PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Education and Communications
Postal System
How to Ship a Cake Download Article Co-authored by Craig Watson
Last Updated: November 19, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article
Packaging the Cake
|
Sealing and Labeling the Box
|
Shipping the Cake
|
Video
|
Q&A
|
Tips
|
Warnings
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Craig Watson. Craig Watson is a Baker, Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Baked Cravings, a nut-free bakery in New York City. With eight years of experience, he specializes in creating high-quality baked goods in a nut-free facility. Baked Cravings has received The Best of Manhattan Award. Craig holds a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from New Jersey City University and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Wilmington University. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 310,803 times.
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. When you go to package the cake, place it in an insulated bag with ice packs before putting it in a new cardboard box that's sturdy. 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. By packaging the cake with lots of padding, your cake is more likely to arrive in great condition.
The Best Way to Mail a Cake
Freeze the cake and wrap it in plastic wrap to help keep it fresh. Then, baker Craig Watson says to place the cake in an insulated container and pack ice packs around it. Set the container in a sturdy box and fill any space with bubble wrap or paper. Tape the box closed and write “Fragile” or “Perishable” on top.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Packaging the Cake
Download Article
1 Freeze the cake for 2 days before shipping. This will keep the cake fresh as it travels and will prevent the icing from smudging during transport. Place the cake in the freezer so it's level and avoid placing things on top of it as it freezes.[1]X Expert Source Craig WatsonBakerExpert Interview [2]XResearch source
When making the cake, avoid using ingredients that may spoil during transport, like cream cheese frosting, custard, or fruits, just in case the cake begins to thaw.
2 Wrap the cake in plastic wrap to create an airtight seal. Begin wrapping the frozen cake in plastic wrap, going around all the edges a couple of times. Wrap the plastic wrap in all different directions to ensure it’s completely covered.[3]X Expert Source Craig WatsonBakerExpert Interview This creates a tight seal so no air can get in, keeping it as fresh as possible.[4]XResearch source Advertisement
3 Set the cake in an insulated bag or box with ice packs to keep it cold.[5]X Expert Source Craig WatsonBakerExpert Interview Place the wrapped cake in an insulated bag that keeps food cold. Set a few ice packs in the bag around the cake to keep it frozen as well. Once the cake is in the bag, use tape to seal it off so the cold air doesn’t escape.[6]XResearch source
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.
As an alternative to ice packs, consider using dry ice. Wear gloves if you’re handling dry ice, as it will burn your skin.
Use a container that's tight and fits the cake nicely so it's doesn't move around too much during shipping.
4 Place the cake in a new sturdy cardboard box to ship it. Set the insulated bag with the cake in it in a brand new box the right size for the cake. There doesn’t need to be lots of free space around the cake, but the box shouldn’t be squishing any part of it. Choose a cardboard box that’s sturdy and corrugated to ensure a safe delivery.
USPS has free 2-day shipping boxes that come in varying sizes that you can use to ship your cake in. While the box itself is free, you'll pay a flat rate for shipping.
5 Fill in any extra space with bubble wrap or paper. Once the cake is placed in the box, fill in the box so there isn’t any space for the cake to move around. Use bubble wrap, newspaper, tissue paper, or even plastic bags to fill in the empty spaces, creating a snug cushioning for the cake.[7]XResearch source
Place the padding on all sides of the cake to protect it.
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Sealing and Labeling the Box
Download Article
1 Use packing tape to seal off the edges of the bag and box. After using packing tape to seal off the insulation bag, tape up the box as well. Place the tape on each open edge of the box, creating a fully sealed cooler so no cold air is able to escape.[8]XResearch source
Tape the top, bottom, and each edge of the box using packing tape.
Use multiple layers of the tape to create a secure seal.
2 Attach the address and shipping labels to the box. Either hand-write the address on the box to bring to the post office to pay for a shipping label, or do your shipping label online to make the process easier. If you’re printing out your shipping label with the address on it, tape the label on using packing tape.
Make sure the address and shipping barcode are clearly visible on the box.
3 Write “Fragile” on the box so postal workers know to handle it carefully. Once your box is all taped up and labeled, use a permanent marker to write “Fragile” on the top and sides of the box. You might also label which side is up so that postal workers know to handle the box carefully as well as which side to set it down on.[9]XResearch source
If you have a sticker that says “Fragile,” this would work as well.
Advertisement Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Shipping the Cake
Download Article
1 Choose 1-2 day shipping to ensure your cake gets to its destination quickly. Since you’re shipping food, it’s important that the cake spends as little time traveling as possible. Choose a shipping option that only takes 1-2 days so that your cake doesn’t fully thaw by the time it arrives at its destination.[10]XResearch source
If you choose a flat-rate box from USPS, your cake will arrive in 2 business days.
Fast shipping options often include overnight shipping, next-day shipping, or two-day shipping.
