Imagine this: you buy a cake you really like at the supermarket or bakery, but you can't finish it that day. Most people would do the same thing—put it straight into the refrigerator. After all, that's where the store keeps it, so it seems like a safe choice.
But here’s the question: how long will it last in the fridge? If you accidentally leave it in there for five or six days, will it still be okay to eat? How can you tell if it’s gone bad?
Key factors determining a cake’s shelf life
Actually, different cakes have very different shelf lives, mainly due to their ingredients:
• Cream cakes are typically made with animal-based cream, and whipped cream has the shortest shelf life.
• Cheesecake is essentially a dairy product, so it lasts a bit longer than whipped cream, but you still need to be careful.
• Cream frosting/icing cakes have a lot of sugar on the outside, and since sugar has a preservative effect, these cakes tend to last longer.
So, the type of cake you eat directly determines its “shelf life” in the fridge.
|
Ingredient Type |
Room Temperature |
Refrigerated |
Frozen |
|
Cream |
2–4 hours |
1–2 days |
1–2 weeks |
|
Cheese |
2–6 hours |
2–3 days |
2 weeks |
|
Sugar/Fondant/Buttercream |
1–2 days |
3–5 days |
2–3 weeks |
Storage environment is equally important
First, consider the temperature of the storage environment. Professional refrigerators used by retailers are colder and more stable; home refrigerators have larger temperature fluctuations and are frequently opened. However, you can consider placing the cake in the middle to lower section of the refrigerator, closer to the cooling side, for better preservation
Second, consider whether it is sealed. If simply placed in a paper box, the cake can easily dry out or absorb odors from other foods in the refrigerator, leading to bacterial growth. Wrapping it in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container is much better.
Can cake be stored in the refrigerator for a week?
To be honest, in most cases, it's not advisable:
• Cream cake → It is recommended to consume within 2–3 days.
• Cheesecake → It is relatively safe for about 4–5 days.We've actually discussed how should cheesecake be stored. If you're interested, you can click to read the detailed method.
• Cream frosting/sugar frosting cake → If stored properly, it can last for 5–7 days, but the texture will become dry.
If it has been stored for a week, it is best not to consume it.
How can you tell if a cake has gone bad?
Here are a few straightforward ways to tell:
• Smell: If it smells sour or weird, it's probably gone bad.
• Look: If the cream has separated, the surface has changed color, or there are mold spots, don't hesitate to throw it away.
• Touch: If it's too dry or has a weird texture, it's not fresh anymore.
Bottom line: If you're wondering whether you can still eat it, don't eat it.
How long can it be left out after taking it out of the refrigerator?
If the cake is to be served at a gathering or on the dining table, it is generally safe to leave it at room temperature for 1–2 hours. However, taking it out of the refrigerator after refrigeration can promote bacterial growth, especially in summer or when temperatures are high. It is best to consume it as soon as possible or take it out of the refrigerator just before eating. Leaving it out for an extended period and then returning it to the refrigerator poses a greater risk and is not recommended.
Tips for properly storing cake
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. For cakes with cream decorations, consider placing them directly into an airtight container.
• Placing the cake in an airtight container prevents odors from mixing; you can add a small amount of water to the container to reduce the likelihood of drying out.
• If you know you won’t finish it within a few days, slice the cake and freeze it. Consider wrapping the slices tightly in aluminum foil; most cakes (except those with an excessive amount of whipped cream) can be frozen. However, the texture may deteriorate slightly.
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Final thoughts
When buying a cake, it’s best to ask the seller for their recommended storage time. Generally, if it’s been more than 3–5 days, be cautious—if it has an off smell or appearance, don’t eat it. Cakes are delicious, but it’s not worth taking risks for a few bites. Prioritize fresh food!
