In this recipe
- Why this recipe is great
- What You’ll Need to Store Carrot Cake
- First Method: Store Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Second Method: Store Unfrosted Cake or Layers for Later Frosting
- How Long Carrot Cake Lasts (Fridge & Freezer Tips)
- The Best Homemade Cakes with Simple Ingredients
- Frequently Asked Questions
Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
Why this recipe is great
Got a delicious carrot cake but can’t finish it all at once? No worries. You can store it in the fridge to keep it fresh and tasty. You’ll learn 2 ways to store it. The first method is for carrot cake with frosting. The second is for carrot cake without frosting or cake layers you plan to frost later. Get tips on how to make sure your cake doesn’t become dry or absorb fridge odors. If you bake cake layers, it’s perfect for a birthday party or any special occasion. Store the layers ahead of time, and your cake will be ready with just 10–15 minutes of work before the event. If you need to store carrot cake for a longer time—like 1–2 months—you’ll learn how to do that, too.
So easy.
What You’ll Need to Store Carrot Cake
We’ll show you the best way to store carrot cake—whether it’s frosted, unfrosted, or just the layers you baked and want to save for later.
You’ll need:
- Carrot cake
- Plastic wrap
- Airtight container
- Plastic bags
First Method: Store Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ready to store your cake? Here’s how to do it right.
- Let it cool. If your cake is already frosted, let it cool completely—inside and out—before storing. Cut the cake into pieces if your container is too small for the whole cake.
- Wrap it well. Wrap the cake tightly in several layers of plastic wrap.
- Use an airtight container. Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container. This keeps the cake from drying out or absorbing unpleasant fridge odors.
- Refrigerate: Put the container in the fridge.
Optional: Cover any lines or imperfections with crumbs, and your cake will look perfect after storage. Check out our recipe for delicious carrot cake, the best cream cheese frosting, and the method for making carrot cake crumbs.
Second Method: Store Unfrosted Cake or Layers for Later Frosting
This method is perfect if you have carrot cake without frosting and want to store it.
It also works great if you’re getting ready for a special occasion and want to bake the cake layers ahead of time and frost them later. It’s a great way to prep carrot cake as a birthday cake. Bake the layers and keep them in the fridge. Before serving, add your favorite frosting or icing to the unfrosted layers. It’s a real time-saver!
Quick tip: You can store carrot cake without frosting at room temperature—check below to see how. But storing it in the fridge is the method we recommend, so go for that if you can!
How do you store carrot cake without frosting?
- Let it cool: After baking, let the cake cool completely—both inside and out.
- Cut if needed: If the whole cake doesn’t fit into your container, cut it into smaller pieces.
- Wrap it well: Wrap the whole cake or each piece in several layers of plastic wrap.
- Use an airtight container: Place the wrapped pieces in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
- Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
So, how do you prepare carrot cake layers to store in the fridge?
- Let the layers cool
After baking, let the cake layers cool to room temperature. - Wrap each layer
Wrap each layer in a few layers of plastic wrap to keep them soft and fresh. - Refrigerate
Store the wrapped layers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Place them on something flat, like a cutting board, to help them stay even and hold their shape. - Frost when ready
When you’re ready to serve, take the baked cake layers out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. This helps them soak up your frosting, cream, or whatever you plan to use. Then spread your frosting or cream cheese icing over the layers. - Finish the cake
Add frosting to the sides and top of the cake. If you want, decorate with carrot cake crumbs. - Serve and enjoy
Place the cake on a serving plate and enjoy!
Check out our recipe for perfect carrot cake layers and sweet cream cheese frosting. The layers can last longer in the fridge, but for best results, frost them within three days. Once frosted, you can keep the carrot cake in the fridge for up to three more days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet. You can freeze the whole cake or individual slices. Don’t miss our post on how to freeze a carrot cake, whether it’s frosted or just the layers!
How Long Carrot Cake Lasts (Fridge & Freezer Tips)
You can store carrot cake in the fridge for a few days — or freeze it to keep it even longer.
