How Long Is Cake Good For in The Fridge? [Quick Answer!]

Imagine if your most cherished cake could stay fresh indefinitely. That would be a dream come true, wouldn’t it? Unfortunately, reality is a bit different.

Cakes, like all food items, have a shelf life, even when stored in the refrigerator. So, the question arises, how long does cake stay fresh in the fridge?

Typically, cakes can remain fresh in the fridge for approximately 2 to 7 days, and in some cases, up to 10 days. This duration can vary based on factors such as the type of frosting and filling, the ingredients used, the presence of preservatives, and the storage conditions.

Unfrosted cakes tend to have the longest shelf life, even without refrigeration, while cakes with fruit toppings and fillings tend to spoil the quickest.

In this article, we will delve into the various factors that influence the shelf life of a cake in the fridge, and compare it with the shelf life of cakes stored on the counter or in the freezer.

Additionally, we will provide useful tips on how to store cakes effectively, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions related to cake storage.

How Long Is Cake Good for in The Fridge?

Cake Type	Lifespan in the Fridge
1. Homemade Cake (Plain)	Up to 7 days
2. Store-Bought Cake (Plain, with preservatives)	7 to 10 days
3. Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting	5 to 6 days
4. Cake with Buttercream Frosting	5 to 7 days
5. Cake with Fruit Topping	Up to 4 days
6. Cake with Ganache Topping	3 to 4 days
7. Cake with Perishable Fillings (Custard, Cream, Whipped Cream, Cheese, or Fresh Fruit)	Up to 2 days

What Determines the Shelf Life of Cake in the Fridge?

It’s important to note that the shelf life of cakes in the fridge can vary greatly, typically lasting between 2 to 7 days, and in some cases, up to 10 days for store-bought options. This range is due to several factors, including:

• The type of cake frosting
• The cake filling
• Whether it’s homemade or store-bought (with or without preservatives)
• The ingredients used (wet or dry)
• The storage conditions

Let’s delve into these factors:

The Impact of Frosting on Cake Shelf Life

Plain cakes, those without frosting or whipped topping, tend to last longer than frosted ones. If you plan to consume a plain cake within 2-3 days, it can be stored at room temperature.

In terms of refrigeration, a plain homemade cake (without preservatives) can last up to 7 days, while a store-bought one (with preservatives) can last up to 10 days.

The shelf life of frosted cakes, however, depends on the type of frosting used. For instance, cakes with cream cheese frosting can last 5-6 days in the fridge, as cream cheese has a slightly shorter lifespan.

Cakes with buttercream frosting don’t necessarily need refrigeration unless it’s too hot or you plan to consume them after three days. If refrigerated, these cakes can last 5-7 days.

Cakes with fruit toppings can last up to 4 days in the fridge, as fruits tend to spoil quickly. Without refrigeration, these cakes should be consumed within 1-2 days to prevent them from going stale.

The Role of Cake Filling

The type of filling used in a cake also affects its shelf life. Fillings like cream cheese, custard, whipped cream, and fruit are perishable, meaning cakes with these fillings should be kept in the fridge for a maximum of two days.

Homemade Vs. Store-Bought Cakes

Store-bought cakes often contain preservatives that extend their shelf life, making them last longer than homemade cakes, which typically don’t contain preservatives.

While homemade cakes can last 2-7 days in the fridge, depending on whether they’re plain or frosted, store-bought cakes can last up to 10 days in the fridge if they’re without frosting or filling.

The Effect of Ingredients on Cake Shelf Life

The ingredients used in baking a cake can influence its shelf life. Generally, cakes made with more wet ingredients like butter, eggs, water, and milk have a shorter shelf life, while those made with drier ingredients like milk solids, starch, egg white, and flour tend to last longer.

However, this doesn’t mean you should sacrifice one type of ingredient for another, as this could compromise the cake’s consistency and quality.

The Importance of Proper Cake Storage

Proper storage can significantly extend a cake’s shelf life in the fridge. Consider wrapping the cake in foil or a plastic bag, or placing it in an airtight container before refrigerating it.

Should You Refrigerate a Cake?

Not all cakes need to be refrigerated. If you plan to consume the cake within a day or two, it can be stored at room temperature, unless your kitchen is warm enough to spoil the cake.

If you plan to consume the cake after 3-5 days, it should be refrigerated. If you want to store it for months, consider freezing it.

How to Identify a Cake That Has Gone Bad

You can tell if a cake has gone bad by its smell, the presence of mold, damage to the frosting, or changes in the cake’s texture. If the cake smells unpleasant, has mold, shows damage to the frosting, or has become overly dry, it’s likely gone bad.

What to Do with a Stale Cake

If your cake has gone stale but isn’t moldy or smelly, you can repurpose it by making cake crumble to use on ice cream or in bread pudding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Shelf Life of Red Velvet Cake in the Fridge? 

Red velvet cakes typically have a shorter shelf life compared to other cakes. Even when refrigerated, a red velvet cake can last up to three days at most.

How Long Does a Chocolate Cake Last in the Fridge? 

With proper storage, a chocolate cake can remain fresh for up to a week in the fridge. Ensure to cover the cake with foil or plastic wrap to extend its freshness.

What is the Shelf Life of a Birthday Cake in the Fridge? 

The shelf life of a birthday cake in the fridge largely depends on the type of topping used. Most birthday cakes last between 3 to 4 days in the fridge. However, cakes with cream cheese, custard cream, or fruit toppings have a shorter shelf life of 1 to 2 days.

How Long is a Wedding Cake Good for in the Fridge? 

The shelf life of a wedding cake in the fridge varies based on the type of topping. Cakes with fresh fruit filling or cream cheese topping last about two days, while those with ganache or buttercream can last between 3 to 4 days.

What is the Shelf Life of a Cheesecake in the Fridge? 

Cheesecakes can stay fresh for 3 to 4 days in the fridge with proper storage. It’s recommended to use an airtight container, aluminum foil, or plastic bag to cover the cake before refrigeration.

How Long Does a Carrot Cake Last in the Fridge?

When properly covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, a carrot cake can last up to a week in the fridge. It’s crucial to preserve the moisture and protect the cake from drying out.

What is the Shelf Life of a Coconut Cake in the Fridge? 

A coconut cake can be kept in the fridge for up to a week with adequate covering, especially if it has a whipped cream frosting or any other type of topping.

Conclusion 

The shelf life of a cake in the fridge can vary greatly depending on several factors. However, with proper storage, even a plain cake can last up to 10 days in the fridge. If you want the cake to last even longer, consider freezing it.