Ice cream cakes can steal the show at any party — but only if they arrive intact and beautifully chilled. Whether you’re picking one up from a local cake shop or delivering it across Melbourne in 30°C heat, knowing how to transport ice cream cakes properly is essential.
What’s the best way to transport ice cream cakes without them melting or collapsing?
Use an insulated cake box or esky with freezer packs or dry ice, limit travel time, and avoid placing the cake near windows or heaters in the car. Always keep it level, and transfer it back into the freezer immediately on arrival.
What’s the Biggest Risk When Transporting an Ice Cream Cake?
The biggest enemy is temperature fluctuation. Ice cream cakes begin to soften above -15°C and will start melting quickly in a warm car — especially if sitting near a window or heater vent. Without insulation, they can lose their shape or even collapse before reaching the party.
Melting also compromises the cake’s design — decorations slide, layers shift, and textures turn to slush. For custom cakes, this is a serious letdown.
How Do You Keep an Ice Cream Cake Cold While Travelling?
The best way to transport ice cream cakes is with an insulated cake box or portable cooler (esky) lined with frozen gel packs or dry ice (if safely handled). Here’s what we recommend:
- Place the cake inside its original cake box
- Wrap it in a towel for extra insulation
- Pop it into a cooler with cold packs
- Avoid using regular ice — it melts quickly and can create moisture issues
- Keep the cooler closed until arrival
Need to pick up a cake? Our delivery and pickup guide includes transport-friendly tips for Melbourne locals.
What’s the Ideal Storage Setup at Home?
Once you’ve arrived, immediately place the cake in the coldest section of your freezer — usually at the back or bottom, away from the door. Make sure it sits flat and clear of heavy items to avoid squashing.
If you’re storing the cake for more than 24 hours:
- Keep it inside the original box
- Wrap the box in cling film or foil to reduce freezer burn
- Avoid frequent freezer opening to keep temperature stable
Short on freezer space? Check out our readymade cake collection — available in sizes that fit standard home freezers.
How Long Can an Ice Cream Cake Stay Out?
In most cases, no more than 15 minutes before serving. Beyond that, it begins to soften rapidly — especially in outdoor or non-air-conditioned environments. Here’s a general guide:
- Indoors: 10–15 minutes at room temp before slicing
- Outdoors: 5–10 minutes max
- Transport time: Aim for under 30 minutes with good insulation
If you’re setting up for a party, leave the cake in the freezer until everything else is ready.
Can You Refreeze an Ice Cream Cake?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Refreezing after partial melting can lead to ice crystals, texture loss, and flavour dilution. It’s better to slice leftovers into individual portions, wrap them, and freeze them immediately.
Want to know how to make your cake last longer? Read our guide: How to Stop Ice Cream Cakes from Melting
TL;DR – How to Transport Ice Cream Cakes the Right Way
- Use a cooler with frozen gel packs or dry ice
- Keep cake flat and out of direct sunlight
- Store in the back of the freezer at home
- Limit time out of cold storage to 15 minutes max
- Don’t refreeze melted cake — slice leftovers instead
Planning a celebration? Explore our custom cakes and let us help you deliver dessert without the drama.
