Quick Answer
You can refrigerate a cake with fondant decorations, but there are some things you need to keep in mind. The fondant may sweat or discolor in the fridge if not properly wrapped or sealed. You’ll want to let the fondant decorations firm up before refrigerating. And you generally don’t want to refrigerate fondant decorations for more than a couple days to maintain the best quality.
Storing Fondant Decorated Cakes in the Fridge
Refrigerating a fondant frosted cake can help it stay fresh and prevent the frosting from melting in warmer temperatures. However, since fondant is sugar-based, it can sweat and bleed color in the fridge if not stored properly.
Here are some tips for refrigerating cakes with fondant decorations:
Let Fondant Decorations Firm Up First
Before refrigerating a fondant decorated cake, let the fondant decorations dry and firm up completely, about 24 hours. If the fondant is still soft when chilled, it may become sticky and lose its smooth finish.
Wrap Cake Airtight Before Refrigerating
Wrap the cake very well in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container before refrigerating. This prevents the fondant from sweating or drying out in the fridge.
You can place cake boards under and on top of the cake to help seal in freshness. Or use acrylic cake containers to provide an airtight environment.
Watch Humidity Levels in the Fridge
The humidity level in your fridge can affect the fondant too. Try to maintain a humidity level around 50-60% to prevent fondant from sweating.
You may need to adjust the settings or use fridge dehumidifiers if the environment is too humid.
Don’t Refrigerate Too Long
In general, don’t refrigerate a fondant frosted cake for more than 2-3 days. The longer it’s chilled, the more likely you’ll have issues with condensation, sweating, or discoloration.
If keeping the cake longer, take it out and let it come to room temperature for a couple hours every few days. Then rewrap and return to the fridge to maintain freshness.
Add Support Structures
Add wooden skewers, straws, or cake dowels under heavy fondant pieces or tiers for extra support if refrigerating. The chilling temperature can soften fondant decorations and cause them to sag or lean.
Structural supports will help keep fondant decorations upright and positioned correctly.
Avoid Direct Contact with Vegetables
Don’t place the cake directly next to raw veggies, salad greens, etc in the fridge. The ethylene gas naturally emitted can prematurely age the cake and cause fondant to discolor.
Watch for Condensation
When first removing from the fridge, condensation may form on the surface as the cake adjusts to room temperature. Gently dab off any moisture with paper towels or a soft cloth.
Letting it air dry may cause water spots on the fondant. So be sure to gently dry it off.
How Does Refrigeration Affect Fondant?
The refrigerated environment can impact fondant in a few key ways:
Sweating
Moisture trapped between the frosting and fondant may sweat as it chills and emerges when thawed. This leaves water droplets on the fondant surface.
Stickiness
Warm fondant is smooth and pliable. But refrigerating can make it sticky, gummy, and difficult to work with.
Hardening
The cold temperature makes fondant very firm and dense. Refrigerated fondant decorations may crack or break more easily when handling.
Discoloration
Certain dyes or food colorings may bleed or become muted when refrigerated. Pink, red, blue and black fondant are most likely to show discoloration in the fridge.
Condensation
Bringing a chilled fondant cake to room temp causes condensation. Water droplets form on the surface as it warms and can leave discoloration or water marks.
Drying Out
The cold, dry environment can dry out uncovered fondant, making it tough and cracked. Always keep fondant wrapped airtight.
Can You Freeze a Cake with Fondant Decorations?
Freezing is not recommended for fondant cakes. The very cold temperature makes fondant hard and brittle. Decorations are much more prone to cracking, breaking, and losing their shape in the freezer.
If freezing is required, take extra precautions:
– Double wrap the cake in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Place in an airtight container or cake box.
– Surround the cake with crumpled parchment paper inside the box to protect decorations from damage.
– Defrost the cake slowly in the fridge, not at room temperature.
– Expect to lose some decoration details or have cracked fondant.
– Refrosting or touch ups may be needed after thawing.
For best quality, avoid freezing fondant cakes whenever possible. The drastic temperature change negatively impacts the materials.
Can You Refrigerate Other Decorated Cakes?
Besides fondant, here are some guidelines for refrigerating cakes with other decorations:
Buttercream Frosting
Use an airtight container and refrigerate no more than 5 days. Buttercream may crust over or weep. Let cake layers come to room temp before assembling if chilled.
