Can You Freeze Buttercream Covered Cakes

Ah, buttercream. How I love you. Not only are you incredibly delicious, but you’re freezable, too. That said, you can freeze buttercream-covered cakes with ease. Whether it’s a whole cake or slices, all you need to do is cover thoroughly with plastic wrap and stick it in the freezer.

Hi! My name is Michelle, and I can never get enough of buttercream frosting. I will eat it right out of the bowl (okay, maybe I shouldn’t say that out loud). Either way, if I have a cake covered with buttercream frosting, I never hesitate to stick it in the freezer to prolong its longevity. 

If you’ve got a big ole’ cake covered with buttercream frosting and need to extend its lifespan, you can always consider freezing it. Buttercream-covered cakes freeze exceptionally well, but you need to know how to do it the right way – and that’s what this article is here to explain.

Let’s freeze some cakes, bakers.

Can You Freeze Buttercream Covered Cakes?

In short, yes. Buttercream cakes freeze very well. In fact, buttercream can be looked at as an insulator for the interior of your cake. It locks in moisture – even when in the freezer. So, when it comes time to thaw your cake, it tastes almost as good as fresh cake. 

However, that doesn’t mean you should throw your buttercream-covered cake into the freezer willy-nilly. You need to take specific steps to avoid the dreaded freezer burn, which will render your cake useless.

If you want to know how to freeze a buttercream-covered cake, follow the steps below.

1. Cool and Frost Your Cake

If you’re baking your cake instead of purchasing it from a baker, then you should (obviously) start by baking your cake. Let the cake cool entirely before frosting. The last thing you want is melted buttercream frosting. 

2. Freezer Uncovered for Four Hours

Once your cake is cooled and frosted, you want to do a “quick-freeze.” Stick your buttercream-covered cake – uncovered – into the freezer for around four hours. This will allow the frosting to get hard so that the plastic wrap doesn’t stick to it. 

Don’t try to skip this step. Although you could wrap and freeze from the get-go, you might end up damaging the aesthetics. The plastic wrap will pull some of the frosting off when it thaws. This is especially detrimental if you’ve taken the time to add decorations! 

3. Cover and Freeze

When the quick freeze is over, remove the cake and cover it generously with plastic wrap. There should be no part of the cake left untouched. Otherwise, you could end up with freezer burn in certain areas, and those parts will need to be thrown out.

If you want to be extra careful, add another layer of protection with aluminum foil. Keep in mind that aluminum foil should not be used in place of the initial plastic wrap. Aluminum foil, while convenient for many situations, isn’t the best at fending off freezer burn.

Another option is to place the plastic-wrapped cake into an airtight container. The upside is that you won’t have to worry about freezer burn. The downside is airtight containers can be a bit big and could take up a lot of room in your freezer. If you have the room, though, use it!

4. Thaw and Enjoy

A properly covered buttercream cake can last in the freezer for up to six months. However, the shorter period it spends in the freezer, the better it will be. For example, a cake that has only been in the freezer for a week will be of higher quality than one left for eight weeks.

When you’re ready to enjoy your buttercream-covered cake, let it thaw in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours. Then, place it on the countertop for an hour or two for the best results. (Or, be like me and enjoy a frozen slice of cake. It’s different, but honestly, I don’t mind).

If you don’t want to wait that long, you don’t have to. Skip thawing in the fridge entirely and go straight to the countertop. It may take a little while for the cake to defrost and be ready to eat, but it’s worth the wait. 

Can You Freeze Slices of Buttercream-Covered Cake?

After a big birthday bash, you’re likely to have some leftover slices of cake. At this point, you will probably be a bit burnt out on cake, too. Does this mean the extras are destined for the garbage bin? Not at all!

Slices of buttercream-covered cakes can easily be frozen, too. It’s done in the exact same way:

• Quick freeze the slices for four hours to avoid any frosting or decoration damage.
• Wrap the slices individually with plastic wrap.
• Add an extra layer of aluminum foil on top or place it in an airtight container.
• Keep the slices for up to six months.
• When ready to consume, thaw in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours, then on the counter for a couple of hours.

Can All Buttercream-Covered Cakes Be Frozen?

While most buttercream-covered cakes have no problem in the freezer, it’s not right for all kinds of cakes. Lighter cakes, such as angel food cakes, don’t freeze as well. They may not last up to six months like other types of cakes.

Cakes with custards or fruit fillings should avoid the freezer entirely. They simply do not hold up well, and the texture will change immensely in the freezer. (Talk about yuck). You will have to suck it up and devour these cakes entirely instead of freezing. (Is that a bad thing?)

FAQs

Buttercream-covered cakes, whether whole or sliced, are easily frozen for up to six months. If you’re still curious about the question “Can you freeze buttercream-covered cake,” then check out these commonly asked questions below.

Can you freeze homemade buttercream frosting?

If you’re looking to freeze homemade buttercream frosting instead of a buttercream-covered cake, you can. Both homemade and store-bought buttercream frosting are freezer-friendly. When freezing homemade buttercream frosting, make sure it is sealed in an airtight container.

How long will a cake last covered in buttercream?

A cake covered in buttercream frosting can last up to four days at room temperature or up to two weeks in the fridge as long as it is covered properly. Buttercream acts as a sealant for the interior of the cake, locking in moisture and freshness. 

Does freezing cake make it moist?

Personally, I wouldn’t say that freezing cakes makes them necessarily moist. However, freezing a cake helps tremendously when it comes time to decorate as it won’t crumble under the pressure of frosting. 

How do you store a cake with buttercream frosting?

There are a few ways to store buttercream-covered cake. But whether you’re storing it at room temp, in the fridge, or in the freezer, make sure that it is covered properly. Otherwise, the cake will go stale, and the frosting will get hard.

Final Thoughts

Buttercream-covered cakes are a favorite for many, and for a good reason, too. They’re super tasty and easy to work with, and they freeze well, too. Freeze a buttercream-covered cake for up to six months when properly sealed with layers of plastic wrap.

Do you freeze your buttercream-covered cakes? How do you do it? Share with us below. 

I have been a lover of sweets since day one. This led me on a self-taught baking journey starting at the age of 13. It's been over 10 years since the start of my baking adventures, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Now, people rave about my delectable treats, whether it’s a chocolate cake or a strawberry crepe.