An unrivaled party, by many standards, revolves around the availability, and subsequent devouring, of an undeniably delectable cake. At the end of the celebration, the remaining cake demands as much attention, if not more, than it did at the event. Read on to learn how to keep not just leftovers, but also a meticulously prepared layer cake, in perfect condition until its grand day of unveiling.

Most cakes, especially those topped with buttercream or ganache, fair well at room temperature. Aging faster in refrigeration, these cakes are better off stored outside of your fridge due to starch molecules crystallizing at cooler temperatures. Cheesecakes and cakes with creamy toppings like mascarpone and whipped cream or filled with fresh fruits require chilling, as do cakes that won't be served immediately or are being stored in a hot environment.

Storing cake at room temperature, whether frosted or not, gives it a good lifespan of four to five days. Post baking, allowing the cake to cool down entirely before frosting or putting it away ensures you don't interfere with your frosting's textural integrity. When your cake is frosted, it forms a protective layer over the cake. Cover it with a cake dome or a large flipped bowl for storage. Once the cake is sliced, the exposed part of the cake gets stale, best reversed by adding a fresh layer of frosting or using plastic wrap to keep it sealed. A cut cake usually lasts three to four days at room temperature.

For refrigerated frosted cakes, it's best to chill for 15 to 20 minutes uncovered before wrapping in plastic, which keeps it safe from any potential fridge smells. Using toothpicks can prevent contact between the frosting and the plastic wrap. After a cake has been sliced, the exposed part should be covered tightly with another plastic wrap layer to retain moisture. You can expect frosted cakes to last about four to five days, while a cheesecake can last three to four days in the fridge.

The bridal tradition of savoring the first-anniversary wedding cake slice may hold emotional value, but it won't be a culinary delight. Frosted cakes can be in the freezer for up to three months, following an initial 15-20 minutes in the fridge to harden the frosting, before wrapping them in two layers of plastic and a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Upon retrieval, you can indulge right away, or else defrost by leaving it overnight in the fridge or for approximately eight hours at room temperature. A cheesecake should always be defrosted in the fridge.

If you're preparing layered cakes ahead of time, ensure they are cool before storing them in plastic wrap or ziplock bags at room temperature for up to five days. A freezer storage option also exists for up-to three months when wrapped tightly. The night prior to decorating your cake, move the cake layers to the fridge.