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So, you’ve received a request to ship a cake but have no clue how to ship a cake?
In today’s post, I’ll go over the steps that I took to ship cake jars which you may want to consider with your clients.
First Attempts to Ship a Cake
Shipping cakes
This is my third attempt to ship cakes and cupcakes to our domestic customers in the USA.
The first two attempts were not total failures and I can honestly say I have learned so much from both experiences that I can’t say they weren’t a total loss.
1st Birthday in 2009
The first cake was a two-tier small fondant cake that was shipped expressed to Tennessee for a 1st Birthday in 2009. There were minor dents in the cake upon delivery imagine but from a structural standpoint, it was ok.
The second attempt was shipping cupcakes to two different states, Pennsylvania and Maryland in 2015. It was an epic failure, the cupcakes were in shambles and the frosting was everywhere, while the presentation was a hot mess due to mishandling of the box in transport.
I did get great reviews from both clients regarding taste. With cupcakes being so delicate, I am still working on improving the art of shipping cupcakes.
A great alternative might be nice to make it a DIY cupcake package to prevent the frosting from going everywhere, it’s a nice thought but I would still have to do more research and run more tests.
Embrace Failures to Move Forward
These two attempts didn’t discourage me from shipping my cakes but they did make me more cautious about taking orders that require a shipment.
Proper packing methods and shipping techniques are important to me and my brand as I take pride in making sure every cake can successfully reach its destination in one piece. So it was interesting when I got a request in mid-June for a cake shipment.
The Idea of Shipping Cake Jars
My client posed the idea of shipping cake jars to Chicago for her daughter’s 13th Birthday in December. The idea lingered for a while and we finally got the ball in motion in November.
Plastic Peanut Butter Jars
The crucial component to this order was the containers, I knew plastic jars would be the best options but we also had to find a brand that was also food safe.
We found a suitable option through Michaels.com using their 4oz and 8oz plastic jar containers with screw-on lids.
Since the containers were small, I thought cupcakes instead of baking a sheet cake would be best. When picking what cakes to bake I decided to go with a frosting that I knew would
Buttercream and cream cheese frosting were my two
I paired the cakes and fillings as follows:
- Red velvet with cream cheese frosting
- Lemons with lemon curd buttercream
- Chocolate with chocolate buttercream
- Vanilla with vanilla buttercream
- Vanilla with Oreo buttercream
- Chocolate with Oreo buttercream
- For a total of 12 cake jars
How to prepare the Jars for Cake
Step 1:
- I washed and steamed each jar. It took about 24 cupcakes to make 12 cake jars. Once all the jars were made I placed them in the freezer for at least 24 hours.
- To keep the jars cold, I used a Cool Shield Thermal Bubble Mailers or insulated foil bubble bag and placed the jars inside the insulated bubble wrap while in the freezer to help maintain the cold while in transit.
- Since the weather is already cold we used it to our advantage and shipped everything 2-day priority rather than overnight.
Step 2:
- Next, I placed the foil-insulated bubble wrap bag in the medium-sized flat-rate shipper and surrounded the package with gel packs to keep it cool while in transit. The box was pretty secure and no additional packing with bubble wrap or peanuts was not necessary
in my opinion to prevent movement. - To give your carrier a heads up, note which side of the box is up and add fragile and perishable to the box as well. Since the jars were plastic and closed tightly. I didn’t see the need to add these signs, to the outside of the shipper.
Cake Jars Postal Package
Shipping Updated 02/09/2024: We’ve refined our packaging process to enhance the safety and freshness of your shipped cake jars. Below, you’ll find our latest guidelines, including a newly added video demonstration to walk you through the updated packaging technique.
Next, I choose the right USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate® box—medium or large, tailored to the order’s size.
After assembling the box, I insert a customized insulated styrofoam panel kit from TSK Supply, ensuring a snug fit for temperature control.
I then seal the panel corners with HVAC multi-purpose foil tape to maintain coolness, a step we find crucial, especially when unexpected delays occur.
Ice packs are placed based on the number of cake jars, which are securely wrapped in bubble pouch bags for added protection. For enhanced safety, we intersperse the cake jars with additional Storopack Clear Cushioning Air Pillows, offering an extra layer of protection.
Finally, the package is topped off with an insulated styrofoam cover and weighed using our USPS 25lb USB postal & Freight Scale, ready for shipment.
For a hands-on demonstration, don’t miss our YouTube Short video showcasing the entire packaging process, providing you with practical tips to ensure your cakes arrive in perfect condition.
Postal Carrier for Shipping Cake Jars
I decided to go with USPS as the carrier for this shipment and I added insurance to the order. I shipped on Saturday 12/15 and It was estimated to arrive by Tuesday 12/18.
It was nerve-racking as I must have checked the tracker all weekend. Thankfully, it arrived on Monday in Chicago at 6:30 am.
The client and I kept in close contact to be sure there were no delivery delays. Just my luck, It arrived before they left for work, unfortunately, the postal office didn’t ring the doorbell but the client was able to spot the package under the porch.
(USPS) United States Postal Service in Brooklyn, NY
Here is a video review by the client
Let’s Go Over the Steps for Shipping Cake Jars:
- Clean containers you will be using for cake jars
- Place cake and frosting in jars, alternating each item.
