How Long Can You Keep A Cake In The Fridge? [By Type Of Cake]

Are you wondering if that piece of cake in the fridge is still good? And do different cakes keep longer than others? Well, you've arrived at the right place. We did the research to bring you everything you need to know about storing a cake.

A cake will last between 1 and 4 days in the fridge, depending on the type of cake, frosting, fillings, and decorations used. Cakes with fresh fruit or dairy-based icing or filling will only be good for 1-2 days in the fridge.

You probably want to know what types of cake and frosting will stay fresh the longest. Keep reading to learn all about the best ways to help keep cake fresh. We'll cover what types of fillings and frostings to use for longevity, and how to tell if your cake needs to go in the trash.

How Long Does Cake Last In The Fridge?

It depends on the type of cake you have and the fillings and frosting used. Most cakes will be okay between 1 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

An unfrosted cake without a filling will last about 3-4 days in the fridge. So, if you don't plan on eating your cake right away, storing it unfrosted and unfilled until needed may be a better option.

How To Store Unfrosted Cake In The Fridge?

Storing your cake unfrosted and unfilled can help you extend its expiration date. You can carefully wrap the cake layers in cling wrap to keep them fresh and moist. Make sure you don't leave any of the cake exposed to air or it will dry out.

How Long Will Homemade Cake Last In The Fridge?

A homemade cake will stay good for up to 5 days in the fridge, unfrosted if stored properly. You can also store it on the counter in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.

You can also freeze a homemade cake if well wrapped, as freezing will extend its lifespan to about 2 months if unfrosted.

Rubbermaid Servin Saver Cake Keeper

This cake keeper offers an airtight enclosure perfect for storing both frosted and unfrosted cakes. It also makes transporting your cake a cinch.

Click here to see this cake keeper on Amazon.

How Long Will Cake From Boxed Mix Last In The Fridge?

Cakes from boxed mixes like Betty Crocker and Pillsbury will last up to 5 days when stored correctly in the fridge using airtight storage methods. For long-term storage, you can freeze these cakes, frosted or unfrosted.

Freezing these cakes will keep them good for up to 2 months when wrapped well. Keep in mind, the quality may suffer after about a week.

How Long Will Bakery Bought Cake Last In The Fridge?

Cakes purchased from bakeries will last about 5 days in the fridge. However, pay close attention to the ingredients used, and it may be a good idea to ask the bakery for confirmation.

Certain ingredients, fruits, and fillings that the bakery used could have a very different shelf life than more basic cakes.

How Long Will Rum Cake Last In The Fridge?

Rum cake is fine on the counter for up to 4 days. Storing it in the fridge will extend its life to about 7 days. Rum cake also freezes very well, lasting 3 to 4 months after freezing.

How Long Will Carrot Cake Last In The Fridge?

Carrot cake will keep in the refrigerator for about 1 week, frosted or unfrosted. Storing carrot cake in the freezer will keep it good for up to 3 months unfrosted. When left at room temperature, carrot cake will only stay good for about 2 days.

How Long Will Fruitcake Last?

Fruitcake will last 2 to 3 months in the fridge without losing quality. You can even store it at room temperature for up to a month as long as it gets covered well. In the freezer, fruitcakes can last up to 6 months with ease.

How Long Will Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Last?

Pineapple upside-down cake will stay good for up to 2 days left at room temperature. It will last 3 days in the fridge when well covered. Pineapple upside-down cake will last up to 3 months frozen.

How Long Will Strawberry Shortcake Last?

Strawberry shortcake will only last about 2 days in the fridge since it contains whipped topping. Left on the counter, it will only last a maximum of 24 hours, and the cream may not handle the temperatures well.

Strawberry shortcake is not a good candidate for freezing, as the cream and fruit filling both lose quality quickly.

How Long Will Coffee Cake Last?

A coffee cake will last up to a week in the fridge. Stored at room temperature, a coffee cake will only remain good for a maximum of 2 days. You can store coffee cake in the freezer for up to 2 months. However, it will start to lose quality after a month.

How Long Will A Cake With Buttercream Frosting Last?

A cake frosted with buttercream will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Buttercream is stable enough that you can store it at room temperature for 3 days when properly covered.

If you wish, freeze buttercream frosting, as it will stay good for up to 3 months on a cake or in a freezer bag.

How Long Will A Cake With Ganache Icing Last?

Ganache frosted cakes will stay good for up to a week in the fridge under the right conditions. They will keep for 3 days at room temperature when covered well. The ganache will last for up to 3 months in the freezer, but it may lose quality over time.

How Long Will Cake With Whipped Topping Last?

Whipped cream or whipped topping must stay refrigerated at all times. When whipped frostings warm up, they melt. And it ends up soaking into the cake, making it soggy and unsightly.

Whipped cream and whipped topping both last up to 2 days in the fridge stored properly.

How Long Will A Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting Last?

Cream cheese frosting is another type of topping that requires refrigeration at all times and will last up to 3 days in the fridge.

Since it uses mostly uncooked dairy ingredients, it risks spoiling or developing harmful bacteria at higher temperatures. Cream cheese frosting can be frozen to extend its life up to a month.

How Long Will Cake With Cream Filling Last?

Cream-based fillings like Bavarian cream will last up to 4 days in the fridge and should stay refrigerated as often as possible. Custard-type fillings like this tend to have a lot of dairy-based ingredients that require chilling.

For Bavarian cream and similar custard-type fillings, you can store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How Long Will Cake With Fruit Filling Last?

A cake filled or topped with fruit can last up to 4 days in the fridge and should stay in the fridge as often as possible. Most fresh fruits and fruit fillings can survive storage in the freezer to increase their life.

But the length of time will vary between different fruits.

How Can You Tell If A Cake Is Bad?

A cake that has gone bad will have a crumbly, dry texture. It may also have an odor that lets you know it is beyond its expiration date. Also, pay close attention to signs of mold growth on the cake, frosting, or filling.

How To Make Cake Last Longer?

Proper storage is the most important factor to help a cake last. Make sure you use an airtight container or thoroughly cover your cake with cling wrap or foil before storing it in the fridge or freezer.

Store the cake unfrosted, or frost it or fill it before serving. This will help extend its life even further.

Homeries Acrylic Cake Stand

Use this cake storage to put your beautiful creations on display while keeping them covered and safe. It's perfect for storing your cake on the table or the counter.

Plus, it serves as a multifunctional piece and works as a punch bowl, a salad bowl, and more.

Click here to see this cake stand on Amazon.

A Piece Of Cake

Now that you know all about different cakes and toppings, and how to store them, you're ready to get cooking. Remember to use your freezer when you need to extend the life of your cake. Have fun and enjoy!

Now that you've made it to the end...

If you need to store a crumb cake, read our article "How To Store Crumb-Coated Cake Overnight" for tips and tricks.

For help with your next cake, read our article "How Many Cake Mixes For A Half Sheet Cake? [And Full Sheet Too!]"