Last Updated on August 19, 2024 by Lori Walker
Craving chocolate cake but can’t gobble it up in one go? Fruit cakes hang out fresh in the fridge forever, but do chocolate cake leftovers stick around just as long?
How long does chocolate cake last in the fridge? Read on.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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