How to store a cake overnight (2024)

Want to store some leftover cake but don’t know how? Welcome to our ultimate guide on how to store a cake overnight. These methods work for any type of cake; layered cakes, tiered cakes, sliced cakes, and frosted and unfrosted cakes too! Here are some of the best methods how to store cake.

How to store a cake overnight

When storing a cake overnight, you need to cover your cake fully to prevent any air and store it at the right temperature. To do this, you can easily wrap your cake in foil or plastic wrap, and place it in an airtight container. Make sure to keep your cake in the refrigerator overnight.

How to store a frosted cake overnight

To store a buttercream cake overnight, use plastic wrap to cover all areas of your cake and store it at room temperature in a container. If your cake is frosted with cream cheese or ganache, make sure to cover it and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Covering your cake prevents the air from making it dry.

How to store an unfrosted cake overnight

To store an uniced cake, wrap it with plastic first, and then add another layer of foil or place it in an airtight container. Depending on the room temperature, you may be able to keep your cake out of the refrigerator; if the area is cool. If unsure of the temperature, keep the cake in the refrigerator.

How to store cake layers

Storing cake layers separately prepares you for assembling a future cake. To keep your cake layers fresh, wrap them in a layer of plastic wrap. Then add a layer of foil around each layer, which keeps the air from making them dry. Finally keep them in the fridge if using soon, if not store them in the freezer.

How to store cupcakes

Cupcakes stay freshest when stored separately. Wrap each cupcake tightly with plastic wrap first. Next, wrap them with foil in groups of four, and finally place them in an airtight container. You can store the cupcakes in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to store a cake without plastic wrap or a container

Depending on whether your cake is frosted or not, you can still store it without a container or plastic wrap. If frosted, use a cake keeper, or an overturned bowl to protect it from dust, hair…etc. For cakes with no frosting, wrap the cake in foil and keep it at room temperature for 3 days, and refrigerated for one week.

How to keep cake fresh

To keep the cake fresh it is important to cover it fully to avoid air and keep it at a good temperature. For doing this you can use plastic wrap, foil, and airtight containers. A moderately cool room temperature is perfect for cake, however for cakes with frosting we recommend using the refrigerator.

Do you need to refrigerate cakes?

It is not necessary to refrigerate cakes all the time. Cakes with frosting are usually the ones that need refrigerating, whereas cakes with no frosting can last up to 4 days at a moderately cool room temperature. Regardless of whether your cake is in the refrigerator or at room temperature, all cakes must be covered fully before storing.

How long can cake sit out unrefrigerated?

If your cake is frosted with buttercream, it will last covered at room temperature for up to four days. However, it is best to refrigerate cakes with other frostings such as cream cheese or ganache. A fully covered unfrosted cake will last for up to 2 days at room temperature.

If you enjoyed today’s article and found it useful, check out our new blog on How To Store Cupcakes, and be sure to leave a comment to let me know what you think, or even just to ask a question or say hi!

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How to store a cake overnight (2024)

FAQs

How to store a cake overnight? ›

When storing a cake overnight, you need to cover your cake fully to prevent any air and store it at the right temperature. To do this, you can easily wrap your cake in foil or plastic wrap, and place it in an airtight container. Make sure to keep your cake in the refrigerator overnight.

Should you refrigerate a cake overnight? ›

If you made a cake that won't be served for a few days, cover and refrigerate your cake. Lastly, if your cake includes a fresh fruit filling or topping, or has a frosting made with whipped cream or mascarpone, cover and refrigerate it until you are ready to serve, and refrigerate any leftovers as well.

How to keep a cake moist overnight? ›

Using an air-tight container is the best and easiest way to keep your cake from getting exposed to air. However, if you don't have one of those, you can wrap your cake in cling film, or if it's iced, place a large inverted bowl over it to trap the air.

How to keep sponge cake fresh overnight? ›

Store in an airtight container at room temperature. We recommend you allow the SPONGE to come up to room temperature for the ULTIMATE SPONGE satisfaction. There are also instructions on the box it comes in to tell you how to store and so we really our trying our best to help you get the most from your Sponge.

