How to Freeze Cake and Cupcakes without Ruining the Texture
Updated: May 06, 2024
Make your favorite dessert ahead of time by brushing up on these freezer tips. Here's how to freeze cake and cupcakes.
Baking cakes is satisfying and sweet, but you’re often left with more cake than you know what to do with. While I’m OK eating cake for breakfast, sometimes I want to keep that cake for a little longer. If you’re wondering how to freeze cake so it stays fresh, we’re here to help.
Freezing food is a great way to save what you’ve made for later or to prep for an occasion in advance. Here are step-by-step instructions and tips on how to freeze cake. We’ve also included pointers on how to freeze cupcakes since the process is slightly different.
How to Freeze Unfrosted Cakes
If you want to prepare a cake in advance (or just want one at the ready if the mood strikes), storing unfrosted cakes in the freezer is simple to do.
Once your cake is completely cool (you don’t want to trap any excess moisture from steam from a warm cake), wrap it in plastic wrap (two layers helps prevent freezer burn!) or store in resealable plastic freezer bags. You can also freeze a cake directly in its pan. Just wrap the pan entirely in plastic wrap, and then add a layer of aluminum foil.
Be sure to label your cakes. Knowing what kind of cake and when it was baked is going to be helpful later. After all, you want to make sure you know you’re reaching for chocolate cake when a cocoa craving hits.
You can keep unfrosted cakes in the freezer for two months. When you’re ready to eat, defrost the cake in the fridge until thawed.
Editor’s Tip: Partially frozen cakes are super easy to decorate since they are stiffer and produce fewer crumbs—so don’t wait for them to thaw completely if you want to frost them! Here’s how to frost a layer cake the easy way.
How to Freeze Frosted Cakes
Believe it or not, you can freeze frosted cakes too, provided they’re topped with a freezer-stable frosting. Meringue-based frostings aren’t suitable for freezing, but popular icings like American buttercream and cream cheese frosting freeze wonderfully.
To freeze a frosted cake, place the finished cake in the freezer for an hour to set the decoration. Once the frosting is frozen and firm, wrap the cake in two layers of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil.
Defrost frosted cakes by letting them warm up on the counter or in the fridge overnight.
Editor’s Tip: To maintain freshness, freeze frosted cakes as soon as possible. If you plan to freeze your wedding cake, consider asking a friend or family member to be in charge of freezing the top tier after the reception.
How to Freeze Slices of Cake
It’s easy to store a few leftover slices of cake. Layer individual slices with plastic wrap and seal tightly. Individual pieces should keep for about two months so you can enjoy your birthday cake again even after the streamers are gone and the presents are unwrapped.
Just like a whole cake, defrost slices at room temp or in the fridge.
How to Freeze Cupcakes
If you have cooled, unfrosted cupcakes to use for a later date, they can be stored in the freezer. Choose to either store them in a single layer in an airtight container or wrap the cupcakes in plastic wrap and store them in a zip-top freezer bag.
Frosted cupcakes require a bit more prep for freezing. Place frosted cupcakes on a baking sheet and pre-freeze them in the freezer for three hours to allow the frosting to harden. Once the cupcakes and frosting have hardened, wrap the cupcakes in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag, or seal them in an airtight container.
How to Defrost Frozen Cupcakes
Ready to enjoy a cupcake that has been stored in the freezer? Remove the cupcakes from the freezer, unwrap them, and place on a plate. Let the cupcakes defrost at room temperature for two hours. You can also defrost cupcakes overnight by letting them thaw in the fridge.
How long does cake last in the freezer?
Cake or cupcakes that have been properly wrapped and sealed for storage will last two to three months in the freezer. For cake that’s been frozen for months (versus a couple weeks), be sure to check for freezer burn or signs of moisture before defrosting and enjoying.
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Originally Published: April 20, 2020
