I'll document my process. It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot. Your local post office or delivery service location will have all the appropriate packaging supplies you need. Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. You should be able to get a quote from a business about how much things will cost before you even bake the cake assuming that you know what the dimensions and weight of the item will be. You just want to ensure that your cake gets where its going without getting messed up. The cake needs to be secure, so it can't move around during transit. Next, youre going to need to find an appropriate cake box to ship your cake in. It would be the same as the article above: Freeze it first. If you cant freeze the cake, then you might not want to ship it at all. Cookies with soft fillings also tend not to travel well, according to Jessica Vitak, who, with her family, bakes an average of 4,000 cookies of which approximately 1,000 are mailed out each holiday season. Both FedEx and UPS offer home package pickup options, but it may cost extra, depending on your location and the service. He recommends budgeting $10-$20 per package; Vitak estimates that her packages cost $8-$15 each with USPS. 
Be sure to follow the advice above before you bring a cake to a shipping company to have it shipped out. While the box itself is free, you'll pay a flat rate for shipping. Its enough that you pour yourself into these baked goods to share with your friends and family, says Hedeman. Gingerbread and thicker chocolate chip cookies are two examples of sturdier types, says Alex Rush, a Jannuzzis Cookies co-founder who handles all things packaging and shipping. The first thing that you should do to protect the cake is freeze it before you ship it. Also a good idea about dry ice and container. it. When youre confident that the box has been taped properly, itll be ready to ship. 
Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple. Food is considered a perishable item by the USPS. The next time that you go to ship a cake, its going to be way easier to get things done. Try to position the cool packs all around the cake so that the cake will stay cool as evenly as possible. Heres How to Wrap Them. For cookies, he says, you could even wrap them on a plate with plastic, and then freeze them in the arrangement youd like them to present in. Tell the people you're shipping the cake to when you've sent it so they can be on the lookout. Fill up empty spaces inside the container with packing material, such as bubble wrap, newspaper, or kitchen towels.
You can bring cake on a plane, but you may need to let airport security inspect it first. If you click one of these links and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. What is the best way to ship a cake safely so that it will arrive at its destination as intended? Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
They have so much to do and so little time to do it, says Hedeman. Other softer cookies can potentially survive the trip, depending on how well theyre packaged, says Rush, but delicate cookies like sugar, pizzelles, or even thin and crisp chocolate chip cookies are likely to break in the mail, no matter how meticulous the packaging. People get nervous about shipping cakes, though, due to the fact that a lot can go wrong during the shipping process. USPS has free 2-day shipping boxes that come in varying sizes that you can use to ship your cake in. Follow the instructions listed in the article above. There are local courier businesses in many American cities that will deliver perishable items within state lines for a fee.
If going the frozen route, you dont need an insulated shipping container, says Hedeman; just keep the cookies or baked goods in their plastic packaging and let them defrost as they travel. The shipping box should be air-tight to help preserve the cake, keeping it fresh. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Use a container that's tight and fits the cake nicely so it's doesn't move around too much during shipping. FedExs flat rate options for medium boxes range from $12-$15 for delivery in three business days, depending on distance. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Although, it could be good to place stickers on each side of the box to get the point across if you dont mind using multiples. Now you just need to find the right business to ship your cake to where it needs to go. These Styrofoam mailers help the cake to fit in the box snugly and keep it from moving around inside the box.
wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. Keep in mind what you are shipping and where it is goingitems that should remain cold should probably be shipped overnight. Go to Make sure the chocolate is well-sealed inside the box so that no moisture can get in. For people like Vitak, who is immunocompromised, mailing cookies is a way to send a big hug to friends she hasnt seen in a long time. 4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad. To learn how to seal and label the box when youre shipping a cake, keep reading! He recommends enfolding the treat tightly in plastic wrap or a ziploc bag before freezing. Split the materials and the costs with a friend, or save the remaining materials to use again next year. Can I ship a cake overseas via the US Post Office? This is a good option if youre shipping a cake to a friend or relative who lives several hours away. There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the worldincluding how we live (and work) inside our homes. Before you take the cake to the shipping company, its advisable to use a marker on the cake box. The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, andmost commonlychanging up our look. Now, more than ever, she intends to keep it alive. The top of the box is the best location to place any stickers that you have. 
