How Long Does Cake Last in the Fridge (2024)

How long does cake last in the fridge? Learn the factors that determine this as well as the best tips for cake storage.

How Long Does Cake Last in the Fridge (1)

Learn the best tips and tricks to guarantee your cake still taste great after being refrigerated. Whether you have a layer cake, sheet pan or birthday cake, these tips will help ensure the freshest dessert.

Table of Contents

  • How long does cake last in the fridge?
  • Is cake still good after 5 days?
  • Can you put a frosted cake in the fridge?
  • Can you freeze a cake?
  • How to thaw a cake?
  • Should I put cake in the fridge before icing?
  • How do you know when cake is bad?
  • How to keep cake fresh?
  • Try one of our cake recipes:

How long does cake last in the fridge?

You might be wondering just how long does cake last in the refrigerator? It all comes down to what type of cake it is and what type of filling or toppings the cake consists of.

Store-bought cakes with preservatives will last up to 7 to 10 days after baking whereas a homemade cake typically lasts about 5. However, there are lots of factors that can change that number based on ingredients.

If the cake has fresh fruit, cream cheese topping, buttercream frosting, custard or fruit fillings, these perishable ingredients can all contribute to the shelf life.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about storing your cake and how to make it last the longest.

Is cake still good after 5 days?

A cake normally lasts between 3 to 5 days before it starts to get dry. The moisture is drawn out the longer it is stored and will result in dry cake.

Can you put a frosted cake in the fridge?

Yes, you can. In fact, a frosted cakes stored in the refrigerator will last longer in the fridge as opposed to an unfrosted leftover cake.

This is due to the frosting helping to keep the cake moist. It will last up to a week in the fridge.

Can you freeze a cake?

Yes. This is a great way to keep a cake fresh for an extended length of time.

Make sure the cake has cooled completely. Wrap in layers of plastic wrap tightly and again in aluminum foil.

Then place in the freezer wrapped tightly and placed inside a freezer bag or freezer container. The cake properly stored will keep up to 3 months in the freezer.

How to thaw a cake?

Thaw the cake overnight in the fridge. Another option is allow the cake to thaw on the counter at room temperature.

How Long Does Cake Last in the Fridge (2)

Should I put cake in the fridge before icing?

While optional, it is a good idea. It helps to set the cake and make it ready to frost. The icing adheres much better to the cake.

The time in the fridge helps the cake to set and it is easier to smooth on the frosting.

How do you know when cake is bad?

  • Moldy appearance.
  • Dry or crumbly texture.
  • Hard exterior.
  • Cake filling is slimy.
  • Sour smell.

Any of these factors can indicate spoilage and should be thrown away.

How Long Does Cake Last in the Fridge (3)

How to keep cake fresh?

  • Keep the cake inside an air-tight container. If you are making a sheet cake, those pans often have a lid. You can just use that to ensure freshness.
  • Other types of cakes can be place inside a cake carrier to keep fresh. Depending on the type of carrier that you have, it may also need to be wrapped in plastic wrap and foil.
  • If you do not have a container suitable to store the cake, just wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Then put a layer of foil over the plastic wrap.
  • Place in the fridge especially if the cake has filling, cream cheese frosting, whipped cream or ganache.
  • Chocolate cake can be stored at room temperature inside an airtight container up to 1 to 2 days. Whereas, red velvet should be refrigerated.
  • Sponge cakes and pound cakes are generally shelf stable and can be left out if stored properly.

Now you know the best tips and tricks to keep your cake fresh.

How Long Does Cake Last in the Fridge (4)

Try one of our cake recipes:

Try one of these storage methods. Let me know by leaving a comment how it turns out.

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About the Author

How Long Does Cake Last in the Fridge (9)

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Desserts on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you create delicious desserts on a budget and do not require a ton of time. Together, we are going to make something sweet that the entire family will love!

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How Long Does Cake Last in the Fridge (2024)

FAQs

How Long Does Cake Last in the Fridge? ›

“You'll want to store a cake in the fridge with plastic wrap against the cut part (of the cake) to prevent the cake from drying out,” says Edwards, adding that store-bought cakes may last longer in the fridge, but homemade cakes should typically be consumed in five to seven days.

