Freezing cakes that contain fresh fruits like apples is absolutely possible, but does require some special considerations. In the opening paragraphs, we’ll provide a quick overview on the best practices for freezing cakes with apples.
Can You Freeze Cake with Apples?
Yes, you can freeze cakes that contain apples. However, there are a few important steps to follow when freezing cakes with fresh fruits like apples:
- Use sturdy, freezer-safe containers or wrap cakes well in plastic wrap and foil.
- Allow cakes to cool completely before freezing.
- Freeze cakes for no longer than 2-3 months for best quality.
- Thaw cakes slowly in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Follow those tips, and you can successfully freeze cakes with apple fillings or chunks of apples baked inside. The apples may soften slightly during freezing and thawing, but the cake should still taste great.
Challenges of Freezing Cakes with Apples
While it’s certainly possible to freeze cakes containing apples, there are some challenges to keep in mind:
- Fresh fruits like apples contain a high water content. During freezing, the water in the apples expands and can cause damage to the cake texture.
- Apples and other fruits will continue to ripen during freezing. This can lead to changes in flavor, texture, and appearance.
- Thawing the cakes can also cause apples to weep liquid, making the cake soggy.
However, there are steps you can take to prevent or minimize these issues, as we’ll discuss next.
How to Freeze Cakes with Apples
Here is a step-by-step guide to successfully freeze cakes made with apples:
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Prep the cake: Bake and cool the cake completely first. Wrap individual cake layers well in plastic wrap, or place the entire cake in a freezer-safe container. Make sure all surfaces are covered well to prevent freezer burn.
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Pre-freeze option: For cakes prone to weeping, like those with apple pie fillings, pre-freeze the cake for 1-2 hours before wrapping. This helps prevent damage to the cake from freezing.
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Protect apples: Toss apple pieces or fillings in lemon juice, orange juice, or syrup before adding to the cake batter. The acidity helps maintain texture and color.
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Wrap well: Double wrap cakes in plastic wrap, pressing it directly against the surface. Then wrap again in foil or place in air-tight containers. This prevents freezer burn.
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Freeze properly: Place cakes in a stable part of the freezer, not the door. Freeze at 0°F or below for best quality and texture.
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Label it: Mark cakes with the freeze date and contents. Store frozen cakes for no more than 2-3 months.
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Thaw slowly: Thaw cakes overnight in the fridge. This prevents condensation from forming on the surface.
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Serve: Once thawed, serve cake chilled or bring back to room temperature. Enjoy!
Best Cake Recipes to Freeze with Apples
Some cakes freeze better than others when apples are involved. Here are some of the best cake recipes to freeze containing apples:
| Cake Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Apple spice cake | Warm spices like cinnamon complement apples. Dense crumb prevents weeping. |
| Applesauce cake | Applesauce in batter maintains moisture. Less risk of weeping. |
| Carrot apple cake | Carrots keep cake moist. Apples provide flavor. |
| Apple pumpkin cake | Pumpkin puree adds moisture and texture. Apples add flavor. |
| Apple pecan cake | Rich crumb and oil in batter retains moisture. Pecans add crunch. |
Those types of cakes tend to freeze well with minimal weeping, maintaining a pleasing, moist texture once thawed.
Tips for Freezing Cake Layers with Apples
For layer cakes like apple spice cake or caramel apple cake, it’s best to freeze cake layers separately:
- Cool cake layers completely before wrapping for freezing.
- Wrap each layer individually in plastic wrap, foil, or freezer bags.
- Place layers in airtight containers or bags while freezing.
- Keep layers separated with pieces of parchment paper.
- Thaw layers slowly in the fridge before decorating and assembling the finished cake.
Freezing cake layers separately prevents them from sticking together and allows you to thaw only what you need. Follow the rest of the freezing tips above for best quality.
How Long Does Cake with Apples Last in the Freezer?