Placing sticks through the middle of each cupcake also helps prevent them from smashing against the box's lid and sides when shipping. Its best to freeze the cake if you can, and youre going to need to pack the cake box with care. The stick should reach the box's top when closed to avoid damage. If you choose a flat-rate box from USPS, your cake will arrive in 2 business days. Because the last thing you want is for your cookies to arrive as a box of crumbs. Priority Mail, which Vitak uses, has flat rate pricing available ($15 to ship a medium-sized box), includes tracking, and estimates a delivery time of 1-3 business days. Or, you could simply ask to buy a box from your nearest grocery store's bakery department or cake baking supplies store. Plus, your baked goods will arrive just like they left your kitchen delicious! All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Make sure the address and shipping barcode are clearly visible on the box. 6 Smart Ways to Roast a Chicken (Without an Oven), What to Do About a Cheesecake Not Setting Properly. You might make beautiful cakes in your spare time, and this means that people will want to come to you when they need cakes for special occasions. Usually I add 5 lbs per box. You should only avoid freezing if there is a very specific reason that you cant freeze it. By using our site, you agree to our. And finally, it doesnt hurt to label the box as perishable. This isnt so much for the carriers sake, but for the recipient that way, theyll know that they should open up the package right away instead of letting it languish under a Christmas tree, says Hedeman. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Now I know! Priority Mail Express, another option the USPS recommends for timely service, is even faster at overnight to two days, but flat rate prices start at $26. From ideal treat type to packaging to shipping carrier to cost, heres a comprehensive guide to mailing cookies, cakes, and more: When it comes to cookies, its no surprise that hardier varieties travel the best. Its better to skip the rush and arbitrary deadlines. Usually, your courier will ask if your package contains perishable goods and place a sticker on it if it does. Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Place tape around all the edges of the box to create a cooler that keeps the cold air in and choose a shipping option that only takes 1-2 days if possible. If you buy something from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. What can you do when a friend or family member from out of town needs a cake, though? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Vitak packs her cookies in separate ziploc bags, often one big one for the majority of the cookies, and additional smaller bags for cookies with strong flavors.
Ensure your shipping label is securely fastened to the outside box and arrange for shipment. Take the time to measure your cake and any boxes that you plan to purchase to ship the cake in. As for other baked goods, the denser the better, says Brad Hedeman, a product and marketing specialist at Zingermans Mail Order, which ships hundreds of thousands of freshly made baked goods each holiday season. Why not send a care package before or after Thanksgiving (that might also give the person that receives it time to get you something on your gift list) or for the New Year? By packaging the cake with lots of padding, your cake is more likely to arrive in great condition. ", https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CIQ8BCai9U#t=1m48s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Mh87ogMRG0#t=11s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CIQ8BCai9U#t=3m12s, https://www.ups.com/us/en/services/knowledge-center/article.page?kid=d746b8ce, https://www.sugardishme.com/how-to-ship-baked-goods/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CIQ8BCai9U#t=7m56s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CIQ8BCai9U#t=9m26s. References The sturdy shape and texture of bundt and pound cakes make them easier to wrap in plastic because the outer layer of the cake is less likely to peel when removing it. Generic boxes are fine, too, says Rush; just be sure to pad out the package with materials like tissue paper, kraft paper, inflated air pillows, newspapers, or even old rags and towels. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you order frozen foods to be delivered, these often come in insulated bags with ice packs that you can use for the cake, or they can be purchased at a grocery store or big box store. Doing a Store-Bought Thanksgiving This Year? The baked goods dont need to be placed perfectly equidistant in the center of the box, either, says Hedeman; you can also shove them in the corner of the box, and then fill the space until everything is snug. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Ship-a-Cake-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Ship-a-Cake-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Ship-a-Cake-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid1251284-v4-728px-Ship-a-Cake-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Vitak, an associate professor at the University of Maryland College of Information Studies, says that cookies with elements like caramel can be mailed, but they have to be packed carefully to avoid sticking to each other and causing a mess. The Best Experience Gifts for Food Lovers Who Miss Going Out, Why Restaurant-Favorite Luxury Candles Make Great Gifts, The Best Subscription Boxes to Gift to Snack Lovers, If You Want to Gift Baked Goods, Store Bought Is Fine, New Cookbooks That Would Make Perfect Gifts, How Harry & David Cornered the Market on Mail-Order Pears. Most people would want the cake to arrive at its destination within a few days at the latest. Destination, weight, and box dimensions are all factors that go into the cost (pro tip: use a flatter box, if possible). Can I use dry ice to keep the cake cool after freezing it while it is being shipped? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Home Post Archive How to Ship a Cake (Step by Step). A. Stiffer icing is preferable where possible. Having the cake arrive at its destination intact is about doing the right things when boxing it up. You need to use really good shipping tape to seal the box so that nothing comes loose while its being driven to its destination. The faster that you want something to be shipped to its destination, the more costly its going to be. 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note. Sometimes its best to err on the side of caution and go a bit overboard. Yes, you can! 70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends. Rush makes extra batches of cookies for her UPS guys because she knows theyll treat her packages well and because its just a nice thing to do. Find a way to show you care by mailing aspecialty baked goodor family recipe that will surprise whoever receives it and leave a smile on their face. 
