CAKESAFE FAQS

What is a CakeSafe Box?

The CakeSafe is a transportation system for moving cakes, large and small. Your cakes are protected from heat, rain, wind, anything airborne like dust or pollen, any sudden or unexpected movements, bumpy rides, and sudden stops. You can drive like a "normal" person, at "normal" speeds for hours and never have to worry that your cake willl melt, shift, fall, or be damaged in any way. REALLY!

Which size CakeSafe should I order?

The CakeSafe comes in 11 standard sizes so that we can accommodate all our bakers’ needs. You will want to take into account these factors to determine the best size for you:

1. How tall is each of your tiers?
2. How many tiers do you have? Then multiply that by the height of each tier.
3. Are your tiers stacked or is there space between the tiers?
4. How thick is your cake board?
5. How wide is your cake board?

Add the first 4 measurements together and this will give you the minimum height you need your CakeSafe to be. The 5thmeasurement will give you the minimum width you need your CakeSafe to be. The most important information to consider when deciding which CakeSafe to purchase is what the inside dimensions are. These dimensions are clearly indicated on each product page as well as on the chart in each image gallery.

How does the CakeSafe Box work?

The materials used to create the CakeSafe, and the way it's constructed, make for stress-free deliveries. The center dowel which runs through your cake, is a 3/8" stainless steel rod. It is secured both at the top and the bottom of the box. With your cake in the box, the rod runs from the top of the box, through your cake, and into the bottom base of the box. The sides are double-walled which insulates the cake from heat. When the CakeSafe is fully assembled, your cake is nearly impervious to all outside conditions.

How does the CakeSafe hold the cake?

The center dowel is a 3/8" stainless steel rod and is secured both at the top and the bottom of the box. With your cake in the box, the rod runs through the top of the box, through the cake, and locks into the bottom base of the box. When the box is assembled with all 4 sides and the top, it is extremely secure and stable. The cake is secure because the center rod makes it's own hole through each cardboard cake disk under each tier of cake and the density of the cake itself also helps hold each layer from moving. The security of your cake is not dependent on the cake itself but a combination of the cardboard disks and the fact that the center rod in the CakeSafe does not move at all.

How should I assemble my cake, do I still use internal supports?

Most bakers assemble their cakes using cardboard disks (also called cards) and some form of dowel (poly-dowels, wooden, bubble straws, etc...) to support the tiers. The dowels are generally place in a circular pattern just inside the edge of the tier going on top. If this is the way you tier your cakes, you still assemble your cakes exactly the same as you always have. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that there will be a center dowel through your cake once it is placed inside the box. If you previously have put a center dowel through your entire cake, you would use the CakeSafe rod as your center dowel instead. Do not drill a hole in your cardboard disks. It is very important that the center rod makes it's own hole through the cardboard disks.

I use plastic separator plates - how can I use the CakeSafe box?

You definitely can use plastic separator plates with the CakeSafe. The only thing that needs to be done to accommodate these plates is to drill a 2 inch hole in the center of each plate to allow plenty of room for the Cakesafe center rod to be pushed through the center of the cake. By having the 2 inch hole, it allows you to place your cake inside the box and not worry about having it exactly in the center. These pre-drilled plastic plates can be purchased on our website as Coast Plates. Between the bottom of each tier and the plate you must have a cardboard disk which is what the dowel goes through to secure each tier in place. Do not pre-drill the cardboard; the CakeSafe center rod will make it's own hole.

I use the SPS system, can I still use the CakeSafe?

Yes, you can still use the CakeSafe with the SPS system but you will need to drill a 2" hole in any plastic plates (see: I use plastic separator plates). We would like to point out that with the CakeSafe you can stop using the SPS system which will save you money on each cake and will eliminate the need to get your SPS system back from the wedding venue. CakeSafe customers use simple cardboard disks and support dowels to transport cakes thousands of miles both by car and on airplanes as baggage with no movement of the cake.

How is the CakeSafe different from using a center dowel & some non-skid under the cake?

