How Long Will a Decorated Cake Stay Fresh?
You might be a cake lover or a passionate baker who loves to deliver fresh cakes. But I understand that sometimes it’s not possible with all the time constraints we humans have. If you think you cannot keep your cakes for a longer time, then hold on a moment.
How long will a decorated cake stay fresh?
The cakes can stay fresh at room temperature for 3 to 4 days before the moisture is drawn out. If you refrigerate your cake due to all the fruit fillings that it has icing or fondant on it, its life can increase even further. The outer covering helps to seal the moisture inside hence increasing their life.
If you wondering how long bakeries keep their cakes and when is the ideal time to make your cake for the big day, then continue reading because we gathered some helpful information for you.
In this guide, we’ll explain how long will a decorated cake stay fresh and all of the relevant information on the subject.
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How Long Will a Decorated Cake Stay Fresh?
Depending on the type of cake and its ingredients, a cake with decorations can remain fresh for several days. Cakes made with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or cream cheese typically have a shorter shelf life and should be consumed within two to three days. Cakes made with non-perishable ingredients such as buttercream or fondant can be properly stored for up to a week.
A cake that has been decorated must be stored in an airtight container, in a cool, dry location, away from direct sunlight and strong odours. A cake may also be stored in the refrigerator, but it must be removed at least 30 minutes prior to serving to allow it to reach room temperature.
It is also important to note that once the cake has been cut, the exposed surfaces will dry out faster; therefore, it is best to store the cake in the refrigerator and slice it just before serving.
For specific guidance on how long a decorated cake will remain fresh, it is always best to consult the baker or follow the recipe’s directions.
Can a Decorated Cake Be Kept Fresh for a Long Time?
A decorated cake can be kept fresh for a long time if properly stored and handled. You have made a significant amount of effort and spent a lot of time making your cakes, and now you want to keep them fresh for the day.
You can try the following to keep your cakes fresh, both freshly made and leftovers:
Cover with a Cake Cover or a Bowl:
If your cake has a frosting that has been cooked, then do not completely cover it; leave an edge open by placing something underneath the cover. If stored in an airtight container, frosting can be entirely absorbed by the cake.
If you do not have a cover, you can also cover your cakes with foil, plastic wrap, or wax paper. If you have creamy icing on top, you can save it by inserting toothpicks in your cakes on the sides and the center and then covering it.
Freeze Your Cake for a Longer Period:
If you plan to keep your cake safe for over a week, your best bet is to freeze your cake. You will have to cover your cake with plastic wrap and then with foil to save it from freezer burn.
If stored this way, your cake can stay safe in the freezer for over four months if it’s essential; however, we do not recommend keeping it for so long. You can thaw your cake at room temperature for 4 to 5 hours when you plan to use it.
Cake Pieces:
The cut cake pieces can be kept fresh for 3 to 4 days by wrapping them in plastic wrap. When a cake is cut, it loses moisture quickly. You can also cover the cut side with more frosting to save it for a more extended period.
How to Cover a Cake on a Cake Stand?
Most of the cake stands come with a cover for your special cake. If your cake stand does not have a cover, you can easily purchase one that matches the size of your cake stand.
You can also cover your cake with plastic wrap but make sure to add toothpicks before doing that so that all your hard work on the decorations is not wasted.
How to Put a Cake on a Cake Stand?
You can transfer your cake from a turntable to a stand by doing it slowly and carefully. After all the hard work you have done on your cake, the last thing you would want is that all your efforts are ruined in transferring the cake to the cake stand. Follow the following steps to put your cake on a cake stand:
- Refrigerate your cake so that it is nice and chilled. It is easier to transfer a chilled cake.
- Now heat an angled spatula and run it under your cake to release the frosting.
- Now raise your cake from one end and place a hand beneath the cake. Remove the spatula and place your other hand beneath the cake too.
- Now lift your cake carefully from both your hands and take it to the stand.
- Slowly and gradually place the cake on the stand to avoid any accidents from damaging it.
Can You Make a Cake 3 Days in Advance?
You can make a cake 2 to 3 days in advance, and it will remain fresh if properly stored. It is a great way to make your cake for any event beforehand. You can make all types of cakes three days in advance.
If you plan to make it more than three days in advance, then be careful of two types of cakes: red velvet and fruit-filled cakes. Red velvet cakes can give a close look if the red color rests downwards at the bottom of the cake.
Similarly, fruit cakes will need special care, and it is best to refrigerate them so that the fruit remains fresh and edible.
How Do You Keep a Cake Fresh Overnight?
The best way to keep a cake fresh and moist overnight is to cover it with icing or frosting. The icing acts as a shield or a seal and locks the cake’s moisture and helps keep it fresh and moist for the next day.
Is It Best to Make a Cake the Day Before?
It is unnecessary to bake a cake the day before, you can also bake it 2 to 3 days in advance, and it will still taste the same as before. What matters is how you store your cake for your event. Be mindful when keeping your cake for more extended periods.
How Long Does Bakery Cake Stay Fresh?
You can store bakery cakes in the pantry for one or two days, in the fridge for two to four days, and in the freezer for two to four months. Cakes with fresh fruit last for 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator.
The bakeries keep the cakes fresh by storing them in airtight containers, by doing this cakes remain fresh for at least four to five days at room temperature.
Do Glass Cake Domes Keep Cakes Fresh?
Glass cake domes can keep your cake fresh throughout the night but do not worry if you don’t have one. You can always use a bowl for the same purpose and almost similar results.
Do Glass Cake Stands Keep Cakes Fresh?
Glass cake stands have nothing to do with the freshness of the cake unless they also have a glass dome which gives maximum protection against moisture loss.
How Long Do Bakeries Keep Cakes?
Depending on the type of cake, the bakeries can keep them overnight for several days. Some cakes become stale quickly, and the bakeries do not keep them for longer times and make less quantity of those at a time as opposed to cakes which can last longer and still look and taste fine.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to worry about making a cake on the same day of any event, and you can always make it beforehand and then use it on the day given that you store it properly and effectively.
