Last Updated on April 3, 2023 by Lori Walker
Most of the time, even if you love chocolate cake, you will still find it hard to finish it in one sitting. Fruit cakes can sit in the fridge for months, but can you do the same with leftover chocolate cakes?
How long does chocolate cake last in the fridge? Read on.
Table of Contents
How Long Will Chocolate Cake Last In The Fridge?
A chocolate cake will last for at least two to three days in the fridge if stored properly. Due to preservatives, a store-bought cake lasts a few days longer than a homemade cake.
You can maintain its rich chocolate flavor by wrapping it in an airtight container before putting it in the fridge.
Most cakes stay fresh if stored at room temperature [1], but exceptions exist. For instance, a warmer kitchen temperature and incorporating perishable goods require storing the cake in the refrigerator.
Read:
- How Long Can A Carrot Cake Be Stored In The Refrigerator?
- How Long Can A Birthday Cake Be Stored In The Refrigerator?
- How Long Can A Costco Cheesecake Be Stored In The Refrigerator?
Factors To Consider
Amount of Cake
A leftover cake will dry out faster than a whole cake because it is more exposed to air. You can counter moisture loss by smearing additional frosting to the exposed side of sheet cakes.
The frosting acts as a barrier to air and moisture, preventing the cake from drying [2].
Type of Cake
Homemade
A freshly baked chocolate cake containing custard filling, cream cheese, or sour cream can last for at least two to three days if refrigerated.
Store Bought
A store-bought chocolate cake usually has a long shelf life, but you should discard it after the expiration date.
Unfrosted Chocolate Cake
Maximize the storage life of an unfrosted cake for at least a week by covering it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
Chocolate Cake With Ganache
Birthday cakes with chocolate ganache can last up to three to four days, similar to cakes with some types of buttercream frosting or canned frosting.
“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.”
– Danilo Alfaro, Former Private Chef
Frosted Chocolate Cake
Frosted cakes can last for at least three to five days in the fridge.But for how long does chocolate take to freeze?
Chocolate Cake With Fondant
Fondant cakes can have up to a week if stored in the fridge.
Check out some delicious cakes that aren’t too sweet here.
Storage
The best way to keep chocolate layer cakes fresh is to leave them at room temperature in a cake holder. Cakes lose their moisture if put in the refrigerator, leaving them dry and stale. You can use a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container and keep it fresh for at least five days.
But how long will the frosting of your cake last in the fridge?
Why Should You Properly Store Chocolate Cake In The Fridge?
Most bakers would not recommend the fridge for storing chocolate cake, but it is necessary if your kitchen temperature is hotter. It helps preserve the cake, especially if it contains cream cheese frosting or fruit compote.
Read: Is It Possible To Cool A Cake In The Refrigerator?
How Long Does Chocolate Fudge Cake Last In The Fridge?
A chocolate fudge cake can last three to four days in the fridge if properly stored.
Its icing was only made of dark chocolate, sugar, and butter that does not need to be refrigerated if you have a cold kitchen temperature. Transfer the cake to an airtight container before storing it.
Read: How Much Do You Charge For Cake Pops?
How To Tell If It Has Gone Bad
Discoloration & Molds
If you have left the cake in the refrigerator for up to seven days, you must check for any signs of discoloration. You may notice some gray or white spots as mold build-up and change the cake’s appearance.
It may also become watery, so it’s better to throw it out and not consume it.
Foul Odor
If you did not notice any change in the cake’s appearance, try smelling it. Another sign that the cake has gone bad is if the cake smells sour or unpleasant.
It commonly happens when you leave the cake for a few days, and the spoilage microbes would start growing.
Texture
If you’re still unsure of the cake’s appearance and smell, try testing its composition or texture. Most of the time, the cake will be dry after it has gone bad because it has been losing its moisture.
However, spongy and pound cakes that are usually dry turn slimy or mushy.
Read: 4 Telltale Signs That My Cookie Dough Is Bad
FAQs
Will an old chocolate cake make you sick?
Yes, eating an old or stale cake can make you sick. It’s better to check the cake thoroughly for signs of spoilage after a few days.
Find out how you can make dark chocolate sweet here.
Is a chocolate cake still good after 7 days?
No, the chocolate cake will be dry and not be good anymore after storing it for seven days because it has already lost its moisture.
