Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Ice Cream Cake expire?
An unopened ice cream cake stored in the freezer should maintain its quality for around 7 days beyond the store's printed sell-by date, however, typically it's best when consumed within 3 to 4 days after being made. Once cut and opened, it's best to consume the remaining portions within 1-2 days, to prevent it from drying out and losing its fresh taste. If you're buying an ice cream cake, ask for the sell-by date to get an estimation of when you should consume it by. Freezing an ice cream cake is the common way to store it, and it can last in the freezer for 2-4 months, but the taste quality might degrade after 1 month.
How do you tell if Ice Cream Cake is bad?
An ice cream cake that has gone bad will often show signs of freezer burn, which appear as white, crystalline, frosty patches on the surface, or it may appear dried out. The texture and taste are likely to be affected too, with the cake layer becoming tough and the ice cream layer taking on a gritty texture. In some cases, there might be a change in color or a lingering unpleasant odor. If it smells off or if the texture is distinctly different, it’s best to throw it away.
Tips for storing Ice Cream Cake to extend shelf life
• Always store an ice cream cake in a freezer set at 0°F (-18°C) or below.
• Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn and absorb odors from other food.
• For leftover portions, rewrapped them individually to ensure they stay fresh and prevent them from drying out.
• If needed, allow individual pieces to slightly thaw at room temperature for 5-10 minutes for easier eating as straight-from-the-freezer cake can be quite hard.