Learn How Long is Ice Cream Cake Good For and More!

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How Long is Ice Cream Cake Good For

Ice cream cake is a fantastic dessert that is especially perfect for warmer months. There are several important questions to answer about this kind of cake such as how long is the ice cream cake good for, and how should an ice cream cake be stored.

These two play off one another, how the cake is stored may determine how long it is good for. For details please be sure to check out the following sections where all of your questions will be answered. 

Ice Cream Cake close up

How Long Does Ice Cream Cake Last? Does Ice Cream Cake Go Bad?

Many of us enjoy the delicious taste of ice cream cake, however, it is important to know how long it is good for and if it can go bad. The amount of time a cake is good for depends on how it is stored.

We will go into detail on the best storage methods for your cake, as well as details on how to thaw your frozen dessert, and how to tell if your cake has gone bad.

Be sure to check out all of the details below for answers to your questions. First, before we look into all of the details about cakes, let’s begin by discovering what exactly this kind of dessert is. 

What is Ice Cream Cake?

Ice cream cake is basically a cake made from various kinds of ice creams. There are several different ways ice cream cakes can be made, typically they have a crust of crushed cookies, brownies, or cookies then topped with ice cream and covered in either whipped cream or frosting.

There are many different flavors of ice cream cakes that you can enjoy. You can also purchase this kind of cake from several prominent retailers, or you can make your own cake from scratch.  

How Long Do Ice Cream Cakes Last

How long the ice cream cake lasts depends on how your dessert is stored. To keep your cake for a longer amount of time you can store your cake in the freezer, and for very short some of the time it can be stored in the refrigerator.

The amount of time your ice cream cake lasts will depend on how your treat is stored. Below, we will go over details and storing your cake in the freezer and how long it’s good for, compared to storing cake in the fridge and how long it is good for. 

How to Store Ice Cream Cake

There are three main ways you can store your cake. Those are storing your cake in the freezer, refrigerator, and at room temperature. How long your ice cream cake is good for will depend on how it is stored. Let’s take a deep dive into how long your dessert is good for. 

Storing And Thawing Ice Cream Cake

Storing Ice Cream Cake In The Freezer

The best way to store your ice cream cake is to keep it in the freezer. When frozen, and sealed in an airtight container, or freezer plastic bag to prevent freezer burn, ice cream cakes are typically best enjoyed within seven days. 

The reason why it is recommended that ice cream cakes be enjoyed within seven days stored in the freezer is that they are likely to acquire freezer burn. This makes them less enjoyable to eat. Your cake is also going to be best enjoyed fresh, which is why we recommend enjoying it within seven days. 

General Guidelines for Storing Ice Cream Cake in the Freezer

There are a few basic guidelines you can follow when storing your ice cream cakes in the freezer, which will allow you to enjoy the best results. Below are the guidelines outlined for your reference. 

  1. Store Your Cake Quickly. Place your cake into the freezer quickly to keep it from melting. 
  2. Seal Your Cake. We highly recommend placing your cake in an airtight container or sealable plastic freezer bag. This works well to help prevent your cake from getting freezer burnt. 
  3. Use Plastic Containers. If possible, it is recommended that you do not use a glass storage container for your ice cream cakes. If you have the option of an airtight plastic container these tend to work best as they get cold, faster. 

How Long Can You Keep Ice Cream Cake in the Freezer?

The best answer to how long can you keep ice cream cake in the freezer is approximately one week or seven days. This will give you the best results for your cake to have that fresh taste and avoid freezer burn. However, it may also depend on your specific freezer for how long your cake is good. In some cases, cake may last longer, however, for most freezers seven days is a good rule of thumb. 

When should I take my ice cream cake out of the freezer?

Your cake is best stored in the freezer for up to seven days. However, when you are ready to serve your cake you will want to take it out of the freezer and allow it to slightly thaw so that you can cut it into slices and serve. 

For the best results, it has been found that removing your ice cream cake from the freezer to the refrigerator is a good method to slowly thaw your cake so that you can cut and serve the cake. Below are the details on keeping your ice cream cake in the fridge. 

Storing Ice Cream Cake In The Fridge

Believe it or not, ice cream cakes can actually be stored in the fridge. You are only going to want to do this for short amounts of time and for a specific purpose.

The purpose of putting a cake in the fridge is typically to help your cake thaw out slightly without it melting. This is typically done right before you want to serve the cake so that you can manage to cut the cake and not have it melted. 

Does ice cream cake go in the fridge or freezer?

To store your cake you will want to place it in the freezer. However, before serving your cake it is a good idea to move your cake from the freezer to the fridge and allow it to thaw slightly so that you can cut the cake into serving pieces. Moving the cake from the freezer to the fridge will also help prevent your cake from melting quickly. 

Can you store ice cream cake in the fridge?

