Freezing a cake is a good way to store it for a special event. Whether you have frozen it whole or in layers, the steps to thaw it are the same. Remove it from the freezer at least a day in advance and let it thaw in the refrigerator. Once thawed, place it on the kitchen counter and wait for it to reach room temperature.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Thaw a Whole Cake
Step 1. Eat the cake within a year
If you wanted to keep your wedding cake, you will need to eat it by the day of your first wedding anniversary. Beyond that date, the taste and texture of the cake will inevitably deteriorate.
Although the cake can last up to a year, it is best to eat it within 6 months, as it can lose its qualities over time
Step 2. Remove the cake from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator covered for at least 24 hours
The defrosting process must take place in the refrigerator. It is best to leave the cake inside its packaging to avoid breaking it.
You can leave the cake in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, after which you will have to eat it, otherwise it may dry out or spoil
Step 3. Transfer the cake to the kitchen counter
Remove it from the refrigerator an hour before serving and eating. In this way it will reach the correct serving temperature.
Do not remove the cake from its packaging until it is time to serve it
Step 4. Take the cake out of the package
If you've packed it well, it should be wrapped in several layers. Be careful when it's time to remove the foil (or cling film) that covers it, as it may stick to the cake.
If you didn't frost the cake before you freeze it, you can do it now while it's thawing
Step 5. Decorate the cake
It's best to avoid frosting or decorating it before freezing it. When you're ready to serve, cover it with icing and add any decorations you like, based on the occasion or party theme.
- If you decorated the cake before freezing it, it is likely that some elements have deteriorated. You will likely need to take action to repair the damage, for example by scraping away the icy decorations. Try to fix the icing and mask any imperfections with colored sprinkles.
- The sugar decorations may have lost color by dyeing the icing. If so, you can try to distribute the color better for a decorative effect.
Method 2 of 2: Thaw a Layer Cake
Step 1. Eat the cake within 2 months
You could keep it in the freezer for even longer, up to a year, but over time it will begin to lose its qualities.
Step 2. Remove the cake layers from the freezer and refrigerate covered for at least 24 hours
Like a whole cake, even a layer cake should be allowed to thaw slowly in the refrigerator. However, in this case it will take less time, so you can remove the individual layers from the freezer about 12-16 hours earlier than when you intend to complete the cake preparation and let them defrost in the refrigerator.
Assemble and eat the cake within a couple of days or else it will harden or spoil
Step 3. Assemble and decorate the cake immediately after taking it out of the refrigerator
You don't need to wait for it to reach room temperature, it will cool down slowly as you coat it with icing. In fact, it is much easier to glaze a cake that has been frozen because it tends to crumble less. After coating it with the icing, decorate it with colored sprinkles, chocolate chips, whipped cream or whatever you like.
- The cake may still be partially frozen in the center.
- Since the cake is cold, you should be able to glaze it without crumbling.
Step 4. Do not let the cake layers defrost at room temperature
Respect the steps indicated without trying to shorten the time so as not to ruin the consistency of the sponge cake.
