confirmed that COVID-19 is not a food-borne virus, so you can not catch it from the food you eat. According to the CDC, the USDA, and the FDA, there is no evidence that the coronavirus has been spread through either food or food packaging. So, while we may have to adapt our original wedding vision, the best part of celebrating a wedding during a pandemic, is you can be creative, personal,
and intimate.

Here are 10 tips of trends to consider when planning sweet treats during a pandemic.

SOURCE BAKERIES FOLLOWING COVID PROTOCOLS
While everyone is trying to do their part, take some time to ensure that you’re choosing your vendor wisely. Be sure your bakery is food-safe certified and is following all the standard protocols. A site visit for a cake tasting is a perfect way to scope out their safety and COVID safe protocols.

ASK ABOUT DELIVERY METHODS
You want to ensure that your baked treats are well boxed, wrapped, or covered for delivery and on-site. While the risk of transmission is low through food packaging, good handwashing and sanitization should be practiced when handling any food items and their packaging by both the person delivering the goods and the person(s) receiving them.

INQUIRE ABOUT FAKE CAKES
Good news! Your tiered dream wedding cake is still possible. If you like the look of a traditional large, tiered cake, but are only serving a small group, ask your favorite bakery for a fake cake. The bottom tiers of the cake are made with Styrofoam and only the top tier is edible. All covered with edible icing – so it all looks real and can be decorated as it normally would. Bonus: it’s much more cost-effective!

ASK FOR A MINI CAKE FOR TWO
Ask for a simple 1 tier cake for two. A six-inch round Mini Wedding cake is ideal for the two of you to cut and share. Ideal for a garden picnic or simple affair and no extra mess or clean-up.

SOURCE INDIVIDUAL TREAT BOXES
Just like your favorite charcuterie box, have your local bakery make you treat boxes filled with individual cakes, cookies, and fresh bakes good. Perfectly personalized and COVID safe.

CONSIDER INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED GLAZED DONUTS
Have a small budget? Consider supporting your local donut shop and buy individual donuts. It’s great because you can buy small quantities and get numerous flavors. Buy your own bags and wrap them individually. Then set them on named place settings or as a ‘grab and go’ on the way out.

EXPLORE CAKE POPS, CANDY APPLES, AND OTHER DESSERTS ON A STICK
Whether it’s a cake pop, your favorite caramel dipped apple, or other sweet treats on a stick, individually wrapped desserts that are limited contact are a safe way to protect your guests and enjoy a dessert (or two!).

WHO DOESN’T LOVE CAKE TRUFFLES?
Perfect for individual servings, these delectable treats are a true palette pleaser. Rich chocolate is always a party favorite and they satisfy the sweet tooth without all the extra carbs!

LOOK FOR CAKE SHOTS
Whether you include booze or not – the perfect takeaway – is the cake shot. Either a vanilla shooter or your favorite layered tiramisu – a small glass jar or shooter is a perfect way to get the best of the best and not have to share!

KEEP YOUR EVENT SMALL AND CONTROLLED
Limiting your event to a controlled and intimate size, ideally in an outdoor space with physical distancing and proper protocols are still the best assurances to a safe and happy event. All the best to you and your loved ones. Stay Safe!