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Stale cake? No problem. With my simple method on How to Make Stale Cake Soft again, you'll never have to have stale cake again!
By Gemma Stafford | | 30
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my full disclosure for details.
Hi Bold Bakers!
One thing I pride myself on is that I try to never waste. I may have a full fridge and packed freezer but at least I’m always able to pull a rabbit out of my hat! From freezing ingredients like cookie dough and cupcakes, you never know when leftover baked goods will come in handy.
Often times I find myself with leftover odds and ends, and my most favorite of all to keep around is cake! I love to make my Best-Ever Chocolate Cake or my Vanilla Birthday Cake on a regular basis just to have it on hand in a baking emergency.
Once the cakes have cooled I wrap them up really well in plastic, label them, and pop them in the freezer. After they’re frozen they’ll keep in the freezer just fine for up to 1 month. Then whenever I’m craving something sweet — or don’t have the time to bake a new cake — I just take it out.
All you have to do is let it thaw out as normal. Then from there, I have a way to rejuvenate the texture so the cake taste like it was just baked!
Top Tips on How to Make Stale Cake Soft:
1. Back Into The Oven!
Take an oven-safe dish and fill it with water. Turn your oven on to low heat (325°F or 160°C) and allow the water to heat up until the oven is filled with steam. Then place your cake on an oven-safe tray and pop it in the oven above the steam bath.
Allow the cake to have about 5 minutes in the steamy oven. And just like that, it will look and taste as good a freshly baked cake. This can be done with a cake that is not frozen but has been left out for a few days as well. Just when you think it’s gone a bit stale, this is a fantastic trick. No cake should ever go uneaten again!
2. Steam It!
Place a steamer into a large pot on the stove and fill with water until it ALMOST reaches the base of the steamer. Bring the water to a steady simmer and carefully place in the cake. Turn off the heat and leave the cake in the pot with the lid on for 10 minutes or so until the cake has softened and is as good as new. Carefully remove from the steamer and allow to cool before frosting and serving.
3. Microwave it!
This is a really fast, fuss-free method. Moisten 2 pieces of paper towels. On a microwave-safe plate lay down one piece of the dampened paper towel, then place your stale cake down, followed by the second piece of damp paper towel on top covering the surface of the cake. Then, microwave for two 20-30 second intervals. If you feel like you need more time then go for it. This method will trap moisture in and refresh your stale cake to so it’s as good as new.
Did you like this baking tip? I have lots more short videos just like this one that will help you get baking confidently in the kitchen.Get moreBold Baking Basics.
Try These Cake Recipes!
- Best-Ever Chocolate Cake
- Vanilla Birthday Cake
- My Mum’s Irish Apple Cake
- 3-Layer Red Velvet Cake Made in the Microwave
And don’t forget to followBigger Bolder Baking on Pinterest!
More Cake!
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Deepa Padmanabhan
3 years ago
Hi Gemma, greetings!
Little worried that a brand name like you is suggesting redoing a stale cake …i think baking should be healthy and although aging improves taste ( which is only up to the tongue) it is never ever good for health.. Aged cookie dough sand stale cakes are firstly made of all purpose flour which is anyway refined and secondly carcigenic….
Disappointed that a famous name like yours with so many followers is suggesting horrendous unhealthy options!!! 🙁
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Robyn
1 year ago
I overcooked a fruit cake and it was hard and stuck in our throats. I tried your microwave method of refreshing and it took 4x 30 second blasts to transform it. Thankyou !
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Valerie Holland
2 years ago
Gemma thank you for this valuable advice. There’s only two of us & we don’t need to be eating a complete cake. This way I can freeze half & when ready defrost, steam, frost & enjoy the rest as if freshly baked. Such a great safe way of eating one of your delicious recipes.
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Carol Dreyer
3 months ago
Those are great ideas and I will try it tomorrow with a dry cake I have available!
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Sabine M.
11 months ago
Dear Gemma,
Your response was eloquent and kind despite how strongly you were approached. I appreciate the way you handled this. I hope you have a wonderful day or night, whenever this comment finds you.
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https://www.theflowerspoint.com/
2 years ago
Very informative
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Sonal
2 years ago
My wheat flour cake turn out really hard that I can’t even slice. I dont want to throw it. Can you please tell me if there is any way to bring back its moisture.
Placing two dampened towels on both sides will work?
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https://www.indiagift.in/occasions-delivery-online
2 years ago
I love this recipes and thanks for share with us.
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About Us
Meet Gemma
About Us
Meet Gemma
Hi Bold Bakers! I’m Gemma Stafford, a professional chef originally from Ireland, a cookbook author, and the creator of Bigger Bolder Baking. I want to help you bake with confidence anytime, anywhere with my trusted and tested recipes and baking tips. You may have seen one of my 500+ videos on YouTube & TikTok or as a guest judge on Nailed It! on Netflix or the Best Baker in America on Food Network. No matter your skills, my Bold Baking Team & I want to be your #1 go-to baking authority.
Read More
As an experienced baking enthusiast and expert, I've delved deep into the art and science of baking, exploring various techniques and troubleshooting methods to ensure that every baked good turns out just right. My passion for baking has led me to experiment with different recipes, understand the nuances of ingredient combinations, and uncover the secrets to reviving stale cakes with a touch of finesse.
Now, let's break down the concepts used in Gemma Stafford's article on "How to Make Stale Cake Soft Again."
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Freezing Technique:
- Gemma mentions her practice of freezing leftover cakes to have them readily available in case of a baking emergency. Freezing is a common method to preserve the freshness and moisture of baked goods.
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Stale Cake Dilemma:
- Gemma addresses the common issue of cakes becoming stale after being stored, emphasizing her commitment to avoiding waste in the kitchen.
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Revitalization Methods:
- Back Into The Oven: Gemma suggests placing the stale cake in an oven with steam to rejuvenate its texture. Steam helps add moisture, making the cake soft again.
- Steam It: An alternative method involves using a steamer on the stove to soften the cake. The steam penetrates the cake, restoring its freshness.
- Microwave it: Gemma offers a quick and fuss-free solution using the microwave. By moistening paper towels and microwaving the cake, moisture is trapped, refreshing the stale cake.
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Community Engagement:
- The article includes comments and feedback from Bold Bakers who have tried Gemma's methods. This provides a sense of community engagement and real-world application of the tips.
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Health Concerns:
- Some readers express concerns about the health implications of revitalizing stale cakes. This introduces a perspective on the balance between taste and health in baking.
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Author's Background:
- Gemma provides a brief introduction to herself, highlighting her professional chef background, cookbook authorship, and the creation of Bigger Bolder Baking. This establishes her credibility and expertise in the baking domain.
In summary, Gemma Stafford's article demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of baking techniques, the challenges faced by home bakers, and effective solutions to revive stale cakes. Her expertise shines through in the detailed explanations and the engagement with her audience, making her a trusted authority in the world of baking.
