Yes, there are several steps you can take to help keep your cake from melting or losing its shape during the two-hour period before your lunch break. Here are some tips:
Choose a sturdy cake: Opt for a cake with a dense texture rather than a light and delicate sponge cake. Cakes like butter cake, pound cake, or even a refrigerated or frozen cake tend to hold up better during transportation.
Frosting: Consider using a stable frosting that can withstand room temperature for a few hours without melting. Buttercream or cream cheese frostings are generally more stable than whipped cream or meringue-based frostings.
Refrigerate the cake: Before bringing the cake to school, refrigerate it for a sufficient amount of time to chill the cake and the frosting. A chilled cake will be more resistant to melting during transportation. Make sure to cover the cake with a cake dome or plastic wrap to prevent any odors or moisture from affecting its taste or texture.
Use a cooler or insulated container: Place the chilled cake in a cooler or insulated container to provide additional protection against heat and to maintain a cooler temperature for a longer period. You can also place ice packs or frozen gel packs around the cake to help keep it cool.
Timing: Try to minimize the time the cake spends outside the refrigerator. Bring the cake to school as close to the lunch break as possible, ensuring that it spends less time in transit and at room temperature.
Keep it out of direct sunlight: When you arrive at school, make sure to keep the cake away from direct sunlight or any other heat sources that could accelerate the melting process.
By following these tips, you should be able to keep your cake in good shape for a couple of hours before your lunch break. Remember to consider the specific conditions of your environment, such as temperature and humidity, as they can also affect the stability of the cake.