Expiration & Storage Tips
When does Sponge Cake expire?
A store-bought, unopened sponge cake, packed with preservatives, usually can last up to a week past the 'sell by' date on its packaging. However, once opened, it should be consumed within 2 or 3 days because it will start to harden and lose flavor. The gentle texture of the sponge cake makes it susceptible to going stale quickly. If you freeze a slice of sponge cake in a tight package, it can last up to 2 months in the freezer. A homemade sponge cake typically has a slightly shorter life span of about 3 days at room temperature, due to lack of preservatives.
How do you tell if Sponge Cake is bad?
A bad sponge cake is fairly easy to identify. First, check if there's any visible mold - a clear no-no! As time goes by, the cake will naturally lose its softness and become hard and dry. If the sponge cake feels exceptionally stiff or hard to touch, it's past it's best. Another warning sign is the smell. Any sour or off-putting odor is a clear indication the sponge cake has gone bad. Finally, a change in color to a darker shade could also be a sign of spoilage.
Tips for storing Sponge Cake to extend shelf life
• Always store your sponge cake away from heat and moisture to extend its shelf life.
• Freshly baked sponge cake should be cooled completely at room temperature before storing it. Packing a warm cake can trap moisture and lead to mould.
• Store-bought sponge cakes should be kept in their original packaging until ready to be eaten. Once opened, store the leftover cake in a sealed container.
• Sponge cake can be refrigerated to last a little longer, but be aware that this can make it a bit dryer than if kept at room temperature.
• For a longer storage period, freeze the sponge cake. To freeze, wrap the completely cooled cake (or slices) in plastic wrap, then in foil. Remember to label and date your packages. Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a couple of hours before serving.