Does cake go bad if frozen?

Short answer

Yes, cake can go bad if frozen, but only if it is not wrapped properly or is kept too long. Well wrapped, a wedding cake can stay good in the freezer for up to a year, though the texture may soften slightly.

Freezing a wedding cake is a common way to keep it for your first anniversary, and it works well if you do it carefully. The key is to stop air and moisture from reaching the cake. Wrap each tier tightly in a few layers of cling film, then again in foil, and place it in a sturdy freezer box or bag. This stops the cake from picking up other flavours and prevents freezer burn.

A cake that is not wrapped properly can go dry, crumbly or taste of the freezer. It can also absorb smells from strong foods nearby, like onions or fish. Even a well wrapped cake will not stay at its best forever. After about a year, the sponge may become dense and the icing can sweat or crack as it thaws.

If you freeze a cake with fresh cream, fruit or custard fillings, these do not freeze as well and can turn watery. Buttercream and royal icing freeze much better. When you are ready to eat it, move the cake to the fridge for a day, then let it come to room temperature before serving. If the cake smells odd, looks mouldy or has ice crystals all over, do not eat it. When in doubt, throw it out.