How long does carrot cake last in the fridge?
How long you can store carrot cake in your fridge depends on the ingredients. The frosting matters most, since it can spoil faster than the cake itself. So, here’s how long you can keep carrot cake in the fridge:
Frosted Carrot Cake:
- With heavy cream in the frosting – up to 3 days
- Without heavy cream in the frosting – up to 5 days
- With cream cheese in the frosting – up to 5 days
- Buttercream frosting – up to 5 days
- Mascarpone frosting – up to 3 days
- Sour cream frosting – up to 3 days
Unfrosted Carrot Cake or Cake Layers:
- Unfrosted cake layers – store in the fridge for up to 3 days. After frosting the layers (within 3 days), store the frosted cake for another 2–3 days
- Carrot cake without frosting – store in the fridge for up to 5–6 days
Need Longer Storage? Freeze Carrot Cake!
For longer storage, freeze the carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. Check our blog post on how to do it. You’ll get easy tips for freezing and defrosting, how to avoid freezer burn, and how to keep your cake tasting fresh and delicious.
Tips to Keep Carrot Cake Fresh
Keep your carrot cake fresh and tasty, whether it’s fully frosted or just the layers. Use these easy tips to store it right and get great results every time.
Tips on How to Store Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting in the Fridge
Follow these simple tips to keep the cake with cream cheese frosting fresh and delicious:
Use an Airtight Container:
- Wrap the cake in plastic wrap.
- Place the cake in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh. If you don’t have a special cake container, use a regular food storage container that closes tightly.
- Make sure to close the container tightly. That way, the cake stays moist and doesn’t pick up any weird smells from the fridge. It’ll still taste fresh, soft, and fluffy—even after a few days.
Alternative Wrapping Option:
- If you don’t have a container, carefully wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap. Make sure the wrap is thick enough to block out any fridge smells. Then place the wrapped cake in a freezer bag or plastic bag that closes well.
Storing Different Cake Types:
- Use this method to store carrot cake cupcakes, sheet cakes, and single-layer cakes. Or any other cake type you love to bake or buy.
Tips on How to Store Carrot Cake Layers or Carrot Cake Without Frosting
To save time, you can bake the carrot cake layers in advance and store them in the fridge. These layers keep well in the fridge for up to three days. If you don’t plan to fill them within that time, it’s better to freeze them. Check out our method for how to do it.
Same goes for carrot cake without frosting – use the tips below. Freeze your cake without frosting if you have a lot and don’t plan to eat it within the next 5-6 days.
For Fridge Storage:
- Let the baked layers or carrot cake without frosting cool to room temperature.
- Wrap each piece or layer in several layers of plastic wrap.
- Place them on a shelf in the fridge.
- Alternatively, wrap them in parchment paper and put them in a Ziploc bag.
When you’re ready and have a bit of time, fill the layers with frosting or cream filling and enjoy a fresh carrot cake.
The Best Homemade Cakes with Simple Ingredients
Love homemade carrot cake? Soft, fluffy, and packed with fresh carrots? Then you’ll want to try our easy carrot cake recipe! It’s moist, simple to make, and honestly one of the best carrot cakes you’ll ever bake. You’re going to love it! To make it, you need simple, readily available ingredients. These include all-purpose flour, carrots, eggs, spices, and oil. We recommend using vegetable oil, not olive oil or melted coconut oil. These oils have a very strong flavor.
We’ve picked the perfect amount of spices to make the carrot cake warm and flavorful. Use brown sugar instead of white sugar to add an extra caramel flavor to this moist carrot cake. You don’t need a food processor, hand mixer, or electric mixer to make the cake. A box grater, wooden spoon, and rubber spatula will do the job.
Mix the dry ingredients and wet ingredients in a large bowl. The cake batter will be quite thick. Remember to add baking powder and baking soda to make the cake fluffy. Pour the wet batter into the baking sheet and bake four layers. There is no need to bake the layers one after the other. You’ll save a lot of baking time!