Properly stored in the freezer at 0°F or below, cakes containing apples can last for the following times:
- Plain cakes with apple pieces: 2-3 months
- Cakes with fresh apple filling: 1 month
- Fruitcake with candied apples: Up to 1 year
For longer freeze times, protect cakes with an extra layer of foil before freezing. Monitor cakes over time and toss if you see signs of freezer burn, drying out, or changes in texture.
Can You Freeze Apple Cake Batter?
You can freeze unbaked apple cake batter, but be aware of a few things:
- The apples will soften during freezing, changing the texture.
- Leavening power diminishes over time, affecting rise.
- Maximum freezer time is 2-3 months for best quality.
- Thaw batter overnight in fridge before baking.
- Add 1-2 tsp extra leavening before baking thawed batter.
For better results, bake apple cakes first, then freeze the baked and cooled cakes instead of freezing the batter.
How to Thaw Frozen Cakes with Apples
Thaw frozen cakes with apples slowly and properly to maintain texture:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- Leave cakes wrapped while thawing to prevent weeping.
- Unwrap and serve cake chilled, or let come to room temperature before icing or eating.
- Enjoy thawed cake within 3-5 days for best quality.
- Avoid refreezing thawed cakes.
If any condensation accumulates on the cake, dab it off gently with a paper towel before decorating or serving.
Delicious Ways to Use Thawed Apple Cake
Once thawed, enjoy that apple cake in all kinds of tempting ways. Here are some delicious options:
- Top slices with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an easy apple cake a la mode.
- Make apple cake trifle by layering cubed cake with custard and whipped cream.
- Turn apple cake into breakfast parfaits layered with yogurt and granola.
- Use chunks of apple cake in fruit salads, yogurt bowls or oatmeal.
- Toast slices of apple cake and serve with tea or coffee.
- Sprinkle thawed apple cake with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar.
Get creative with slices or chunks of apple cake straight from the freezer – the options are endless!
Common Apple Cake Freezing FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about freezing cakes made with apples:
Does apple cake freeze well?
Yes, apple cakes can freeze well for up to 2-3 months if properly wrapped, frozen, and thawed. Un-iced apple cakes freeze the best.
Can you freeze apple cake with cream cheese frosting?
It’s best to freeze the cake and frosting separately, then thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting. The frosting may weep a bit after thawing.
What happens when you freeze cake with fresh apples?
The apples will soften slightly during freezing and may weep some liquid during thawing. Wrap cakes well and use acidic ingredients to minimize texture changes.
Should you thaw frozen cake before icing?
Yes, always thaw frozen cakes completely before adding frosting or decorations. Thawing prevents condensation from damaging the decoration.
Can frozen apple cake go bad?
Yes, apple cake can go bad in the freezer over time. Toss cake if you notice dried out, soggy, or moldy spots after more than 2-3 months.
Delicious Apple Cake Recipes to Freeze
Ready to bake up some apple cakes to stash in your freezer? Try out these delicious and freezer-friendly recipes:
Spiced Apple Pound Cake
This moist, dense pound cake is loaded with spiced apples and perfectly suited for freezing. The recipe makes two loaves – freeze one for later!
Caramel Apple Bundt Cake
An apple cider glaze gives this bundt cake tons of fall flavor. Wrap slices individually to control portions from the freezer.
Slow Cooker Apple Upside Down Cake
Let your slow cooker do the work with this handy recipe! The apples get deliciously caramelized before being topped with cake batter.
Apple Cinnamon Roll Cake
All the flavors of cinnamon rolls in festive cake form. The cream cheese frosting can be frozen separately.
Apple Pie Cupcakes
Bake up a batch of these apple pie-inspired cupcakes, then freeze and thaw as needed for easy treats on demand.
Conclusion
Freezing cakes with fresh apple fillings or chunks does require some special care. But with the proper prep, freezing process, storage, and thawing, you can successfully freeze apple cakes for 2-3 months. Use sturdy containers, double wrap cakes, freeze at stable temperatures, and thaw overnight in the fridge. Follow these tips, and your frozen apple cakes will taste freshly-baked when enjoyed.