Ah, rum cake. The rich and creamy dessert that’s a favorite for celebrations! But does it need to be refrigerated or can you simply leave it sitting out for everyone to enjoy?
As with most things in life, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Whether your rum cake needs refrigeration depends on a few factors, so that’s what we’ll discuss today.
If you’re a fan of rum cake, this guide is essential reading.
We’ll cover the ingredients in traditional rum cake and what impacts they have on the need for storing it in the fridge.
You’ll also find specific tips to keep your rum cake fresher longer, as well as when (and if) you should store it in the fridge.
Ready? Let’s dive in!
Does Rum Cake Need to Be Refrigerated?
So, does rum cake need to be refrigerated? It depends on the recipe and the ingredients used to make it.
If your rum cake uses eggs, dairy, cream cheese, or sour cream, then yes, it should be refrigerated, as these ingredients tend to spoil sooner.
However, as rum cake contains rum (of course), it can last up to 10 days without refrigeration.
The rum acts as a preservative, helping prevent the growth of microbes.
But remember that alcohol-infused desserts tend to dry out more quickly than regular desserts, so you’ll want to store your rum cake in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources like heating vents.
This will help keep it fresh for longer.
You might also want to consider the type of alcohol you use in your rum cake—darker spirits like brandy and whiskey are more prone to oxidation and will cause your cake to spoil faster.
Lighter liquors like vodka and white rum do not oxidize as quickly and can help preserve the flavor and texture of your cake.
Storing Rum Cake Properly for Optimal Freshness
When it comes to rum cake, storing it properly can be the difference between an amazing slice of dessert and a disappointing one.
So, does rum cake need to be refrigerated? It depends on the type of cake you buy.
· To Refrigerate or Not to Refrigerate?
There are two main types of rum cakes: those with buttercream frosting and those without.
If your cake has a buttercream frosting, it needs to be stored in the refrigerator.
Without buttercream, cakes can stay outside the refrigerator for up to three days.
· The Benefits of Refrigeration
Storing your rum cake in the refrigerator will help keep its flavor and texture fresh over time.
It’s also helpful if you’re looking to slice your cake into individual servings or plate it with other ingredients, like fruits and nuts.
Nothing will beat a freshly sliced piece of rum cake with its creamy layers of sweetness! To maximize their shelf life, store the pies in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in cling film before putting them in the fridge for up to five days.
· Other Ways To Enjoy Rum Cake
If you don’t want to refrigerate your rum cake but don’t plan on eating it right away either, here are some other ways you can still enjoy it while keeping it fresh:
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them until needed
- Freeze whole cakes for up to three months (just make sure they’re tightly wrapped)
- Bake individual slices from frozen at 350 degrees F until warm
Additionally, if you have leftovers or plan on storing the cake for longer than two weeks, place it in an airtight container before refrigerating or freezing also helps keep moisture locked in as well as lockout air/oxygen which could oxidize your rum cake over time.
How to Tell When a Rum Cake Has Gone Bad
How can you tell when a rum cake has gone bad? Generally, the texture and flavor will give you the biggest clues.
As with any cake, it’s best to enjoy your rum cake in its prime.
If you don’t share your dessert or eat it right away, then it’s important to understand how to store it—and how to tell when it’s no longer good.
· Texture Change
If your rum cake begins to harden or become dry and crumbly, then it’s past its prime.
The cake should feel light and spongy when you press into it.
If it’s become too hard, that means the moisture has evaporated and the texture has changed significantly.
· Color Change
Another clue is color changes in the cake, especially around the edges.
Different types of light can affect the colors on some cakes (the “blooming effect”), so bear this in mind if it doesn’t seem like a significant departure from its original hue.
In general, if you notice any discolored areas on your rum cake that weren’t there before, then that’s a sign that something has gone wrong with the storage process.
· Smell Test
If there’s a strange smell coming from your rum cake (something musty or sour or stale smelling), then this should be an obvious sign that something’s wrong and the cake isn’t fit for human consumption anymore.
Rum cakes won’t necessarily smell like rum; they should smell fresh and sweet like a typical dessert.
Any other odor is a surefire sign of spoilage.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, the answer to the question of whether rum cake needs to be refrigerated is both yes and no.
If the cake has been sitting out for more than two hours, it should be refrigerated, but if it has been refrigerated already, it can be stored at room temperature as long as it is kept out of direct sunlight and away from heat.
The key to storing rum cake properly is to control the conditions to avoid spoiling.
When it comes to rum cakes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Refrigerate your rum cake if you’re not planning to eat it right away and follow the other tips in this guide for the best shelf life and most delicious cake.
