Mmm, pineapple upside-down cake. This immensely sweet, moist, and fruity cake is undeniably a crowd favorite. Are you planning to bake one? Then you’re likely wondering whether or not this delicious cake needs to be refrigerated.
Pineapple upside-down cake should be refrigerated within two days of baking. However, the sooner, the better. As long as the cake is thoroughly cooled, you can stash it in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for three months.
Hello, pineapple upside-down cake lovers! I’m Michelle, a self-taught baker with many years of experience. While I don’t make this type of cake too often, I have had to research the proper way to store it, so it stays fresh.
Let’s talk about pineapple upside-down cake!
Contents
Does Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Need to be Refrigerated?
Pineapple upside-down cake needs to be refrigerated if you’re not planning to consume it within 48 hours. Remember – this type of cake contains fruit, which means it will spoil quickly if not chilled.
If your kitchen is hotter than 70F, pineapple upside-down cake will need to be refrigerated immediately. The higher the temperature, the swifter your cake will spoil. Never store pineapple upside-down cake in high humidity or temperatures exceeding 70F. Opt for the fridge or freezer.
How to Store Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
When people think about storing baked goods in the refrigerator, like bread or cake, they might shudder. The fridge is great for extending longevity, but it’s also the main culprit of dried-out treats.
That said, you might be somewhat concerned to hear that pineapple upside-down cake should be stored in the fridge. But you don’t need to panic. Your cake will remain moist and tasty with the proper storage techniques – even after a few days in the fridge.
At Room Temperature
Pineapple upside-down cake can stay on your kitchen countertop as long as the temperature is below 70F, there isn’t excessive humidity, and you’re planning to consume it within 24-48 hours.
Left uncovered pineapple upside-down cake will remain fresh and delicious for up to 24 hours after it is baked. But honestly, who leaves their cake out in the open? While it’s technically “safe,” I never leave my cakes uncovered.
The better option is to place your pineapple upside-down cake on a cake server. I prefer these elegant glass ones. Hey – I worked hard to bake this cake. I might as well give it the respect it deserves in a nice, classy container!
When covered, your pineapple upside-down cake gets a bit longer shelf life – up to 48 hours.
In the Fridge
The ideal place to store your pineapple upside-down cake is in the fridge. There will be less of a chance of spoilage, and honestly, a chilled slice of this type of cake is downright delicious – so much better than at room temperature!
Storing in the refrigerator is easy as pie (or should I say cake?). Here’s how.
Step 1: Let the cake cool entirely.
Step 2: Cover the pineapple upside-down cake loosely with plastic wrap.
Step 3: Place inside of an airtight container for cake.
Step 4: Store toward the back of the fridge where temperatures will remain consistent.
Step 5: Eat within four days.
When you’re ready to eat your cake, simply take it out, slice it using a good cake-cutting knife, and enjoy. You don’t need to let it sit until it comes to room temperature unless you want to.
In the Freezer
Are four days not enough? Do you want to keep your pineapple upside-down cake for three months? Then you will need to store it in the freezer. Follow these simple steps for cake-freezing success:
Step 1: Allow the cake to cool entirely.
Step 2: Cover the pineapple upside-down cake with plastic wrap.
Step 3: Cover it with a layer of aluminum foil, too.
Step 4: Place inside an airtight container.
Step 5: Store it in the freezer.
Step 6: Eat within three months.
If you freeze your pineapple upside-down cake, you will want to let it thaw before eating it. Personally, I’ve never had frozen pineapple upside-down cake, but it doesn’t sound too appetizing – but go ahead and try it if you want.
When stored in the freezer, don’t worry about the flavor or texture changes. While not all cakes are freezer-friendly, pineapple upside-down cakes fare surprisingly well when stored in the freezer. The quality and flavor won’t be altered, and it will have a fresh taste once thawed. Yum!
How to Tell Pineapple Upside-Down Cake is Spoiled
Pineapple upside-down cake is downright yummy, mainly since the cake includes some favorite fruits like cherries and pineapples. However, the presence of fruit can also be this cake’s downfall.
Pineapples and cherries are tasty, but they’re also loaded with sugars and moisture, creating the perfect environment for bacterial growth. That’s why it is recommended to store pineapple upside-down cake in the fridge. But even refrigerator storage won’t stave off spoilage.
That said, it’s imperative to know the signs of spoilage for pineapple upside-down cake. Here are a few cues to look out for so you don’t accidentally consume rotten cake.
1. Smelly Odor
Have you ever smelled rotten fruit? It doesn’t smell so great. So, go ahead and smell your pineapple upside-down cake. If it’s emitting an odor that’s anything but sweet, it’s time to toss it out.
2. Mold
The high sugar and moisture content of pineapple upside-down cake makes it susceptible to mold growth. And you don’t want to eat mold. Not only can it cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting, but allergic reactions can lead to serious respiratory problems that require medical treatment.
Mold can arrive in many colors, including white, gray, green, etc. It can have slight discoloration or become a full-blown fuzzy nightmare. Regardless, any signs of funky colors or odd fuzziness should signal you to toss the cake.
3. Sliminess/Sogginess
Another significant indicator that your pineapple upside-down cake is past its prime is sliminess and sogginess. Needless to say, nobody wants to munch on a slimy and soggy piece of cake. Get rid of it ASAP.
FAQs
Pretty interesting stuff, eh? Now you know that your pineapple upside-down cake should be refrigerated, especially if you’re not going to eat it within 24-48 hours. If you want to keep learning, check out these fun FAQs.
Why do you have to refrigerate pineapple upside-down cake?
It’s all due to the fruits! Pineapple upside-down cake contains pineapples and cherries. Therefore, it needs to be chilled to increase its longevity. Not only that, but this type of cake tends to taste better when it’s slightly chilled!
What’s the best way to store upside-down pineapple cake?
The best storage method is to wrap it loosely in plastic wrap, place it in an airtight container, and store it in the back of the fridge. However, you can also leave your cake uncovered or covered at room temperature or stash it in the freezer.
Is pineapple upside-down cake supposed to be cold?
It doesn’t have to be cold, but most people tend to eat it that way. Personally, I find that the texture and flavor are enhanced when slightly chilled. I’m not a big fan of room-temperature fruits.
How long can pineapple upside-down cake sit out unrefrigerated?
If the pineapple upside-down cake is not covered, it will last 24 hours. It will remain safe and scrumptious for up to 48 hours if covered. However, longevity will depend on the temperature and humidity, too. Higher temps and lots of humidity will cause the cake to spoil faster.
Final Words
Pineapple upside-down cake needs to be refrigerated if it’s not being consumed within two days of baking or if you live in an area with high humidity and temperatures. Even so, I still recommend storing the pineapple upside-down cake in the fridge once it’s cooled.
Do you store your pineapple upside-down cake in the fridge, or do you leave it out? Share in the comments!
About Michelle