Carrot cake is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed year-round. But how long does carrot cake last? It depends on a lot of factors, including how it’s been stored. What if you’re working with an egg-free carrot cake? Find out how long your cake can last in the fridge and how to extend its shelf life with these helpful tips. Discover the best way to store your cake for maximum freshness and learn how to tell if your cake has gone bad.
The shelf life of carrot cake depends on a few factors, including how it is stored and whether or not it is frosted. So, how long does carrot cake last? Let’s dive in and find out!
Unfrosted carrot cake can be stored at room temperature for one day and possibly up to two days. But because this cake is extremely moist (due to a variety of factors, including carrots in the batter), it will quickly give into spoiling.
So, it can sit on the counter for up to two days (at most), and after that, it should be stored in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to three days.
Have you ever asked, can can I freeze carrot cake? Learn more about it, especially how it works with unfrosted cakes!
Frosted carrot cake adds another factor to be considered; the moisture of the frosting combining with the cake. For this reason, it should be stored in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to three days. It can also be frozen for up to two months.
If you want to keep carrot cake in tip-top shape from beginning to end, the FDA recommends that you don’t leave it on the counter for any longer than two hours. A big part of what makes carrot cake so moist and delicious is that it’s made with multiple dairy products.
How to Tell if Carrot Cake has gone Bad
We love a perfectly moist cake infused with tender baked carrots and topped with the perfect cream cheese frosting. But because of all that moisture, it’s easy for this cake to go bad. Here are three signs to tell your cake is past its expiration date:
- Smell Test — Does the cake smell funny? A little off? This is a sign it’s gone bad. As my mother always says, better safe than sorry. Translation? You should throw it out.
- Visual Test — Take a look at your cake. Does it have mold on it? Do you see spores or fuzzy patches? If so, this is a sign of mold, meaning it should be discarded.
- Texture Test — Use a fork to pull away at bits of the cake. Is the texture soggy? Or does it seem overly spongy or squishy? Again, these are signs the cake should be discarded rather than eaten.
Tips for Storing Carrot Cake
Regardless of whether your cake is store-bought or homemade, whether it’s regular or egg-free, there are ways to store it for maximum freshness. To extend the shelf life of your cake, store it in an airtight container. This will help to prevent it from drying out.
If you are freezing your cake, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent it from getting freezer burn.
When you are ready to enjoy your dessert, let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
How long does cake last at room temperature?
FAQ
How long will carrot cake last unrefrigerated?
Do you need to refrigerate carrot cake with cream cheese frosting?
How long can cake with cream cheese frosting sit out?
Is it OK to eat cake that was left out overnight?
How long does a carrot cake last in the fridge?
The refrigerator is the best option for your carrot cake – unfrosted and frosted. In the fridge, carrot cake should last up to a week. When storing in the fridge, you can use a purchased cake holder. It will be the most convenient option as you simply have to pop off the lid, slice the carrot cake, and indulge.
How long does cream cheese frosted carrot cake last?
This means that once the cream cheese frosted carrot cake goes into storage in the fridge, its shelf life can go as long as one month. The unfrosted cake will keep in the refrigerator for about a week; frozen cake will last for 2 to 3 months. If your cake is decorated and cut, it might be okay in the fridge for a week as well.
Can you leave frosted carrot cake out overnight?
Unfrosted carrot cake can last at room temperature longer than the frosted version. If the frosting is homemade or contains cream cheese, it’s best that you keep it in the fridge. If it’s store-bought or free of cream cheese, it can be alright to leave the frosted carrot cake out for a short period. Can You Leave Carrot Cake Out Overnight?
Can carrot cake thaw at room temperature?
If storing unfrosted in the freezer, allow the carrot cake to thaw in the fridge overnight. You can thaw at room temperature, but be careful. If you leave it at room temperature too long, it can become mushy and crumbly and difficult to frost.