2 Send out the cake early in the week to avoid weekend delays. Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday are the best days to ship out your cake to ensure it arrives quickly. If you ship it out on a Thursday or Friday, it’s likely that your cake will get stuck over the weekend when things aren’t being mailed.[11]XResearch source
If you ship it out on a Wednesday, get to the post office early in the morning to make sure it’s sent out that day.
3 Track the cake as it’s being delivered to keep an eye on its progress. Most mail or shipping services will give you a tracking number for your package. Type this number into the service’s online tracking system to check exactly where your cake is and when it gets delivered.
Consider giving the tracking number to whomever you’re shipping the cake to so they can track it as well.
Question How do I take my cake on a plane? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer You can bring cake on a plane, but you may need to let airport security inspect it first. Make sure the cake is unwrapped and in a box that can easily be opened. You may need to designate the cake as either a carry on or a personal item in order to bring it on board. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Question Can I send food through the USPS? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Food is considered a “perishable item” by the USPS. You are allowed to ship food as long as you’re able to package it in such a way that it won’t cause a health hazard or other problems (like a nasty smell if it starts to go bad!). Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
Question How can I ship chocolate without melting it? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Place the chocolate in an insulated mailing box while the chocolate is still cold. You can also add cold packs to the box to help it stay cool even longer. Make sure the chocolate is well-sealed inside the box so that no moisture can get in. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Tips
Tell the people you're shipping the cake to when you've sent it so they can be on the lookout. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Consider scheduling a pickup online for your shipping service to pick up the cake from your house. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Even if you package your cake really well, it's still possible that it may get damaged while in transit. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement
Things You'll Need
Packaging the Cake
Cake being shipped
Plastic wrap
Insulated bag
Ice packs
Sturdy cardboard box
Bubble wrap, tissue paper, or other packing material
Sealing and Labeling the Box
Packing tape
Scissors
Shipping label
Permanent marker
You Might Also Like
How toWrap Baked GoodsHow toShip Perishable FoodHow toPack ChocolatesHow toShip Foods with Dry IceHow toStore a Fondant CakeHow toStore Carrot CakeHow toPack Glass Bottles for ShippingHow toStore Cake PopsHow toBag and Ship Live FishHow toPackage Books for ShippingHow toPackage a Painting for ShippingHow toPack CupcakesHow toMail ArtworkHow toTransport Breast Milk Advertisement
About This Article
Co-authored by: Craig Watson Baker This article was co-authored by Craig Watson. Craig Watson is a Baker, Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Baked Cravings, a nut-free bakery in New York City. With eight years of experience, he specializes in creating high-quality baked goods in a nut-free facility. Baked Cravings has received The Best of Manhattan Award. Craig holds a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from New Jersey City University and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Wilmington University. This article has been viewed 310,803 times. 17 votes - 89% Co-authors: 14Updated: November 19, 2025 Views: 310,803 Categories: Postal SystemArticle SummaryX
Shipping a cake may seem tricky, but if you package it properly and make sure it's insulated, you can definitely do it. Start by freezing the cake for 2 days before you ship it so it stays cooler for longer. Then, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an insulated bag or box. Place ice packs in the packaging to help keep the cake cool in transit. 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. Choose 1-2 day shipping so the cake gets to its destination quickly to reduce the amount of time it spends traveling. To learn how to seal and label the box when you’re shipping a cake, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Spanish German Italian
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 310,803 times.
Reader Success Stories
Sally Stevens
Apr 2, 2019
"I'm trying to figure out how to get an anniversary cake from AZ to CT in June, whether we should drive it or ship it. I'm thinking after reading this article that we'll drive it, but pack it this way. Thank you!"..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Craig Watson Baker Co-authors: 14Updated: November 19, 2025 Views: 310,80389% of readers found this article helpful. 17 votes - 89% Click a star to add your vote
Sally Stevens
Apr 2, 2019
"I'm trying to figure out how to get an anniversary cake from AZ to CT in June, whether we should drive it or ship it. I'm thinking after reading this article that we'll drive it, but pack it this way. Thank you!"..." more
G. Johnson
Nov 15, 2016
"Excellent information. I was asked to ship a carrot cake. I didn't think about moisture that could cause mold in the cake. Also a good idea about dry ice and container. Very useful info."..." more
Angie Mcnear
Jul 18, 2017
"This article was the best! Gave me the how-to tips and the things I will need to use to ship in layman terms. A child could ship a cake after reading this."..." more
Sharon Thompson
Apr 4, 2016
"The information sounds practical and prudent. I'm shipping a wedding cake this week. I'll document my process, experience, and outcome."..." more
Mel Carter
Oct 24, 2016
"I sent my brother a German Chocolate cake. It was completely in crumbs, and I sent it priority. Now I know! Thanks! "..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
Quizzes & Games
What Should I Bake QuizTake QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake QuizWhat Cake Flavor Am I QuizTake QuizCake Personality TestTake QuizEmoji TestTake QuizWhich Diet Is Right for Me QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toWrap Baked GoodsHow toShip Perishable FoodHow toPack ChocolatesHow toShip Foods with Dry Ice
Featured Articles
What 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanJuicy, Deep, & Hot-Seat Questions to Get to Know Your Friends Better40+ Talking Games to Play with Friends, Partners & MoreHow toMake Friends
Trending Articles
What Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Pokémon Am I QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouWhat JJK Character Am I Quiz
Featured Articles
The Different Types of People You Can Find in a Friend GroupAn Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?From Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male Personalities
Featured Articles
7 Easy Card Magic Tricks You Can Master in MinutesHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow toHypnotize SomeoneThe Easiest Guinness World Records to Break: Which Will You Try?How to Solve a Rubik's Cube in 20 MovesHow toWhistle with Two Fingers
Watch Articles
How toEat GuavaHow to Get Yellow Stains Out of White ShoesLeft Eye Twitching for Females: What Astrology Says About Eye Twitching50 First Date Conversation Starters to Spark a ConnectionHow to Make a Mask Out of Paper (for Kids or Adults)How to Put Jibbitz on Crocs
Trending Articles
Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Finish the Lyrics QuizHow to Read Face Moles: Lucky and Unlucky PlacementsHow to Make the Magna-Tile Hologram from TikTokWhich Hunger Games District Would I Live In QuizCan Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?
