In the freezer
12 months
Yes — freezes well
Quality holds for about 12 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Quick answer
Yes: fruitcake keeps 12 months in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C), compared with 12 months in the fridge.
How to freeze fruitcake
- Freeze on the day you buy or bake it, once fully cool.
- Wrap tightly in plastic, then a freezer bag; slice bread first so you can take what you need.
- Thaw at room temperature in the wrap, or toast or warm from frozen.
How to thaw fruitcake
In the fridge
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
At room temperature
Bread and baked goods thaw well on the counter, still wrapped, in 1–3 hours.
From frozen
Many foods can go straight into soups, sauces, smoothies or the oven.
Yes — freezes wellQuality holds for about 12 months at 0°F / -18°C. Frozen food stays safe indefinitely; only quality declines.
Freezer vs fridge vs counter
Per USDA FoodKeeper
On the counterCounter
Refrigerate
once opened
In the fridgeFridge
12 months
at or below 40°F (4°C)
In the freezerFreezer
12 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
On the counterCounter
6 months
cool, dry place
In the fridgeFridge
Not needed
shelf-stable
In the freezerFreezer
12 months
at 0°F; quality, not safety
More about fruitcake
FAQ
How long can you freeze fruitcake?
About 12 months for best quality at 0°F (-18°C). Kept frozen, it stays safe longer, but texture and flavour fade.
How do you thaw frozen fruitcake?
Move it to the fridge the night before; this keeps texture best.
Can you refreeze fruitcake?
Only if it was thawed in the fridge and has not been left out. Quality drops each time.
Does freezing kill bacteria in fruitcake?
No. Freezing pauses bacteria; they become active again as the food thaws. Cook or reheat to a safe temperature.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number