How to Ship Perishable Desserts Safely to Friends and Family

Quick Answer

To ship perishable desserts safely, choose sturdy baked goods like cookies, brownies, or pre-sliced layer cakes, freeze them thoroughly, insulate with a cooler and ice packs, and use overnight or two-day shipping. Always check the recipient's local weather and schedule delivery for a day they'll be home. Avoid shipping soft frostings or delicate decorations in warm months.

Choose Desserts That Travel Well

Not all desserts survive a trip through the mail. The best candidates are dense, low-moisture items like cookies, brownies, and firm cakes. Avoid anything with whipped cream, custard, or fresh fruit that can spoil or leak. If you're mailing a cake, choose one that's pre-sliced and sturdy, like a carrot layer cake with cream cheese frosting, which holds up better than a soft mousse cake. For cookies and brownies, an assortment like the Signature Cookie Brownie Assortment offers variety and durability.

Package for Protection and Temperature Control

Start with a sturdy cardboard box as your outer container. Wrap each dessert individually in plastic wrap or wax paper, then cushion with bubble wrap or packing paper. Place the wrapped items in a cooler or an insulated liner. Add gel ice packs or dry ice (check carrier rules) around the food, not directly on top, to prevent freezing damage. Fill any empty space with packing material to prevent shifting. Seal the inner cooler, then place it in the outer box. Label the box clearly as perishable.

Time Your Shipment and Choose the Right Carrier

Ship early in the week so the package doesn't sit in a warehouse over the weekend. Use a carrier that offers overnight or two-day delivery with tracking and guaranteed delivery times. FedEx, UPS, and USPS all have perishable shipping options. Check the weather forecast for both your location and the destination; extreme heat or cold can ruin desserts. If temperatures are above 75°F, use overnight shipping and more ice packs. If below freezing, consider a heat pack for items that shouldn't freeze.

Notify the Recipient and Confirm Delivery

Tell the recipient when to expect the package and ask them to bring it inside immediately. Perishable desserts should not sit on a porch. If you're shipping to a workplace, confirm someone will be there to receive it. After delivery, ask the recipient to refrigerate or freeze the desserts right away. For best quality, enjoy within a few days.

Step-by-Step Shipping Process

1. Freeze your desserts: Freeze cookies, brownies, and cakes for at least 4 hours before packing. This helps them stay fresh longer and resist temperature changes. Common mistake: skipping freezing and shipping at room temperature, which can lead to spoilage.
2. Wrap and insulate: Wrap each item tightly in plastic wrap, then cushion with bubble wrap. Place in an insulated cooler with ice packs, filling empty spaces with packing material. Checkpoint: ensure the inner cooler is sealed and the outer box is sturdy.
3. Choose expedited shipping: Select overnight or two-day delivery. Ship early in the week to avoid weekend delays. Check weather forecasts and add extra ice packs for hot destinations. Common mistake: using ground shipping for perishables, which risks spoilage.
4. Coordinate with the recipient: Tell the recipient the expected delivery day and ask them to bring the package inside immediately. Provide tracking information. Checkpoint: confirm someone will be available to receive the package.

Products That Ship Well

• Signature Cookie Brownie Assortment: Signature Cookie Brownie Assortment includes a combination of cookies and brownies, ideal for home, office, or as a special gift. This assortment is a safe choice for shipping because cookies and brownies are sturdy and travel well.
• Carrot Layer Cake - 10": Carrot Layer Cake - 10" is pre-cut into 14 slices and made with grated carrots, pineapple, coconut, and cinnamon, with cream cheese frosting. Pre-sliced cakes are easier to package and less likely to be damaged in transit, making them a good option for mailing.