It may be hard to believe, but sometimes there is leftover cake. There are those rare occasions when the size of the cake outweighs the guests you've made it for. Or maybe you wanted to make the cake in advance and then serve it a few days later. You might be wondering how to store cake the right way. Don't worry! Storing your cake to keep it fresh and flavorful after you've baked it is very easy. A properly stored cake will last longer, taste better, and reduce food waste. Below are tips on how to keep your cakes, cupcakes, and cake pops fresh and full of flavor.
Cakes
Do not store in the refrigerator
The most important tip for storing your cake: DON'T refrigerate it! I know that seems backward since the refrigerator is used to preserve most foods. But cake, specifically the flour in the cake, does not like the cool temperature in the fridge. Placing your cake in the fridge speeds up water evaporation, making the cake go stale faster. Nobody wants a dry cake. You want to keep as much moisture as possible in the cake. So in order to keep your cake fresh and flavorful, stay away from the fridge!
Store at room temperature for 1-3 days
If you're planning on eating your cake within a couple of days, the best place to store it is on your counter at room temperature. Place your cake, frosted or unfrosted, in an airtight container away from direct sunlight or heat.
Freeze your cake for up to 3 months
If you plan to hold on to your cake for the long haul, placing it in the freezer is a great way to keep it fresh. In fact, most bakeries store their cakes in the freezer before serving them. Place your cake, frosted or unfrosted, in an airtight container (plastic wrap, tin foil, etc) before placing it in the freezer. Remove it from the freezer and bring it up to room temperature before serving (1-3 hours, depending on the size of the cake and time of year).
If you're planning to bake the cake ahead of time, the freezer is your friend. Wrap the individual baked (and cooled) layers of cake in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer. 2 hours before serving, simply frost the frozen layers of the cake as you would if it were freshly baked. Frosting a frozen cake is easier than frosting a fresh, room-temperature cake. By the time you enjoy your cake, the layers will have defrosted, and it will taste incredible.
Cupcakes
Cupcake storage is very similar to cake storage. The 2 most important things to remember (other than NOT storing them in the refrigerator) are to always store them in a single layer. And since cupcakes are smaller, storage time may be a tad shorter than cakes.
Store at room temperature for 2 days at most
If you're planning on eating your cupcakes within 2 days, the best place to store them is on your counter at room temperature. Place your cupcakes, frosted or unfrosted, in a single layer in an airtight container or storage bag away from direct sunlight or heat.
Freeze your cupcakes for up to 3 months
Unlike the shorter storage time for room-temperature cupcakes, cupcakes stored in a freezer can also be consumed within 3 months. Place your cupcakes, in a single layer, in an airtight container or freezer storage bag.
If you're planning to bake your cupcakes ahead of time, prepare them as you would a cake. Wait to prepare your frosting until the day you plan to serve or frost them. Place the baked and cooled cupcakes in a single layer in an airtight container or a freezer storage bag. 2 hours before serving, simply frost the cupcakes as you would if fresh.
Cake Pops
Store at room temperature for 1 week
Cake pops are a little easier to store since they are covered by a protective shield in the form of chocolate. For the ideal texture and flavor, cake pops should be stored at room temperature in a single layer in an airtight container lined with a paper towel. Room-temperature cake pops should be eaten within 1 week.
Refrigerate or freeze for 2-3 weeks or 1 month
Unlike cakes and cupcakes, cake pops can be stored in a refrigerator as well as a freezer. In the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks, and in the freezer for 1 month. Freezing beyond 1 month is possible, but you may see or taste a difference in the chocolate coating or the texture inside. Make sure to defrost at room temperature for 1-2 hours before eating.
