How Long Does Cake Last In The Fridge?
Everything you need to know about having your cake and eating it, too.
Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox
Whether it’s a birthday or a holiday, where a celebration is happening, cake is on the menu. When faced with the conundrum of leftover cake, you may wonder just how long you have to enjoy it before it goes bad, and whether or not the cake should be refrigerated.
So, how long does cake last in the fridge? How long a cake lasts is entirely dependent upon what the cake is made of and how it has been stored. Cakes that have been refrigerated properly can last up to one week.
Related: 100 Best Birthday Cake Recipes Made For Celebrations
Meet The Expert
Chelsea Edwards is a Registered Dietitian and the owner of Huntsville Nutrition Collective in Huntsville, Alabama
How Long Does Cake Last In The Fridge?
Edwards explains that cakes often go bad in two main ways: “Cakes can either go bad from spoiled ingredients or from drying out.” She says that cakes can last for about a week in the refrigerator before it’s time to toss it in the trash. “If there is fruit that begins to go bad on a cake, it may be best to skip that part and just eat the cake itself,” she says
Related: How To Bake A Moist Cake
How Long Does Cheesecake Last In The Fridge?
The Alabama-based dietician explains there is an exception when cream cheese or cream cheese icing, is involved. “Cakes with cream cheese, including cheesecake, should be refrigerated for three to four days then tossed,” says Edwards.
Related: How Long Can Food Last In The Refrigerator?
How To Tell If A Cake Has Gone Bad
If the cake has fruit, the fruit will start to look less fresh and potentially start to mold. “Most cakes are going to get dried out rather than spoil in another way, unless they have fresh cream and are left at room temperature,” Edwards says.
Jen Causey; Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Should Cake Be Refrigerated?
Edwards says that most cakes can be left on the counter at room temperature, barring any extreme temperatures, for one to two days. “The exception to this rule is cakes with fresh fruit, dairy, such as cream cheese, whipped cream, or mascarpone, or fruit compote,” she explains. “Those should be refrigerated immediately.”
Related: 27 Creamy And Dreamy Mascarpone Recipes
How To Store Leftover Cake
The safest way to store leftover cake is covered and in the refrigerator. “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.
Related: The Ultimate Way To Use Up Leftover Cake, According To A Baker
For more Southern Living news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Southern Living.
