There is nothing more painful than throwing away perfectly good cake that wasn’t eaten in time, but how long does it last in the fridge?
Cake will last anywhere from 2 to 7 days in your fridge. However, this all depends on its toppings as well as its storage conditions, as dairy cakes have a shelf life of just 1 to 2 days in the fridge.
Cakes will last longer in the freezer, but still last a decent amount of time in the fridge as well, depending on what is on them and what they’re made out of.
How Long Does Cake Last in the Fridge On Average?
Whether it’s from the holiday season or a recent birthday, there is nothing sweeter than opening your fridge to have a nice piece of leftover cake. However, if you want to enjoy every slice without anything going to waste, you need to make sure to eat the cake while it’s still fresh.
On average, cake can last anywhere from 2 to 7 days in the fridge. There are a number of different factors that can affect how long cake actually lasts, but you should not expect any cake to be good after a week. These are some examples of how long cake lasts based on ingredients:
- Plain Cake – 5 to 7 days
- Buttercream – 3 to 4 day
- Fresh Fruit – 2 to 3 days
- Custard – 1 to 2 days
- Cream or Cream Cheese – 1 to 2 days
What Temperature Should Cake Be Stored At?
The fridge is a great place to store cake, but the shelf life is by no means indefinite. You need to keep in mind that each fridge is different, and the temperature you set yours to will influence how long your cake can last.
To maximize the shelf life of cake in the fridge, make sure the temperature is between 41 and 46F. However, experts say that cake should normally be stored between 62 and 71F on the counter, which is actually room temperature.
Do You Need to Store Cake in the Fridge?
You should only store your cake in the fridge if you do not plan on eating it within the next 1 to 3 days. The truth is that your cake’s shelf life not only depends on its storage conditions but also on its ingredients.
In general, plain cakes that don’t have a lot of toppings will last considerably longer and usually do not need to be refrigerated at all, unless you want to store them for later consumption. On the other hand, cakes that have a lot of toppings, such as fruit and dairy, need to be consumed as soon as possible if you don’t plan on putting them in the fridge.
If the cake that you have at home is filled with ingredients that already have a short shelf life, then fridge storage is recommended.
Can You Store Cake in the Freezer?
You can store just about any type of cake in the freezer. This is the best storage method for cake if you want it to last as long as possible.
The key thing that you want to keep in mind is that the cake should be completely cooled to room temperature before you put it in the freezer. Once the cake has cooled down, you can wrap it and place it in the freezer for later consumption.
I’ve found that many sweet cakes actually taste better after they’ve been frozen and thawed, improving flavor and consistency. Much like with the initial cooling process, be sure to thaw your cakes at room temperature to have the best results.
How Long Does Cake Last in the Freezer?
Cake can last a long time in the freezer, and some bakers claim that it has an indefinite shelf life. In general, you can expect a minimum shelf life of at least 3 to 12+ months in the freezer.
During this period, the cake will taste its best and the flavor will be ideal. If the cake was not stored or handled properly, then you may notice the flavor starts to diminish after the 4 or 5-month period.
How to Make Cake Last Longer
Leftover cake is too good to just throw away, which is why I like to take measures to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Whether you’ve just had a party or a big day baking, you can make your cake last longer by implementing the following techniques.
Store in the Freezer
The best way to maximize the shelf life of your cake is to freeze it. By doing so, you can make your cake last for 1 year (or even more).
Use Fresh Ingredients
Your cake is only going to last as long as its contents, which is why you should always use fresh ingredients. If the fruit or dairy that you want to bake with is already close to the expiration date, your cake is not going to last very long.
Air Tight Containers & Wrapping
Regardless of how you prefer to store your cake, make sure that it is not exposed to air. For counter and fridge storage, always cover the cake with a bowl to prevent air and humidity from ruining the cake.
However, if you plan on storing your cake in the freezer, make sure to wrap it properly and store it in an airtight container.
Keep Dairy Cakes Cool
Baking with dairy products such as cream cheese or fresh cream is often what results in cakes going bad early. Although you can store some cakes on the counter at room temperature, dairy cakes should always be kept in the fridge or freezer.
Key Takeaways to Storing Cake in the Fridge
Cake will last anywhere from 2 to 7 days in your fridge.
Dairy cakes have a much shorter shelf life of just 1 to 2 days in the fridge.
Cake that is properly stored in the freezer can have a shelf life of 3 to 12 months.
