How to Store a Cake for Freshness

Key Takeaways

• Learning how to properly store a cake is crucial to maintain a cake’s freshness, flavor, and texture.
• Exposure to air and moisture can cause even the freshest of cakes to dry out or spoil. Keep the cake sealed and protected with a storage container or plastic wrap.
• Cakes should be stored in the refrigerator if they’re not going to be served immediately. This helps prevent the cake from spoiling and helps maintain the structural integrity of frostings and fillings.

Frosted, unfrosted, cut, uncut… your cake needs proper storage. Storing your cake (the right way) will help preserve its freshness and flavor, especially if you’re not serving it immediately after you get it home. 

What’s the “right way” to store your delicious cake? Learn how to keep a cake fresh with these tips from The Bold Bakery!

How to Store a Cake for Immediate Serving

Most cakes, frosted and unfrosted, can be stored at room temperature if you’ll be serving them soon after getting them home or to your event venue. These gourmet cakes can be left in the bakery box or stored in an airtight container.

There are a few exceptions. If you’ve baked a cake with whipped cream, a cake with cream cheese frosting, or a cheesecake, you generally should store them in the refrigerator. The latter can sit out at room temperature for no longer than two hours to prevent spoilage.

Keep Your Cake Cool

When learning how to store a cake and keep it fresh, temperature is your main consideration. Your fresh baked goods should be kept away from direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place. Warm temperatures can cause frosting and other toppings to melt and run. 

We recommend storing our gourmet cakes in the refrigerator. This not only keeps the frosting intact but also helps maintain the cakes’ freshness. Your cake can last up to one week in the fridge, but it’s best enjoyed fresh (within 2-3 days). Keeping your cake in the refrigerator for too long will cause it to dry out!

Can I Freeze My Cake?

No, we don’t recommend storing our cakes in the freezer. Freezing can lead to moisture loss and freezer burn. It can also alter the integrity of the cake, diminishing its overall texture and flavor.

Cover Your Cake to Maintain Freshness

Leaving your cake exposed to the air is the fastest way to dry it out and cause it to become stale. You must protect your cake if you’re planning to eat it over several days. Here’s how to store a cake and keep it fresh:

Use a Cake Dome

The dome-shaped cover of a cake dome, or cake cloche, not only shields your cake from dust and debris but also helps maintain moisture. It seals the cake, minimizing contact with air and keeping it fresh and moist longer. These containers also prevent your cake from accidentally getting crushed.

Don’t have a cake dome? Turn your largest mixing bowl upside down to cover your cake!

Grab an Airtight Container

Learning how to store a cake, but don’t have any cake-specific containers? No worries! Cakes can also be stored in regular containers. Plastic or glass will work. The most important thing is that your container has a secure seal to prevent air and excess moisture from entering.

Pro Tip: Turn your storage container upside down, letting the cake sit flat on the inside of the lid and the deeper part of the container acting as a cake dome. This will help make sure no frosting gets smeared or the cake gets crushed.

How to Keep a Cut Cake Fresh

Moisture begins to escape the second cakes are cut. This makes them prone to drying out, staleness, and an “off” flavor or texture. But this doesn’t mean you immediately eat the rest of your cake! Here’s how to store a freshly cut cake:

• Press a piece of plastic wrap directly on either side of the exposed cake. You can also use wax paper or parchment paper.
• Cover your cake with a cake dome or overturned mixing bowl, or place it in an airtight container.
• Place the covered cake in the refrigerator for safe storage.

Store and Enjoy!

Learning how to store a cake is your secret to maintaining the bold, delicious flavors and freshness you love. Store it at room temperature or pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Be sure to let your cake sit out for at least 2 hours before serving if it’s been in the refrigerator for a few hours. 

Enjoy specialty cakes and more fresh, handmade goods from our artisan bakery. We offer pick-up and local delivery in the Chantilly, VA area!