Does Freezing Cake Dry It Out Or Make It More Moist?

Baking and decorating a cake takes so much time. Due to busy schedules, you may want to get started on the cake that you promised your sister for her birthday even if it's still a month away. But you're worried that freezing the cake might dry it out. Well, we asked the cake experts about it, and here's what they said.

Freezing a cake will not make it dry. If you stored it properly, it will be able to retain its moisture. This is because freezing stops steam from escaping from your cake. Once thawed, your cake will still be moist and many people even swear that their cakes taste even better after being kept in the freezer for weeks or months.

Keep on reading to know how freezing keeps your cake moist. Learn more tips from our cake experts on how to store your cakes in the freezer properly so that they won't dry out. We'll also share with you how long they will last in the freezer and the right way to thaw your cakes in order for you to relish their moist and delicious goodness when you eat these sweet delights.

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Cakes on the shelf in the freezer, Does Freezing Cake Dry It Out Or Make It More Moist?

Why freezing does not dry out a cake

Sweet cakes on display

It takes a lot of time to prepare and bake delicious and well-decorated cakes. But you can make them in advance and put them in the freezer so that you always have a sweet treat on hand whenever the craving hits you. 

The key is in wrapping the cake tightly in multiple layers before putting it in the freezer. This method will ensure this delicious dessert's freshness as it stops moisture from escaping inside the cake. The wrappings shield this sweet treat from condensation and vapor from the outside so that water won't get inside the cake. Covering the cake also guarantees that it won't absorb the flavors and odors of other foods that you're keeping in the freezer. This way, the texture and taste will be retained and it will stay fresh for months.

Here's a reminder for you. Make sure you keep your wrapped cakes in the coldest part of your freezer. They will maintain their best quality at temperatures ranging from -10 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. Refrain from opening the freezer often as this will cause fluctuating temperatures which will damage the quality of your cakes.

Do Cakes freeze well?

Cakes do well in the freezer. Putting them in the refrigerator dries them out but keeping them in the freezer locks up their moisture. They can be kept in the freezer for months and when you thaw them, they'll taste even better than the day you baked them. But you've got to make the necessary preparations and wrap them properly to preserve their taste and texture.

How do you freeze a cake?

Frozen sponge cake in the freezer

Any kind of cake can be frozen. You can freeze cakes whole, layered, or in slices. Some cake decorators like to freeze their cakes so that they'll be firm enough when they put on the frosting and decorations. You can also freeze those cakes that have been decorated already. If you follow these instructions on how to freeze cakes properly, you can be assured that your baked delights will stay fresh and moist even when they have been in the freezer for months.

Freezing cake without frosting

1. Your cake has to be cooled down completely. Excess steam trapped inside the cake might cause it to be dense and uneven.
2. Put 2 layers of plastic wrap all around the cake. Make sure the wrapping is really tight.
3. Wrap it with aluminum foil to make sure that no moisture will get inside.
4. It's a good practice to always put a label on the foods that you store in the freezer. Indicate what kind of cake it is and the date you baked it.
5. Consume within 4 to 6 months.

Freezing cake with frosting

1. Pre-freeze the decorated cake for about an hour. This will ensure that the decorations are well set.
2. Take it out of the freezer when the cake is already firm.
3. Place 2 layers of plastic wrap tightly around the frosted cake. This will ensure the freshness of your sweet treat.
4. Wrap it with aluminum foil.
5. Put a label and date on the cake.
6. Put it back in the freezer.
7. Consume within 3 months.

Freezing cake slices

1. Wrap each cake slice individually.
2. Use 2 layers of plastic wrap to ensure that each slice is sealed properly.
3. Label the date on each slice of cake before you put them in the freezer.
4. Consume within 2 months.

You can freeze a cake whole or in slices, with frosting or without and they will all do well in the cold. Just make sure that you wrap them securely with plastic and aluminum foil so that the cake won't dry out.

Can you freeze a cake with icing?

Before anything, let's differentiate icing from frosting. The frosting is the thick and gooey coating used for the inner layers and outside of the cake. It is used to hold the shape of the cake. Icing, on the other hand, has a thinner texture and is glossier. This is why icing is used for glazing or decorating cakes. As mentioned above, you can freeze a cake with frosting. But how about a cake with icing?

You will be glad to know that you can also put a cake with icing in the freezer and it will do well in the cold. It can maintain its quality for up to 3 months. Here are some things you need to do if you want to keep your decorated cake in the freezer.

If you plan to freeze a decorated cake, make sure that the icing is made of cream cheese or American buttercream. These types of frosting do well in the freezer. With the right preparation, the icing will be stable even when frozen. But be advised that meringue-based cakes won't be as stable in the freezer so it's best not to keep them there.

  1. Put the cake with icing in the freezer for 2 to 4 hours or until the icing is frozen solid. But don't wrap it with anything yet.
  2. Remove from the freezer. This is the time to wrap it securely with plastic.
  3. Wrap it also with aluminum foil to ensure its freshness.
  4. Put it back in the freezer.

When you want to serve your decorated cake, just loosen the aluminum foil and plastic wrap a little bit. Transfer it in the refrigerator and defrost overnight.

How long can you keep cake in the freezer?

You can keep your cake in the freezer for 3 to 6 months. As long as it is wrapped tightly and stored properly, it will be able to maintain its best quality. Meaning, its texture and taste won't change. This is because freezing the cake seals in its moisture and flavor. Transfer it to the refrigerator a day before you plan to serve it to give it enough time to defrost. Many people say that once thawed, their frozen cakes taste more delicious than when the cakes were freshly baked.

How do you thaw out a frozen cake?

Thawing a frozen cake is easy simply because this sweet treat thaws out quickly. Just transfer it to the fridge and let it stay there overnight. Don't remove any of the wrappings. They will protect your cake from getting wet due to condensation. The following morning, you can put the cake on the counter to continue the thawing process at room temperature. You may remove the wrappings carefully when you're ready to serve the cake. At this point, you can also put frosting or add decorations if you like.

Final Thoughts

It's great to know that you can always bake your cake in advance and keep it in the freezer. This will ensure that your cake stays moist and delicious by the time that you want to eat it. You can also check out our post on how long you can keep your cake mixes in the freezer so that you can enjoy delicious desserts whenever the craving strikes.

Jeanette
Jeanette
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