Thats what matters, not the day.. Even if you package your cake really well, it's still possible that it may get damaged while in transit. The costs of packaging material can also add up, but its often more economical if you purchase in bulk. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. UPS, which Jannuzzis Cookies uses, has a flat rate of $13 to ship a medium box within 1-5 days using Ground and $23.50 for 3 Day Select, but Rush has found that deliveries tend to be on the faster side, so Ground typically suffices. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Ship-a-Cake-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Ship-a-Cake-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Ship-a-Cake-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid1251284-v4-728px-Ship-a-Cake-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. You should clearly mark that the item that is being shipped is perishable and fragile. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Space the cakes inside each of the inserts. See our ethics policy. Just make sure you use plenty of bubble wrap so the bottom of your box does not get wet. This could work fine, but you will likely need to pay a fair price to get the item shipped fast. Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Taking the time to ship a secure cake box will make a world of difference. Sealing the cake box properly is going to be the next big step before shipping it out. If Youre Making Cocktails, You Should Be Making Your Own Bitters, Sommeliers Pick the Best Wine Glasses for Every Scenario, How to Keep an Opened Bottle of Wine Good for Days, These Hot Toddy Recipes Can Melt Any Winter Blues. And should I use the gel packs? Why Are Hot Chocolate Bombs Suddenly Everywhere? Youll want to pick a company that is reputable and capable of shipping perishable food items in a timely fashion. Thank you! This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage itemsfirst, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasonsto add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. ", the cake. To learn how to seal and label the box when youre shipping a cake, keep reading! If you have a sticker that says "Fragile," this would work as well. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, I developed a love for cakes, cupcakes, and everything sweet from an early age. You are allowed to ship food as long as youre able to package it in such a way that it wont cause a health hazard or other problems (like a nasty smell if it starts to go bad!). For all three of these services, you should use their price calculators to compare the flat rates versus the cost of sending your specific packages. Frozen cool packs are going to be another imperative part of the process when shipping a cake. I asked experts for their best tips and tricks to assure your baked goods arrive at their destination mostly intact. It should hold up very well. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Ship-a-Cake-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Ship-a-Cake-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Ship-a-Cake-Step-11.jpg\/aid1251284-v4-728px-Ship-a-Cake-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. ", child could ship a cake after reading this. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Southern Living is a registered trademark of. Cookie tins (or tupperware) are also an option, but they come with some limiting factors: namely, youre much more constrained in the number of cookies you can pack (especially if youre separating out strong flavors) and the tin needs to be full to minimize movement, per Vitak. Consider purchasing insulated bags designed to help keep foods cold. This makes it more likely that all of the delivery drivers will understand that the package needs to be treated with care. Place ice packs in the packaging to help keep the cake cool in transit. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. It takes too long to get there, and it would end up stale and possible even moldy. Many of these Styrofoam mailers will be something that youll put the cake inside and then youll transfer the Styrofoam mailer to the cake box. Start by freezing the cake for 2 days before you ship it so it stays cooler for longer.
