Hummingbird bakery cakes are beloved for their moist texture and delicious flavors. However, like all baked goods, they have a limited shelf life. Knowing how long hummingbird bakery cakes will stay fresh can help you plan ahead for events or enjoy the cakes you buy before they go bad.
How are hummingbird bakery cakes made?
Hummingbird bakery cakes are made with quality ingredients including eggs, butter, sugar, flour, and flavorings. They tend to avoid artificial preservatives. As a result, while delicious, the cakes don’t have added chemicals to extend their shelf life.
The cakes are baked fresh daily in the bakery kitchens. The lack of preservatives combined with being fresh baked means the clock starts ticking on their freshness as soon as they come out of the oven.
Do hummingbird bakery cakes contain preservatives?
No, Hummingbird bakery cakes do not contain preservatives. The bakery focuses on using high-quality, natural ingredients to create their beloved confections. While this results in incredibly moist and delicious cakes, it also means the cakes have a shorter shelf life than mass-produced alternatives full of artificial preservatives.
How long do whole hummingbird bakery cakes last?
Whole hummingbird bakery cakes will generally last:
- Unrefrigerated: 2-3 days
- Refrigerated: 5-7 days
- Frozen: 2-3 months
Keep in mind these timeframes assume the cake has been handled and stored properly in an airtight container. Exposure to air, moisture, warmer temperatures, or bacterial contamination can shorten the shelf life.
How to store a whole hummingbird cake
To get the maximum freshness out of your whole hummingbird cake:
- Store the cake in the box it came in. This prevents exposure to air and light which can accelerate staling.
- Wrap the box tightly in plastic wrap for extra moisture protection if needed.
- Keep the cake at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for 5-7 days.
- For several months of storage, wrap the cake tightly and freeze it.
- Do not refrigerate or freeze any cake with cream cheese frosting or fillings. The refrigeration will cause the frosting to weep.
How long does homemade hummingbird cake last?
Since homemade cakes lack the preservatives used in commercial bakery cakes, they have a slightly shorter shelf life. Expect a homemade hummingbird cake to last:
- At room temperature: 2 days
- Refrigerated: 3-5 days
- Frozen: 2 months
Follow the same cold storage guidelines as commercial cakes to maximize freshness.
How long do hummingbird cake slices last?
Once a hummingbird cake is cut into, the shelf life decreases due to greater exposure to air, light, and bacterial contamination. Store cake slices properly refrigerated in an airtight container.
Hummingbird cake slices will last:
- At room temperature: 1-2 days
- Refrigerated: 3-4 days
- Frozen: Not recommended
For best results, slice only the amount needed. Freeze remaining cake rather than slices.
How to tell if hummingbird cake has gone bad
Watch for these signs that a hummingbird cake has gone past its prime:
- Drying or cracked cake surface
- Stale, dry, or crumbly cake texture
- Sour or off smells
- Mold growth
- Unnatural color changes
- Weeping frosting
If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to throw the cake out rather than risk foodborne illness from eating spoiled cake.
Does hummingbird cake freeze well?
Yes, hummingbird cake freezes beautifully. To freeze a cake:
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped cake in an airtight freezer bag or freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Avoid freezing cakes with fresh fruit or cream cheese frosting as they become mushy when thawed.
Can you refrigerate hummingbird cake?
Yes, you can refrigerate hummingbird cakes to extend their shelf life. The cold temperature helps retard mold, bacterial growth, and the staling process. Refrigerate cake for 3-5 days.
Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture. Avoid refrigerating any cakes with cream cheese frosting as it will cause weeping.
Does hummingbird cake need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration is not necessary if the cake will be consumed within 2-3 days. For longer storage, refrigeration is recommended. Refrigerate the cake only after it has been initially stored at room temperature overnight after baking.
Cakes with frostings containing cream cheese, chocolate, or fresh fruit should always be refrigerated as the fillings are prone to spoilage.
Should You keep hummingbird cake refrigerated?
For short term storage under 3 days, hummingbird cake can be kept at room temperature. However, for best quality and freshness, refrigeration is recommended.
Refrigeration helps hummingbird cake stay moist and delays mold or bacterial growth. If possible, store the cake refrigerated until ready to serve and bring to room temperature before eating.
How long is hummingbird cake good for refrigerated?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, hummingbird cake will stay fresh for 5-7 days. Make sure to wrap the cake well in plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating.
Don’t refrigerate cakes with fresh fruit fillings or frostings containing cream cheese as this causes weeping. Those varieties should be eaten within 2-3 days.
Can you freeze hummingbird cakes?
Yes, hummingbird cakes freeze well for long term storage. To freeze a cake:
- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Place in an airtight freezer bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Avoid freezing cream cheese frosted cakes or cakes with fresh fruit fillings as they become watery when thawed.
What is the best way to thaw a frozen hummingbird cake?
The best way to safely thaw a frozen hummingbird cake is in the refrigerator. Thawing overnight in the fridge helps preserve moisture and texture.
You can also thaw in the packaging at room temperature for 4-6 hours. For faster thawing, unwrap the frozen cake and place in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours.
Do not try to thaw a hummingbird cake at room temperature without packaging as this risks bacterial growth in the outer layers before the center is thawed.
Can you freeze frosted hummingbird cake?
Plain frosted hummingbird cakes freeze well, retaining moisture and texture when thawed. Avoid freezing cakes with cream cheese frostings or fruit-based fillings as they will weep upon thawing.
For best results freezing a frosted cake:
- Double wrap the cake in plastic wrap and foil.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
The frosting may need some re-spreading after thawing to look its best.
Can you freeze hummingbird cake slices?
It’s best to avoid freezing already-sliced pieces of hummingbird cake. The greater exposed surface area leads to freezer burn and drying out upon thawing. For best quality, freeze cakes whole and slice portions as needed.
If freezing slices is necessary, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place slices in a single layer in an airtight container. Use frozen slices within 2 months.
Conclusion
Hummingbird bakery cakes have a relatively short shelf life compared to store-bought cakes due to their lack of preservatives. However, you can maximize their freshness by properly storing cakes in the fridge or freezer. Pay attention to signs of spoilage and use frozen cakes within 2-3 months.
With proper handling, you can safely enjoy moist, delicious hummingbird cake for up to a week if refrigerated or several months if frozen.
