For home bakers, fruit cake is a classic recipe that never fails to satisfy the taste buds. There are various types of fruit cakes, but the basic storage principles remain the same. If you’ve baked a fruit cake and don’t plan on consuming it all at once, it’s essential to know how to store it properly to maintain its freshness.
The best way to store fruit cake is at room temperature in an airtight container. While refrigeration is an option, it is not recommended unless the cake contains perishable fillings such as fresh cream.
Expert bakers often suggest using buttercream for decorating fruit cakes, as it allows the cake to be stored at room temperature for an extended period. This ensures the longest possible shelf life for your fruit cake.
Additionally, the preparation before storing the fruit cake plays a crucial role. If the cake has already been decorated, make sure the outer surface is completely covered in icing. However, if you haven’t added any decoration yet, wrap the cake in cling film before placing it in the chosen container.
It’s crucial to allow the fruit cake sufficient time to cool down before storage. You can check the internal temperature of the cake using a thermometer to ensure it has reached room temperature and is ready to be stored.
Can You Store Fruit Cake In The Fridge?
Many people believe that refrigeration is the best way to prolong the freshness of various food items. While this holds true for many products, it’s not always the case.
Consider the example of eggs or tomato ketchup, which are often stored in the fridge despite not requiring refrigeration. Similarly, bakery products like cakes and bread are not typically stored in the fridge. Therefore, it is unnecessary to refrigerate fruit cake at home.
Although it is possible to refrigerate fruit cake, it tends to dry out more quickly, which is not ideal. However, if your fruit cake contains perishable fillings like fresh cream, refrigeration becomes necessary to prevent deterioration. In such cases, refrigeration will keep the cake fresh for approximately 3 to 4 days.
Can You Freeze Fruit Cake?
If you don’t plan on consuming your fruit cake for an extended period after baking or purchasing, freezing is a viable option. Fruit cake freezes exceptionally well, provided you follow the proper preparation steps.
To freeze fruit cake, it is important to cut it into individual pieces. If you have smaller fruit cakes, you can wrap them individually. Regardless, wrap each piece of cake in cling film and place them in a resealable bag or container. This method will keep the cake fresh in the freezer for up to four months.
Ensure that the fruit cakes are stored in a location where they won’t be crushed by heavier items.
If your fruit cake has already been decorated, you can still freeze it using the same method. Make sure each piece is individually wrapped and given enough space in the freezer to prevent squashing.
When you’re ready to enjoy your fruit cakes, allow them to fully defrost by placing them on a plate at room temperature. Thawing typically takes around two to three hours. Alternatively, you can thaw the cake in the fridge, which usually takes between eight and twelve hours—ideal if you plan to serve the cake the next day.
What’s The Benefit Of Using Buttercream For Storing Fruit Cake? One common issue with storing fruit cake is the risk of it drying out when not properly covered. Even with airtight containers, there is still a possibility of the cake losing moisture. Using buttercream for decorating the fruit cake can help mitigate this issue.
If you use real butter to make the buttercream, you will need to store the cake in the fridge. However, if you use shortening instead, you can keep the cake at room temperature.
Having a layer of buttercream over your fruit cake acts as a barrier, preventing it from drying out too quickly. This is particularly beneficial when you anticipate not consuming the entire cake at once.
Conclusion
Baking is a delightful activity, and making fruit cakes is both simple and enjoyable. However, proper storage is crucial to avoid the cake becoming dry and inedible.
Storing fruit cake at room temperature in an airtight container is the recommended method. Remember to prepare the cake accordingly before storing, ensuring it is fully cooled down. While refrigeration is possible, it may accelerate the drying process and reduce the cake’s longevity.
- How Long Does Fruit Cake Keep? When stored at room temperature, fruit cake can last between five and seven days. However, this primarily applies to homemade or bakery-bought cakes. Supermarket-bought fruit cakes often contain preservatives, enabling them to remain fresh for a longer time. Nevertheless, once you open the cake, it’s best to consume it within a few days.
- What Is The Best Way To Store Fruit Cake? The ideal method for storing fruit cake involves placing it in an airtight container and keeping it at room temperature. You can use any suitable airtight container, ensuring it is the right size for the cake you’re storing.
