How Long Does Carrot Cake Last?
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
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
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.
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 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.
Frequently-Asked Questions
Is carrot cake better the next day?
Carrot cake is one of those desserts that can be better the next day, depending on how you’ve made and stored it. The spices in this cake will infuse it with even more flavor the next day. It’s almost like the richness of the flavors deserves a little time before being enjoyed.
Does carrot cake need to be refrigerated?
If your cake is frosted with cream cheese frosting, it should be refrigerated. Make sure to place it in an airtight container so the frosting doesn’t dry out in the fridge, and your cake will stay good for days, maybe even up to a week.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has shed light on how long carrot cake lasts. These tips and storage suggestions for keeping your delicious dessert fresh means you get to enjoy it longer!