Using a center dowel and non-skid under your cake is one way of moving your cake but it is not nearly as secure and safe as using the CakeSafe. There is a huge difference when the vehicle is moving on a rough road or forced to stop short. The CakeSafe securely holds the top and the bottom of the center rod so that the cake does not move at all. Without the CakeSafe, the top of your cake is not secured to anything and is free to move or fall over and potentially damage the entire cake. If the vehicle stops short, the weight of the cake will force the cake to keep moving forward causing severe damage to the cake. With the CakeSafe, this cannot happen.

How can the center rod go through all of the cardboard disks in my cake?

The center rod is machined with a very sharp double angle on the tip which is polished. The center rod is sharp enough to easily go through 20 layers of cardboard. Pushing it through a cake with cardboard disks and multiple tiers is easy. The double angle allows the center rod to center itself in the base of the CakeSafe so you don’t have to guide it. The trick to getting the rod down through several layers of cardboard is to push it quickly and with a good amount of momentum. After you use the CakeSafe just a couple of times you will feel confident to really push the rod down very quickly.

My top tier or whole cake lifted up when I went to take the rod out. What do I do?

This is Juli here.... So based on my experience, there are a couple of reasons why this could be happening. Most of them will be addressed if you make sure you are rotating or twisting the rod (sometimes a lot) while you are lifting it to pull it out of the cake. You can always contact me if you have any questions; we're here to help! Cell: 401-378-8766 or email me at: [email protected] and put ATT: Juli in the subject line.

Here’s a list of the reasons this could be happening and what to do about each one to solve your problem:

1. Foam Core Boards: Using foam core boards under each tier is fine, but if your cake is particularly light (sponge cake, genoise, chiffon, etc) then you may want to switch to cardboard disks. They’re thinner, and will have less friction against the center rod as you go to remove it, making it easier to lift out. Rotating the rod is a must no matter what though!
   
2. Foam Dummies: This deserves it own special section! You must, must, put a predrilled hole in the foam dummies before you use them with the CakeSafe. You will be able to get the rod in, but good luck getting it out without destroying your cake. If you’re making a display cake, or a competition cake and you’re using all dummy layers, pre-drill the foam (between a 1-2” hole). Then attach (hot glue or double sided tape works) a cardboard disk to the bottom of the foam dummy with no hole, so that when you put the rod through, it has something to hold on to so your cake doesn’t move at all. Then when removing the rod, the same procedure applies; twist and lift as you remove the rod.
   
3. Your Cake is Frozen: I’ve tried this and it doesn’t work very well. Getting the rod in and out is really difficult if the cake is frozen and I don’t recommend it. If you need to freeze your cake for some reason, bring it out well before you plan to put it into the CakeSafe so it can warm up enough so it’s not frozen solid. This amount of time will vary depending on what kind of cake you have so I can give an exact number of hours. If you want to freeze it in the CakeSafe, put the cake into the CakeSafe and put the rod in before you put it into the freezer.
   
4. Multiple Cardboard Disks: I’ve used up to three cardboard disks under each tier, and never had a problem getting the rod out as long as I twist, slowly lifting as I remove the rod. It’s all about twisting the rod! Not a step you can skip.
   
5. If all else fails….The Hail Mary! If you cannot get the rod to release from the cake, this is an option I’ve only had to do once; because I didn't do one of the things mentioned above! Take one of the corner rods and stick it into the top tier at least an inch away from the center rod. Push it through the top tier and the cake board it’s on, and a little bit into the tier under it. Holding the corner rod firmly and using it as leverage, begin again twisting the center rod and lifting as you twist. The center rod should start to come out, and continue holding the corner rod in the cake until the center rod is completely out of the cake. This is obviously NOT something we WANT to do, but if nothing else is working, this will do the job.

How can I use the CakeSafe with Dummy Tiers?

