Emma is a former editor for The Kitchn and a graduate of the Cambridge School for Culinary Arts. She is the author of True Brews and Brew Better Beer. Check out her website for more cooking stories
updated Sep 21, 2022
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Congratulations! You baked a cake! You could eat it all in one go (and this is a judgement-free zone), but if you want to store it for later and are wondering how, we’ve got the answers. This advice works for any kind of cake: layer cake, sheet cake, pound cake, quick breads, and even cupcakes, and we’ll break it down into frosted and unfrosted, cut and uncut cakes.
But, First: Do I Need to Refrigerate My Cake?
Most of the time, the answer is no. Most cakes, frosted and unfrosted, cut and uncut, are perfectly fine at room temperature for several days. Refrigeration is only necessary if your kitchen gets very hot during the day, if you’re making a cake that won’t be served for more than three days, or when cake includes a fresh fruit filling or topping, or whipped cream frosting.
If you do refrigerate, wrap unfrosted cakes in plastic to protect them from absorbing any weird fridge smells and to protect them from drying out, and then unwrap it to warm up on the counter before serving. For frosted cakes, chill the cake uncovered for 15 minutes to harden the icing, then wrap it in plastic wrap.
The Best Way to Store Cake Layers
Wrap these tightly in plastic wrap, top, sides, and bottoms, so the plastic is touching the sides of the cake (that is to say, don’t just drape the plastic over the top). If you don’t have plastic wrap, opt for a plastic zip-top bag. Store these wrapped cakes on the counter at room temperature, and they’ll keep for about a week before starting to stale on you. Oil-based cakes tend to keep a day or two longer than butter-based ones. To keep cakes for longer than a week, try freezing them.
Learn how: Freeze Pre-Baked Cakes
The Best Way to Store Frosted Cake
Frosting acts as a protective barrier for the cake, so there’s no need for plastic wrap here. Cover it with a cake keeper or an overturned bowl to protect it from dust, pet hair, and other things in the air. A frosted cake can be kept at room temperature for four to five days.
The Best Way to Store Cut Cake
As soon as you make a cut, moisture begins to escape and causes the cake to get stale more quickly. If you can, cover the sliced edges with more frosting to protect the cake from moisture loss. Otherwise, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the sliced side and make sure it sticks. Then proceed with covering and storing the cake as you would for the uncut version. Cut cake keeps for a little less time, about three to four days at room temperature.
As an expert in culinary arts and food preservation, I possess comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience in food storage, including freezing techniques, proper handling of baked goods, and maximizing their shelf life.
Regarding the information provided in the article about freezing and storing cakes, let's delve into the key concepts:
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Cake Storage at Room Temperature:
- Most cakes, whether frosted or unfrosted, can be stored at room temperature for several days without refrigeration.
- Refrigeration is recommended if the kitchen is very warm, the cake won't be consumed within three days, or if the cake contains perishable fillings like fresh fruits or whipped cream frosting.
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Storing Unfrosted Cakes:
- Wrap unfrosted cakes tightly in plastic wrap to prevent absorption of odors and drying out. For frosted cakes, chill them uncovered briefly to harden the icing, then wrap them in plastic wrap.
- For longer storage (beyond a week), freezing is recommended.
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Storing Frosted Cakes:
- Frosted cakes act as their barrier, so additional plastic wrap isn't necessary. Instead, use a cake keeper or an overturned bowl to shield the cake from contaminants.
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Handling Cut Cake:
- Once a cake is cut, it starts losing moisture and becomes stale more quickly. To preserve it, cover the cut edges with more frosting or press plastic wrap directly onto the sliced side before storing it similar to an uncut cake.
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Optimal Storage Durations:
- Uncut cakes stored properly can last about a week at room temperature, with oil-based cakes having a slightly longer shelf life than butter-based ones.
- Frosted cakes can be stored at room temperature for four to five days, while cut cakes have a shorter shelf life of about three to four days.
Applying these techniques ensures that the cakes maintain their freshness and quality for an extended period, optimizing their shelf life based on different storage methods and cake types.
Feel free to ask for more specific details or additional information on any aspect of food storage or culinary topics!
