How Long Does Cake Last in the Fridge?

Cake is a delicious treat that we all wish could last forever, but sadly this isn’t the case. The secret to how long cakes can stay in your fridge comes down to one thing – their ingredients! Let’s investigate and discover what components help decide cake longevity.

Buttercream/Fondant/Ganache

Decadent cakes covered in smooth buttercream, rich chocolate ganache and sugary fondant can last up to five days on your countertop without fear of becoming dry or stale. For an even longer life span you could store it in the fridge for a few extra days- but why bother when these desserts freeze perfectly well for up to four months with just one thawing session necessary!? So no need to fret about finding space inside that cold box – pop this treat into your freezer instead and enjoy its sweet deliciousness any time.

Cream Cheese/Whipped Cream/Fresh Fruit

Cakes that use cream cheese, whipped cream and/or fresh fruit are unfortunately a bit more perishable than the buttercream covered ones! If stored on the countertop these cakes will only last up to two days, but can be extended slightly if placed in the refrigerator – with a maximum shelf life of five days.

Overall, how long cake can last in the fridge depends on the ingredients used. For buttercream, fondant and ganache covered cakes you can expect up to five days at room temperature or four months when frozen. Whereas cream cheese, whipped cream and fresh fruit based cakes may only last two days unrefrigerated or five when kept cold. As always, to ensure the maximum shelf life of your delicious treats use an airtight container and store in a cool environment – away from direct sunlight. For further food safety tips, remember to check out our blog.

What Affects the Shelf Life of Cake?

The beauty of a cake is fleeting – its deliciousness diminishing with each passing hour as milk, butter and other delicate ingredients fade away. So savor sweets like these quickly to maximize your enjoyment.

Kitchen Temperature

With warm temperatures come risks. If your kitchen is especially hot, you need to be extra careful when it comes to cake longevity and food safety – after all, bacteria and mold thrive in these conditions! To prevent any unpleasant surprises brought on by the heat or an extended stay at room temperature, store cakes in the refrigerator which will help extend their shelf life up to three days.

Frosted vs. Unfrosted Cakes

Frosted cakes have a longer shelf life than their unfrosted counterparts, due to the protective layer of icing preventing moisture from evaporating away. The same goes for fondant or ganache coated treats – where this extra seal helps keep flavour and texture intact. Unfrosted cakes are more susceptible to drying out quickly, so they should be eaten within a day or two of baking.

Cake Fillings

Cakes that are made with custard, pudding or other types of fillings will tend to keep their moistness for up to four days. Whereas cakes with buttercream and cream cheese can stay good in the fridge for up to five days – six on the countertop.

Can you put a frosted cake in the fridge?

Yes! Frosted cakes should always be kept in the refrigerator as it is an effective way to extend their shelf life. An airtight container is also recommended – this helps prevent the frosting from becoming dry and brittle due to condensation from your fridge’s cooling system.

How to thaw a cake?

When the craving hits, all you need to do is take your frozen cake out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature. Depending on how large the cake is, it can take a few hours or up to an entire day – so plan ahead! Once thawed, make sure to enjoy it within 24-48 hours for maximum freshness and flavour.

Should I put cake in the fridge before icing?

No – this is not recommended as it can cause the cake to dry out and create a crumbly texture, which affects how well your frosting sticks. Let your cake cool completely at room temperature before icing for best results.

How to Tell if Cake Has Gone Bad?

To make sure that your cake is fresh and safe to eat, trust in the power of your senses! Sight, smell, and feel are all you need to tell if a slice of cake has gone bad. Looking for cracks or crumbs on its surface? Do you catch an off-putting aroma when taking it out from storage? Is it dry instead of moist like before? If these signs point towards spoilage – better be cautious with enjoying this dessert.

Check Its Appearance

Is that cake still good to eat? Rather than taking a bite and hoping for the best, inspect it carefully – any visible signs of mold suggest you should discard your dessert. Even scraping away affected parts won’t do – moldy food may contain bacteria or toxins growing deep within. Also look at frosting; if its creaminess has changed dramatically that’s an indicator of spoilage as well. Cut into the cake itself and check both texture (hard/dry could mean loss of moisture) and feel (mushy/slimy is never a good sign!). Don’t take chances with old baked goods: examine before indulging.