- Freeze all jars for at least 24 hours prior to shipping.
- Place jars in an insulated foil bubble bags and seal the bag with tape, freeze if possible.
- Place the wrapped container in the shipping box.
- Add gel packs to the side and top of the wrapped content inbox.
- Seal the shipper with tape securely.
- Place stickers on the box noting this side up, perishable and fragile.
- Choose a shipping service that can ship and deliver cakes express or within 2 days.
- Choose the option for shipping insurance.
- Take the labeled box to the desired drop-off shipping location or schedule a pick-up.
Shipping cake jars can be a delicate process, but with the right tools and techniques, you can ensure that your cake jars arrive at their destination in perfect condition.
By following these steps to shipping cake jars, you’ll learn the best practices for packaging, shipping, and tracking your products.
Whether you’re shipping cakes for a special occasion or running a cake business, this guide will help you streamline the process and ensure customer satisfaction.
With a little bit of planning and attention to detail, you can ship your cake jars with confidence and delight your customers every time.
If you’re curious to sample our delicious cake jars or see how we package them, be sure to check out our cake jar business at Legacy Cakery!
We’d be more than happy to give you a taste of our sweet treats and show you how we ship them to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.
Don’t hesitate to stop by and experience our cake jars for yourself!
I hope this blog provides you with enough details to try and ship your own cakes.
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Happy Caking!!
I am truly driven by what I create and bring the knowledge of what I have learned throughout the years to help other bakers turn a hobby into a new venture. I hope you find this blog warm and inviting as my goal is to fill it with delicious treats and awesome recipes.
I am so thankful that you shared this information I have been looking for how to ship and people will not share how to ship cakes in jars.
Hi Darlene,
So glad this blog was a great resource to you, I do hope your first shipment went well; be sure to add a lot of ice packs in this hot weather. Should you have any additional questions please feel free to email me at bakewithmelissa@gmail.com. Best of luck with shipping your jars. 🙂
Hi, I was wondering what gel ice packs do you use? I’ve looked at different brands and some people either complain about leakage or not lasting cold as long. Due to the delay with mail, I want to make sure that I use the right kind before I attempt to ship
Hi Sammy,
Thank you for your comment, I use a variety of ice packs and I like the following brands:
Polar Tech IB6 Ice Brix Leakproof Viscous Gel Refrigerant Poly Pack, 4″ Length x 6″ Width x 3/4″ Thick
Sonoco Thermosafe PP12 PolarPack Refrigerant Gel Packs (16 oz)
Nordic Ice NOR1003 Reusable Long-Lasting Gel Pack, 8 oz.
Freez Pak The Icicle Lunch Bag Cooler 16 oz. Blue
Although they say refrigerant, they can all be placed in the freezer safely. I try to have them in the freezer for at least a week or more before using them, the longer in the freezer the better.
Due to so many unforeseen circumstances with packages currently being delayed, I have been adding more ice packs to my orders. Although this cost more I at least want the shipment to arrive chill if not frozen. It’s hard for ice packs to last in this heatwave, I would also suggest using a styrofoam box or additional insulated packaging if you don’t like using styrofoam. You can also have your clients choose express shipping while it does cost more the shipment seems to arrive much faster than priority mail. I hope these examples help and best of luck on your first shipment. Please be sure to come back and tell me how the experience went.
Hi Melissa, thank you so much for your feedback! I have a company I want to order from for insulated liners but they are pretty pricey. I also don’t want to get one that doesn’t keep it cool enough. Any suggestions?
Hi Sammy
We are running into the same problem, especially during the summer months, if you are not opposed to styrofoam I would say to try styrofoam shippers they hold temp better but they can be costly. We have actually been making our own shippers using Double Reflective Insulation Roll and Multi-Purpose HVAC Foil Tape this can be cost-effective but very time-consuming. You can also make your own styrofoam shippers as well. Unfortunately, you may have to pick which one is more important to you less time or saving money? Also, you can try amazon for insulated shippers but I don’t feel they are as thick as using the double reflective insulated roll. Uline is also a great website as well but pretty costly. I hope this answers your question 🙂
Did you make a true buttercream for your cakes in a jar?
Hi Linda,
Thank you for your question, I am not sure what true buttercream is but I make American style buttercream for my cake jars. The recipe can be found on my blog, I hope that helps 🙂
Thanks Melissa ,
Like cake in the jar.
Bev
Hi Beverly,
Thank you for your comment so happy you enjoyed this blog and you like cake in a jar!
What a great idea! I have been trying to think of a way to send a cake to my Dad, but difficult.. this is perfect. Not many people like a whole cake, too many calories, but a piece is perfect!
Hi Melinda,
So happy you found this post helpful…good luck with shipping cake to your dad, we would love to see pics and how the process went.
Hello, quick question. Were you able to seal the jars and if so, how did you go about it?
Hi Karen
Unfortunately, our jars were not sealed, you could use a heat gun and shrink wrap sleeves to seal your jars. Or you can also do sealing by induction but that machine can be expensive. I would check out uline.com for more info on both. Happy Caking!!