Never let cake go to waste!
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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.
Updated on February 25, 2022
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When it comes to storing frosted cakes, it seems like you only have two options — and neither is great. You could leave it out on the counter, but then isn't there a risk of bacteria growth? Or you could be safe and put it in the fridge, but that leaves you with hardened frosting and dry cake. And does it make a difference whether or not you've cut into the cake yet?
Baking cakes for friends and family is a labor of love, and you don't want that labor or that love to go to waste. Learn how to properly store a frosted cake so that it keeps tasting fresh days later.
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:
- 13 Tips From Southern Cooks to Make Perfect Chocolate Cakes
- Our 30 Best Cakes of All Time Will Be The Only Desserts You Ever Want to Make Again
- Browse our entire collection of Cake Recipes.
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As a seasoned food enthusiast and expert with a deep understanding of various culinary aspects, I bring to you my wealth of knowledge on kitchen tips, food storage, and organization. My expertise is rooted in years of experience and a passion for exploring diverse aspects of the culinary world. I've delved into cooking techniques, gadget reviews, and the intricacies of food preservation, making me a reliable source for all things related to the kitchen.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts covered in the article on storing frosted cakes:
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Storing Frosted Cakes: Moisture Retention
- The article highlights the protective role of different frostings (buttercream, fondant, or ganache) in retaining moisture, akin to the function of plastic wrap. An uncut frosted cake can last up to five days at room temperature when adequately covered with a cake keeper or bowl.
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Storing Cut Frosted Cakes: Managing Moisture Loss
- Once a frosted cake is cut, moisture loss begins. The article advises using plastic wrap to cover sliced edges or areas exposed due to cutting. Frosting over the sliced edges helps seal in moisture. A cut cake, with proper protection, can last up to four days at room temperature.
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Refrigeration of Frosted Cakes: When and How
- Refrigeration becomes necessary in certain conditions, such as a hot and humid kitchen environment that could lead to bacteria growth. Some frostings, like those with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or cream cheese, also require refrigeration. The article provides steps for refrigerating frosted cakes, including a 15-minute chilling period to harden the frosting before covering with plastic wrap.
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Concerns with Tinted Fondant in the Fridge
- The article warns about potential issues with storing cakes in the fridge when using tinted fondant. Condensation in the refrigerator can cause the color of the fondant to bleed, emphasizing the need for careful consideration when using certain types of frostings.
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Reviving Stale Cake: Cake Balls
- A creative solution is provided for dealing with stale cake. Instead of discarding it, the article suggests crushing leftover stale cake and combining it with extra frosting to create filling for cake balls, offering a delightful way to repurpose and enjoy leftover cake.
In summary, this article serves as a comprehensive guide on how to preserve the freshness of frosted cakes, addressing various scenarios and providing practical tips for both storage and repurposing.
