Last Updated on February 15, 2023
You baked the cake, frosted it, and stored it in the refrigerator. Now, you wonder how long can you keep a frosted cake in the fridge. In most cases, frosted cakes can withstand room temperature conditions for a couple of days; rest assured that you put the frosted cake onto a cake stand with a cover. Doing this protects it from the dust in the air.
Moreover, a cut cake with frosting can last up to four days at room temperature. Likewise, at room temperature, an uncut frosted cake can last for five days. However, a kitchen can be humid and hot, especially during summer. Because of this, it can make your frosted cakes prone to bacteria; so, it is best to store frosted cakes in the fridge.
How Long Can You Keep a Frosted Cake in the Fridge?
A frosted cake can last in the fridge for approximately a week. Keep in mind that the frosting maintains the cake’s moisture. Moreover, you can loosely cover the frosted cake with an airtight container to allow the frosting to set. Overall, a frosted cake’s shelf-life relies on different factors such as the preparation method and sell-by-date.
Moreover, cakes with cream cheese frosting cannot withstand warm weather. For this reason, you must refrigerate cakes with cream cheese frosting for one to two days. Afterward, please allow the frosted cake to come up to room temperature before serving it. On the other hand, cakes with buttercream frosting last for three to four days.
Furthermore, please chill fresh cakes for about fifteen minutes uncovered in the fridge to harden the frosting. Then, if you want, you can wrap it in a plastic bag and place it in a cake keeper bag.
The Most Effective Way to Store a Cut Frosted Cake
As much as possible, when you cut a frosted cake, make sure to cover the sliced edges with more frosting. Doing this protects the cake from losing moisture when storing it in the fridge. Alternatively, press a piece of cling wrap onto the slice side. In addition to that, ensure that it sticks. After that, cover and store the cake as you would similarly with an uncut frosted cake.
How Long is Frosted Cake Safe to Eat?
Essentially, the most suitable location to store frosted cakes is in the fridge because they lengthen the cake’s shelf life. In addition to that, they do not need defrosting. Moreover, please refrigerate frosted cakes made with dairy ingredients as soon as possible. As a rule, most frosted cakes are safe to eat for up to four days when stored in the fridge.
If you want long-term preservation, the best way is to freeze the frosted cakes. With that, frosted cakes are safe for consumption for up to twelve months. Angel food cake and cheesecake are safe for consumption if frozen for up to three to four months. However, freezing the frosted cake will affect the consistency and texture after four months.
How to Freeze Frosted Cakes Properly?
Keep in mind that cakes freeze excellently for about four months. That is why it would be helpful to wrap the sponge cakes. Then, place the frosting in an airtight container before freezing.
However, please wrap the frosted cake properly in cling wrap, either by slice or whole. After that, please put it in an airtight resealable bag or airtight plastic container. Doing this prevents it from absorbing flavors from the freezer.
Likewise, you can wrap aluminum foil around the cling wrap to protect the cakes. With that, ensure that there is enough space in the freezer. It is crucial because you do not want to squish the frosted cakes.
Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Container, BPA-free Plastic
Cake Storage Tips
Do not put cakes with food coloring, sugar paste, and fondant in the fridge because they tend to bleed. But, if you plan to make a frosted sponge cake, you can freeze the sponge. Afterward, defrost and decorate with fresh ingredients when required.
Furthermore, please wrap cake slices with cling wrap. Doing this provides a protective barrier. Likewise, it covers the cake from dust in the air. In addition to that, be sure that you cover the entire cut sides to avoid the cake from going dry.
Remember that a cake tin lined with greaseproof paper is excellent for cakes with buttercream frosting; especially if you keep it at room temperature.
Furthermore, when making a cake with whipped cream frosting, store them in the fridge. In addition to that, make sure to wrap the frosted cake in a box.
How Long Will a Frosted Cake Stay Fresh?
The time a frosted cake will stay fresh depends on various factors, such as what the fillings and toppings are made from and the storage methods. The time your frosted cake stays fresh can be anywhere from 3-7 days. Let’s take a closer look.
If your cake is filled or frosted with buttercream frosting, it’ll last around 5-7 days in the fridge. However, to achieve this, you’ll need to ensure that it’s covered well in the fridge, such as in a cake carrier. There is no real need to chill buttercream frosted cakes, but they do have a longer shelf life if you do. If you’d prefer not to chill your cake, it’ll stay fresh at room temperature for around 3 days.
Some frostings won’t last as long, such as cream cheese frosting. With this type of frosting, it must be kept in the fridge or it’ll spoil. If stored, covered, in the fridge, it’ll last around 5 days. The same goes for fruit or cream toppings. They must be chilled and will usually last around 3-4 days.
Can I Leave a Frosted Cake Uncovered in the Fridge?
Once your cake has been frosted, you may want to store it in the refrigerator as it is, but it’s always best to complete cover a cake when in the fridge. Whether it’s in plastic wrap, an airtight container, or a cake carrier, these will help to keep the cake fresh and prevent moisture from ruining your cake.
If your cake is covered in fondant, the moisture from the fridge can even cause the fondant to run and completely ruin your cake.
If you’re choosing to use plastic wrap as your covering, be sure to allow your cake to chill for around 15 minutes uncovered first. This way your frosting will have a chance to firm up and will prevent any damage when wrapping.
Does Cake Go Bad in the Fridge?
Unfortunately, wherever your cake is stored, it will eventually go bad. While it does take longer to go bad in the fridge as opposed to room temperature, it will eventually retain moisture and go bad. If your cake has been stored in the fridge for longer than a week, it may be best to discard it, even if it shows no signs of spoilage, as it’s definitely past its best before the date at this point.
If you’re wondering which signs to look out for when it comes to cake going bad, the easiest way is to check the appearance and smell the cake. If there is an off smell or a sour smell, discard your cake immediately. As well as this, if you notice any mold, discard the entire cake immediately. Even if you think the majority of the cake looks okay, it’s important to discard it all as the whole cake may have been affected.
Conclusion
I hope this post has helped to answer the question: how long can you keep a frosted cake in the fridge and give you an idea of how best to take care of your finished cakes? When it comes to storage, the refrigerator is most often the best option. Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to storing cakes in the fridge? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
Zarah is an experienced pastry chef whose creations have delighted countless customers. With a passion for baking, Zarah has developed a unique style that combines classic techniques with modern flavors. Her desserts are consistently crafted with the finest ingredients, and her attention to detail is evident in the stunning and delectable results. Zarah has a wealth of experience in the pastry kitchen, and loves to share her knowledge with others. Whether it is teaching a class or creating a custom cake for a special occasion, Zarah is committed to making sure every customer is satisfied.