Smell It

Before delving into that delicious slice of cake, take a whiff first. A poor odor is often indicative of an inedible treat – don’t risk it! Not only could you be left with bad taste on your tongue; the consequences are likely to linger long after dinner has finished.

Throw It Out

Even if it looks okay, you should never take any chances when eating leftover cake. Better safe than sorry – always remember that a moment of caution can save your stomach from future aches.

How to keep cake fresh?

The best way to keep cake fresh is by storing it in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag. This helps to retain the moisture, preventing it from drying out. Refrigeration will also help extend its shelf life – how long does cake last in the fridge? Generally, most cakes can be kept safely for up to three days. Frosted cakes can last for up to five days – but it’s best to enjoy any cake as soon as possible for maximum flavour.

Conclusion: how long does cake last in the fridge

When it comes to how long does cake last in the fridge, some rules of thumb apply: unfilled cakes can stay good for up to three days, while frosted cakes can last five days. If you follow the guidelines and use your senses to check whether it has gone bad – there’s no reason why your cake won’t be as delicious as the day you made it.

FAQs: cake last in the fridge

Is cake still good after 10 days?

The difference between store-bought and homemade cakes is clear – while a pre-made cake can last up to 7 to 10 days, the same cannot be said for one made in your own kitchen. This time varies drastically depending on what ingredients are used; fresh fruit, cream cheese topping or fruity filling all have an effect on how long it will stay delicious.

Is cake still good after 5 days?

Cakes can have a bit of an expiration date; without frosting, they usually only stay moist and delicious for three or four days. However, with the added protection of a layer of icing, cakes can be savored at their sweetest even after being stored away in the refrigerator.

Can I eat a cake after 2 weeks in the fridge?

While a classic vanilla cake can last practically forever in your heart, they need to be stored correctly if you want them sticking around on the plate. Depending on frosting and filling selection, cakes are happy in their fridge home for 2-7 days – as long as given some tasty cover protection.

How do you know if a cake is spoiled?

As the moisture evaporates, cakes can become harder and drier in texture – a sign of staleness. However, even fresher-looking treats may be suspect; always check for moldy fruit fillings or sliminess as an indication that its time to toss out your cake.

What makes cake spoil easily?

Bakers know that the secret to any successful cake is in their leavening agents – baking powder, soda and more. But no matter how fresh they are when you buy them, all of these ingredients can only stay at peak performance for around half a year before needing to be replaced with newer stock!

Can you get food poisoning from cakes?

Baking a delicious cake can be dangerous if you don’t take the necessary precautions! Uncooked raw ingredients like eggs and flour may contain harmful microbes that could put your health at risk – so make sure to follow baking instructions carefully.

Why should you not refrigerate a cake?

Delicious cakes should never be kept in the fridge! Unless you’re dealing with a frosting or filling that could easily expire, it’s best to let your cake chill out at room temperature. Perishable toppings like cream, fruit, ice cream and mascarpone can benefit from being stored in the refrigerator – making sure they stay as fresh as possible for longer.

How do you keep a cake fresh in the refrigerator?

If you’re planning on storing your cake in the fridge, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic or foil before doing so. This will help keep all of its moisture inside and prevent any unwanted odors from getting into the mix! Refrigeration can help extend its shelf life up to five days – but make sure to enjoy it soon for the best flavor.

Does refrigerating cake keep it moist?

Ensure your desserts stay lusciously moist and fresh by storing cupcakes in an airtight container. Refrigerating a cake beyond a few days can dry it out, so keep them tucked away without chilling for maximum deliciousness.

How long can chocolate cake last in the fridge?

Keep that chocolate cake fresh and delicious by storing it in the fridge! To make sure your sweet treat lasts up to five days, never leave cream fillings or toppings out of the refrigerator – refrigerate them immediately for best flavor.

chef Angelo landi

Chef Angelo Landi has been in the culinary industry for over 20 years, and he has spent the last six of those developing the menu for Coal Vines. His favorite pizza on the menu is the Spicey Meatball, which is made with spicy sausage, pepperoni, and calabrese salami. When he’s not in the kitchen cooking up a storm, Chef Angelo enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.