How Long Does Frosted Cake Last in the Fridge? A Guide
After a big event or special occasion, you might have some cake leftover. That cake should be refrigerated to keep it at its freshest until you’re ready to eat it. But how long does frosted cake last in the fridge? Whether you have leftover birthday cake, tons of wedding cake, or you’re just wondering how far in advance you can finish the cake you’re making for that party you’re throwing next weekend, here’s what you’ll need to know about how long your cake will last, how you should store it to keep it the freshest you can, and how to revive a cake you may have left in the fridge a bit too long (because it happens to the best of us).
How Long Does Frosted Cake Last in the Fridge?
Generally speaking, most frosted cake will last about 3-5 days in the fridge, but that time frame can vary based on the type of cake itself and how you store it (unfrosted cakes also need a few layers of plastic wrap, foil or airtight containers to keep them fresh!). Here’s what you need to know about how various cake frosting types and storage methods can help lengthen (or shorten) the cake’s freshness.
Cake Frosting Types and Freshness in the Fridge
Different types of cakes will store differently. Here's how long the different types of frostings last:
Buttercream Frosting: Buttercream icing is tried and true for a reason. Part of that reason is, of course, how downright delicious it is, but beyond that, it’s actually pretty durable, making it a great option if you’re trying to extend the life of your frosted, refrigerated cake. Buttercream frosted cakes can last roughly 3-5 days in the fridge thanks to the richness of the frosting. The high butter content can help keep the cake from drying out too quickly.
Cream Cheese Frosting: Cream cheese frosted cakes don’t last as long as buttercream frosted versions (something to keep in mind for red velvet cake and carrot cake, in particular). When you’re working with a cream cheese frosting, you’ll want to limit the time in the fridge to up to 3 days max to keep the cake and frosting tasting fresh.
Ganache and Chocolate Frosting: Ganache is more than just rich chocolatey deliciousness, it’s also somewhat protective for your cake. When you’re storing a ganache-covered cake, you’ve got a good 4-5 days in the fridge. Because ganache will often get a bit harder when chilled, you’ll want to make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving if you’re looking for a creamy, silky texture. (The chilled version is pretty delicious too though!)
Whipped Cream or Mousse Frostings: Whipped cream and mousse frostings are too light and airy to stay stable in the fridge for a long time. These cakes really won’t keep well longer than 1-2 days in the fridge. You’re better off making these cakes as close as possible to your event and eating any leftovers pretty quickly.
Storage Tips to Help You Keep Your Cake Fresher
Whether you’re storing a finished cake before an event or stashing leftovers afterward, you want to do your best to keep your cake moist and fresh (meaning not letting it absorb every smell in your fridge). Here are a few tips to set you up for success:
Keep the Air Out: This might be the most important thing to remember! Air will make your cake stale, particularly if you're dealing with an already-cut cake. It can also ruin the frosting. An airtight container can be a good way to go here, but doing a double wrap of cling film followed by a layer of aluminum foil can keep everything fresh if you’re in a pinch.
Keep Your Cake Whole Instead of Storing Individual Slices: Instead of slicing your cake completely before refrigerating, try your best to keep the cake as whole as possible. Slices are smaller, with more exposed surface area, which means they’ll get dry and stale faster than a whole cake will. You definitely can save slices for later, but it’s even more important for you to store them in airtight containers or wrapped up tight to keep them as moist as possible.
Save the Decorations: If your cake is especially elaborate (lucky you!), you’ll want to take a little extra care before stashing your cake in the fridge. If you tightly wrap it, that can wreck some of the style of the cake. Using a cake box or large enough airtight container is your best bet for these kinds of cakes!
Is Your Cake Still Fresh? Here’s How to Know
Cakes can go bad even in the fridge or freezer. Here’s what to look for if you’re worried about yours:
Give it a good once over: Do you see any spots that don’t look quite right? If you see mold, discoloration (not due to food coloring, of course), or anything that looks a bit off, it’s best to toss it. Be extra thorough with whipped cream or cream cheese icing!
Give it a whiff: Your cake should smell sweet and delicious. If it smells in any way off, you definitely want to pitch the rest. Better to be safe than sorry!
Check the cake itself: If the cake is sliced, you’ll want to see if it’s dry or crumbly when you touch it. If so, the taste might be compromised. It doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t eat it, but it likely won’t be as good as it was when it was first made.
How to Bring Your Refrigerated Cake Back to Life
If your leftover cake is dry and crumbly, but otherwise seems fine, you might want to gussy it up a little so it’s more enjoyable to eat. Here are a few of our best tips for how to make it happen:
Brush on some syrup (NOT maple syrup!): If you have a store-bought bottle of simple syrup, you can use that, or you can heat a 1:1 mix of water and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool. Brush a bit of it on the exposed cake itself to add a little moisture back into the cake.
Put the microwave to use: Trying to soften up just one slice? Put it on a microwave-safe plate and give it a turn in the microwave for about 5-10 seconds to help make it softer. You don’t want to melt the frosting though, so make sure you don’t microwave it for too long! You don't want warm cake, just slightly less cold cake.
Add ice cream or whipped cream: Who doesn’t like a little ice cream with their cake? Serving your cake (especially dry cake) with some ice cream or whipped cream can help disguise the texture and make it more delicious. This just might be the best way to add a little moisture to your cake.
FAQs
-
Yes! Wrap the cake in a layer of plastic wrap then a layer of aluminum foil before storing in an airtight container or freezer bag and freezing.
-
It depends on a few factors, but you should be okay for a couple of days (you’re pretty much looking at 5 days max—and that’s only with the most durable, stable frosting). Luckily, we love cake so much that we don’t usually have to worry about saving our cake for too long!
