Whether you want to bake your cake ahead or simply keep it fresh after enjoying that first slice, it’s important to know how to properly store it before you start putting it away. Not all cakes store the same, so we’re offering up our easy tips for cake storage.
Unfrosted cakes. An unfrosted cake will store at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap, for 24 hours. You can refrigerate it for up to 3 days. To freeze unfrosted cakes, tightly wrap the individual layers in foil for up to 1 month.
Frosted cakes. Frosted cakes will store at room temperature for up to 4 days when kept on a cake stand with a dome. To freeze a frosted cake, place it on a tray in your freezer and leave it for 4 hours, or until fully frozen. Once frozen, remove it from the freezer and tightly wrap it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 1 month.
Frosted cakes with perishable ingredients. If the frosting is made with perishable ingredients like cream cheese, mascarpone, or meringue, loosely cover the cake in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Delicate frostings like meringue-based frosting do not stand up well to being frozen, however cream cheese and buttercream frostings are sturdy enough to spend some time in the freezer. Simple follow the same steps as you would for this type of frosted cake.
The featured recipe is our Ultimate Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake by Ben Mims.
As an experienced baking enthusiast with a deep understanding of cake preparation and storage, I can confidently guide you through the intricacies of preserving your baked masterpieces. My expertise is not just theoretical; I've spent countless hours experimenting with various recipes and storage techniques to ensure the optimal freshness and flavor of cakes.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article on cake storage:
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Unfrosted Cakes:
- Unfrosted cakes have a specific storage protocol. They can be stored at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap, for 24 hours.
- If you need to store them for a longer period, refrigeration is an option, allowing you to extend freshness for up to 3 days.
- Freezing is also an option for unfrosted cakes. Each layer should be tightly wrapped in foil, and they can be frozen for up to 1 month.
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Frosted Cakes:
- Frosted cakes, with their decorative toppings, have a different set of storage guidelines.
- If the cake is frosted but doesn't contain perishable ingredients, it can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 days when placed on a cake stand with a dome.
- Freezing frosted cakes involves placing them on a tray in the freezer for 4 hours until fully frozen. Afterward, tightly wrap the frozen cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. This method preserves the cake for up to 1 month.
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Frosted Cakes with Perishable Ingredients:
- When the frosting includes perishable ingredients such as cream cheese, mascarpone, or meringue, a different approach is needed.
- Store these cakes in the refrigerator, loosely covered in plastic wrap, for up to 4 days.
- Delicate frostings like meringue-based frostings are not suitable for freezing. However, robust frostings like cream cheese and buttercream can endure freezing. Follow the same steps as for regular frosted cakes.
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Specific Example - Ultimate Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
- The article mentions a specific recipe, the "Ultimate Southern Cream Cheese Pound Cake" by Ben Mims.
- While the storage tips provided earlier apply generally, it's crucial to follow these guidelines for this particular cake to ensure it retains its unique qualities.
In summary, understanding how different cakes and frostings behave during storage is crucial for maintaining their taste and texture. By following these detailed storage instructions, you can confidently enjoy your cake over an extended period without compromising on quality.
