Want to know how to freeze cake? You’ve come to the right place. You can freeze unfrosted cake layers, a whole frosted cake, and slices.
It is as easy as wrapping the cake in plastic wrap and foil. Then you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Those are the basics, anyway.
But there’s a little more to it.
In this comprehensive guide, I share the secrets to freezing cake like a pro. I cover everything. So your cakes will always remain fresh.
Let’s dive into this sugary-sweet topic and learn how to freeze cake!
How to Freeze Cake
Knowing how to freeze cake properly makes all the difference in the world.
It can help you preserve precious memories. But it also means you always have a delectable dessert nearby when craving something sweet.
Now, if your family is anything like mine, you probably have little leftover cake. Let alone enough to freeze.
With desserts, my family has a “no pastry left behind” rule.
If that sounds like you, you may wonder why you’d need to freeze a cake.
Simple: It saves time.
Especially if you are fond of making multi-tiered cakes for special occasions. Preparing, baking, assembling, and decorating a cake is time-consuming.
But if you freeze your cake layers, you can break it into stages. Prepare and bake the cakes one day; assemble and decorate them the next.
So, in the next sections, I’ll show you how to freeze unfrosted and frosted cakes. Then, in the rare event you have leftovers, I’ll tell you how to freeze them, too.
Unfrosted Cake
Unfrosted cakes are super simple to freeze. But the most important thing to remember is to let the cake cool first.
Once it does, follow these steps to freeze it:
- Wrap the cooled cake in a layer of Press ‘n Seal wrap or two layers of plastic wrap.
- Pull off enough aluminum foil to completely wrap the cake.
- Write the date and the type of cake on the aluminum foil.
- Wrap the cake in the foil with the date visible.
- Place the cake in an airtight, freezer-safe container.*
- Place the container upright in the freezer for up to 3 months.
*NOTE: If you don’t have an airtight container, wrap the cake in two layers of foil. Just be sure the one with the date is on top and visible.
Frosted Cake
Frosted cakes are pretty easy to freeze, too.
Here’s how:
- Freeze the cake in the freezer uncovered for an hour.
- Test the icing by touching it with your finger.
- If it still comes away easily, freeze the cake for a second hour.
- If the cake is well frozen, the icing should stay in place when touched.
- Wrap the cake in two layers of plastic wrap and two layers of dated aluminum foil.
- Set it upright in the freezer, ensuring nothing goes on top.
You can freeze it for about 3 months before it loses taste and texture.
Slices of Cake
Yes, you can freeze slices of cake, too!
Here’s how to do it:
- Slice your cake.
- Wrap the individual pieces in a layer of plastic wrap and foil.
- Place them in airtight, freezer-safe containers or freezer-safe Ziploc bags.
- Label the container or the foil with the date.
Cake slices will last in the freezer for 2 months.
How Long Does Cake Last in the Freezer?
Unfrosted and frosted cakes will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Although, the sooner you thaw and eat them, the better they’ll taste.
Cake slices do best if consumed within 2 months of freezing them.
How to Thaw Cakes
Thawing cake and cake slices is a simple process.
- Remove the cake from the freezer and place it – still wrapped – in the refrigerator.
- Take it out at least 8 hours before you want to serve it.
- Wait to unwrap the cake until it is fully thawed.
- This will keep the cake from being too soft, soggy, or mushy.
- Enjoy your cake!
Follow the same guidelines for cake slices. However, they will only need 2-4 hours to thaw out.
Best Cakes to Freeze
Honestly, most cakes freeze pretty well. So, instead, I will tell you which cakes not to freeze.
I try to avoid freezing the following cakes:
- Pavlova
- Angel food cakes
- Sponge cakes
- Chiffon cakes
- Vertical cakes
- Cakes with gelatin in them
- Cream-filled cakes
- Crumb-topped cakes
Most other cakes freeze wonderfully. Birthday, chocolate, pumpkin, and carrot cakes are some of my favorites to freeze.
Cheesecakes and Bundt cakes also freeze well. (Though the instructions for freezing cheesecake differ from those above.)
Can You Freeze Cake Batter?
Most cake batters freeze well as long as they are oil- or butter-based.
The more delicate cakes – like angel food cake – are another story. (See the list above. Like their baked counterparts, these batters don’t freeze well.)
Here are some tips for freezing oil- and butter-based cake batters:
- Prepare the batter according to the directions, but do not bake.
- Transfer the batter from a bowl to an airtight, freezer-safe container.
- Use multiple containers if necessary to keep measurements separate.
- Fill the containers almost full, leaving about an inch of space at the tops.
- If using bags, remove as much air as possible before sealing them.
Also, remember to add labels with dates and descriptions. That way, you won’t pull out the wrong bag of batter when you bake.
