Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Red Velvet Cake expire?
A store-bought unopened red velvet cake often has a shelf life of 1-2 days past the sell-by date when stored at room temperature, given its cream cheese frosting. However, if refrigerated, it can last up to 1 week. Once the cake's packaging is opened, eating it within 1-2 days is recommended if it's stored at room temperature, or within a week if it's refrigerated. As for homemade red velvet cakes, without preservatives, it should ideally be eaten within 3-4 days when stored in the refrigerator. Freezing is another viable option extending the cake's life to about 2-3 months. Just remember to wrap it tightly in cling film to prevent freezer burn.
How do you tell if Red Velvet Cake is bad?
Detecting if a red velvet cake has gone bad doesn't require you to be a whiz in the kitchen. First, check for visible mould -usually in the form of fuzzy spots of green, white, or blue. Another indicator is an off smell. If the cake smells sour, yeasty, or like anything other than cake and cream cheese frosting, it's best to toss it. Also, if the cake or frosting has hardened or dried out significantly, it's past its prime.
Tips for storing Red Velvet Cake to extend shelf life
• Always cover your cake to protect it from air exposure. You can use a cake carrier, cling film, or aluminium foil.
• Consider refrigerating your red velvet cake; the cold environment can help maintain its freshness for a longer period.
• For even longer storage, freeze the cake. Be sure to wrap it tightly in cling film, adding a layer of aluminium foil for extra protection.
• If you've cut into the cake and don't want the exposed side to dry out, press a piece of bread against the cut surface. The bread will dry out, but the cake will stay moist!
• For an uncut cake, you might consider storing it under a glass cake dome to maintain its moisture while also displaying its beauty.