Ice cream cake should not be stored in the fridge, rather in the freezer. However, before you are ready to serve your cake it’s a good idea to move your cake from the freezer to the fridge 30 minutes, in advance to let your cake thaw slightly.

The amount of time may vary depending on the temperature of your freezer and how long the cake has been frozen. It is important to point out that this only applies if your cake has been kept in a very cold freezer for a period of time.

Typically ice cream cakes that have been stored in a freezer compartment of your refrigerator are not frozen as solid and will need much less time to thaw. Ice cream cakes that have been frozen in warmer freezers take more along the lines of 10-20 minutes to thaw. 

Ice Cream Cake piece cut out

How long will an ice cream cake last in the fridge?

Your cake should be stored in the freezer in an airtight container for up to seven days then moved to the fridge before serving.

Allow your frozen dessert to sit in the fridge for 10 minutes or up to two hours depending on how cold your freezer temperature is.

Keep an eye on your cake, and make sure that it does not thaw too much and become soupy. 

How Long to Thaw Ice Cream Cake Before Serving

Before serving your cake it is a good idea to remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw for a few minutes. This makes it easier to cut your cake and serve it. It also makes it more enjoyable to eat the cake when it is not frozen solid. 

In the Refrigerator. Ice cream cake can be moved from the freezer to your refrigerator and allowed to thaw for one hour or as little as twenty minutes depending on how frozen solid your dessert is. 

On the Counter. Also allow your ice cream cake to thaw on the countertop before serving. If you are thawing your cake on the counter, we recommend allowing your cake to sit between 10 and 20 minutes before cutting and serving the cake.

Of course, if you are in a warmer location, the time may be even less. Simply keep an eye on your cake and make sure that it is still frozen, and not melted. You simply are looking for your dessert to become soft enough to cut. 

When should I take my ice cream cake out of the freezer to cut and serve?

When you should take your cake out of the freezer to cut and serve depending on how cold your freezer is. 

For freezers that are very cold, allow one to two hours of thawing time in the refrigerator for your ice cream cake. Freezers that are warmer, can take as little as 10 to 30 minutes of thaw time for your cake. 

You can also allow your cake to thaw at room temperature, which will allow your dessert to be ready to cut and serve and 10 to 20 minutes. This method works great if you don’t want to wait as long to cut and serve your cake.

How to Tell if Ice Cream Cake is Bad

The main way your ice cream cake can go bad is to become freezer burned. This is the most common thing to go wrong with it. To tell if your cake has become freezer burned, examine it closely. You will begin to see ice crystals forming on your cake. This is a sign that it has freezer burn on it. 

Another reason why your dessert could go bad is that it has absorbed too much moisture and has molded. Both freezer burn and mold typically occur when your cake has been stored either too long or not correctly. For best results, you will want to be sure your cake is stored in an airtight container and placed in the freezer.  

Ice Cream Cake full cake

Tips for Properly Cutting and Serving an Ice Cream Cake

There are a few tips you can follow for cutting and serving your ice cream cake which will allow you delicious results. Below are a few tips and tricks for you to follow with your cake. 

Thawing Ice Cream Cake

Thaw your dessert by removing it from the freezer and letting it slowly thaw in the fridge. Or you can allow it to sit on your counter for a few minutes to thaw faster. 

Cutting Ice Cream Cake

To get the best results in cutting an ice cream cake after it has had time to thaw, you will want to start by choosing a long serrated knife. This will allow you to get the best cut in the cake. Run the knife under warm water, then make your cut. Every few slices, you may want to run your knife under warm water, to get a nice, clean, cut in your cake. 

Serving Ice Cream Cake

When you serve the cake, you will want to do so immediately after the cake is cut. We also recommend that you cut and serve the cake to anyone who wants some, then store the cake quickly to prevent excess melting. 

Storing Ice Cream Cake

Any leftover cake is best placed in an air-tight storage container, or sealable plastic bag, then placed in the freezer. Store in the freezer for seven days or less before you finish enjoying the leftover cake. 

What To Do If The Cake Isn’t Ready To Serve

If you are ready to serve the cake, and it is still frozen hard, you might try moving it from the refrigerator to the countertop. You can also try running the knife under hot water for a few minutes to heat it up. Then try cutting your cake with a hot knife. After every slice, you make run the knife back under hot water to keep it warm. 

What To Do If Ice Cream Cake Is Left Out For Too Long

You will want to avoid leaving ice cream cake out for too long if possible. For best results, you’ll want to serve the cake, and then store it back in the freezer right away.

Ice cream cake that has just slightly melted can still be frozen if stored in an airtight container. However, if your cake has become quite melted, it’s probably best to just throw any leftovers out. You will not want to risk eating ice cream that could have gone bad.

How Do You Transport Ice Cream Cake Without It Melting

Transporting your ice cream cake from one location to another without it melting can be a challenge. It is important to not let your cake melt too much in the process of moving it from freezer to freezer as it could change shape, and go bad. There are however a few ways you can keep your cake frozen while it is being transported. 