But how long can you keep a chocolate pie in the fridge?
How long can a chocolate cake be kept in the fridge?
It is best to keep the chocolate cake in the fridge for about one to two days. The fridge would dry out the cake if you store it longer.
But how long does chocolate mousse last in the fridge?
How do you keep a chocolate cake fresh for a week?
You can freeze chocolate cake to keep it fresh for more than a week. Before you do it, cover your chocolate cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Find out how long fudge will last in the fridge here.
How long can cake stay out of the fridge?
Cakes can stay at least two to three days at normal room temperature. But for a whipped cream cake topped with fresh fruits, it is better to refrigerate it.
Find out how long will muffins last in the refrigerator here.
Key Takeaways
- A chocolate cake lasts two to seven days in the fridge.
- Check thoroughly if the cake has gone bad. An uncut frosted cake will eventually dry out, but a pound cake or spongy cake would be slimy. Avoid eating a spoiled cake because it can make you sick.
- Many factors can affect the cake’s shelf life, such as the fresh fruit filling or whipped cream frosting.
- Store a covered chocolate cake in the freezer for longer preservation.
- Eating chocolate cake as soon as possible is still the best option.
References:
- https://www.marthastewart.com/1542305/storing-baked-goods-home
- https://www.southernliving.com/food/desserts/cakes/how-to-store-cake
- Author
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Lori Walker
Lori is a self-taught baker and former owner of a successful bakery. She shares her love for baking through her blog, featuring delicious recipes, baking tips, and a behind-the-scenes look at running a bakery. You can speak with her directly at [emailprotected].
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As an expert in food storage and preservation, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the topic of storing chocolate cakes. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the factors that influence the shelf life of baked goods, and I stay abreast of the latest information in the field.
Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the article:
1. How Long Will Chocolate Cake Last In The Fridge?
- A chocolate cake, if stored properly, can last for at least two to three days in the fridge. Store-bought cakes tend to last a bit longer than homemade ones due to preservatives. Wrapping the cake in an airtight container helps maintain its rich chocolate flavor.
2. Factors To Consider:
- Amount of Cake: Leftover cake dries out faster than a whole cake due to increased exposure to air. Additional frosting on exposed sides can counteract moisture loss.
- Type of Cake: Different types of cakes have varying shelf lives. Homemade cakes with custard filling, cream cheese, or sour cream can last for two to three days. Store-bought cakes usually have a longer shelf life. Unfrosted cakes, chocolate cakes with ganache, frosted cakes, and fondant cakes each have specific storage recommendations.
- Storage: Storing chocolate layer cakes at room temperature in a cake holder helps maintain moisture. However, if kitchen temperature is high or if the cake contains perishable ingredients like cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is recommended.
3. Why Should You Properly Store Chocolate Cake In The Fridge?
- While most bakers may not recommend refrigeration for chocolate cake, it becomes necessary in warmer environments, especially if the cake has cream cheese frosting or fruit compote.
4. How Long Does Chocolate Fudge Cake Last In The Fridge?
- A chocolate fudge cake can last three to four days in the fridge if stored properly. The icing, made of dark chocolate, sugar, and butter, doesn't require refrigeration in a cold kitchen temperature.
5. How To Tell If It Has Gone Bad:
- Signs of spoilage include discoloration, molds, foul odor, and changes in texture. Dryness, sliminess, or mushiness indicate that the cake has gone bad.
6. FAQs:
- Will an old chocolate cake make you sick? Yes, consuming an old or stale cake can make you sick.
- Is a chocolate cake still good after 7 days? No, after seven days, the cake may become dry and not suitable for consumption.
- How long can cake stay out of the fridge? Cakes can stay at least two to three days at room temperature, but refrigeration is advisable for certain types of cakes.
7. Key Takeaways:
- A chocolate cake's shelf life ranges from two to seven days in the fridge, depending on various factors.
- Thoroughly check for signs of spoilage before consuming a cake.
- Different cake types, ingredients, and storage methods influence the cake's longevity.
- Freezing is recommended for longer preservation.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article is comprehensive and well-referenced, drawing on reliable sources such as Martha Stewart and Southern Living. It is essential to follow these guidelines to ensure the safety and quality of stored chocolate cakes.