Should I freeze my cake overnight? ›

Simply bake your cakes, allowing them to completely cool, pop them in the freezer the next day, and keep them there until you're ready to serve. This clever technique is a valuable addition to any baker's arsenal. If you want to store your cake for up to three months, it's crucial to do it properly.

Does refrigerating cake keep it fresh? ›

Most cakes, whether halved, iced or un-iced, will keep at room temperature for 4-5 days. However, during hot, humid weather, cakes can be put in the refrigerator, especially those with icing. How do you keep cakes fresh? To keep cakes fresh, it's best to store them in airtight containers in a cool, dry place.

How to store a cake after baking? ›

How to Keep Cakes Fresh and Flavorful
  1. Store when completely cooled. Cakes with frostings or fillings containing dairy products should be refrigerated.
  2. Store under cake cover or large bowl. ...
  3. Freeze unfrosted cakes. ...
  4. Freeze cakes with frosting. ...
  5. Thaw cakes at room temperature.
Jun 28, 2017

Can I leave cake in tin to cool overnight? ›

Yes, you should! Demould it once it cools down. Yes always, because it will help to prevent excessive moisture loss which will dry the cake out, as well as the cake being fragile in its warm state which means you are at more of a risk of breaking it by removing it from the tin.

Is it better to wrap cake in foil or cling film? ›

Yes, cakes can lose moisture in the fridge if they are not wrapped properly, causing them to dry out. Wrapping them in cling wrap or an airtight container will retain moisture and keep them fresher for longer.

How do you refrigerate a cake without drying it out? ›

If you do refrigerate, wrap unfrosted cakes in plastic to protect them from absorbing any weird fridge smells and to protect them from drying out, and then unwrap it to warm up on the counter before serving. For frosted cakes, chill the cake uncovered for 15 minutes to harden the icing, then wrap it in plastic wrap.

Is it better to bake a cake the day before? ›

Instead, keep your cakes at room temperature. (Though if you're stacking layers, chill them briefly before assembling the final cake — it'll make things easier.) Stay away for one to three days: Flavors will deepen after one day, and only strengthen the longer you wait.

Is it OK to put sponge cake in the fridge? ›

If you need to store your cake for more than a day or two, it's best to keep it in the refrigerator. However, some types of cakes, like sponge cakes, can dry out in the fridge.

Is sponge cake better the next day? ›

For the kind of cakes most people make, it's probably better to make it the same day, but it won't be bad if it's made the day before. Just don't put fresh fruit or flowers on it until you're almost ready to serve. For other cakes it's much better to make it the day before so all the flavors can meld.

Is it OK to leave cake out overnight? ›

If your cake is frosted with buttercream, it will last covered at room temperature for up to four days. However, it is best to refrigerate cakes with other frostings such as cream cheese or ganache. A fully covered unfrosted cake will last for up to 2 days at room temperature.

Is it better to put a cake in the freezer or fridge? ›

Unlike storing it in the refrigerator, freezing a cake is actually a wonderful way to keep it fresh, particularly for longer periods. This will work for both unfrosted and fully frosted cakes. If your cake is in a bakery box, simply wrap the box in two layers of plastic wrap and store it in the freezer just like that.

How do you defrost a cake overnight? ›

Simply transfer your wrapped slices or layers from the freezer to the refrigerator a day ahead of serving (although cake generally thaws within 8 hours if you are pressed for time). One important tip – thaw frozen cake in its wrapping to prevent condensation from forming and turning the sponge soggy and wet.

How long should cake sit before putting in fridge? ›

Our recommendation on how long to cool a cake before icing it is to wait 2-3 hours for your cake to cool completely. Then, add a crumb coat and refrigerate the cake for up to 30 minutes.

How long can cake sit out after being refrigerated? ›

A cake that has been stored in the refrigerator for several hours should be able to sit out at room temperature for up to two hours before it needs to be served or put back in the refrigerator if the temperature of the room is approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).

What cake doesn't need to be refrigerated? ›

Should all cakes be refrigerated? A simple snack cake (like these Whole-Grain Pecan Blondies) or a quick bread (like our Banana-Chocolate-Walnut Bread) doesn't require refrigeration and will last 4 to 5 days at room temperature.

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