Ways To Keep Ice Cream Cake From Melting

Using dry ice. One great way you can keep your cake frozen while it is being transported is to use dry ice. Carefully store your cake in an insulated bag or cooler along with some wrapped dry ice.

Be very careful to not touch the dry ice directly with your food or your hands, it should be wrapped. The dry ice will keep your food very cold while it is being transported. 

Use regular ice. Another way you can prevent your ice cream cake from melting while it is being transported is to use regular ice.

To do this, we recommend putting regular ice in a couple of plastic bags, and then into a cooler or insulated bag along with your wrapped cake. This will help it stay cold while you are moving it. 

Summary 

Freezer. Ice cream cake is good for approximately seven days when stored in an airtight container and kept in the freezer. 

Fridge. Ice cream cake can be thawed in the refrigerator for anywhere between 30 minutes and two hours depending upon how frozen your cake is. 

Room Temperature. You can also thaw your ice cream cake at room temperature by placing your cake from the freezer to your countertop and allow it to sit for 10 to 20 minutes or until thawed enough to cut. 

Cutting & Serving. To cut and serve your cake, take a long knife and run it under warm water. Cut your cake into slices using this knife and rinse it under warm water every few slices to help your slices be nice and even. Serve your cake right away, then store any leftovers back in the freezer. 

Ice Cream Cake top down

FAQs

How Long Can Ice Cream Cake Sit Out?

The amount of time your cake can sit out depends on your room temperature. In most cases, cake should only sit out for a few minutes at a time. If your dessert becomes just slightly melted, you can re-freeze it, however, if it does too much and becomes soupy it should be thrown out. As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to not let your cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes at a time, however, it may depend on your location. 

How Long Does Ice Cream Cake Last Outside?

How long the ice cream cake lasts outside depends on your local temperature. Typically, cake can sit outside between 10 and 30 minutes depending on how warm your location is. Be careful to keep an eye on your cake so that it does not melt too much. 

How Long Do You Defrost An Ice Cream Cake?

An ice cream cake should never be defrosted in the microwave. However, it may be thawed by allowing it to sit in the fridge for anywhere between 30 minutes and two hours, or at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes. However, these times may vary depending on your location and how warm it is there. 

When should you take ice cream cake out of the freezer?

You should take an ice cream cake out of the freezer and allow it to sit at room temperature between 10 and 20 minutes before you wish to serve it. While it is fine, keep a close eye on your cake to be sure it does not melt. 

Will ice cream cake melt in the fridge?

Yes, your cake can melt if it is kept in the fridge too long. Ice cream cake is made from frozen ice cream, which must be kept frozen in the freezer. 

How do I keep my ice cream cake from melting?

The best way to keep your ice cream cake from melting is to store it in the freezer when you are not serving the dessert. 

Can you put candles on an ice cream cake?

In most cases, you can put candles on your cake. It’s a good idea to not let the candles burn too low, and let them be lit for only a short amount of time. 

How do you store homemade ice cream cake?

The best way to store homemade cake is to place it in an airtight container and freeze the cake. For the best results, we recommend freezing your homemade ice cream cake for no more than seven days. 

How long can an ice cream cake be left to sit?

How long ice cream cake can be left to sit out depends on the temperature of your location. Cake typically should only be left out for 10 to 30 minutes, however, is a good idea to keep an eye on your ice cream cake so that it does not melt too much. 

How to Make an Ice Cream Cake 

Ice cream cake can be purchased from many different retailers, however, it can also be made from scratch. Below we have linked a delicious recipe for you to make your own homemade ice cream cake. It is surprisingly easy to make your own homemade cake, and you have the opportunity to make it any way you wish. 

Homemade Ice Cream Cake Recipe

How Long is Ice Cream Cake Good For

How long is ice cream cake good for? How long your cake last depends on how is stored, and where it is stored. In most cases, cake can be frozen for up to seven days and taste the best. Although your dessert may last longer if stored properly in the freezer, it can run the risk of becoming freezer burnt, which is why we recommend enjoying your ice cream cake within seven days’ time stored in the freezer. 

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How Long is Ice Cream Cake Good For

Instructions

  • Freezer
  • Ice cream cake is good for approximately seven days when stored in an airtight container and kept in the freezer.
  • Fridge
  • Ice cream cake can be thawed in the refrigerator for anywhere between 30 minutes and two hours depending upon how frozen your ice cream cake is.
  • Room Temperature
  • You can also thaw your ice cream cake at room temperature to do this, move your ice cream cake from the freezer to your countertop and allow it to sit for 10 to 20 minutes or until thawed enough to cut.
  • Cutting & Serving
  • To cut and serve your ice cream cake, take a serious long knife and run it under warm water. Cut your cake into slices using this knife and rinse it under warm water every few slices to help your slices be nice and even. Serve your ice cream cake right away, then store any leftovers back in the freezer.

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