Ever wondered if you can freeze that fluffy, cloud-like angel food cake?

Good news – you absolutely can freeze angel food cake! And it’s actually a pretty smart move if you want to keep that airy, delicate texture around for longer than a few days.

Let me walk you through everything you need to know about freezing, storing, and thawing this uniquely light dessert – with some practical tips I’ve picked up along the way.

How to Freeze Angel Food Cake (Without Ruining It)

Angel food cake is different from other cakes because it’s made primarily from egg whites with no oils or butter. This gives it that signature cloud-like texture, but also means it dries out faster than richer cakes.

Freezing helps lock in moisture and can keep your cake fresh for up to 3-6 months when done right.

The Best Way to Freeze Angel Food Cake

Here’s my step-by-step method to freeze angel food cake without destroying its delicate structure:

1. Cool That Cake Down

First things first – make sure your cake is completely cool before freezing. Trying to freeze a warm cake = condensation = soggy cake when thawed. Nobody wants that.

If you’ve just baked it, let it cool at room temperature. If you bought it from the store, it’s probably already cool and ready to go.

2. Slice Before You Freeze

Trust me on this one – slice your cake before freezing. This makes thawing so much easier and prevents you from having to thaw the entire cake when you only want a piece.

Plus, trying to cut a frozen angel food cake is like trying to slice a cloud with a chainsaw – messy and not recommended.

3. Double-Wrap for Protection

Angel food cake deserves good protection in the freezer. I recommend a double-wrap approach:

1. First, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap
2. Then wrap again with aluminum foil (or place in a freezer bag)

This double-barrier method prevents freezer burn and keeps out air that would dry out your cake or give it that weird “freezer taste.”

4. Container Up

For extra protection (especially if you have a crowded freezer), place your wrapped slices in an airtight container. This prevents your delicate cake from getting crushed by that frozen turkey or whatever else is lurking in your freezer.

5. Label & Date

This might seem obvious, but always label your frozen cake with the date. Even the best-intentioned bakers forget what’s hiding in the back of the freezer. Dating helps you use it within the prime 3-month window.

Thawing Angel Food Cake the Right Way

Properly thawing your cake is just as important as properly freezing it. Here’s what works best:

1. Move from freezer to fridge: Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator
2. Room temperature finish: About an hour before serving, let it come to room temperature

Don’t microwave it! I repeat: do not microwave frozen angel food cake unless you want a rubbery, chewy mess.

The slow thaw method preserves that light, airy texture we all love about angel food cake. According to baking experts at King Arthur Baking, the gradual temperature change helps maintain the cake’s structure.

Pro Tips for Freezing Success

A few extra pointers I’ve learned through trial and error:

• Freeze plain cake only – toppings, glazes, and whipped cream don’t freeze well. Add those fresh after thawing.
• Handle with care – angel food cake is fragile! Be gentle when wrapping to avoid squishing it.
• Use fresh ingredients – if you’re baking your own cake, using fresh egg whites results in a cake that freezes and thaws better.
• Don’t refrigerate long-term – the refrigerator will dry out angel food cake in 2-3 days. For anything longer, freezing is your friend.

According to America’s Test Kitchen, properly frozen angel food cake can maintain most of its texture and flavor for several months, making it a great make-ahead dessert option.

What About Store-Bought Cakes?

Good news! This freezing method works just as well for store-bought angel food cakes as it does for homemade ones. So whether you baked it yourself or grabbed one from Trader Joe’s, you can freeze it with confidence.

So there you have it – angel food cake absolutely can be frozen, and when done right, it’ll be nearly as good as fresh when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Next time you see angel food cake on sale (or have the energy to bake one), go ahead and get an extra to freeze. Your future self will thank you when you’re enjoying a slice of heavenly cake without any of the work!