How to store cakes (2024)

FAQs

How to properly store cake? ›

Store under cake cover or large bowl.

If you don't have a cake cover, cakes with creamy frostings also can be covered lightly with foil, plastic wrap, or wax paper.

How do you keep cakes fresh? To keep cakes fresh, it's best to store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. If you don't have an airtight container or cake tin, use can also use an overturned bowl (although it won't keep the cake as fresh). To keep cakes fresh for more than 1 week, try freezing them.

Storing a cut cake

Again, covering the cut cake is key: "You can store unfrosted sliced cake at room temperature for a few days, covered with a cake glass cover to retain its soft texture and freshness," says Amisha Gurbani, chef, recipe developer, and food photographer.

Using an air-tight container is the best and easiest way to keep your cake from getting exposed to air. However, if you don't have one of those, you can wrap your cake in cling film, or if it's iced, place a large inverted bowl over it to trap the air.

For a bakery, a commercial refrigeration unit is non-negotiable. That's because if you're displaying a cake, it's likely already frosted. Without refrigeration, your frosting will melt and spoil, especially in a bakery with high customer traffic.

A moderately cool room temperature is perfect for cake, however for cakes with frosting we recommend using the refrigerator.

Here's a simplified guide for how long different types of cakes might last in the fridge: Plain Cake (like unfrosted Moist Vanilla Cake): About 5-7 days in the fridge. Cake with Buttercream, Whipped Cream or Custard (like Moist Chocolate Cake with Fluffy Chocolate Frosting): 4 days, since dairy spoils quicker.

If that's the case, storing your cake at room temperature is the best way to keep it fresh. Just be sure to keep it away from heat and direct sunlight, and in a cake box if possible. If you do this, your cake should stay fresh for up to three days.

If you don't have a cake keeper, a large overturned bowl also works well in a pinch. Don't worry about using plastic wrap, as that would only mess up the frosting, which, in fact, acts as a barrier and protects the cake from air and moisture.

How do you store a cake while cooling? ›

Also, the tops of the cakes will peel off when removing the covering if they were touching. It's important to allow the moisture and heat to evaporate into the air so the cake can cool properly. Leave it on the counter first, then place it in the refrigerator for the rest of the cooling time.

The best way to store them is to keep them at room temperature, so just bring them home, and put them on the counter. If you are hoping to store them for more than a couple of days, try wrapping the box in plastic wrap or moving them to an air tight storage container.

Place your cake on a cake stand or plate with a cover, or upturned bowl, to protect it from the dust in the air. You can also leave the cake in a cake box. Individual sponges should be wrapped tightly with cling film. If you have a cake with slices cut out or cut slices, wrap the cut edges with cling film.

"Prepare, bake, and cool the cake completely. Then, wrap each cake layer in cling film, nice and tight, and place in the fridge for at least two hours," he says. That's right, you won't be frosting your cake at room temperature; a chilled cake is essential before applying any frosting. "This step is the most important.

Most cakes can be stored in a freezer for up to one month, or in the fridge for one week. Cakes are best sliced frozen for crisp edges, but for the best flavor, allow your leftover cake to hang at room temperature for thirty minutes to an hour before digging in.

The fridge has a drying atmosphere, and if we put all the cakes I make for an open day in the refrigerator, they would be stale and dry for the big event. Not a good representation of what we do! Contrary to popular belief, freezing cakes is an effective way to preserve their freshness.