You’ve baked the perfect cake, decorated it with love, and your customer is excited to receive it. But there’s one crucial step that can make or break the entire experience: packaging for delivery. A beautifully decorated cake is only impressive if it arrives intact. The wrong box, unstable transport, or poor insulation can lead to smudged frosting, tilted tiers, or — worst of all — total collapse. This guide will help you navigate the do’s and don’ts of cake delivery packaging so your creations arrive as flawless as when they left your kitchen.
Why Cake Packaging Matters More Than You Think
Your packaging is not just a container — it’s: protection against damage, a reflection of your brand, part of the customer experience, a functional tool for safe transportation. Many home bakers underestimate how much the right packaging influences customer satisfaction and repeat business. If a client’s cake arrives damaged, they’re unlikely to reorder, no matter how good it tasted. Let’s explore how to get this critical step right.
1. Choose the Right Cake Box Size
DO: Always choose a box larger than the cake by 2 to 5 cm on each side. This provides enough room for movement without causing frosting smudges. DON’T: Use a box that fits too snugly. Even minimal vibrations during transport can cause the frosting or decorations to stick to the sides. Bonus tip: For tall cakes, use high extension boxes or stack two boxes and tape them together vertically for stability.
2. Use a Strong and Sturdy Cake Board
Your cake is only as secure as its base. The cake board should be: at least 2 inches (5 cm) larger than the cake, rigid enough to support the weight (especially for tiered or heavy cakes), greaseproof and clean, adding to presentation. Avoid cardboard from cereal boxes or recycled paper — they buckle easily. Invest in proper cake drums or double up boards for extra strength.
3. Secure the Cake to the Board
Even a sturdy board won’t help if the cake slides. Use a dab of buttercream or royal icing between the bottom cake layer and the board to anchor it in place. This prevents shifting during transport. For larger or multi-tier cakes, use a non-slip mat or shelf liner under the board within the box as added security.
4. Temperature Control: Keep it Cool
Frosted cakes, especially those with buttercream, ganache, or whipped cream, need cool temperatures. Best practices: pre-chill the cake before packaging, deliver in a car with air conditioning, use insulated delivery bags or boxes for long trips or hot climates, avoid placing cakes in the trunk (heat builds up fast). Never deliver a warm cake. It will be unstable, especially during movement.
5. Stabilize Tall or Tiered Cakes
Tall cakes and multi-tier designs require internal support: use dowels or bubble tea straws inside the cake layers for structure, transport tiered cakes assembled only if you’re confident in your stacking, otherwise, deliver tiers separately and assemble on-site. For added stability, insert a central dowel rod through all layers and the baseboard.
6. Use Non-Slip Mats in the Delivery Vehicle
Place a rubber or silicone mat on the floor of your car to prevent the cake box from sliding. Other options include: a yoga mat cut to size, shelf liner, seatbelt secured through a plastic crate with the cake inside. Never place the cake on a seat — they are uneven and lead to tilting.
7. Clearly Label Your Box
Include clear labels such as: “Fragile”, “This Side Up”, “Keep Cool”, “Do Not Stack”. You can print branded stickers with care instructions or add a tag with your logo and a thank-you message. It not only protects the cake but also adds a professional touch.
8. Use Tall Cake Boxes for Decorated Cakes
Cakes with toppers, flowers, or figurines need height clearance. Options include: tall cake boxes with windows, DIY extension using extra cardboard or tall acetate wraps, custom acrylic boxes for premium deliveries. Never squish the decorations — plan your packaging around the final height of the cake.
9. Don’t Deliver Without a Trial Run
If you’re trying a new box style, a new size, or a different cake structure, do a test run: place a dummy cake or weight equivalent in the box, drive around your block, check for movement, sliding, or damage. Better safe than sorry — learn before you deliver to a client.
10. Consider Delivery Insurance and Policies
If you deliver cakes yourself, establish clear policies: who’s responsible after delivery? do you offer setup on-site? what happens if the cake is damaged after handoff? For larger or expensive cakes, consider a delivery fee that includes your time, fuel, and risk. You can also offer optional delivery insurance for clients who want added peace of mind.
BONUS: What Not to Do (Real-World Mistakes to Avoid)
- Don’t refrigerate fondant-covered cakes overnight in humid climates (they sweat when removed)
- Don’t tape a cake box shut — it may tear during opening
- Don’t use plastic wrap directly over decorated cakes — it ruins the finish
- Don’t rush the delivery — drive slowly, brake early, and take curves gently
Final Thoughts
Perfect packaging isn’t about fancy boxes — it’s about careful planning and attention to detail. The goal is simple: your client opens the box and says “wow.” When you treat packaging as part of your cake experience — not just the end of the process — you stand out as a professional. In the next article (#43), we’ll talk about building a strong cake menu that sells year-round — a critical step for growing your baking business with consistency and strategy.