In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Envelopes and boxes for both of these options can be ordered online or picked up from a post office for free, and you can schedule free package pickups from home if you print out your own shipping labels. Freeze yourlayer cakebefore shipping. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Ship-a-Cake-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Ship-a-Cake-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Ship-a-Cake-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid1251284-v4-728px-Ship-a-Cake-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022. USPS tends to be the most economical. This article has been viewed 263,224 times. Knowing how to ship a cake properly should help you to get good results. Pro tip: consider applying a light dab of baking glue to the bottom ofeach cupcaketo secure it within the container. I didn't think about moisture that could cause mold in, "This article was the best! wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Overall, this method works out well because it just makes things more secure overall. There might be some moisture due to the defrosting, but not so much that the package leaks, which would go against USPS rules. Even if you did freeze the cake that youre shipping, its still going to be important to keep the cake fresh during the shipping process. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Photo credits: Pumpkin loaf, Cavan Images/Getty; Mailbox, Misunseo/Shutterstock, The freshest news from the food world every day, By submitting your email, you agree to our, A Comprehensive Guide to Sending Baked Goods in the Mail. Jannuzzis uses corrugated shipping boxes measured exactly to size from East Coast Packaging. Hedeman is a big proponent of freezing, both as a way to protect the baked good by making it harder and more solid, and to help it stay fresh en route. Place small sticks (such as toothpicks) in several places on the top and sides of the cake, putting a little distance between the wrapping and icing. Choose 1-2 day shipping so the cake gets to its destination quickly to reduce the amount of time it spends traveling. Fast shipping options often include overnight shipping, next-day shipping, or two-day shipping. You should also add an arrow indicating which direction is upright or the top of the box. To help delivery services, mark the outside of your parcel with the words "fragile" and "perishable." Follow the guidelines for layer, bundt, and pound cakes when mailing a cheesecake. Then buy a box of the desired size by going from any of the many options shown. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Many people will go with large shipping companies that are known to ship things such as cakes. This post may contain affiliate links. Shipping a cake may seem like a tricky task, but there are lots of things you can do to help make sure the cake arrives neatly and without damage. Tape the top, bottom, and each edge of the box using packing tape. Nothing says, "I love you," like a homemade cake. Be careful shipping cakes with frostingmany soft frostings may not travel well, and you want to avoid the cake smushing in transit. For example, if you need to deliver a cake to a location that is within a few hours of your location, then a courier service might be able to do that for you while handling the cake with great care. Can I use the foodsaver sealing bags to ship a whole cake? This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. After wrapping your cake, put it in a cake box and place it in an appropriately sized Styrofoam mailer or bubble-wrap lined mailing box. With all of the preparation work done, its going to be time to drive out to a shipping company and get your cake shipped. Tape the seams and smooth wrinkles during placement. You can then place the packaged cake into a new and sturdy cardboard box and fill in any extra space with bubble wrap, newspaper, or packing peanuts to minimize movement. Do a shopping search on Google Shopping or other search engine for: "Where to buy a cake box?". Due to the pandemic and huge shipping volumes, there may be delays, although Frum maintains that the Postal Service has the capacity to flex its nationwide processing and delivery network to meet surges in volume of mail and packages, including the expected additional holiday package volume that may result as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic., Still, Hedeman urges home bakers to ship their treats early and to not pin all hopes on packages arriving just in time for Christmas. How can I ship chocolate without melting it? Read on to learn about how to ship a cake when youre hoping to get the best results. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>
\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Ship-a-Cake-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Ship-a-Cake-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fc\/Ship-a-Cake-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid1251284-v4-728px-Ship-a-Cake-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"
\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Use multiple layers of the tape to create a secure seal.
Aside from baking, I love spending quality time with my growing family, which includes my husband, two sons, and daughter. The cake will be edible but it may lose its aesthetic appeal. One way to still be with each other in spirit is to exchange lovingly made sweet treats through the mail but whats the best way to do that without ending up with boxes full of crumbs or crushed brownies? Make sure that you are very thorough with how you seal the box. One good idea that many professional bakeries use is that they ship cakes in boxes that contain Styrofoam mailers. Sohla El-Waylly Has Tips to Make It Special. The key is to use these materials to surround your precious cargo and fill the void of the shipping container. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. This is a part of shipping preparation that you wont want to skip if you care about the condition of the cake when it arrives at its destination. Sometimes it might be fine to ship the cake via a courier service if the cake isnt being delivered too far away. Approved. How should I ship a German chocolate cake? wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Youll already know what to do and youll be ready to get the cake out the door quite fast. You can also add cold packs to the box to help it stay cool even longer. Is there something besides plastic wrap or aluminum foil I can wrap a cake in to preserve the temperature if I want it to have a more professional appearance? I'm thinking after reading this article that we'll drive it, but pack it this way. It isnt always going to be practical to drive a cake to their doorsteps, and you might need to consider shipping it. Consider giving the tracking number to whomever youre shipping the cake to so they can track it as well. As an alternative to ice packs, consider using dry ice. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Simply keep these in your freezer until it is time to pack the cake into the box and ship it out.