Prepare the frosting: mix cream cheese and maple syrup in a medium bowl. Spread it on the layers, the top of the cake, and the sides. The fluffy cake is ready!
We always prepare a double batch of the batter, so there’s plenty of cake to enjoy twice. It’s super convenient to freeze one batch and keep the other in the fridge. Storing it is simple. Now you know how to do it. The cake will stay fresh and delicious. Also, check our blog post on how to freeze carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, unfrosted cake or carrot cake layers.
Are you looking for more cake recipes? As mentioned, check out our carrot cake with the easiest cream cheese frosting. Simply use two ingredients: cream cheese and maple syrup. The best part is that it doesn’t contain heavy cream so you can store the carrot cake in the fridge longer. If you’re looking for quick desserts that won’t take too long, try making strawberry clusters. They are creamy, sweet, tangy, and chocolate-covered—perfect for strawberry season. Mango, banana, and blueberries will also work well.
Store Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting & Without
Equipment
- Plastic wrap
- Airtight container
- Plastic bags
Ingredients
- Carrot cake
Instructions
Method 1: How to Store Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Get Your Cake Ready to Store: If your carrot cake is already frosted, let it cool all the way through—inside and out. If it’s still warm, it can create condensation when you store it, and that can make the frosting a bit soggy.
- Wrap the Cake: Whether it’s a whole cake, slices, or just a few pieces, wrap everything in a few layers of plastic wrap. Make sure it’s wrapped well—this keeps it fresh and it will not become dry.
- Refrigerate: Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container and close it tightly. When it’s wrapped properly and stored this way, it stays soft and won’t pick up any fridge smells.
How Long Does Carrot Cake Last in the Fridge?
- For frosting with heavy cream: Put the cake in the fridge and store it for up to 3 days.
- For frosting without heavy cream: Put the cake in the fridge and store it for up to 5 days. Find out how to store the most popular frostings here.
- Optional: If you’re making the carrot cake yourself, you can sprinkle some carrot cake crumbs on top before storing it. They’re great for covering up any little lines or imperfections that might show up during storage. Totally optional—it’s just a nice finishing touch if you want it! Curious how to make the crumbs? Check out our easy method.
How to Store Carrot Cake Without Frosting or Just the Cake Layers:
- Cool the Layers: After baking, let the cake or layers cool down completely at room temperature. If you store them while they’re still warm, condensation can build up and make the cake soggy. Check out our recipe for baking perfect carrot cake layers.
- Wrap Unfrosted Carrot Cake or Each Layer: Once the cake has cooled, wrap the unfrosted cake or each layer gently so nothing cracks or breaks. If you’re storing a whole carrot cake without frosting, it’s a good idea to cut it into pieces that fit your container. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
- Wrap Well: Wrap each piece or euch layer in a few layers of plastic wrap to keep them moist and soft.
- Refrigerate: Place the wrapped cake or layers in the refrigerator and store them for up to 5 days. While the layers can last longer, it’s best to frost them within 3 days for optimal freshness. Once frosted, the cake can be stored in the fridge for another 3 days.
- For Carrot Cake Layers: When you’re ready to serve, simply unwrap the layers and add your favorite cream cheese frosting—or any frosting you like! Want something quick and easy? Check out our recipe for two-ingredient cream cheese frosting.
Need to Store It Longer? Freeze Carrot Cake—Frosted, Unfrosted, or in Layers
- Freezing is the best way to store carrot cake—whether it’s frosted with cream cheese, unfrosted, or just the cake layers—if you need to keep it longer. Check out our blog post on how to freeze carrot cake for all the details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You don’t need to put carrot cake in the fridge if it doesn’t have frosting. But if it’s topped with any kind of cream-based frosting, pop it in the fridge. Store it the right way, and it’ll stay safe to eat, soft, and full of flavor.
When should carrot cake be refrigerated?
