Yes, you can easily free sponge cake either whole or in slices for up to 3 months without any change in quality. You simply need to allow the cake to cool, thoroughly wrap it and place it in an airtight container and then stick it in the freezer.
It's best to freeze it without any icing, toppings or fillings for best results.
How to Freeze Sponge cake
Sponge cake is a delicious cake that is super versatile as it can have a variety of different icings, fillings and toppings. It can be served and slices or as dessert cups.
Whether you are making sponge cake ahead for a large party or celebration or you simply can't finish what you've baked up before it goes bad, freezing your sponge cake is a great way to save it for later. The process is similar to freezing brownies, freezing carrot cake or freezing tiramisu.
Freezing plain sponge cake
Freezing plain sponge cake either whole or by the slice is the best way to store this cake. You can also freeze sponge cake cupcakes or dessert cups in the same way.
- Once you have made your cake, make sure that it is thoroughly cooled. Also, you want to freeze your cake as soon as possible so that it has maximum freshness.
- Decide whether you want to freeze the cake whole or in slices. If you know you won't be eating the entire cake at once, it's best to freeze it and slices that way you can just thaw one or two at a time.
- Grab some plastic wrap and tear off a sheet large enough to fully wrap around either your entire cake or a slice.
- Lay the plastic wrap flat on your counter and place the cake in the center of the plastic wrap.
- Carefully secure the plastic wrap completely around your cake.
- To ensure maximum freshness You want to add a second layer of plastic wrap just like the first layer. However, make sure to place the cake upside down on the second layer of plastic wrap so that the first layer is completely secured.
- If you would like an additional layer of quality safety for your cake, take a sheet of aluminum foil the same size as the plastic wrap. Place the cake in the middle and wrap it with the aluminum foil.
- Then, either use a large airtight container or a large freezer bag to place the cake or cake slices into.
- If using a freezer bag, make sure to press all of the air out of the bag before completely closing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and then place it in your freezer in an area that the cake will not get smashed.
Freezing sponge cake with toppings
Although for maximum quality you'll want to freeze your sponge cake without toppings, fillings or icing. It is fine to freeze it with these, just be aware that typically the cake can last longer in the freezer toppings. Additionally, toppings can degrade the cake quality a bit when frozen.
- Start off by making sure that your cake is completely cooled before getting started. Also, you'll want to freeze it as fresh as possible for maximum quality.
- Next, you'll need to flash freeze your cake. This will ensure that any toppings or fillings are hardened before wrapping the cake. This way they will not get smashed and stuck on the wrap.
- To flash freeze, simply place your cake on a cookie sheet and place it in the freezer for an hour or so. Once the icing or other toppings are relatively hard you can remove it and get started wrapping it.
- Go ahead and wrap your cake completely with two separate layers of plastic wrap to maintain maximum freshness and moisture.
- If you would like to add an additional layer of protection, you can then add a layer of aluminum foil around the cake.
- Place your wrapped cake into a freezer bag or large air tight container. If you're using a freezer bag, ensure that you have squeezed any extra air out of the bag.
- Label your bag or container with the date and then place it into the freezer and a spot where your cake will not get smashed.
Supplies/Equipment Needed:
- Ziploc Bags
- Plastic Wrap
- Aluminum Foil
- Marker or Pen
- Airtight Freezer Container
How to Defrost Sponge Cake
The best way to defrost sponge cake is in the refrigerator. Though this does take longer than doing it on the counter or other methods, it is important to go slow with the defrosting so that the light texture of the cake doesn't suffer in the process.
To defrost the sponge cake, remove it from the freezer and place it into the fridge. You can leave it in the packaging. The only exception is if there is any moisture build up or obvious freezer burn in the package, you may want to put it in a new container to defrost so it doesn't become soggy.
Depending on the size of the slices or if you froze an entire cake, the defrost time can vary. But, for reference, individual servings/slices easily fully thaw overnight in 8 - 10 hours.
Once it is defrosted, it is almost exactly the same as fresh except the light, airy texture is slightly more compact.
Freezing Sponge Cake FAQ
Does freezing sponge cake make it less moist?
Freezing sponge cake may cause it to be a little drier overall. However, if the cake is wrapped well and placed in an airtight container it should stay really pretty moist overall.
How long does sponge cake last?
Sponge cake can last upwards of 5 days especially if it is stored in the fridge and has icing on it.
Can you freeze sponge cake with buttercream?
Yes, you can free sponge cake with buttercream frosting. Although, freezing buttercream frosting may suffer a little quality degradation as you can't re-whip it after freezing if it is already on the cake.
How to Freeze Sponge Cake
Equipment
- airtight container
- marker or pen
- freezer bags
- plastic wrap
- aluminum foil
Ingredients
- Sponge Cake sliced, whole, dessert cups, homemade or store-bought
Instructions
Plain Sponge Cake
- If you are using homemade sponge cake, ensure it is completely cooled before starting.
- Portion it out into the amounts you will need when you defrost it. You can freeze the cake whole or in slices.
- Tear off a sheet of plastic wrap large enough to completely cover a portion and lay it flat on the counter.
- Put one portion of sponge cake in the center and then securely wrap it up.Note: if you want to provide extra protection you can use another sheet of plastic wrap or a layer of aluminum foil.
- Repeat the wrapping process for all portions.
- Pop your wrapped portions into a freezer bag or airtight container and seal it shut. For freezer bags; make sure you squeeze any air out before sealing it.
- Write the date on your package and toss it into the freezer.
Sponge Cake with Toppings
- If your sponge cake has toppings, you need to take one additional step to ensure the toppings stay put.
- Make sure your cake is totally cooled if you made it at home.
- Portion it out in the amounts you will need at defrosting time.
- Set your portions in a single layer on a cookie sheet and pop into the freezer to flash freeze. This should take an hour or so, just long enough for the toppings to be hard so they don't get smashed.
- Remove from the freezer and wrap each portion in a layer of plastic wrap and/or aluminum foil.
- Pop your wrapped portions into an airtight container or a freezer bag and close it up.Freezer bags: make sure you press any air out before closing it up.
- Take a marker and write the date on your package, then place it in the freezer.
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