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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Try one of our cake recipes:

• Chocolate Bundt Cake
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Cake Mix
• Flan Cake
• Easy S’mores Cake Recipe

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