Carrot cake with cream frosting, buttercream, mascarpone, or sour cream:
Store in the fridge at +2°C to +6°C (36°F to 43°F).
Keeps fresh for 3 to 5 days, depending on the type of cream used.
Carrot cake without frosting (or topped with chocolate):
You can leave it out at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Or refrigerate for up to 5 days if you want it to last longer.
Make sure it’s stored in an airtight container to keep it moist.
Want more storage tips? Check out our full guide on freezing and storing carrot cake.
Yes, you should keep carrot cake with cream cheese frosting in the fridge.
Cream cheese is a dairy product, and it can spoil if left out too long.
Why does it need to be refrigerated?
Frosting with cream cheese can spoil if left at room temperature.
Keep it cold so the cake stays fresh and safe to eat.
How to store it:
Put the cake in an airtight container.
Store it in the fridge at 36°F to 43°F (2°C to 6°C).
It will stay good for about 2 to 5 days, depending on how it’s made.
Want the full how-to? Check our blog post for easy steps to store or freeze carrot cake the right way.
No, carrot cake without frosting doesn’t have to be refrigerated right away.
You can keep it at room temperature for a short time — but for longer storage, the fridge is best.
How to store carrot cake without frosting
At room temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
In the refrigerator:
Keeps fresh for up to 5 days when stored in a tightly closed container at 2°C to 6°C (36°F to 43°F).
Let the cake cool completely first, then wrap it up well to keep it fresh and soft.
Here’s what to do:
Cool the cake all the way
Before storing, let the cake cool fully — not just on the outside, but inside too.
That way, moisture won’t build up under the wrap.
Wrap it tightly
Use a few layers of plastic wrap.
Or put it in a container with a tight lid.
This way, the cake won’t dry out.
Store it your way:
Room temperature: It’ll stay fresh for about 2 days.
In the fridge: It stays fresh for up to 5 days if you wrap it well or keep it in a container that closes tightly. Just keep it cool (36–43°F / 2–6°C).
Why it matters:
Wrapping the cake right keeps it soft, the edges won’t dry out, and it’ll still taste great a few days later.
Want to freeze your carrot cake instead? Check out our blog post for easy freezing tips that actually work.
Carrot cake without any cream can sit out at room temperature for up to 2 days.
The same goes for cake without frosting or one topped with melted chocolate—both are fine outside the fridge for a short time.
What kind of carrot cake is okay to leave out?
Carrot cake without frosting:
Stays fresh at room temp for up to 2 days if you keep it in a container with a lid.
Carrot cake with melted chocolate on top:
That’s fine too — you can store it at room temp for up to 2 days.
Carrot cake with cream cheese or other creamy frosting:
That kind needs to go in the fridge. Creamy toppings can spoil if left out.
What if a slice is just left out on the table?
If you’ve cut a piece and left it sitting out — especially one with frosting — don’t leave it for more than an hour. After that, it’s safer to put it in the fridge or throw it away.
Yes, you totally can!
Carrot cake is actually a great make-ahead dessert. You can bake the layers up to 3 days before you need them, and it’ll still taste fresh and moist.
Here’s how to do it:
Bake the cake layers.
Let them cool completely at room temperature.
Wrap them up.
Use plastic wrap to wrap each layer tightly so they don’t dry out.
Refrigerate.
Pop the wrapped layers in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days.
Before frosting:
Take the layers out about an hour ahead of time so they can warm to room temp.
Frosting at room temperature helps the cake soak up the cream and stay super moist.
Once frosted:
Store the finished carrot cake in the fridge until it’s time to serve.
Want a full step-by-step guide to baking carrot cake layers? Check it out on our blog!
Bonus tip: Want to make it even earlier?
You can bake the layers up to 2 months in advance and freeze them!
Just cool, wrap, and freeze — then thaw and cover with frosting when you’re ready.
We cover that too! Read our blog post on how to freeze carrot cake layers the right way.
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