Whipped Cream Frosting
Whipped cream frosting won’t hold up well chilled. Refrigerate no more than 24 hours for best quality. Weeping is common.
Ganache
Store ganache frosted cakes in the fridge if not serving immediately. Ganache firms up nicely when chilled. Allow to come to room temperature before serving for best appearance.
Fresh Fruit
Fresh berries, florals, etc need refrigeration. Avoid direct contact with whipped cream. Condensation may form on fruit when first removed from fridge.
Chocolate Decorations
Tempered chocolate pieces or garnishes can be stored in the fridge. Allow to come to room temperature before serving to prevent condensation as they warm.
Signs of Problems Refrigerating Fondant Cakes
Watch for these common issues that can arise when fondant cakes are refrigerated:
Sweating or Condensation
Droplets of moisture form on the fondant exterior due to condensation, high humidity, or trapped moisture.
Sticky Fondant
Chilled fondant becomes sticky, gooey, or gummy when handled. It loses its firm texture.
Discolored Fondant
Pigment bleeds out of fondant or reacts with moisture, causing the color to change, bleed, or fade.
Cracked or Damaged Decorations
Hard, cold fondant is more brittle. Delicate decorations may crack or break when bumped or handled.
Drooping or Leaning Decorations
Gravity and the cold temperature causes heavy fondant pieces to sag, slump, or lean if not properly supported.
Beads of Moisture
Tiny beads of water or damp spots appear on the fondant from refrigeration. This is from condensation or sweating.
Dry, Cracked Fondant
Unwrapped fondant will dry out in the cold fridge environment, becoming cracked and discolored.
Tips for Refrigerating Fondant Cakes
To properly store a fondant cake in the fridge, follow these top tips:
Seal Airtight
Prevent moisture loss by wrapping cakes very well in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container.
Provide Support
Insert dowels, cake combs, or plates to support tiered cakes and add stability for heavy decorations.
Avoid Direct Contact with Produce
Ethylene gases can prematurely age or discolor fondant. Keep distance from fruits and veggies.
Control Humidity
Use a refrigerator dehumidifier and aim for 50-60% humidity. Low humidity prevents sweating.
Let Temper Before Serving
Always let a chilled cake with fondant decorations gradually come to room temperature before assembling or serving.
Refrigerate for Short Durations
Refrigerate fondant cakes for less than 3 days at a time, then let them return to room temperature before chilling again.
Watch for Condensation
Carefully dry any water droplets that form during the tempering process to prevent discoloration.
Touch Up Decorations
Inspect decorations after refrigeration. Repair as needed with additional fondant or touches of frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze fondant cakes?
Freezing is not recommended for cakes with fondant. The cold causes fondant to crack and lose flexibility. Refrigeration is safer for short term storage.
How long can a fondant cake be refrigerated?
Limit refrigeration to 2-3 days maximum for best quality. Take the cake out to warm up for a few hours every couple days if keeping longer.
Do you refrigerate cakes after decorating?
It’s best to let fondant and buttercream cakes sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours after decorating to allow frosting to set up before refrigerating.
Can I put a whole cake in the fridge?
Yes, fully assembled cakes with frosting can be refrigerated using proper sealing and storage methods. Avoid large temperature fluctuations.
Should cakes be stored frozen or refrigerated?
Refrigeration is better for cakes with frosting or fondant. Freezing can negatively impact texture and cause decorations to crack or break.
How do bakeries store fondant cakes?
Commercial bakeries often use large walk-in coolers set to specific temperature and humidity levels. This prevents sweating and maintains freshness.
Key Takeaways
– Let fondant decorations dry completely before refrigerating, about 24 hours.
– Wrap the cake very well in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
– Add supports if needed to prevent decorations from leaning or drooping.
– Refrigerate fondant cakes for less than 2-3 days at a time.
– Avoid freezing fondant cakes which can damage the decorations.
– Fix any condensation, sweating or discoloration that occurs.
– Fondant cakes require special care when refrigerating but it can be done successfully with some precautions.
Conclusion
Refrigerating a cake decorated with fondant can extend its shelf life and keep it fresher longer when stored properly. While chilled storage does present some challenges, the fondant decorations can maintain their quality in the fridge for 2-3 days if the cake is well-wrapped and kept at the right temperature and humidity level. Pay attention to signs of sweating, stickiness, breakage or color change and take steps to minimize condensation. With the proper technique, a beautiful fondant cake can be successfully preserved in refrigerated storage for party day.