Do you love coffee cake but struggle to keep it fresh? Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, storing your cakes properly can make or break your favorite 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 right container to freezing tips, we’ve got you covered. Say goodbye to stale coffee cake and hello to sweet success!

You’re serving coffee cake, and that might be the question. For example, if you’re serving it with a big brunch, you might wonder what goes with coffee cake. Or if you’re serving it to people with food sensitivities, you need to know if the coffee cake contains caffeine.
But the most important question among them is how to save 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 largely on one thing: how it’s stored. If stored in a sealed container or plastic wrap at room temperature, you can expect it to last three to four days.
However, if you store the coffee cake in the refrigerator, it can last much longer, up to two weeks.
Coffee cake can be frozen for up to three months (more on that below).
Proper storage is key. When done right, your coffee cake can retain its flavor and texture, providing a delicious treat for days and weeks ahead.
How to store coffee cake
Let’s know the details of coffee cake storage. There are three main parts to this process:
- Choosing the right container to ensure freshness.
- Wrap the cake to preserve its flavor and texture.
- Storing it at the right temperature to meet your serving time.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
Let’s get into each of these tips in more detail.
Select the right container
To ensure that your coffee cake stays as fresh and delicious as the day it was baked, choosing a suitable container is essential. While it can be tempting to use any old pan, it’s worth taking the time to select one that will keep your cake at its best.
humidity – Choose a moisture-resistant container to prevent your cake from getting soggy or stale. I like to use glass containers with sealable lids or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
airtight — We all have pots with cracked lids that end up fitting the pot loosely. You want to avoid them. Store in an airtight container. This means paper bags or cardboard boxes are not a good idea because they let air and moisture inside. This can lead to mold growth and spoilage. Additionally, they can let in air, 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 right container in hand, you’ll be ready to move on to the next step: tightly wrapping your cake.
Wrap your cake tightly
To ensure 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 so that no air can get in By wrapping the cake tightly, you will preserve the texture and flavor of the cake for longer
Once your cake is wrapped, you’ll be ready to store it at the right temperature. Keeping your cake at the right temperature is essential to extending its shelf life and maintaining its deliciousness.
Store at proper temperature
Keeping your coffee cake at the right temperature is crucial to its longevity. If you plan on keeping your cake for more than a day or two, you’ll want to make sure it’s in an environment that’s not too hot or too cold.
Ideally, your coffee cake should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place such as a pantry or cupboard. A temperature range of 60-70°F is ideal, as temperature fluctuations can cause the cake to dry out or spoil more quickly.
It’s important to remember that refrigerating your coffee cake isn’t always the best solution. In fact, refrigeration can actually dry out the cake more quickly. If you have no choice but to store your cake in the fridge, make sure it’s in an airtight container and tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent any moisture loss.
Marley’s Tips
Always reheat cooled coffee cake. A few seconds in the microwave or a few minutes in the 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 thing to consider when storing your cake. Next, we’ll look at another important point when storing your coffee cake.
Avoid direct sunlight
Having an outdoor brunch party? Be careful how you serve your coffee cake. Why? Because direct sunlight can affect the quality of your cake. Exposing your coffee cake to sunlight for an extended period of time can cause it to dry out and become stale.
Sunlight will affect the flavor and texture of your cake. The sun’s heat can cause your cake frosting or glaze to melt, making it runny and unappealing. Additionally, direct sunlight can condense on the cake, causing mold growth and spoilage.
Also sugar attracts bugs! That’s why I recommend serving it in a cake dome when you’re having an outdoor party.
To avoid these problems, store your coffee cake in a cool, dark place away from sunlight. A pantry or cupboard is an ideal place for your cake. If you are serving your cake outside, make sure it is 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 see how freezing your cake can be a great option to extend its shelf life.
How to Frost Coffee Cake
If you’ve made a large batch of coffee cake or have leftovers that you don’t want to waste, freezing your cake is a great option.
- To frost your cake, let it come to room temperature.
- Next, wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Store it in the fridge 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 getting soggy or losing its texture.
Once it’s defrosted, serve it or heat it 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 ensure 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 taste anytime.
So go ahead and make a double batch of coffee cake. With these storage tips, more is always better!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you freeze coffee cake?
You can freeze an entire coffee cake or individual slices, but make sure you do it right! When freezing the whole cake, wrap it in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Or, cut the cake into individual pieces and store in a freezer-safe container. You can keep the coffee cake in the fridge for two or three months.
Should I refrigerate the coffee cake?
You can store the coffee cake at room temperature for up to three or four days, but to ensure the best texture and taste, it can be stored in the refrigerator! Refrigerated, your coffee cake can last up to 2 weeks. But if it is extra tasty, it will probably be eaten first!
Conclusion
In conclusion, proper storage is key to preserving the rich flavor and texture of your coffee cake.
From choosing the right container to avoiding direct sunlight, every step is important to ensure your cake stays fresh and delicious. By following these tips, you can enjoy your favorite coffee cake with confidence without worry.
Remember, happy baking is 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 preserved to perfection.