Tired of cake crumbs in your frosting? Grandma Rita has a life-changing cake decorating hack: freeze the cake before frosting it! Learn the simple steps for freezing cake that help prevent freezer burn while keeping it fresh and delicious, and easy to frost!
How to Freeze Cake (So It’s Easy to Frost Later!)
I grew up watching my Aunt Lois decorate cakes like a true pro. She was meticulous about every detail, and her wedding cakes were like something out of a fairy tale: pillars, fountains, bridges, you name it! Uncle Arnold was always by her side, transporting those towering masterpieces to weddings all over the place (including ours 35 years ago!).
I’d love to say I inherited her cake decorating flair… but truth be told, frosting cakes never came easily to me. I’ve had my fair share of cakes crumble into a frosting mess (you too?).
That all changed when I discovered one simple trick: frosting a frozen cake. It’s a total game changer. In fact, when I worked as a food photographer, I learned that many food bloggers and pros do this too! The results? Smoother frosting, fewer crumbs, and much less frustration.
Let me walk you through the easiest way to freeze cake layers, and why you’ll want to try it the next time you bake.
Why freeze cake after baking?
Freezing cake isn’t just about making it last longer (although that’s a big perk!). Here are a few great reasons to freeze cake:
- Frosting a frozen cake is SO much easier. The surface is firmer and smoother, so fewer crumbs get pulled into the icing.
- You can bake ahead. Save time and stress by baking in advance for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.
- It helps avoid cake disasters. No more sliding layers (yep, that happened to me too!) or melting frosting from decorating a warm cake.
Take care to freeze cake layers so they taste fresh and delicious
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Note: This method works for round layer cakes, sheet cakes, bundt cakes, and even cupcakes.
To reduce the risk of freezer burn, prepare the cake in the best way possible so the freezing process doesn’t take away from its quality. There are different methods, but the best is to wrap the cake so it has as little air contact as possible in the freezer. Here’s the most popular way to prepare cakes for freezing:
Supplies You’ll Need:
- Plastic wrap (or some people prefer Press’n Seal)
- Aluminum foil
- Sharpie marker to label it
- A baking sheet or flat surface for freezing
- Airtight container or large freezer bags
Step-by-Step Instructions for How to Freeze Cake
- Bake your cake as directed and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Trim the top of each cake layer with a serrated knife if it’s domed. A flat cake is easier to stack and frost.
- Wrap each layer in plastic wrap: First wrap horizontally across the cake. Then wrap vertically with a second piece to fully seal it.
- Freeze flat overnight on a baking sheet. This helps set the shape.
- (Optional for long-term storage): The next day, remove the cake from the freezer and wrap each layer in aluminum foil for extra protection. Or place it in an airtight container or large freezer bag. (I have some very old Tupperware containers that work really well for this step!)
- Label and date your cakes before freezing. Cakes freeze well for up to 3 months.
How to Frost a Frozen Cake
Here’s the best part: frosting your cake while it’s frozen makes everything easier!
- Make your frosting and prep your cake stand or platter.
- Remove cakes from the freezer and unwrap them completely.
- Frost the cake while the layers are still frozen. You’ll get crisp edges and a smooth surface with minimal crumbs.
- Let the cake thaw completely on the counter or in the fridge before serving.
I also use this method when I frost cupcakes with a piping bag!
Cake Freezing Tips & Tricks
- Ice cake after freezing. Cake is best frozen before icing and decorating.
- Avoid freezer burn: Always wrap well and store airtight to keep the cake moist and fresh.
How long can you freeze cake?
If stored correctly, cake can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How to thaw frozen cake
To defrost cake that has been frozen, place it on a wire rack and let it sit at room temperature to thaw. To prevent a soggy cake (from condensation or water droplets from the container it was frozen in), I prefer to remove the plastic wrap and aluminum foil. A layer cake takes about 2 to 3 hours to defrost, and a larger cake takes longer.
To prevent a dry cake, be sure to cover it after it has thawed.
To see all of my favorite Amazon recommendations, be sure to check out my Amazon Storefront.
For more cake recipes (that all freeze amazingly!), check out these posts:
- Vanilla Cake with Butterscotch Filling & Vanilla Buttercream Icing
- How to assemble a layer cake
- Vanilla cake with fresh strawberry icing
- Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake (the one pictured above)
More “How To” Kitchen Tips:
- How to freeze avocado (so they don’t spoil before you can use them!)
- How to use parchment paper safely in your kitchen
- How to sift flour without a sifter
- How to clean an electric cooktop (there’s a nifty trick you might not know!)
Want more recipes and kitchen hacks?
How To Freeze Cakes
Learn the simple way to freeze cake so it’s easier to frost and still tastes fresh after freezing.
Ingredients
Method
- Bake your cake as directed and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Trim the top of each cake layer with a serrated knife if it’s domed. A flat cake is easier to stack and frost.
- Wrap each layer in plastic wrap: first wrap horizontally across the cake, then wrap vertically with a second piece to fully seal it.
- Freeze flat overnight on a baking sheet. This helps set the shape.
- (Optional for long-term storage): The next day, remove the cake from the freezer and wrap each layer in aluminum foil for extra protection. Or place it in an airtight container or large freezer bag. (I have some very old Tupperware containers that work really well for this step!)
- Label and date your cakes before freezing. Cakes freeze well for up to 3 months.
Notes
Freezing cakes before frosting and decorating works best.
Cakes are best frozen before you frost and decorate them.
