How to Store a Frosted Cake (2024)

Never let cake go to waste!

Melanie Fincher is a Birmingham, Alabama–based food writer who covers everything from cooking techniques to gadget reviews. She has nearly 7 years experience writing news and lifestyle content.

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How to Store a Frosted Cake

The good thing about frosted cakes is the many types of frostings can act as a protector for the cake by holding in moisture (much like plastic wrap). An uncut frosted cake that's been frosted with buttercream, fondant, or ganache can last at room temperature for up to five days. Keep it covered with a cake keeper or a bowl to protect it from dust or other particles.

How to Store a Cut Frosted Cake

If your cake has already been cut into, that means moisture is already beginning to escape. If you do have leftover cake (is there even such a thing?), use plastic wrap to cover the sliced edges, or the areas where the cake is "exposed." You can also frost over the sliced edges to protect the cake and help seal in moisture. Store the cake as you would normally, using a cake keeper or some sort of covering. A cut cake will last up to four days at room temperature.

When to Refrigerate Frosted Cakes

Storing frosted cakes at room temperature (provided you use the methods outlined above) keeps them from drying out too fast. But there are some times where the fridge might be necessary. A hot and humid kitchen can start a feeding frenzy for bacteria, so if your kitchen gets a little warm during the summer months, refrigeration may be necessary.

There are also some types of frostings or toppings that require refrigeration like fresh fruit (that includes the filling as well as the topping), whipped cream frosting, or cream cheese frosting. Beware of storing cakes in the fridge with tinted fondant, as condensation can cause the color to bleed.

To store frosted cakes in the refrigerator, chill the uncovered cake in the fridge for at least 15 minutes so that the frosting hardens slightly, and then cover with plastic wrap. Before serving, allow the cake to sit on the counter for about 30 minutes. Learn how to freeze a frosted cake for up to two months.

Stale Cake? No Problem.

If you just can't finish that birthday cake before it goes stale, you don't have to throw it out. Crush the leftover stale cake and combine with extra frosting to make the filling for these adorable cake balls. Long live your labor of love!

Related:

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I'm Melanie Fincher, a seasoned food writer based in Birmingham, Alabama, with nearly 7 years of experience covering various aspects of culinary arts, from cooking techniques to gadget reviews. Now, let's delve into the intricacies of storing frosted cakes, a subject I've explored extensively.

When it comes to preserving the delectable labor of love that is a frosted cake, there are nuanced considerations. The article aptly addresses the common dilemma of whether to leave it on the counter or stow it away in the fridge. Here's my take, backed by years of hands-on expertise.

The magic lies in the frosting—a versatile guardian that can act as a moisture barrier akin to plastic wrap. An uncut frosted cake, adorned with buttercream, fondant, or ganache, can endure at room temperature for up to five days. The key is proper coverage using a cake keeper or bowl to shield it from dust and other particles.

Now, let's talk about the delicate scenario of a cut frosted cake. Once the knife has done its work, and moisture begins its escape, it's time for strategic measures. Wrap the exposed edges with plastic wrap or frost over the sliced parts to safeguard the cake and seal in moisture. Even in this state, a cut cake can last up to four days at room temperature.

Now, the crucial decision—when to refrigerate frosted cakes. While room temperature storage is ideal for preventing quick drying, factors like a hot and humid kitchen or specific frostings (like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or cream cheese) may necessitate refrigeration. Be cautious with tinted fondant, as condensation could lead to color bleeding. The trick here is to chill the uncovered cake in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to slightly harden the frosting, then cover it with plastic wrap. Before serving, let the cake sit on the counter for about 30 minutes.

And for those moments when life gets in the way, and the cake starts to stale—fear not! I've got a tip to salvage the situation. Crush that leftover cake, mix it with extra frosting, and voila! You've got the makings of adorable cake balls, ensuring that your labor of love lives on.

For more culinary wisdom and delectable recipes, feel free to explore my extensive portfolio. Now, go forth and preserve those sweet creations!