After investing time and love into baking the perfect cake, the last thing you want is for it to dry out, lose flavor, or become soggy. Proper cake storage preserves the taste, texture, and beauty of your cakes, whether for a few hours or several days.
In this guide, you’ll learn the best practices for storing cakes depending on their type, frosting, and how long you need them to stay fresh.
Why Cake Storage Matters
Cakes are delicate. Exposure to air, temperature changes, and humidity can quickly alter their texture and flavor. Improper storage can lead to:
- Dry, crumbly texture
- Soggy layers or frosting
- Loss of flavor
- Spoiled dairy-based frostings
Taking the time to store your cakes properly ensures they remain as delicious and beautiful as when you first baked them.
General Rules for Storing Cakes
Some basic principles apply to almost all cakes:
- Always allow cakes to cool completely before storing. Warm cakes trap condensation, causing sogginess.
- Wrap or cover cakes to protect them from air and moisture loss.
- Keep cakes out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
- When in doubt, store cakes at room temperature if they don’t have perishable fillings or frostings.
Now, let’s break it down by type of cake and frosting.
How to Store Unfrosted Cakes
Unfrosted cakes are easier to store than decorated ones. The goal is to prevent them from drying out before assembly or serving.
Best practices:
- Once completely cooled, wrap each cake layer tightly in plastic wrap.
- For extra protection, wrap again in a layer of aluminum foil.
- Store wrapped cakes at room temperature for up to two days.
- For longer storage, freeze the wrapped cakes.
Tips:
- Avoid refrigerating unfrosted cakes unless necessary. Refrigerators tend to dry out cake layers quickly.
- Label and date the wrapped cakes if storing more than one to avoid confusion.
How to Store Frosted Cakes
Frosted cakes require a bit more care because the frosting can either protect or harm the cake’s freshness depending on conditions.
For short-term storage (1–2 days):
- Cover the cake with a cake dome or place it in an airtight cake carrier.
- If you don’t have a dome, gently tent plastic wrap over the cake without pressing it against the frosting.
- Keep the cake at cool room temperature away from sunlight and heat.
For longer storage:
- If your frosting contains dairy (like cream cheese or whipped cream), refrigerate the cake.
- Allow refrigerated cakes to sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before serving to regain flavor and softness.
Tips:
- Some frostings, like buttercream, actually act as a natural barrier to air, helping keep the cake moist.
How to Store Cakes with Perishable Fillings or Frostings
Cakes filled or frosted with ingredients that spoil easily must be refrigerated.
Examples include:
- Cakes with cream cheese frosting
- Cakes with custard or mousse fillings
- Cakes with fresh fruit layers
Storage method:
- Place the cake in an airtight container or gently wrap it in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate immediately.
- Serve within 2–3 days for best taste and texture.
Tips:
- Refrigerated cakes may dry out. Before serving, allow the cake to come to room temperature, and consider lightly brushing exposed cake layers with simple syrup to refresh moisture.
How to Freeze Cakes Properly
Freezing cakes is a fantastic option if you want to bake ahead or save leftovers.
Freezing unfrosted cakes:
- Cool completely and wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Add a layer of aluminum foil for extra protection.
- Freeze for up to 2–3 months.
Freezing frosted cakes:
- First, place the frosted cake uncovered in the freezer for 1–2 hours to harden the frosting.
- Once firm, wrap the cake gently in plastic wrap and foil.
- Freeze for up to 1 month for best results.
Tips for thawing:
- Always thaw cakes in the refrigerator overnight.
- Then let them sit at room temperature before serving.
Thawing too quickly at room temperature can cause condensation, leading to soggy or uneven textures.
How to Store Cut Cakes
Once a cake has been cut, it becomes more vulnerable to drying out because the interior is exposed to air.
Best practices:
- Cover the cut sides of the cake with plastic wrap or press wax paper against them.
- Store the cake in an airtight container or under a cake dome.
- Keep at room temperature for buttercream-frosted cakes or refrigerate if the cake has perishable fillings.
Tips:
- Freshen slightly dry cake slices by microwaving them for 10–15 seconds or brushing with flavored syrups before serving.
Special Storage Tips for Different Cake Types
Each type of cake can have slightly different storage needs. Here’s a quick guide:
Sponge cakes:
- Store well at room temperature wrapped in plastic or in airtight containers.
- Avoid refrigeration unless filled with perishable cream.
Butter cakes:
- Keep covered at room temperature for 2–3 days.
- Refrigerate if filled or frosted with perishable ingredients.
Fruit cakes:
- Store tightly wrapped at cool room temperature for weeks, even months, if alcohol-soaked.
- Refrigeration is optional unless the climate is very hot.
Angel food cakes:
- Best stored uncovered at room temperature for one day.
- For longer storage, wrap loosely in plastic wrap.
Cheesecakes:
- Always store refrigerated.
- Keep in an airtight container for 3–5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
How Humidity Affects Cake Storage
Humidity can wreak havoc on cakes:
- High humidity can cause sticky surfaces or make fondant decorations melt.
- Dry conditions can make cakes dry out faster.
Solutions:
- In humid climates, store cakes in airtight containers and refrigerate more frequently.
- In dry environments, use frosting barriers like buttercream to seal in moisture.
Tip:
- For fondant-covered cakes, avoid the refrigerator if possible, as condensation can ruin the finish when brought back to room temperature.
Keep Your Cakes Fresh and Fabulous
Storing cakes properly is just as important as baking them perfectly. With the right techniques, you can enjoy moist, delicious cake days after baking — whether you’re saving a wedding masterpiece or enjoying a leftover slice of birthday cake.
Protect your hard work by understanding how different cakes, frostings, and fillings react to storage conditions, and you’ll ensure that every bite is as good as the first.
Now you’re ready to bake, store, and savor cakes like a true professional!