Can I eat cake after 7 days in fridge? ›

Most cakes can be stored in a freezer for up to one month, or in the fridge for one week. Cakes are best sliced frozen for crisp edges, but for the best flavor, allow your leftover cake to hang at room temperature for thirty minutes to an hour before digging in.

Can cake last 2 weeks in the fridge? ›

Here's a simplified guide for how long different types of cakes might last in the fridge: Plain Cake (like unfrosted Moist Vanilla Cake): About 5-7 days in the fridge. Cake with Buttercream, Whipped Cream or Custard (like Moist Chocolate Cake with Fluffy Chocolate Frosting): 4 days, since dairy spoils quicker.

Is cake still good after 6 days? ›

For example, a cake made with fresh fruit will only last a few days, while a cake made with dried fruit can last up to a week. Similarly, a cake that is stored in a cool, dry place will last longer than a cake that is stored in a warm, humid environment. In general, most cakes will last 3-5 days when stored properly.

How long is chocolate cake good for in the fridge? ›

How Long Does Chocolate Cake Last in the Fridge? A traditional chocolate cake made from scratch will stay fresh and soft in the fridge for about 2-3 days. If you use the pectin trick that I describe in this blog post, you can extend the shelf life of baked goods and they will last 5-7 days or longer!

Can I eat cake after 10 days? ›

Kept in the fridge, cake with buttercream or ganache topping will last for 3-4 days. If the cake has custard, cream, cream cheese or fresh fruit it will last 1-2 days at most. If your cake has cream cheese frosting, then refrigerate for 1-2 days at most and then allow to come up to room temperature before serving.

How long do baked goods last in the fridge? ›

Bakery or homemade cookies can be stored at room temperature two to three weeks or two months in the refrigerator. Cookies retain their quality when stored in the freezer for eight to 12 months. Moist bars, such as cheesecake and lemon bars, can be refrigerated for seven days.

How to know if a cake is spoiled? ›

If the cake has an unpleasant odour, it is advisable to throw it away. The texture of the cake may be stale or dry, which is another sign that it has gone bad. It is no longer safe to consume the cake if it has become very dry or crumbly.

What cake lasts the longest? ›

Fruit cakes, due to their high sugar content and often alcohol presence, have an incredibly long shelf life, ranging from several weeks to even months if properly stored in a cool, dry place.

How long can I keep cake in the fridge reddit? ›

The baker said the cake should last 4-5 days in the fridge but that the surface of the cake may dry out depending on storage conditions.

Can you eat 2 week old chocolate cake? ›

Cakes that have been refrigerated properly can last up to one week.

What is the lifespan of a cake? ›

How long does cake last for? Typically, a cake tastes its best and freshest for up to three or four days before it starts losing moisture and the texture becomes drier. You can prolong its life by choosing the right recipes and following the right storage methods.

How long does a frosted cake last? ›

An uncut frosted cake that's been frosted with buttercream, fondant, or ganache can last at room temperature for up to five days. Keep it covered with a cake keeper or a bowl to protect it from dust or other particles.

Can you eat cake a week out of date? ›

Eating an expired cake can potentially lead to foodborne illness or discomfort. The severity of the consequences depends on how far past the expiration date the cake is, as well as the conditions in which it was stored. Expired cakes may harbor harmful bacteria, molds, or other pathogens that can cause food poisoning.

How to preserve a cake for a week? ›

The Best Way to Store Cake Layers

If you don't have plastic wrap, opt for a plastic zip-top bag. Store these wrapped cakes on the counter at room temperature, and they'll keep for about a week before starting to stale on you. Oil-based cakes tend to keep a day or two longer than butter-based ones.

When should you take a cake out of the fridge to eat? ›

~ Cake Storage: The cake should be refrigerated up to 1-3 hours before serving. Remove cake from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature to develop best flavor and texture. Tiered cakes take longer to warm up, so let sit at least 2 hours before serving. Store leftover cake in refrigerator.

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