Can You Freeze Sponge Cake?

Sponge cake is a light, fluffy cake made from flour, sugar, and eggs. A classic sponge cake – also known as Victoria sponge cake – consists of raspberry jam and whipped cream sandwiched between two layers of sponge cakes. Sponge cake is quite popular and is often served during special events and dinner parties. Can you freeze sponge cake?

Don’t be fooled by the delicate texture of sponge cakes, they freeze so well! When kept in the fridge, sponge cake should last for 2 weeks. But when kept in the freezer, its shelf life is extended to 6 months, maybe even more if the temperature is kept at a steady 0 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sponge cake tooped with strawberries
Image used under Creative Commons from Kelly Hunter

That said, it’s best to consume the cake within two months for optimal flavor and texture. Sponge cake could degrade when kept in the freezer for too long. Fatless sponge cakes tend to degrade faster than your average sponge cakes. Firmer sponge cakes will freeze better than softer varieties.

Certain things to consider when you’re making a sponge cake in advance, use natural ingredients instead of artificial essences to extend its shelf life. Homemade sponge cakes are best frozen in separate layers. If this isn’t possible, that’s fine, you can stack them up if you have no room in the freezer. Below is a step by step guide on how can you freeze sponge cake:

How to Freeze Sponge Cake?

If you’re making the sponge cakes from scratch, wait for the sponge cake layers to cool completely on a wire rack. Do not add the fillings or toppings, do this when you’re ready to serve the cake. Once the cake layers have cooled completely, wrap each one in cling wrap. This will serve as the first layer of protection against freezer burns.

Sponge cake topped with powdered sugar
Image used under Creative Commons from fenwench

Once the cake layers are covered in cling wrap, get a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag. Do not use flimsy or thin plastic bags, they do not offer enough protection from the freezing temps. Place the cake layers in their respective plastic bag. Squeeze as much air as you can, seal, then write the storage date with a marker.

As for leftover sponge cake, wrap the whole thing in aluminum foil first. Then, place the cake in a rigid plastic container or a large resealable plastic bag. Write the storage date with a marker then stick in the freezer.

Spong cake and a tea kettle
Image used under Creative Commons from Carwyn Lloyd Jones – Dylunio Creadigol

How to Defrost Frozen Sponge Cake?

To defrost frozen sponge cake, remove the sponge cake from the resealable plastic bag but keep the aluminum foil or cling wrap wrapping. Then, transfer from the freezer to the fridge. Leave to thaw overnight. You have to remove the plastic wrapping to reduce condensation. When condensation sets in, it will ruin the texture and water down the flavor of the cake.

Once the sponge cake has been thawed completely, it’s ready to be eaten or dressed with fillings, toppings icing, and other add-ons.

Summary

Whether in the form of a birthday cake or a wedding cake, there’s no doubt that sponge cake makes any gathering extra special! And if you’ve got an upcoming event, treat loved ones to a beautiful sponge cake. But if you are pressed for time, you can always make the cake in advance and store it in the freezer until you’re ready to serve. Now that you know how can you freeze sponge cake, your baked creations will stay fresh and delicious for days!