How to Keep Your Cake Cool with Dry Ice During Hot Summer Deliveries

As a cake decorator or bakery owner, you’ve probably faced the dreaded challenge of delivering a cake in the scorching heat of summer. Nothing kills the vibe of a wedding or birthday cake like wilting buttercream or melting whipped cream, especially during long cake deliveries. Enter dry ice—your new best friend for hot weather deliveries!

What is Dry Ice?

Dry ice is the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2), and it’s way cooler (literally) than regular ice. At a frosty -109.3°F (-78.5°C), dry ice keeps your cakes chilled for hours without leaving puddles of water behind. It sublimates (turns from solid to gas) without ever turning into liquid, making it the perfect solution for cake preservation during delivery.

Think of dry ice as your cake’s personal air conditioner on a hot day. It keeps the cake cool and prevents those dreaded melting mishaps that can turn a gorgeous fondant-covered cake into a sticky, sad disaster.

Where Can You Find Dry Ice?

Finding dry ice isn’t as hard as you might think. Most grocery stores or big-box retailers with a large frozen food section will have it, typically near the regular ice in the freezer section. You can also check local ice suppliers, or even look online for dry ice delivery services. Be sure to call ahead to make sure they have it in stock, especially during those peak wedding and event seasons.

How to Work with Dry Ice Safely

While dry ice is a game-changer for cake deliveries, it’s essential to handle it properly:

1. Protect Your Hands: Never handle dry ice with bare hands! Always wear thick gloves or use tongs to avoid getting frostbite.
2. Ventilation is Key: Since dry ice sublimates into carbon dioxide, it can displace oxygen in an enclosed space. Make sure your delivery vehicle is well-ventilated, or better yet, crack the windows a bit during the drive.
3. Use Insulated Containers: Dry ice is best placed in an insulated cooler or a well-sealed cake box to maximize its cooling power.  Or tape up your cake box so it's airtight.

How to Break and Place Dry Ice in Your Cake Box

Now, the fun part—actually using dry ice to keep your cake cool!

1. Break the Dry Ice into Small Pieces: You’ll want to break your dry ice into manageable chunks to place in your cake box. You can use a hammer (in a bag) or ask the supplier to break it for you. Aim for pieces about the size of your fist—this will give you the best cooling effect without overwhelming your cake.

2. Place the Dry Ice in the Box: In your cake box, place the dry ice underneath the cake board, but not directly on the cake. This ensures the cake stays cool but avoids direct contact, which could cause condensation or frost damage. If you're using a multi-tiered cake, place a layer of cardboard or foam between the dry ice and the cake for extra protection.

3. Insulate the Box: Once the dry ice is in place, close the cake box and line the sides with a bit of bubble wrap or foam to keep the cold air trapped inside. For longer deliveries, use an insulated cooler bag to wrap the box for even more chilling power.

Why Dry Ice is Your Secret Weapon for Hot Weather Deliveries

Dry ice is an absolute lifesaver when it comes to cakes that need to be kept cool, especially for cakes with whipped cream, buttercream, or ice cream. Here’s why it’s a must-have:

• Whipped Cream Cakes: These delicate cakes are prone to melting in hot temperatures. Dry ice ensures they stay firm and beautiful, even after hours of delivery.
• Buttercream Cakes: While buttercream is more stable than whipped cream, hot weather can still cause it to soften or melt. Dry ice prevents this by maintaining a consistent cool temperature during transport.
• Ice Cream Cakes: These cakes are the true test of how well you can deliver under pressure. Dry ice ensures that your ice cream cakes arrive at their destination still frozen and ready to impress.

Hot Saturday Morning? Chill out!

In the battle against the heat, dry ice is your superhero sidekick, keeping your cakes cool, fresh, and flawless for those long deliveries. By using dry ice in your cake box, you can deliver whipped cream cakes, buttercream cakes, and even ice cream cakes with confidence—even in the desert summer heat. Just remember to handle dry ice with care, pack it right, and watch as your cakes arrive looking like you just pulled them out of the fridge.

Now, go ahead and bake the perfect summer cakes—your delivery strategy just got a whole lot cooler! 😎🍰