Quizzes & Games
Pictionary Word GeneratorGenerateHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Type of Girl QuizTake QuizAm I Annoying QuizTake QuizCan We Guess Your Birthday QuizTake QuizMemory TestTake Quiz
Categories
Education and Communications
Postal System
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Co-authored by Craig Watson 
How toPackage a Painting for Shipping 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Craig Watson Baker This article was co-authored by Craig Watson. Craig Watson is a Baker, Entrepreneur, and the Founder of Baked Cravings, a nut-free bakery in New York City. With eight years of experience, he specializes in creating high-quality baked goods in a nut-free facility. Baked Cravings has received The Best of Manhattan Award. Craig holds a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting from New Jersey City University and a Master of Business Administration in Marketing from Wilmington University. This article has been viewed 310,803 times. 17 votes - 89% Co-authors: 14 Updated: November 19, 2025 Views: 310,803 Categories: Postal System Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Generate
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
668 
1 Freeze the cake for 2 days before shipping. This will keep the cake fresh as it travels and will prevent the icing from smudging during transport. Place the cake in the freezer so it's level and avoid placing things on top of it as it freezes.[1] [2] 
2 Wrap the cake in plastic wrap to create an airtight seal. Begin wrapping the frozen cake in plastic wrap, going around all the edges a couple of times. Wrap the plastic wrap in all different directions to ensure it’s completely covered.[3] This creates a tight seal so no air can get in, keeping it as fresh as possible.[4] Advertisement 
3 Set the cake in an insulated bag or box with ice packs to keep it cold.[5] Place the wrapped cake in an insulated bag that keeps food cold. Set a few ice packs in the bag around the cake to keep it frozen as well. Once the cake is in the bag, use tape to seal it off so the cold air doesn’t escape.[6] 
4 Place the cake in a new sturdy cardboard box to ship it. Set the insulated bag with the cake in it in a brand new box the right size for the cake. There doesn’t need to be lots of free space around the cake, but the box shouldn’t be squishing any part of it. Choose a cardboard box that’s sturdy and corrugated to ensure a safe delivery. 
5 Fill in any extra space with bubble wrap or paper. Once the cake is placed in the box, fill in the box so there isn’t any space for the cake to move around. Use bubble wrap, newspaper, tissue paper, or even plastic bags to fill in the empty spaces, creating a snug cushioning for the cake.[7] 
1 Use packing tape to seal off the edges of the bag and box. After using packing tape to seal off the insulation bag, tape up the box as well. Place the tape on each open edge of the box, creating a fully sealed cooler so no cold air is able to escape.[8] 
2 Attach the address and shipping labels to the box. Either hand-write the address on the box to bring to the post office to pay for a shipping label, or do your shipping label online to make the process easier. If you’re printing out your shipping label with the address on it, tape the label on using packing tape. 
3 Write “Fragile” on the box so postal workers know to handle it carefully. Once your box is all taped up and labeled, use a permanent marker to write “Fragile” on the top and sides of the box. You might also label which side is up so that postal workers know to handle the box carefully as well as which side to set it down on.[9] 
1 Choose 1-2 day shipping to ensure your cake gets to its destination quickly. Since you’re shipping food, it’s important that the cake spends as little time traveling as possible. Choose a shipping option that only takes 1-2 days so that your cake doesn’t fully thaw by the time it arrives at its destination.[10] 
2 Send out the cake early in the week to avoid weekend delays. Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday are the best days to ship out your cake to ensure it arrives quickly. If you ship it out on a Thursday or Friday, it’s likely that your cake will get stuck over the weekend when things aren’t being mailed.[11] 
3 Track the cake as it’s being delivered to keep an eye on its progress. Most mail or shipping services will give you a tracking number for your package. Type this number into the service’s online tracking system to check exactly where your cake is and when it gets delivered. 
wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.