Carrot cake is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed all year round. But how long does carrot cake last? It depends on many factors, including how it was stored. Are you working on 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 several factors, including how it is stored and whether it is frozen. 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 a day and possibly up to two days. But since this cake is extremely moist (due to various factors including carrots in the batter), it will spoil quickly.
So, it can sit on the counter for up to two days (maximum) and after that, it should be stored in the fridge, where it will keep for up to three days.
Have you ever asked, can I freeze carrot cake? Learn more about it, especially how it works with unfrosted cakes!
Frosted Carrot Cake
Frozen carrot cake adds another factor to consider; The moisture of the frosting combines with the cake. For this reason, it should be stored in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to three days. It can be frozen for up to two months.
Carrot Cake Storage Tips
Whether your cake is store-bought or homemade, regular or egg-free, there are ways to preserve it for maximum freshness. To extend the shelf life of your cake, store it in an airtight container. This will help prevent drying out.
If you freeze your cake, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help prevent freezer burn.
When you’re 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 the moisture, this cake is easy to spoil. Here are three signs to tell if your cake has passed its expiration date:
- smell test – Does the cake smell funny? A little off? This is a sign it has gone bad. As my mother always said, better safe than sorry. Translation? You should figure it out.
- Visual test – Look at your cake. Does it have mold? Do you see spores or fuzzy patches? If so, this is a sign of mold, which means it should be discarded.
- Texture test – Use a fork to pull out the cake pieces. Is the texture wet? Or does it seem overly spongy or squishy? Again, these symptoms should be dismissed rather than eating the cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is carrot cake good the next day?
Carrot cake is one of those desserts that can be even better the next day depending on how you make and store it. The spices in this cake will infuse it with even more flavor the next day. It deserves some time before it can be enjoyed almost like a richness of flavor.
Does carrot cake need to be refrigerated?
If your cake is frosted with cream cheese frosting, it should be refrigerated. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container so the frosting doesn’t dry out in the fridge and your cake will stay good for a few days, or even a week.
Conclusion
I hope this guide has shed some light on how long carrot cakes last. These tips and storage suggestions for keeping your delicious dessert fresh mean you can enjoy it for longer!