Can You Freeze Lardy Cake?
Whether you’ve baked a traditional homemade lardy cake or picked one up from a local bakery, you might be wondering if you can freeze it to enjoy another day.
The good news is that lardy cake freezes surprisingly well. It’s an easy way to make the most of leftovers and means you can always have a slice ready to enjoy with a cup of tea.
If you’re looking for more freezing advice, browse our complete Freezing Food Hub.
What Is Lardy Cake?
Despite its name, lardy cake isn’t actually a cake at all. It’s a traditional enriched bread made with lard, flour, dried fruit, sugar and spices.
Popular throughout southern England, particularly in counties such as Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset, it’s often enjoyed slightly warm with a cup of tea or coffee.
Fresh lardy cake is at its best on the day it’s baked but will usually keep for a couple of days if stored in an airtight container.
Can You Freeze Lardy Cake?
Yes, you can freeze lardy cake.
Whether homemade or shop-bought, it freezes well with very little change to its flavour or texture. For the best results, freeze it while it’s still fresh rather than waiting until it has started to go stale.
You can freeze a whole lardy cake, but I usually prefer slicing it first. Individual portions thaw much more quickly and you can simply take out as many slices as you need.
How To Freeze Lardy Cake
Allow the lardy cake to cool completely before freezing.
Wrap the whole cake or individual slices well in cling film or foil before placing them into a freezer bag or airtight container. Double wrapping helps protect the bread from freezer burn and stops it absorbing odours from other foods.
Finally, label and date the package before placing it into the freezer.
How Long Can You Freeze Lardy Cake?
Lardy cake is best used within six months.
It will still be safe to eat after this, but the quality may gradually begin to decline and freezer burn becomes more likely.
How To Defrost Lardy Cake
For the best results, thaw lardy cake overnight in the fridge.
If you’re in a hurry, individual slices can also be left at room temperature for a couple of hours until fully defrosted.
How To Reheat Lardy Cake
Although it’s perfectly enjoyable cold, I think lardy cake is even better served slightly warm.
For individual slices, a quick 20-30 seconds in the microwave is usually enough.
If you’re reheating a whole lardy cake, wrap it loosely in foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 180°C (Gas Mark 4) for around 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze homemade lardy cake?
Yes. Homemade lardy cake freezes just as well as shop-bought versions. Freeze it once it has cooled completely for the best results.
Can you freeze lardy cake with raisins and currants?
Yes. The dried fruit freezes without any problems and doesn’t noticeably affect the texture once thawed.
Can you refreeze lardy cake?
It’s best not to. Repeated freezing and thawing can gradually affect both the texture and flavour.
Related Guides
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