8 Goldbelly Cakes That Don’t Travel Well and 5 Famous Picks Worth Ordering Now

Goldbelly offers a wide array of delicious cakes available for delivery across the country. However, not all desserts are well-suited for travel. While some cakes arrive in pristine condition, others may not fare as well during shipping, resulting in less-than-perfect presentations. This guide explores eight cake types that often suffer in transit and five popular selections that maintain their quality, making them worth ordering right away.

1. Tall Layer Cakes with Whipped Frosting

Imagine a cake crash site more than a celebration centerpiece. Tall layer cakes with whipped frosting can be a disappointment upon arrival. The soft, airy texture of the whipped cream may shift or smear inside its packaging. Unfortunately, this leads to a presentation that lacks the elegance typical of these towering treats. With every bump during transit, the frosting gets nudged out of place.

If you’re looking for a show-stopper, these cakes might not deliver the impact you seek once they reach your doorstep. The frosting’s delicate nature makes them poor travelers, often arriving in a less-than-perfect state.

2. Ice Cream Cakes (from Anywhere Warm)

The excitement of receiving an ice cream cake can quickly melt away if it’s coming from a warm climate. Chances are, by the time it lands at your door, it has undergone a series of unfortunate temperature changes. Melting and refreezing can wreak havoc on the texture, leaving you with a cake that’s less creamy and more icy.

Even with dry ice, maintaining the perfect temperature in transit proves challenging. Especially if far from a shipping hub, the allure of ice cream cake diminishes with every extra mile. When it comes to these frozen delights, think twice before ordering from afar.

3. Confetti Cakes with Soft Buttercream

Confetti cakes promise a vibrant party in every slice, yet their journey can be a bumpy one. The soft buttercream used as frosting often becomes their downfall. During transit, these colorful confections tend to slide and smoosh, losing their structured appeal.

The festive allure of sprinkles and bright hues can’t compensate for a collapsed cake. As you open the box, you might find a dessert that looks more like a colorful mush than a carefully crafted masterpiece. When it comes to confetti cakes, the potential for a messy arrival is a gamble worth considering.

4. Cheesecakes with Fruit Toppings

Cheesecakes crowned with fresh fruit toppings are a treat for the eyes and palate, but they don’t always ship well. The journey can turn the vibrant fruit layer into a goopy mess, often sliding off the creamy base. Bursting fruit and syrup can create an unappetizing display.

The structural integrity of the cheesecake itself is challenged during shipping. While the rich, dense cake might hold its form, the once beautiful fruit arrangement might not survive the trip. For those who value presentation as much as taste, these cakes can be a risky choice for delivery.

5. Cakes with Intricate Fondant Details

Intricate fondant details can transform a cake into a work of art. However, these decorations often don’t endure the rigors of shipping. During hot months, fondant can crack, melt, or become dislodged, altering the cake’s intended visual impact.

The delicate craftsmanship that goes into fondant creations can be undone in a matter of hours on the road. The result is a cake that arrives looking far from the masterpiece it once was. If detail matters, consider the season and shipping distance before committing to a fondant-adorned treat.

6. Coconut Layer Cakes

Coconut layer cakes are prized for their moist and delicate texture. Unfortunately, this also makes them prone to falling apart during transit. Without flash-freezing, the layers can shift and the coconut flakes scatter, resulting in a less-than-ideal presentation.

Despite their tropical allure, these cakes need careful handling to maintain their integrity. Finding a coconut cake that arrives as intended can be a challenge. For those who appreciate the flavor but want to avoid a potential mess, local sourcing might be a better option.

7. Mini Cake Sampler Boxes

Mini cake sampler boxes are a delightful concept but often don’t fare well in transit. The small, individual pieces tend to jostle during shipping, arriving at their destination with dented domes and smeared flavors.

While the idea of sampling various flavors in one box is appealing, the execution can leave much to be desired if the cakes arrive in a compromised state. Preserving the pristine condition of each mini cake requires a level of care that’s hard to achieve during shipping. Consider picking up these bite-sized beauties in person for the best experience.

8. Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting

The allure of a classic red velvet cake is undeniable, with its luxurious cream cheese frosting. However, this rich topping is prone to melting or weeping during travel, especially in warmer climates or without adequate cooling methods.

A red velvet cake may arrive with its frosting unevenly distributed, affecting both its look and taste. For those who cherish the traditional elegance of this dessert, the risk of receiving a less-than-perfect cake might outweigh its convenience. When ordering, ensure the use of dry ice or consider cooler months for shipping.

9. Caramel Cake from Caroline’s Cakes (South Carolina)

Caroline’s Cakes in South Carolina offers a caramel cake that defies the odds of shipping. Its dense, buttery layers are generously spread with rich caramel, creating a dessert that not only travels well but tastes even better when cold.

The secret lies in its sturdy construction, which ensures the cake maintains its integrity from bakery to doorstep. The caramel cake is a testament to how quality and careful packing can make a difference. It’s a sweet indulgence that arrives as delicious as it left, making it a standout choice for shipping.

10. Classic 24-Layer Chocolate Cake from Strip House (NYC)

This towering classic from NYC’s Strip House is a marvel of cake engineering. With 24 layers tightly packed, the cake maintains its shape beautifully, even after a long journey. The glossy ganache adds to its appeal, ensuring each bite is a chocolate lover’s dream.

Its incredible structure is what sets it apart, making it an ideal candidate for shipping. The classic chocolate cake arrives looking indulgent and tasting decadent. If you’re searching for a dessert that delivers both visually and flavor-wise, this cake is a reliable choice.

11. Miso Caramel Cake from Milk Bar (NYC)

Milk Bar’s miso caramel cake offers a sweet and salty twist that stands out among other offerings. Known for their packing prowess, Milk Bar ensures this cake keeps its form and flavor intact, even with a distinctive flavor profile.

Its balance of unique ingredients makes it a culinary curiosity worth exploring. The cake’s resilience during shipping demonstrates how thoughtful design can enhance both travel and taste. For those seeking something out of the ordinary, the miso caramel cake presents an adventurous yet reliable choice.

12. Doberge Cake from Gambino’s Bakery (New Orleans)

The Doberge cake, a New Orleans classic from Gambino’s Bakery, marries thin layers with rich filling, making it surprisingly resilient in transit. Its traditional recipe includes multiple layers that contribute to its durability and taste.

The cake arrives with the smooth, iconic icing intact, offering a slice of New Orleans history in each bite. It’s a testament to how regional specialties can be shared nationwide without compromise. For fans of layered cakes, the Doberge is both a travel-friendly and flavorful option.

13. Flourless Chocolate Cake from Zingerman’s (Michigan)

Zingerman’s flourless chocolate cake stands out for its dense, fudge-like texture, making it nearly indestructible during shipping. Its gluten-free nature adds to its appeal, ensuring it arrives with both form and flavor uncompromised.

This cake’s robust composition is ideal for long-distance travel, maintaining its decadent quality from kitchen to destination. For those who appreciate a rich chocolate experience without flour, this cake delivers a luxurious bite every time. The flourless chocolate cake from Zingerman’s is a prime example of durability meeting deliciousness.