The CakeSafe works extremely well for Display or Competition cakes, or cakes with a combination of real and dummy tiers. Whenever you're using the CakeSafe with dummy layers/tiers, you need to put a large enough hole through the middle of the Styrofoam dummy so that the 3/8” center rod will slide through it easily. We've found the best method for this is using a hand held apple corer. The hole can be anywhere from ½” to 2” wide. A very sharp knife will work, but it's a little messy. Cake dummies are available with the hole already drilled at Guildcraft.

Once you've made the hole, attach a cardboard disk to the bottom for the dummy tier WITHOUT making a hole in it.

Very important; NO HOLE IN THE CARDBOARD. The reason is, you want the CakeSafe center rod to have to make it's own hole through the cardboard just as if it were a real cake tier. The snug fit of the rod through the cardboard is what holds all the tiers so securely!

You can attach the cardboard to the bottom of the dummy using a heat glue gun, double sided tape, royal icing, regular icing, anything that will hold it in place until you assemble the cake. Then just like a real cake, everything will stay "put" in place.

How do I get the cake centered inside the CakeSafe box?

It is not necessary to have the cake in the exact center of the box. If you are using only cardboard disks between the layers, the cake can be anywhere inside the box and it will work properly. If you use the plastic separator plates with the 2 inch hole you will need to have the cake centered within approximately 1 inch of the center which is quite easy to do just by eyeballing it.

Is lining up the center rod tricky?

The center rod has a guide piece in the top of the box which makes it very easy to line up with the bottom hole. The key to this guide piece is to simply place the rod in the top of the box and just "let go" of it. The rod will naturally center itself and you then push straight down, quickly with momentum, on the rod and it will secure itself in the hole in the bottom of the box. The bottom hole in the base is tapered to guide the rod to the exact center.

What about the hole through the cake?

The only visible hole left in the cake is on the top and about the size of your pinky finger. It is easily covered with either a cake topper or a dab of frosting.

Does the CakeSafe really hold a cake secure enough to tip the box?

Yes! We have tested the "tipping" capability hundreds of times with many cakes and we have never had a cake move when tipped up to 45 degrees. When we go to Cake Shows, we tip a real cake close to a hundred times to display this very feature and never has the cake moved.

Does the CakeSafe keep the cake cold?

Yes, the Cakesafe helps keep your cake at a stable temperature because the sides are made of a twin wall polycarbonate plastic. This is the same material used for greenhouse roofs and it is designed to offer excellent insulation quality. The box is not airtight but it does help retain your cake's temperature, limit condensation, and protect the cake from heat and humidity.

Do I need to refrigerate my cake before using the CakeSafe?

Refrigerating cakes preferably overnight will ensure the very best results when transporting any cake using a CakeSafe Box. A cold cake, especially one with soft fillings such as jams, preserves, custards or mousses will be much firmer cold and therefore stable. Having said this, it is not absolutely necessary to refrigerate your cakes. I have delivered room temperature cakes in a CakeSafe without having issues.

There are several factors to consider when deciding if we want to refrigerate a cake and whether or not it will make a significant difference for deliveries:

1. Conditions - the distance and length of time for delivery, as well as the weather.

2. The Design - fondant or not, colored decorative components or not, the type of cake and fillings.

Conditions

• Distance and how long the delivery will take are factors that affect how important it is to have the cake refrigerated. As an example, if you have a 2 hour delivery to the venue, the cake will definitely hold up better if it has been refrigerated overnight or for as long as possible. If you’re not traveling very far, it’s much less critical that the cake be as stable as possible, so refrigeration is less important for short deliveries.
• Weather is an extremely important factor. If you’re in a hot climate, or geographic location, it’s very much recommended that you consider delivering your cake as cold as possible, meaning refrigerated overnight. The CakeSafe does a really great job insulating the cake from heat, but it’s not magic! The CakeSafe slows down the time it takes for a cold cake to warm up. If your cake is already room temperature and you're in a hot area, your cake will become hot much quicker than if you started with a refrigerated cake.

