How Long Does Carrot Cake Last (Freshly Baked)? (2024)

FAQs

How Long Does Carrot Cake Last (Freshly Baked)? ›

Homemade carrot cake can last for 2 to 3 days at room temperature, 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator, and up to 3 to 4 months in the freezer. Store-bought carrot cake typically has a longer shelf life due to preservatives and airtight packaging.

While other types of cakes will generally be okay out on the countertop for a few days, the best place to store a carrot cake—and any other cake with cream cheese frosting, for that matter—is the refrigerator. There, it should stay good for up to a week.

“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.

Carrot cake usually tastes better the next day, so it's a great recipe to make ahead of time. Simply keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises refrigerating any food made with cream cheese after 2 hours (that includes time spent making the food).

Even when the cake is baked, bacteria can still grow, so everything still needs to be refrigerated to prevent spoilage and foodborne illness. Carrot cake and frosting are also easier to tame when they're cold, so unless it's time to serve up some slices, keep your cake in the fridge.

Unfortunately, cream cheese frosting is susceptible to becoming a breeding ground for bacteria, and leaving a cake with cream cheese frosting out overnight is an easy way to ruin it. Brush up on the best ways to store cake with cream cheese frosting in the fridge and freezer.

Typically, a cake will keep on the counter 2-3 days and 5-6 days in the fridge. If you're going to eat the cake in the next day or two and your house stays around 70 degrees or cooler, it should be fine to sit on the counter, says Jan–even if it is cream cheese frosting.

How long can cake sit out unrefrigerated? If your cake is frosted with buttercream, it will last covered at room temperature for up to four days. However, it is best to refrigerate cakes with other frostings such as cream cheese or ganache. A fully covered unfrosted cake will last for up to 2 days at room temperature.

Store Cake for 1 to 3 Days At Room Temperature

If you're planning to eat your cake within three days of when it was baked, the best thing to do is keep it at room temperature. This means on the counter, away from heat, and out of direct sunlight.

Can I eat 2 week old carrot cake? ›

Homemade carrot cake can last for 2 to 3 days at room temperature, 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator, and up to 3 to 4 months in the freezer. Store-bought carrot cake typically has a longer shelf life due to preservatives and airtight packaging. To maximize the freshness of carrot cake, proper storage is essential.

So does it need refrigeration? Food Network Kitchens: Yes, you should always refrigerate any cake or cupcake that has cream cheese frosting.

Is it better to use butter oil in carrot cake? Normally I'm all about the butter, baby. But when it comes to homemade cakes, oil is typically the better choice. Vegetable oil produces a more moist, tender cake than butter.

If you want to keep carrot cake in tip-top shape from beginning to end, the FDA recommends that you don't leave it on the counter for any longer than two hours.

It can be served cold, slightly chilled or at room temperature but I prefer slightly chilled. Once it's frosted on the outside and before it's sliced, you don't need to cover it (although a cake dome is never a bad idea) but once it's sliced, cover the open side with plastic wrap.

You can eat carrot cake hot, cold, warm, or even room temperature. I love a slightly warm slice but this cake is also incredibly delicious chilled with the cake having the best texture when chilled! Also, with the cream cheese frosting it is best to keep the cake chilled.

To maximize the freshness of carrot cake, proper storage is essential. Always use airtight containers, plastic wrap, or resealable bags to protect the cake from air exposure. If your cake contains cream cheese frosting, refrigerate it to prevent spoilage. Freezing is an excellent long-term storage option.

So does it need refrigeration? Food Network Kitchens: Yes, you should always refrigerate any cake or cupcake that has cream cheese frosting.

"Prepare, bake, and cool the cake completely. Then, wrap each cake layer in cling film, nice and tight, and place in the fridge for at least two hours," he says. That's right, you won't be frosting your cake at room temperature; a chilled cake is essential before applying any frosting. "This step is the most important.