Lolly cake is a popular dessert in New Zealand, made with crushed biscuits, condensed milk, butter, and colorful candy sprinkles. It is a sweet and delightful treat that is often served at birthdays, parties, and special occasions.
But as a perishable food item, many people wonder how long lolly cake can last and how to store it properly to maintain its freshness. In this article, we will discuss the shelf life of lolly cake, the best ways to store it, and tips to extend its freshness.
Understanding the Shelf Life of Lolly Cake
The shelf life of lolly cake depends on various factors, such as the ingredients used, storage conditions, and the presence of preservatives.
Generally, lolly cake can last for up to 5-7 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, the freshness and quality of the cake may start to deteriorate after 2-3 days.
Factors that Affect the Shelf Life of Lolly Cake
Several factors can affect the shelf life of lolly cake, including:
1. Ingredients
The type and quality of ingredients used can impact the shelf life of lolly cake. For instance, using fresh and high-quality biscuits, butter, and condensed milk can increase the shelf life of the cake.
On the other hand, using expired or low-quality ingredients can cause the cake to spoil faster.
2. Storage Conditions
The way lolly cake is stored can significantly impact its shelf life. If the cake is exposed to air, moisture, or heat, it can spoil faster.
Therefore, it is essential to store lolly cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.
3. Presence of Preservatives
Some lolly cake recipes may include preservatives such as food-grade glycerin or citric acid to extend their shelf life.
These preservatives can help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi, thus increasing the longevity of the cake.
How to Store Lolly Cake Properly
Proper storage is crucial to maintain the freshness and quality of lolly cake. Here are some tips to store lolly cake properly:
1. Use an Airtight Container
Store lolly cake in an airtight container to prevent air and moisture from getting in. This can help extend the shelf life of the cake and maintain its texture and flavor.
2. Store in the Refrigerator
Lolly cake should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent it from spoiling. The ideal temperature for storing lolly cake is between 35-40°F (1.7-4.4°C).
Avoid storing lolly cake at room temperature as it can promote the growth of bacteria and fungi.
3. Avoid Storing in the Freezer
Lolly cake should not be stored in the freezer as it can cause the sprinkles to become soggy and affect the texture of the cake. Freezing can also cause the cake to lose its flavor and become dry.
Tips to Extend the Freshness of Lolly Cake
Here are some tips to extend the freshness of lolly cake:
1. Wrap the Cake in Plastic Wrap
Before storing lolly cake in an airtight container, wrap it in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out and to maintain its texture.
2. Store in the Coldest Part of the Fridge
Store lolly cake in the coldest part of the refrigerator, such as the back or the bottom shelf. This can help maintain a consistent temperature and prevent the cake from spoiling.
3. Avoid Exposure to Light
Keep lolly cake away from direct sunlight or any other sources of light. Exposure to light can cause the sprinkles to fade and affect the color of the cake.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh and high-quality ingredients can help extend the shelf life of lolly cake. Check the expiry date of the ingredients before using them in the recipe.
How to Tell if Lolly Cake Has Gone Bad
Here are some signs that lolly cake has gone bad:
- Foul smell
- Mold growth
- Discoloration
- Change in texture
- Soggy sprinkles
If you notice any of these signs, discard the cake immediately as consuming spoiled lolly cake can cause food poisoning.
FAQs
No, freezing lolly cake can affect its texture and flavor. It is best to store lolly cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Lolly cake should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours as it can spoil quickly.
Yes, you can store lolly cake in a cake carrier as long as it is airtight and can fit in the refrigerator.
Yes, you can add fresh fruits to lolly cake. However, it is important to consume the cake within 2 days as the fruit can cause the cake to spoil faster.
Yes, you can use margarine instead of butter in lolly cake. However, using butter can add a richer flavor to the cake.
Conclusion
Lolly cake is a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed on various occasions. By understanding its shelf life, storage, and tips to extend freshness, you can ensure that your lolly cake remains fresh and tasty.
Remember to store lolly cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use fresh ingredients to maintain its quality.
