A cake is a staple on your table for any occasion, whether it be birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries. Baking a cake ahead of time is an excellent way to avoid stress and cramming when planning a special day. One of these days, you ask yourself: how long can you freeze cake? That depends on a lot of conditions and factors that you should consider. Freezing cakes ahead of time is done by many since it is practical and easier to do.
How long can you freeze cake? This question cannot be answered with a single statement. There are lots of things to take note of when freezing cake. Can you freeze a cake? Yes, you can. However, you need to know how long you can. There are many proven successful freezing methods, but I will discuss to you the most successful one, along with some things you should consider in freezing cakes.
Factors to Consider: How Long Can You Freeze Cake?
How the Cake is Baked
You need to know under what conditions the cake was made so that you will see whether it is worth preserving. Seriously, you do not want your cake to end up in a petri dish. If you made your cake or if the cake is handled in unsanitary conditions, then it will contain more harmful bacteria. This is especially so when you present the cake to dozens of guests, using their spoons or hands to get a slice. Imagine the air carrying bacteria. Do you still want to shove that cake in the freezer?
Another thing to consider is the composition of your cake. Fruits cakes that are soaked in high-proof alcohol usually last long without refrigeration. On the other hand, most cakes, especially those that are made with eggs and dairy, have to be frozen to last. Cakes with citrus curd layers and fondant cakes also preserve better.
How the Cake is Handled and Served
Probably one of the most important factors is how the cake is transported. Was the cake under the sun for several hours? At this point, how long can you freeze cake? If the cake was on the table, exposed to different bacteria for several hours, then no amount of freezing can eliminate such bacteria. Moreover, if the event was held at a catering hall that is humid and warm, then your cake will undoubtedly be contaminated, and freezing won’t help.
How the Cake is Stored and Wrapped
The process of freezing the cake is not a problem in this scenario. It is the way you wrap the cake. Moisture is the enemy when it comes to freezing your cake. Remember that there is no such thing as overwrapping. You can wrap the cake as tightly as possible so that no additional bacteria or moisture collects on the cake. This way, you can control the contamination before freezing.
Additionally, slices of cake that are wrapped tightly in plastic wraps can be protected from the freezer and air burn. Remember that sugar without moisture does not go bad. If you have those tiny decorative flowers on top of your cake, they are the least of your worries. Worry more about the actual cake.
How to Freeze Cake
How long can you freeze cake? As mentioned above, there is no definite period since there are certain factors to consider. However, to make your cakes last long in the freezer, here are the necessary steps you can do at home.
- After you bake, make sure the cake is completely cooled. There are several practices in cooling cakes, but you may also let it cool completely in the pan. If you are in a rush, you can put the cake in the fridge for 45 minutes then take it out.
- After you cool the cake, wrap it. You may use your wraps at home, and you may also ask for suggestions on the best wraps you can use. You may use saran wraps or Press & Seal. It is definitely up to you.
- Write the use-by date and the type of cake on a piece of aluminum foil. Do not go beyond three months. The taste and texture will not be the same beyond three months, so keep your use-by date at least less than that. You may extend for a month or two, but remember that the sooner you serve the cake, the fresher it tastes. It is better to keep it at three months only. Write on the aluminum foil before wrapping your cake, just in case the ink of the pen seeps through.
- Wrap the whole cake with aluminum foil.
- Put your cake in a freezer-safe container. If you do not have a big container or if the whole cake does not fit, wrap with another layer of aluminum foil.
- Freeze for three months. At this point, your cake is still as fresh as you last stored it. Again, make sure that your cake is wrapped well with the saran wrap and aluminum foil. This will ensure that no condensation will seep in and that your cake is safe from bacteria. Moisture is the enemy, so do not hesitate to wrap again with an extra layer of protection.
Conclusion
How long can you freeze cake? It all depends on different factors, but the ideal period is three months. You may extend a little bit but that the same freshness is not guaranteed.
Just a piece of advice, the best cakes to freeze are pumpkin cake, chocolate cake, carrot cake, mousse cake, and banana cake. Trust me, despite the long wait in the freezer, the flavors and freshness will still be there. That will always depend on the mentioned factors, though. Nevertheless, happy baking! Learn more about cakes.