Can Cake Be Left Out? To Chill or Not to Chill

In my series of cake questions, another one of the top questions was, “Can Cake Be Left Out?”.

Here's the deal: unfrosted cakes can usually hang out at room temperature for a few days without any issues. But once you add frosting or fillings that need to be kept cool, it's time to pop that cake in the fridge.

Why? Because ingredients like cream or custard can spoil if left out too long. So, if your cake is frosted or filled with something perishable, play it safe and refrigerate it. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to cut a slice, I like to leave the piece out for 20 minutes or so, to get back to room temperature.

But if your cake is unfrosted and you plan to eat it within a couple of days, feel free to leave it out. Just keep it covered to protect it from dust and other kitchen invaders.

katherine sprung