The Design

• If refrigerated, fondant covered cakes may develop condensation on the sides of the cake affecting the desired appearance. This same condensation may make colors run or change shade. The CakeSafe does help lessen the amount of condensation by slowing the rate at which the cake warms up. However condensation is unavoidable when any object colder than the air around it, begins to warm up. Moisture will always form on the surface and only dissipate when the object is the same temperature as the surrounding air. Pesky laws of physics… If your cake is not covered with fondant, or does not have a lot of colored accents, this condensation is not an issue. It will gradually (most likely by the time the bride and groom see the cake) disappear all together.
• Fillings, buttercreams, and type of cake (buttercake, sponge, devils food, etc...) are important to consider. A cold cake, especially one with soft fillings such as jams, preserves, custards or mousses will be much firmer and therefore stable. Cold buttercakes will be firmer than cold sponge cakes, so it may be less critical that your sponge cake be cold versus a buttercake.

The Bottom Line: It IS recommended that your cake be refrigerated before placing it in the CakeSafe. Regardless of the temperature of your cake, the CakeSafe is still the safest way to transport your cake, protecting it from dust, dirt, rain, and the damaging effects of bumpy roads, bad drivers, and sudden stops! Makes me stressed just thinking about it! CakeSafe = less stress!

How long should the CakeSafe last?

The CakeSafe is designed to last for many years under normal use. The original boxes are still in use today after 20 years.

Where is the best place to put my CakeSafe in my vehicle?

It is best to have the CakeSafe up against the back of a seat. It does not need to be touching the seat but in the case of an accident the CakeSafe is prevented from moving forward and your cake should survive with out Cake-tastrophe. Having the CakeSafe free standing in the back of a van allows your CakeSafe to slide forward or possibly tip over which you certainly do not want to happen. To achieve the best possible outcome, should you be involved in an accident or have to brake suddenly, please use common sense when placing the CakeSafe in your vehicle, ensuring that it is as level and as secure as possible.

How can I store such a large box, if I have limited space?

The CakeSafe is designed to disassemble for easy storage. The CakeSafe boxes, when disassembled, require just 6" of height.

Is the CakeSafe waterproof?

The CakeSafe box is not entirely waterproof but it certainly will keep any cake dry when moved in inclement weather conditions. Moving the cake during driving rain is not a problem and your cake will stay dry and secure.

Can I wash all the parts after I use it?

Yes, all of the parts of the CakeSafe are designed to be washed with soap and water. The top is Plexiglas, the sides are polycarbonate plastic, the bottom is high density plastic (same material as a cutting board) the center rod is stainless steel and the corner rods are aluminum.

Can I replace one part if it gets damaged?

Yes, we can replace any damaged or lost part for all of our boxes. Shop for CakeSafe Replacement Parts

Important Information Regarding Tiering Your Cake Using the CakeSafe:

• ALWAYS use a cardboard disk under each tier. You may use 2 or 3 disks if you want, or foam core. One disk is sufficient in most cases.
• DO NOT, put a hole in the cardboard disk. The stainless steel CakeSafe rod is very sharp, and will make its own hole as you push the rod through your cake. This tight fit is what holds the cake securely in the CakeSafe.
• If you are using Coast Plates, or any other SPS system, you STILL NEED TO USE A CARDBOARD DISK UNDER THE TIER. If you are using any plate, or disk under your tiers that you can NOT put a knife through, you MUST have a 1 – 2” hole pre-drilled to accommodate the CakeSafe rod.
• If you’re using dummy tiers, you must have a premade hole in the foam tier. The easiest and cleanest way to make the hole is with an apple corer.

Tips and Recommendations:

• ALWAYS lift the CakeSafe from the BASE only. Never ever lift a loaded CakeSafe from the sides or top.
• Remember to only tighten the corner rods to “JUST SNUG”, as over tightening may crack the corners of the Plexiglas top.
• Be sure that the height of your CakeSafe will fit in whatever vehicle you’re using to deliver in.
• Remember when placing the CakeSafe in the back of your vehicle to push it all the way up to the back of the seats. That way, if you have to slam on your brakes, the CakeSafe will not slide forward.
• Finally, be gentle with your CakeSafe products! They will last “forever” if you take care of them!