How To Store An Ice Cream Cake Best And Thaw In 45 Minutes

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Last Updated on May 1, 2022

You’ve spent hours making an ice cream cake, but what’s next? Today, we’ll discuss the best techniques on how to store an ice cream cake!

We will dive deep into exactly what you need to store these special cakes. And, we’ve also provided an easy step-by-step guide on how to do so. We will also be looking at how long these cakes will last and how to properly thaw them.

What Is An Ice Cream Cake Made Of?

Before looking at exactly how to store an ice cream cake, it is important to understand what an ice cream cake is. This will also help you figure out what the best way is to store your specific ice cream cake.

Now, there are two main types of ice cream cakes. The first is a cake that has been made from only ice cream. The second is a cake made from a combination of cake layers and ice cream layers.

No-bake ice cream cake (ice cream only)

These cakes are made using only ice cream. The process is fairly simple.

To make an ice cream-only cake, you can layer different flavors of ice cream into the shape you want. These layers are created by softening pre-made ice cream. You can also melt it, but this will take longer to re-freeze.

After adding a layer to the pan, you will have to semi-freeze it before adding the next layer. Otherwise, they might merge and create a marbled cake (which is still pretty cool if that’s what you are going for).

Ice cream cake with actual cake layers

So, this cake takes a long time to make. First, you have to prepare and bake some cake layers. Sponge cake is usually used because of its firm yet soft texture.

Then, the cake is assembled in stages by layering cake and pre-shaped and frozen ice cream layers. After the entire cake has been assembled and frozen, the cake can be frosted with more ice cream or a buttercream frosting.

In our opinion, this cake is a lot harder to make because of how much it is outside of a freezer during assembly. This means melted ice cream if you don’t work quickly enough.

Ultimately, this will have an effect on how to store an ice cream cake of this kind. And how long it will last.

What You Will Need

Equipment

• Plastic or saran wrap
• Cake storage container
• Aluminum foil
• Masking tape or freezer-proof tape
• Permanent marker

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1: Prepare the cake for storage

First, make sure that your cake has been fully frozen and decorated according to your liking.

Then, if you have a cake storage container that can fit the ice cream cake, place it inside. Make sure that the container is airtight.

Alternatively, you can gently wrap the entire cake in plastic or saran wrap. Make sure it is covered well to prevent any oxygen and odors from entering.

Step 2: Cover with foil

The aluminum foil layer will help further protect the cake from freezer burn. This layer is especially beneficial when you have an ice cream cake with sponge cake layers.

Step 3: Label your ice cream cake

Finally, use some tape and a marker to label your ice cream cake. This is especially important if you plan on storing the cake for a week or two.

Make sure to add what the item is, when it was made, and when the estimated expiry or use-by date is.

3-in-1 Plastic Cake Holder – Southern Homewares

Tips And Tricks

• The most important trick on how to store an ice cream cake is to keep the cake inside of the freezer for as long as possible. Once it has thawed and you have sliced your portions, immediately return the leftover cake to the freezer. Again, the leftovers should be stored correctly to extend their shelf life.
• We highly recommend covering the cake with foil while storing it in the freezer. This foil layer further protects the cake from freezer burn. Freezer burn causes the item to lose moisture, dry out, and even change in texture. And, the risk of flavor loss is extremely high! This is why old ice cream sometimes tastes like nothing!
• Once your ice cream cake has been thawed (see instructions below) you can slice it. The easiest way to make perfect slices is to use a sharp semi-heated knife. You can simply run the blade under some lukewarm running water. Then, after every slice, make sure to wipe the blade so you get smudge-free layers.

How To Thaw An Ice Cream Cake?

Once you are ready to serve your ice cream cake, you will need to thaw it first. Otherwise, it will be nearly impossible to neatly slice through it and even take a bite!

So, for both of these cakes, you can place them inside the fridge for about 30-45 minutes to soften. And trust us, they will thaw quite quickly.

Ice cream cakes with sponge cakes layers will defrost much quicker than no-bake ice cream cakes. Make sure to keep an eye on the cake as it thaws.

We don’t recommend thawing ice cake at room temperature. It won’t evenly thaw throughout and will start melting on the outside before the inside is soft.

Shelf Life Of An Ice Cream Cake

Now that you know exactly how to store an ice cream cake, you can easily keep it inside of your freezer for a couple of weeks.

We highly recommend eating it all within 7 days. Even though a freezer will prevent it from spoiling, it will start losing a ton of quality after 7 days.

This is even more true for ice cream cakes with sponge cake layers. No-bake ice cream cakes will last longer, just like regular ice cream will.

Final Thoughts

If you found this article on how to store an ice cream cake informative, feel free to share it with your fellow ice cream lovers! And, let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.

FAQs

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