How to Store Coffee Cake
Do you love coffee cake but struggle with keeping it fresh? Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, storing your cake correctly can make or break your beloved dish. Whether you’re making a regular or dairy-free coffee cake, in this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know to keep your cake fresh and delicious. From choosing the correct container to freezing tips, we have you covered. Say goodbye to stale coffee cake and hello to sweet success!
You’re serving coffee cake, and that can lead to questions. For example, if you’re serving it with a big brunch, you may wonder what goes with coffee cake. Or if you’re serving it to people with diet sensitivities, you may need to know if coffee cake has caffeine in it.
But maybe the most important question of them all is how to store it. Because if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, you want to keep that coffee cake fresh and delicious for as long as possible!
How Long Does Coffee Cake Last?
The shelf life of your coffee cake depends primarily on one factor: how it’s stored. If stored in a sealed container or plastic wrap at room temperature, you can expect it to last up to three to four days.
However, if you store coffee cake in the refrigerator, it can last much longer, up to two weeks.
Coffee cake can also be frozen for up to three months (more on that below).
Storing correctly is the key. When done right, your coffee cake can retain its flavor and texture, offering a delicious snack for days and weeks to come.
How to Store Coffee Cake
Let’s get into the details of storing coffee cake. There are three main parts to this process:
- Choosing the correct container to ensure freshness.
- Wrapping the cake to preserve its flavor and texture.
- Storing it at the right temperature to meet your timeframe for serving.
- Avoiding direct sunlight.
Let’s get into each of these tips in more detail.
Choose the Right Container
To ensure your coffee cake stays as fresh and delicious as the day it was baked, it’s essential to choose a suitable container. While it may be tempting to use any old container, it’s worth taking the time to select one that will keep your cake at its best.
Moisture — Choose a container that’s moisture-resistant to keep your cake from becoming soggy or stale. I like to use glass containers with sealable lids or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
Airtight — We all have those containers with cracked lids that end up fitting the container loosely. You want to avoid those. Stick with containers that are airtight. That means paper bags or cardboard boxes are not a good idea because they allow air and moisture inside. This can lead to mold growth and spoilage. Additionally, they can let air in, causing your cake to dry out. Using a sealable plastic or glass container is your best bet!
By taking the time to choose the right container for your coffee cake, you’ll ensure that it stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible. And with the correct container in hand, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step: wrapping your cake tightly.
Wrap Your Cake Tightly
To truly guarantee your coffee cake stays fresh, you need to wrap it tightly.
Use a layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the cake tightly. Make sure the wrap or foil is pressed against the surface of the cake to prevent any air from getting in. By wrapping the cake tightly, you’ll keep any moisture in the cake, preserving its texture and flavor longer.
Once your cake is wrapped, you’ll be ready to store it at the right temperature. Keeping your cake at the correct temperature is essential to extending its shelf life and maintaining its deliciousness.
Store at the Right Temperature
Keeping your coffee cake at the right temperature is crucial to its longevity. If you plan on storing your cake for longer than a day or two, you’ll want to make sure it’s in an environment that isn’t too hot or too cold.
Ideally, your coffee cake should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place like a pantry or cupboard. A temperature range of 60-70°F is ideal, as fluctuations in temperature can cause the cake to dry out or spoil more quickly.
It’s important to note that refrigerating your coffee cake isn’t always the best solution. In fact, refrigeration can actually cause the cake to dry out more quickly. If you have no choice but to store your cake in the fridge, make sure it’s in an airtight container and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent any moisture loss.
Marly’s Tips
Always reheat chilled coffee cake. A few seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in a toaster oven will make all the difference!
By storing your coffee cake at the right temperature, you’ll be able to enjoy it for longer and preserve its delicate texture and flavor. However, temperature isn’t the only factor to consider when storing your cake. Next, we’ll look at another important factor when storing your coffee cake.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Having an outdoor brunch party? Be careful about how you serve your coffee cake. Why? Because direct sunlight can impact your cake’s quality. Exposing your coffee cake to sunlight for an extended period can cause it to dry out and become stale.
Sunlight will affect your cake’s flavor and texture. The heat from the sun can melt the frosting or glaze on your cake, making it runny and unappetizing. Furthermore, direct sunlight can cause condensation to form on the cake, which can result in mold growth and spoilage.
Besides, sugar attracts bugs! This is why I recommend serving it in a cake dome when you’re having an outdoor party.
To avoid these issues, store your coffee cake in a cool, dark place away from sunlight. A pantry or cupboard is an ideal spot for your cake. If you’re serving your cake outside, make sure it’s covered with a cake dome or a cloth.
Now that you know how to store your coffee cake to keep it fresh and delicious, let’s take a look at how freezing your cake can also be a great option for extending its shelf life.
How to Freeze Coffee Cake
If you’ve made a big batch of coffee cake or have leftovers you don’t want to waste, freezing your cake is a great option.
- To freeze your cake, let it come to room temperature.
- Next, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Store it in the freezer for up to 2 or even 3 months.
When you’re ready to thaw your cake, remove it from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This will prevent the cake from becoming soggy or losing its texture.
Once it’s defrosted, serve it as is or warm it up in the oven for a few minutes. Alternatively, I like to heat a slice of coffee cake in the microwave for 10 to 20 seconds.
Warm coffee cake is the best!
Freezing your coffee cake is a convenient way to make sure you always have a sweet treat on hand. Whether you’re saving leftovers or preparing for a special occasion, being able to freeze your cake means you can enjoy its delicious flavors any time you want.
So go ahead and make a double batch of coffee cake. With these storage tips, it’s always good to have more!
Frequently-Asked Questions
Can you freeze coffee cake?
You can freeze an entire coffee cake or individual slices, but ensure you do it right! When freezing the entire cake, wrap it in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Or, cut the cake into individual slices and place them in a freezer-safe container. Coffee cake can keep for two or three months in the freezer.
Do I need to refrigerate coffee cake?
You can store coffee cake at room temperature for up to three or four days, but to ensure the best texture and flavor, storing it in the fridge is the way to go! Kept in the fridge, your coffee cake can last up to 2 weeks. But if it’s extra tasty, it probably will get eaten first!
Conclusion
In conclusion, proper storage is key to preserving the rich flavors and textures of your coffee cake.
From choosing the right container to avoiding direct sunlight, every step counts in ensuring your cake stays fresh and delicious. By following these tips, you can confidently indulge in your favorite coffee cake without worry.
Remember, happy baking is all about savoring every bite and making every meal memorable.
As Julia Child said, “A party without cake is just a meeting!” So go ahead and enjoy your slice of cake, knowing that it will always be stored to perfection.
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