Do Cake Jars Need to Be Refrigerated?

If you’re wondering whether cake jars need to be refrigerated after delivery, the answer is yes.

Cake jars contain real dairy ingredients, and while we pack every order frozen and insulated, they still need to be kept cold once they arrive.

We get this question a lot, especially from first-time buyers. Since our jars are shippable, giftable, and often travel across the country, it’s important to know how to store them once they show up at your door.

In this post, we’ll break down how we ship our cake jars, how long they stay fresh, which frostings require refrigeration, and what to do if your package is delayed.

How We Ship Our Cake Jars

Every order is baked fresh, frozen, and packed in an insulated shipping box with gel ice packs. This helps keep the jars cold during transit.

Every order is packed with frozen gel packs, custom-cut insulation, and a clear sticker to remind customers to refrigerate immediately.

Most orders arrive within 2-3 business days via USPS after we ship. But that can vary depending on location and shipping method. Packages sent to the Northeast usually arrive quickly. 

Orders traveling outside that region, especially to the West Coast or Southern states, can take longer.

We offer multiple shipping options at checkout, and we always recommend FedEx 2-Day Delivery for customers outside of the Northeast.

What Happens During Delivery?

During shipping, jars may begin to thaw. This is completely normal. As long as they’re still cool when you receive them, they’re safe to refrigerate or freeze again.

We label every box with a reminder to refrigerate upon arrival. We also include a packing slip with care instructions inside each order. 

Once your jars arrive, you should refrigerate them right away, especially if the order includes frostings made with cream cheese or Cool Whip.

What Frostings Need to Be Refrigerated 
​Immediately?

Not all frostings hold up the same way. Some are dairy-based and can spoil quickly if they sit out too long. Others, like buttercream, are a bit more stable, but still benefit from refrigeration if you’re not eating them right away.

Here's what you need to know:

• Cream Cheese Frosting - Must be refrigerated. Do not leave out.
• ​Cool Whip or Whipped Topping - Must be refrigerated. It will spoil quickly if left out.
• Buttercream - Safe at room temperature for up to 2 days, but still best kept in the fridge for a longer shelf life.

If you’ve ever wondered how we keep each jar cold and safe during transit, check out How Our Cake Jars Stay Fresh During Shipping. It walks through our full packing and shipping process step-by-step.

If you're unsure which frosting is in your order, we recommend refrigerating all jars to be safe.

How Long Do Cake Jars Stay Fresh in the Fridge?

Once refrigerated, your cake jars will stay fresh for up to 3 weeks. If you want to enjoy them later, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. 

Just move them to the fridge the night before you plan to eat them, and let them thaw fully before digging in. 

We’ve tested the texture and flavor after freezing, and they still taste great when thawed properly.

Want to see what’s actually inside each jar and how they’re built to stay fresh? Read What’s Inside a Cake Jar for a closer look at the layers and ingredients.

What If My Package Is Delayed?

When we first started shipping our cake jars, we used USPS Priority Mail because it was the most affordable option. It helped keep total costs down for our customers while still offering 1-2 day delivery.

But starting in April 2020, USPS began experiencing major delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide transportation issues. Their official delivery estimates were extended from 1-2 days to 3-4 days or more. You can view the original USPS announcement here (PDF).

Unfortunately, those delays haven’t fully gone away. While some USPS shipments still arrive within the expected window, we’ve also had customers receive their packages after 4 or 5 days, even longer. That’s a long time for any perishable item to sit in transit, even with ice packs.

That’s why we always recommend selecting FedEx 2-Day Delivery if you’re outside the Northeast. It gives your order the best chance of arriving cold, safe, and ready to enjoy.

If you’re planning ahead or need your order to arrive by a certain date, you can also message us to ask about overnight delivery. Rates vary depending on weight and distance, but we’re happy to help if it means your jars arrive on time.

We want your jars to arrive in perfect condition, not melted, spoiled, or unsafe to eat. If a package arrives late and feels warm to the touch, especially after 4 or 5 days in transit, we recommend not eating it. That’s especially important for jars with cream cheese or whipped toppings.

For more information on safe handling of shipped perishables, you can read the USDA’s Mail Order Food Safety guidelines.

If It’s Been More Than 3-4 Days Since Shipping and the Box Is Warm…

Unfortunately, it’s best not to eat it. If your package arrives and it’s been more than 3-4 days since it was shipped, and it feels warm or soft to the touch, we don’t recommend consuming it.

Even if the jars look okay, the temperature change can cause spoilage, especially with dairy-based frostings.

We know it’s disappointing, but food safety always comes first.

See It for Yourself: Real Customer Review from Chicago

One of our first-ever customers, Crystal Jones, received her cake jar delivery all the way in Chicago, IL, and filmed her unboxing and review on YouTube.

Even after traveling hundreds of miles, her jars arrived cold, sealed, and fresh. She was thrilled with the flavor, texture, and how well everything held up during shipping.

You can watch her full review below:

“We received cake in the mail!”

Her daughter Trinity also joined in to taste test the Oreo chocolate jar, and couldn’t stop eating. From frosting to flavor, the jars delivered.

This video is a fun reminder that yes, our jars are built to hold up. Even when we used USPS early on, we made sure our packaging was strong enough to protect the texture, freshness, and flavor. 

And even years later, we still bake and pack them with the same care.

Cake Jar Storage FAQs

Do cake jars need to be refrigerated?

Yes. All jars should go in the fridge once delivered.

Can I freeze cake jars?

Yes. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.

How long do they stay fresh in the fridge?

Up to 3 weeks if sealed and kept cold.

What if they arrive thawed?

That’s normal. As long as they’re cool, you can refrigerate or freeze them again.

What if they’re warm and took over 4 days to arrive?

Do not eat them. Contact us right away with your order number.

Which frostings need the fridge?

Cream cheese and whipped toppings must be refrigerated immediately. Buttercream is okay for up to 2 days at room temperature.

Final Thoughts

We bake, pack, and ship every order with care, but once the box is dropped off, it’s important to refrigerate your jars right away. That’s the best way to keep them fresh, safe, and tasting the way they should.

If you’re ordering for a gift, an event, or live outside the Northeast, we always suggest choosing FedEx 2-Day Delivery. It gives you the best chance of receiving your order cold, intact, and ready to enjoy.

You can also contact us about overnight delivery if you need it faster. Shipping rates depend on distance and weight, but we’re happy to give you a custom quote.

And if you’re thinking of sending them as gifts, read The Perfect Gift – Why Cake Jars Make Every Celebration Sweeter. It’s a quick read on how cake jars make thoughtful, easy-to-ship surprises.

Want to know how your jars hold up during transit? Read how our cake jars stay fresh during shipping.

Still have questions?
Check out our Shipping Policy or reach out directly; we’re here to help.

🧁 About the Author

Melissa Diamond is the founder of Legacy Cakery and the creative hands behind every small jar we ship. With over a decade of baking experience, she’s passionate about sharing desserts that feel like joy in a box. Whether she’s in the kitchen testing new cake jar recipes or helping other bakers grow their own ideas, Melissa believes every sweet moment deserves to be thoughtful, beautiful, and full of flavor.

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What’s Inside a Cake Jar? Layers, Freshness, and How It’s Built

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