How to Store, Thaw, and Serve a Shipped Dessert

Quick instructions

Follow the guidance below based on what you ordered. Storage and serving steps vary by product type.

Layer cakes and cupcakes (ship frozen with dry ice)

  • When it arrives: Move the dessert to the refrigerator or freezer depending on when you plan to serve. Dry ice may dissipate in transit. Do not touch dry ice with bare hands.

  • Serve for best taste: Desserts are best enjoyed at room temperature.

  • Storage: Refrigerate up to 7 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Bundt cakes (ship at ambient temperature)

  • When it arrives: Bundt cakes arrive ready to eat. For best storage, refrigerate or freeze upon arrival.

  • Storage: Refrigerate up to 2 weeks or freeze up to 1 year.

Packing up layer cake with dry ice ready for nationwide shipping

Unboxing and first steps

Layer cakes and cupcakes

  • Open the package promptly after delivery.

  • If any dry ice remains, do not handle it with bare hands.

  • Decide when you plan to serve, then store in the refrigerator or freezer.

Bundt cakes

  • Open the package promptly after delivery.

  • Bundt cakes ship at ambient temperature and arrive ready to eat. The cake may feel warm or cool depending on weather and transit conditions.

  • For best storage, place the cake in the refrigerator or freezer.

Decide when you are serving

Use the section below that matches what you ordered and when you plan to serve it.

Layer cakes (frozen shipments)

If serving today

  • If the cake is frozen, allow it to come to room temperature before serving, approximately 2 to 3 hours from frozen.

  • Cakes are best enjoyed at room temperature.

Layer cake at room temperature being taken out of inner package

If serving within the next 7 days

  • Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator.

  • Before serving, allow the cake to come to room temperature for best taste and texture.

If serving later

  • Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

  • When ready to serve, move the cake to the refrigerator to thaw overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving.

If your cake has a sugar paper decal

When bringing the cake to room temperature, keep it in its box and out of direct sunlight to avoid color changes.

Cupcakes (frozen shipments)

If serving today

  • Cupcakes are best enjoyed at room temperature.

  • If frozen, allow cupcakes to thaw and come to room temperature before serving.

If serving within the next 7 days

  • Refrigerate up to 7 days.

  • If cupcakes arrived frozen, remove the plastic, return cupcakes to the box, and keep refrigerated overnight.

If serving later

  • Freeze up to 3 months.

  • When ready to serve, move cupcakes to the refrigerator to thaw overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Bundt cakes (ambient shipments)

If serving today

Bundt cakes arrive ready to eat. You can serve immediately.

To serve with frosting:

  1. Remove your bundt cake from the packaging and place on a serving plate.

  2. Remove the frosting cup and remove the lid.

  3. Microwave the frosting cup for 10 to 20 seconds.

  4. Stir, drizzle over the cake, and enjoy.

Bundt cake at ambient temperature where glaze is being applied

If serving within the next 2 weeks

  • Store the bundt cake in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

  • Bring to your preferred serving temperature before serving.

If serving later

  • Freeze up to 1 year.

  • When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator, then serve and frost as directed.

Mini bundt cakes

Mini bundt cakes arrive frosted and are ready to enjoy.

How to slice cleanly (layer cakes)

For clean slices:

  1. Run a knife blade under hot water.

  2. Dry the knife with a towel.

  3. Slice, then repeat between slices.

Layer cake is sliced easily using the correct method

Storing leftovers

Layer cakes and cupcakes

Store remaining cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, or freeze based on the storage guidance above.

Bundt cakes

Store leftover bundt cake in the refrigerator, or freeze for longer storage.

Storage timeline summary

Layer cakes

  • Refrigerator: up to 7 days

  • Freezer: up to 3 months

Cupcakes

  • Refrigerator: up to 7 days

  • Freezer: up to 3 months

Bundt cakes

  • Refrigerator: up to 2 weeks

  • Freezer: up to 1 year

Serving FAQ

Should I refrigerate my order right away?

Layer cakes and cupcakes should be placed in the refrigerator or freezer upon arrival depending on when you plan to serve. Bundt cakes arrive ready to eat, but should be refrigerated or frozen upon arrival for best storage.

Approximately 2 to 3 hours from frozen.

Up to 7 days.

Yes. Layer cakes and cupcakes can be frozen up to 3 months. Bundt cakes can be frozen up to 1 year.

Use a hot, dry knife. Run the blade under hot water, dry it, slice, and repeat between slices.

Keep the cake in its box while it comes to room temperature, and keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid color changes.

Ready to enjoy or send a gift?

Browse our shipped desserts and order through Goldbelly for delivery across the continental United States.