How to store cake so the last piece stays as good as the first (2024)

• When storing cake, it's essential to keep it covered so the exterior doesn't dry out.
• Cakes with fruit and dairy — including cheesecakes and mousse cakes — always need to be refrigerated.
• For long-term storage, double wrap the slices or layers and pop them into the freezer.

Baking a cake is a labor of love — something that took time, effort, and precise measurements. Now that you've enjoyed a piece or two of your hard work, you're probably wondering how to store the leftovers, whether it's a towering buttercream-covered ensemble or simple sheet cake. Cakes typically stay fresh for two to three days at room temperature, but there are ways to extend their shelf life and make sure the last slice is as good as the first.

Does cake need to be refrigerated?

Though your first instinct may be to pop leftover cake into the icebox, most don't need to be refrigerated. Unfrosted sponge cakes — which get their light and airy texture from a combination of egg whites, flour, sugar, and sometimes fat — are the most common birthday cake variety and stay fresh at room temperature in an airtight container for up to four days. You can use a special domed cake box, a cardboard box, or "an extra large mixing bowl inverted over the cake will do the trick, too," says recipe developer and food stylist Kristina Cho. Keeping them covered is necessary so that the outer crumb layer doesn't dry out.

The exception to this rule: All cakes with dairy and fruit — such as cheesecakes, layered mousse cakes, tres leches cakes, and ones with fresh cream and berries — need to be refrigerated when not being served.

Storing a frosted cake

Frosted cakes follow a similar rule if they're made with non-perishable toppings and fillings, such as American buttercream frosting, dried fruits, nuts, or fondant. You can leave those out covered at room temperature for at least four days. But frosted cakes with perishable toppings and fillings like whipped cream, berries, and cream cheese frosting do not last at room temperature and need to be covered and refrigerated to remain fresh. Anything with fruit or custard needs to go into the fridge after a couple hours on the counter to remain safe for consumption. This includes cheesecakes, too.

Storing a cut cake

Cake that's been sliced or cut has the clock ticking. Because there's more surface area exposed to open air, individual slices are prone to drying out more quickly if left uncovered. That's why bakeries typically cut slices of cake to order or have them wrapped in those messy-to-peel plastic strips. Again, covering the cut cake is key: "You can store unfrosted sliced cake at room temperature for a few days, covered with a cake glass cover to retain its soft texture and freshness," says Amisha Gurbani, chef, recipe developer, and food photographer.

For an even better seal, you can wrap individual slices in cling film and store at room temperature — or in the fridge if it has a perishable frosting.

Storing cake layers

If you're making cake layers, Adams advises freezing them, even if you're using them soon after. "When I'm ready to assemble the cake, I just unwrap and decorate the cake while the layers are still frozen. I find them easier to work with and by the time you are ready to serve, the cake is at perfect temperature."

It's important to let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack before storing or icing to make sure there's no humidity, which can cause the top and bottom layers to peel off. It can also lead to quicker spoilage — when steam gets trapped inside warm cakes, it creates a sticky layer that will promote bacteria.

How to freeze cake

The freezer is also your best bet for long term cake storage. Wrapping each slice or layer tightly in cling film along with an additional layer of aluminum foil will protect the cake from freezer burn. "You should double wrap them to lock in freshness and also prevent any freezer-like tastes," says Vallery Lomas, cookbook author and "Great American Baking Show" winner.

If you're storing several slices of cake, you can also place wrapped slices on a sheet pan in a single layer until fully frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. For cheesecakes, take extra care to make sure the cling film completely touches the top of the cake to avoid freezer burn. To serve, "defrost on the counter for a few hours until room temperature and it will be a perfect slice of cake," says Cho.

Insider's takeaway

Storage varies depending on a cake's make up, including its toppings and fillings — some can keep on the counter at room temperature for several days, while others need refrigeration.