Last Updated on December 29, 2022
Can you freeze the cake? Many will agree that cakes frosted in buttercream frosting are one of the best sweet treats you can eat. Whether it’s for a birthday, wedding, special occasion or just because, cakes are a popular way to celebrate. However, a common question arises for those who want to save cakes for later: can you freeze buttercream-covered cakes?
Whether you are just wanting to make a cake ahead of time or are wanting to save your cake for a different time, many people look for ways to make their cake last. You can refrigerate a frosted cake for up to two weeks, however, some people want to store their cakes for longer.
Can you Freeze Cake: Will Freezing Frosted Cakes Work?
Luckily the answer to this question is yes. However, there are some steps you need to take to ensure your cake is properly stored in the freezer. If it is stored correctly, you can safely freeze your cakes with buttercream frosting.
Freezing your cake gives you the advantage of making it ahead of time, helping you save time. It also works great if you celebrate you want to save a cake, such as for an anniversary or birthday.
Can you Freeze Cake: Properly Storing Your Cake?
If you are planning to store a cake in the freezer, you want to make sure your cake is properly packaged. This will help you avoid freezer burn and allow your cake to stay as fresh as possible. Buttercream frosting freezes well, along with most types of cakes.
To prepare your cake for freezing, you want to make sure that your cake has been fully cooled and frosted. Then you want to take your cake and place it in the freezer for four hours or until it is completely frozen. You do not want to cover your cake at this time.
After your frosted cake is fully frozen, remove it from the freezer. Wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap. You may also add an exterior layer of aluminum foil but try to avoid using only aluminum foil as it may cause freezer burn.
After your cake is fully covered, place it back in the freezer. Allowing it to freeze uncovered first will prevent the plastic wrap from sticking to the frosting. Buttercream frosting often helps cakes stay moist when they are frozen.
It is a good idea to label your cakes with the date you put them in the freezer. This allows you to easily keep track of how long it has been in there and avoid it from accidentally being thrown out.
This helpful video tutorial will show the steps you need to take to get your cake properly stored to be frozen and what you need to do to get it ready to thaw out to eat.
Can you Freeze Cake: Saving Your Wedding Cake
It is a tradition amongst many brides and grooms to save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first anniversary. This tradition is a way of celebrating your marriage with a delicious memento from your wedding day.
If you are planning to save the top tier of your wedding cake, you will want to freeze your cake as soon as possible after your wedding. Just like with other cakes, you will want to completely freeze it before covering it up.
In addition to plastic wrap, you can also store your cake in an airtight container or a box. Though it is safe to store your cake for up to a year, it might have a slightly stale taste. Depending on the type of cake, some will hold up better than others.
Thawing Out Your Cake
Once you decide to eat your cake, you will need to plan to give it enough time to let it thaw. To properly let it thaw, place it in the fridge for twenty-four to forty- eight hours. Then, if you can wait before devouring it, let it sit at room temperature for two to three hours.
Transferring your buttercream frosted cake from the freezer to the fridge will safely let it thaw out. Placing it out of the fridge for two to three hours will allow it to reach room temperature.
Can you Freeze Cake: Different Types of Cakes
Buttercream frosting holds up well when being frozen on a cake. Buttercream is rich and sturdy, which is why it holds up well in the freezer. However, some cakes hold up better in the freezer than others.
Dense, moist, and rich cakes tend to hold up the best in the freezer. Cakes such as carrot cake, chocolate, white, and almond hold up well due to their heartiness. Lighter cakes, like angel food cake, often do not freeze well.
Certain fillings do not hold their texture well when frozen. Custard and fruit fillings often won’t quite have the same texture as before they were frozen.
How Do You Keep Cake Frosting From Melting?
To keep frosting from melting, store it in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Cakes with buttercream frosting can typically be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for one to three days. Any time after that, you should store your frosted cakes in the fridge for up to five days.
Frostings such as whipped cream frosting and cream cheese frosting should be kept in the fridge at all times when not serving. They are perishable so they should not be kept at room temperature for more than two hours.
To help your frosting hold its shape better and withstand heat better, you can stabilize it. To stabilize, add one teaspoon of unflavored gelatin to your whipped cream frosting.
Instead of unflavored gelatin, you can also add cornstarch to your frosting to help make it sturdier and allow it to last longer in the heat. Add around two tablespoons of cornstarch for every three cups of frosting.
How Do You Store Cupcakes with Buttercream and Fondant?
You can store cupcakes with buttercream at room temperature for two to four days, as the fondant can help act as a barrier to keep the frosting fresh. They should be kept in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool location away from direct sunlight.
You can also store your cupcakes with buttercream and fondant in the fridge for up to four to six days in an airtight container. Fondant can harden when in the fridge, so it is best to let your cupcakes reach room temperature before serving.
How Do You Frost Cake Pops with Store-Bought Frosting?
Cake pops can make a wonderful dessert to serve at parties. They are easy to make and can be great fun to decorate as well. One easy way to decorate cake pops is by using store-bought frosting.
To decorate cake balls with store-bought frosting, make your cake balls and set them in the fridge to chill so they are easier to decorate. Then, place the store-bought frosting in a bowl and dip your cake balls in the frosting, swirling to fully coat them. You can then add sprinkles to your cake pops if desired.
You can also use store-bought frosting to make your cake pops. Add 1/4 cup of frosting at a time to your crumbled cake until it holds together well when pressed together.
Can Cake With Seven-Minute Frosting be Frozen?
It is not recommended to freeze seven-minute frosting as it does not hold up well in the freezer. Due to the meringue-like texture of seven-minute frosting, it often becomes dry and icy in the freezer and will lose its desirable texture over time and become chewy.
When not serving, a cake decorated with seven-minute frosting should be stored in the fridge. The seven-minute frosting is best consumed the day of but it can last in the fridge for a couple of days. It can be kept at room temperature for up to a day if it is not warm or humid in your home.
Can I Freeze a Cake With Whipped Cream Frosting?
You can freeze a cake with whipped cream cheese frosting but its texture may not hold up well over time. To freeze a cake with whipped cream cheese frosting, set it in your freezer uncovered for around one to two hours to allow the frosting to set. Once set, wrap your cake in a layer of plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil and return it to the freezer.
You can store your cake with whipped cream cheese frosting in your freezer for around three months. When ready to serve, let your cake thaw overnight in the fridge and then on the counter until it reaches room temperature before serving.
Freezing Your Frosted Cake
As long as you properly store your cake, you can freeze it for up to a year. However, the less time it is in the freezer, the fresher it will be. Certain types of cakes may also not be able to hold up frozen that long.
Freezing your buttercream frosted cakes is a great way to save time and plan. It is easy and efficient, which saves you from stress. If you tried freezing your frosted cake, please share your experience.
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When going to freeze a cake that has been frosted in buttercream, remember to do these important steps:
- Place your frosted cake uncovered in the freezer until it is fully frozen.
- Wrap your cake in plastic wrap before placing it back in the freezer. In addition, you may also add a layer of aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container.
- Transfer your cake from the freezer to the fridge for twenty-four to forty-eight hours to allow it to thaw out.
- Let it sit out for two to three hours to reach room temperature if desired.
Karen is a passionate pastry chef who loves to create delicious baked goods. She has been in the culinary arts for over 10 years, honing her skills and perfecting her craft. Karen is known for her creativity and attention to detail, creating unique desserts that bring a smile to everyone’s face. She is always looking for ways to challenge herself and come up with new recipes that are both tasty and visually appealing. Karen loves to experiment with different flavors and textures, and she is committed to providing the highest quality of products to her customers.