Storing cakes is essential baking knowledge. Not knowing the proper cake-storing methods would lead to mushy and moldy headaches.
Of course, some of us just want to keep these treats for as long as possible. After all, we don’t have any way of knowing when the cake cravings will kick in.
So, you’re here to learn how to store bundt cakes? Well, you’re exactly where you need to be.
In this post, we’ll talk about the proper steps for storing these delectable treats. We’ll also throw in some tips to make bundt cakes last longer.
5 Ways to Store Bundt Cakes
One good reason to store bundt cakes properly is to extend their shelf life. And it goes with every baked product, such as muffins, bagels, waffles, and pastries.
Store them correctly, and these cakes can survive for six months!
1 – Store Bundt Cakes at Room Temperature
Most baked goods have low moisture and high sugar content. This quality makes them safe for counter or pantry storage.
We know what you’re thinking. “Wouldn’t they go bad faster?”
Well, that depends on how long you want to keep them. If you plan on eating the cake within one to three days, storing them at room temperature should pose no issues.
Cakes and other baked goods aren’t prone to bacterial spoilage, so you won’t have to worry about exposure. Still, you have to watch where you store them.
For instance, you’d want to keep the bundt cake away from direct heat sources or sunlight. Cakes are fragile to heat, especially those with frosting and other decorations.
If your bundt cake came inside a box, then the box should be enough to protect it. Wrapping the cake box with tape is good practice to keep the cake from drying out.
Acrylic cake containers are also viable for storing bundt cakes for up to three days. Use the plastic lid to cover your cake and drape it over with a towel for sun protection.
2 – Store Bundt Cakes in a Tight Container
Sealing your bundt cake is another excellent way to extend its shelf life. It’s one of the best methods of preserving your cakes—at least long enough to eat them.
Less oxygen in baked goods slows the staling process. And placing them inside an airtight cake container restricts airflow, which is good for as long as one week.
But what if you don’t have an airtight cake container in hand?
Look for a lidded container large enough to hold the bundt cake. Then, envelop the container with a plastic wrapper, ensuring no gaps where air can penetrate.
To keep bundt cakes as fresh as possible, find a storage area with a cool temperature. Bundt cakes should do well with a temperature of about 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, don’t forget to take into account your kitchen’s temperature. If it usually goes beyond 70℉, your bundt cake would be better off in the freezer than outside.
3 – Store Unfrosted Bundt Cakes in Wrapper
Plastic wraps are a great way to store unfrosted bundt cakes. It’s a great option if you don’t have airtight containers, cake boxes, or acrylic lids.
Here are a few simple steps to follow for storing cakes with plastic wrappers:
- Let the cake cool down for a few minutes before wrapping them with plastic wrap.
- If you have multiple bundt cakes to store, wrap them separately.
- Ensure to wound the plastic wrapper securely but not tight enough to damage the cake. Wrap the plastic on all sides of the cake.
- Place the cakes in ziplock plastic bags and store them in a cool, dry place.
Don’t wrap bundt cakes fresh out of the oven, though! Smoking warm cakes creates condensation, which might turn your bundt cakes soggy.
4 – Store Frosted Bundt Cakes in a Cake Keeper
One way to store frosted bundt cakes is to use cake keepers. Yes, these containers aren’t only for transporting cakes but also for storing them.
It’s a fantastic storing option for unsliced frosted bundt cakes. The cover will shield the cake from outside elements, including dust, hair, and more.
A cake keeper should make the bundt cake last for a week.
It’s worth noting that the cake’s frosting will serve as a natural preservative. The icing will help slow down the staling process, as long as the cake doesn’t include dairy or fruit materials.
Icing also works with sliced cakes. Lathering the sliced edges with icing should help the cake retain its moisture for longer without the need for wrappers.
Here’s a quick tip:
Refrigerate the frosted bundt cake for at least 20 minutes. This technique will harden the frosting, which makes them easier to store.
5 – Store Bundt Cakes by Freezing Them
Freezing is the most effective way to store cakes. Frozen cakes can last weeks or even months if done correctly.
Can You Freeze Bundt Cakes? (With or Without Icing)
Yes, you can freeze bundt cakes, both with or without frosting. In fact, these types of pastries freeze wonderfully well because they’re usually thicker.
Freezing your bundt cakes keeps them fresh longer than storing them at room temperature. You can use this method for bundt cakes you want to make a few days or weeks ahead of time.
Here are the steps to freeze your bundt cakes:
- Allow freshly baked bundt cakes to cool for a few minutes.
- Once cooled, wrap the whole cake in a plastic wrapper, ensuring no gaps for air or moisture to penetrate.
- Follow up with aluminum foil to protect the bundt cake from freezer burn.
- Air-tight containers also work as an alternative to aluminum foil.
- Finally, store the bundt cakes in the freezer.
You can freeze frosted bundt cakes using a bakery box or airtight container. Just wrap it with two layers of plastic wrap to secure the cake from air and moisture and throw it in the freezer.
This storing method preserves the cake for up to six months. If you’re ready to eat the cake, let it thaw on your counter for a few hours.
Avoid Storing Bundt Cakes in the Fridge
It’s a common misconception among people that baked goods last longer inside the refrigerator. This news might sound surprising, but storing cakes in the fridge makes them stale faster.
Most of us believe that cooling products make them last longer. However, this method doesn’t work on baked products, including cakes and bread.
The reason behind this issue lies in the molecules of the flour.
When the bundt cake is hot, these starch molecules absorb moisture. But as soon as the cake begins to cool, the same molecules will also start hardening or recrystallizing.
The solidifying starch molecules will force the water out. And staling happens when the water molecules of the cake evaporate.
Putting your bundt cakes in the fridge hardens the starch molecule considerably faster than at room temperature. So don’t be surprised if you end up with a stale bundt cake in your fridge!
Tips to Keep Your Cake Fresh in the Storage
Preserving can make you enjoy your bundt cakes days or weeks after making them. So, here are a few tips to help keep cakes fresh in storage.
Looking at the Ingredients
The ingredients of your bundt cake are a crucial part of determining the storage method.
You can use the methods we talked about under normal circumstances. However, cakes with perishable ingredients, such as fruits and dairy products, might need a different approach.
Bundt cakes that contain strawberries or cream cheese frosting, for instance, are best eaten fast. So you may use any of your usual storage methods, even refrigeration.
Shielding the Cake Frosting
Shielding the frosting is a daunting task for cakes stored for long periods. But it’s necessary, especially for bundt cakes made in advance for special occasions.
How do you protect the icing from getting damaged?
Well, refrigerating the frosted bundt cake before storage helps. While wrapping the cake, you can insert toothpicks on the side and top to prevent the wrap from touching the icing.
How to Identify a Spoiled Bundt Cake
There’s always the risk of spoiling when you store cakes for weeks or months. So, how do you know when a cake is spoiled or rotten?
Hard or Dry Texture
When cakes become stale, it means all the moisture of the dessert has evaporated. So, when the cake easily crumbles or feels dry in the mouth, there’s a high chance it’s spoiled.
Moldy Appearance
Bundt cakes with fruit ingredients may also show signs of mold build-up. Molds typically go with a foul smell or slimy frosting.
Final Thoughts
Bundt cakes taste best when served fresh. These desserts are better eaten the same day you take them out of the oven.
There are instances when we can’t avoid storing our cakes, though.
Whether you want to get ahead of the celebration or are left with a batch of leftover bundt cakes, knowing how to store them is a convenient trick to have on your sleeve.
Sarah is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, she spent much of her childhood learning the basics in a local bakery.