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How long does lemon cake keep for?

Lemon cake is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed for several days if stored properly. Knowing how long lemon cake lasts can help prevent wasting food and ensure you enjoy fresh tasting cake every time. This article will provide key information on lemon cake shelf life and storage tips to extend its freshness.

How Long Does Lemon Cake Last at Room Temperature?

Lemon cake that is left out at room temperature will generally last for 2-3 days before it starts to dry out or develop mold. The exact shelf life depends on factors like the recipe and your climate. Very humid environments may shorten the shelf life to 1-2 days.

Here are some general guidelines for lemon cake stored at room temperature:

  • Lemon cake lasts for 2-3 days covered at room temperature.
  • Leftover frosted or glazed lemon cake will last 1-2 days at room temperature.
  • Unfrosted lemon cake lasts slightly longer, around 3 days.
  • Don’t leave lemon cake out more than 2 hours if the room is very warm or humid.

The texture tends to become stale after a couple days, with the cake drying out. Mold growth is also more likely at room temperature. For best quality, lemon cake is best consumed within 2-3 days if left out on the counter.

How Long Does Lemon Cake Last Refrigerated?

Refrigeration extends the shelf life of lemon cake significantly. Properly stored in the fridge, lemon cake will last 4-6 days.

Here are the fridge storage guidelines:

  • Leftover frosted or glazed lemon cake lasts 3-4 days in the fridge.
  • Unfrosted lemon cake lasts 5-6 days refrigerated.
  • Cover cake tightly or store in an airtight container.
  • Don’t refrigerate more than 3-4 days if the cake contains custard or cream fillings.

The cool temperature helps slow mold growth and drying out. Make sure to cover the cake or place it in a container so it doesn’t absorb fridge odors. Let refrigerated cake come to room temperature before serving for best texture and flavor.

How to Store Lemon Cake for Maximum Freshness

Follow these tips to get the longest shelf life and keep your lemon cake tasting fresh:

  • Cool cake completely before storing.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container.
  • Avoid storing near produce that emits ethylene gas and can prematurely stale baked goods.
  • Prevent moisture loss by keeping cake in the packaging it was sold in.
  • Cut into serving sizes so you don’t repeatedly expose cake to air.

Proper storage prevents your lemon cake from drying out, absorbing odors, or growing mold. Make sure all surfaces are covered or sealed so no air reaches the cake. Follow the recommended fridge or room temperature guidelines.

How Long Does Lemon Cake Last in the Freezer?

Freezing is the best way to maximize the shelf life of lemon cake. Properly frozen, lemon cake will keep for 2-3 months in the freezer.

Tips for freezing lemon cake:

  • Let cake cool completely before freezing.
  • Double wrap cake in plastic wrap and foil.
  • Place in freezer bag or airtight container.
  • Press out as much air as possible.
  • Label with date and contents.
  • Store at 0°F or below.

Frosted or glazed cakes don’t freeze as well. The frosting can weep or absorb odors. Freeze unfrosted cakes and defrost before frosting.

Thaw frozen lemon cake overnight in the fridge. Let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving. Enjoy within 3-4 days for best quality.

How to Tell if Lemon Cake Has Gone Bad

Check lemon cake for these signs that it has spoiled and should be discarded:

  • Mold growth – discard cake at first sign of fuzzy mold.
  • Dries out – cake is very stale with a hard, crumbling texture.
  • Smells off – rancid or sour smell means cake has spoiled.
  • Tastes unpleasant – soapy, bitter, or rotten taste.

If kept longer than the recommended shelf life, the cake is more prone to mold and bacterial growth. Don’t eat cake past its prime as it can make you sick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does lemon cake need to be refrigerated?

Refrigeration extends the shelf life of lemon cake significantly. While not strictly required, refrigerating the cake will keep it fresh 3-4 days longer than leaving it out at room temperature. Refrigerate any cake that won’t be eaten within 2-3 days.

Should you freeze lemon cake?

Freezing is highly recommended for long-term storage of lemon cake. Properly frozen lemon cake keeps for 2-3 months in the freezer. Freeze cake in airtight packaging to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Can you freeze frosted lemon cake?

It’s best to freeze unfrosted lemon cake. The frosting and glazes don’t hold up as well to freezing. The sugar in buttercream can weep moisture or the frosting can absorb freezer odors. Frost the thawed cake instead.

How do you store lemon cake?

For room temperature storage, cover lemon cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate cake in a sealed container to extend shelf life. Freeze cake wrapped in plastic and foil for long term storage. Minimize air exposure.

Conclusion

With proper storage techniques, lemon cake can keep for up to 2-3 months in the freezer, 4-6 days in the fridge, or 2-3 days at room temperature. Keep cake tightly sealed from air. Refrigerate or freeze any leftovers. Discard cake if it smells, looks, or tastes unpleasant. Follow the recommended guidelines to enjoy fresh lemon cake whenever you want a tangy, sweet treat.