Vanilla Cake

A prepackaged vanilla cake can maintain its quality for about 4-5 days after its 'sell by' date, as long as it hasn't been opened yet. Once opened, expect to enjoy your cake for another 2-3 days if properly stored. If you've defrosted a frozen store-bought cake or baked a homemade vanilla cake, strive to consume it within 2-3 days when stored in a refrigerator. For frozen cake, it can last up to 4 months in a freezer without losing its quality.

Figuring out if a cake has gone bad might not be obvious if you're new in the kitchen. First, check for any visible signs of mold or unusual discolorations. Sniff it next - a stale or off-putting smell is a sign that your vanilla cake has gone bad. If you still aren't sure, taste a tiny piece; never taste it if there's visible mold, though! A nasty or strange taste verifies that it's time to discard the cake.

• Always store your cake in a tightly sealed container to protect it from air and moisture. • If you want to extend the shelf life, consider freezing. Slice the cake into individual portions before freezing to thaw only what you need later on. • Thaw a frozen cake by moving it into your refrigerator 24 hours before you need it, this ensures a slow and even thaw. • For homemade cakes, wait for it to cool completely before storing. Wrapping or storing a warm cake traps moisture which promotes mold growth. • Avoid storing cake in your refrigerator's door, as temperature fluctuations can reduce its shelf life and affect its quality.