Butter cake is loved for its rich flavor, moist crumb, and buttery aroma. But once it’s baked (or bought), a common question quickly comes up: how long does butter cake last?
The answer depends on how it’s stored, whether it’s frosted, and the environment. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how long butter cake stays fresh, how to store it properly, and how to tell when it’s no longer safe to eat.
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How Long Does Butter Cake Last at Room Temperature?
Butter cake lasts 1–2 days at room temperature when stored properly.
If the cake is:
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Unfrosted or frosted with buttercream or fondant → up to 2 days
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Covered tightly in an airtight container → stays moist longer
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Exposed to heat or humidity → shelf life drops to 24 hours or less
Because butter cake contains butter, eggs, and milk, warm conditions can speed up spoilage.
Key takeaway
If your kitchen is warm or humid, it’s best not to leave butter cake out for more than one day.
How Long Does Butter Cake Last in the Refrigerator?
Butter cake lasts 5–7 days in the fridge when stored correctly.
Refrigeration significantly slows bacterial growth, making it the best option for:
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Frosted butter cake
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Cut or sliced butter cake
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Butter cake with fillings
Refrigerated shelf life by type:
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Homemade butter cake: 5–7 days
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Bakery butter cake: 4–6 days
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Store-bought butter cake: Follow the expiration date, usually 5–7 days after opening
Storage tips:
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap
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Place in an airtight cake container
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Let refrigerated cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving for best texture
How Long Does Butter Cake Last in the Freezer?
Butter cake lasts up to 3 months in the freezer without significant loss of quality.
Freezing is ideal if you want to:
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Store leftover cake
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Prepare cake in advance
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Prevent food waste
Freezer storage guidelines:
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Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap
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Add a layer of aluminum foil or freezer bag
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Label with the freezing date
Thawing butter cake safely:
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Transfer to the refrigerator overnight
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Bring to room temperature before serving
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Do not refreeze once thawed
Butter Cake Shelf Life by Type
How Long Does Homemade Butter Cake Last?
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Room temperature: 1–2 days
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Refrigerator: 5–7 days
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Freezer: up to 3 months
How Long Does Store-Bought Butter Cake Last?
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Unopened: check manufacturer’s expiration date
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Opened: 3–5 days in the fridge
How Long Does Bakery Butter Cake Last?
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Typically fresher than store-bought
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Best consumed within 2 days at room temperature or 5 days refrigerated
How Long Does Butter Cake Last After Cutting?
Once sliced, butter cake spoils faster due to exposure to air.
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Room temperature: 1 day
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Refrigerator: 3–5 days
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Freezer: up to 2 months (wrapped individually)
Tip: Press plastic wrap directly against the cut surface to prevent drying.
Does Frosting Affect Butter Cake Shelf Life?
Yes, frosting plays a major role.
Frosting type and shelf life:
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Buttercream frosting: Safe at room temperature for short periods
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Cream cheese frosting: Must be refrigerated
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Whipped cream frosting: Refrigeration required
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Fondant-covered butter cake: Longer room-temperature stability
If your butter cake contains cream cheese, fresh fruit, or custard, refrigeration is mandatory.
How to Store Butter Cake Properly
At Room Temperature
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Store in a cake dome or airtight container
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Keep away from sunlight and heat
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Consume within 1–2 days
In the Refrigerator
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Wrap tightly to prevent drying
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Store on a middle shelf
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Avoid placing near strong-smelling foods
In the Freezer
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Wrap in multiple layers
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Freeze in portions for convenience
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Use within 3 months for best quality
Signs Butter Cake Has Gone Bad
Discard butter cake if you notice:
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Mold growth (green, white, or black spots)
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Sour or unpleasant odor
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Slimy or overly dry texture
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Bitter or off taste
If in doubt, throw it out. Eating spoiled cake can cause food poisoning.
Is It Safe to Eat Expired Butter Cake?
Eating expired butter cake can be risky, especially if it contains dairy-based frosting.
You should not eat butter cake if:
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It has been left out too long
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It smells sour
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It shows signs of mold
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It’s past its recommended storage time
Food safety should always come first.
How to Make Butter Cake Last Longer
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Store cake properly immediately after cooling
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Refrigerate frosted or cut cake
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Freeze leftovers early, not after several days
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Avoid moisture and temperature fluctuations
Butter Cake vs Other Cakes Shelf Life
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Butter cake: 5–7 days refrigerated
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Pound cake: Slightly longer due to lower moisture
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Sponge cake: Shorter shelf life
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Chocolate cake: Similar shelf life, frosting-dependent
Butter cake lasts longer than light cakes but shorter than dense, alcohol-soaked cakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does butter cake last without refrigeration?
Up to 2 days, if unfrosted and stored properly.
Can butter cake be left out overnight?
Yes, if unfrosted or buttercream-frosted and covered.
Does butter cake need to be refrigerated?
Only if it contains cream cheese frosting, fruit fillings, or has been cut.
Can you freeze butter cake with frosting?
Yes, buttercream and fondant freeze well.
Is butter cake still good after 3 days?
Yes, if refrigerated and stored properly.
Conclusion
So, how long does butter cake last?
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1–2 days at room temperature
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5–7 days in the refrigerator
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Up to 3 months in the freezer
Proper storage makes all the difference. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy butter cake at its best fresh, moist, and safe to eat.
