If you love cakes, then you must have tried the famous hummingbird cake. The cake is a delicious treat that combines the flavors of bananas, pineapples, and pecans, with cream cheese frosting. But, how long does hummingbird cake last?
Can you keep it in the fridge or on the counter? In this article, we will answer all your questions about the shelf life of hummingbird cake.
What is Hummingbird Cake?
Hummingbird cake is a popular dessert that originated in the Southern United States. It is a layered cake made with mashed bananas, crushed pineapples, and chopped pecans.
The cake is moist, fluffy, and has a slightly tropical taste. It is usually topped with cream cheese frosting and garnished with more pecans.
How Long Does Hummingbird Cake Last?
The shelf life of hummingbird cake depends on how it is stored. If stored properly, the cake can last for up to 5 days. Here are some storage options for hummingbird cake:
Room Temperature
If you are planning to eat the cake within the next day or two, you can store it at room temperature.
However, make sure that the cake is covered with a plastic wrap or cake dome to prevent it from drying out. You should also keep it away from direct sunlight and heat.
Refrigerator
If you want to keep the cake for a longer period, you can store it in the fridge. The cake should be wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container.
The cream cheese frosting will harden in the fridge, but it will become creamy again once the cake reaches room temperature.
Freezer
You can also freeze hummingbird cake for later use. Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing it in the freezer.
The cake can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to eat the cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also thaw it at room temperature, but it will take longer.
How to Tell if Hummingbird Cake Has Gone Bad?
Hummingbird cake can go bad if it is not stored properly. Here are some signs that your cake has gone bad:
- The cake is dry and crumbly
- The cake has a sour smell
- There are mold spots on the cake
- The cake has a strange taste
If you notice any of these signs, do not eat the cake.
Tips for Storing Hummingbird Cake
To extend the shelf life of hummingbird cake, here are some tips for storing it:
- Always wrap the cake in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container
- Keep the cake away from direct sunlight and heat
- Do not store the cake near strong-smelling foods, as it can absorb their odors
- When freezing the cake, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil
FAQs
Yes, you can freeze hummingbird cake with cream cheese frosting. The frosting will harden in the freezer, but it will become creamy again once the cake thaws.
You can keep hummingbird cake in the fridge for up to 5 days if stored properly.
You can store hummingbird cake on the counter if you plan to eat it within the next day or two. However, it is best to store it in the fridge to extend its shelf life.
Yes, you can use different nuts in hummingbird cake, such as walnuts or almonds, but pecans are the traditional choice.
While bananas and crushed pineapples are the traditional ingredients for hummingbird cake, you can experiment with other fruits, such as mangoes or peaches, to create your own unique version of the cake.
Conclusion
Hummingbird cake is a delicious dessert that can last for up to 5 days if stored properly. You can store it at room temperature, in the fridge, or in the freezer, depending on how long you want to keep it.
Make sure to follow the storage tips to extend the shelf life of your cake and enjoy it for longer.
