I love leftovers, whether it’s a dish of lasagna or a chocolate cake. But what’s even better than eating a plate of leftovers is repurposing them into something new entirely – and it’s a cinch when working with leftover cake. There are so many ideas, from cake pops to milkshakes and more.
Hey, everyone! How’s it going? My name is Michelle, and I’ve been baking in my home for the past ten years. I have made countless cakes during my baking adventures and always enjoy finding new ways to use the leftovers.
If you have leftover cake in your fridge and don’t know what to do with it, don’t worry, I’m here to help. Below you will find a comprehensive list of the top 11 things to do with leftover cake. With so many ideas, there’s no way you’ll be tossing any leftover cake in the future.
Ready to find out how to use leftover cake? Let’s dive in!
11 Ways to Use Leftover Cake
Sure, leftover cake is tasty on its own. But if you’re all “caked out” and want to feast on something new, here are 11 excellent ideas to consider.
1. Cake Pops
No, you don’t need to traipse off to Starbucks to get one of their famous cake pops. Instead, utilize the leftovers you have sitting in your refrigerator.
The process is simple. All you need to do is grab a small section of cake (with the frosting) and roll it into a small ball. Chill for around 30 minutes before dipping it into the melted chocolate. Viola! You have a cake pop that’s great for eating on the go.
2. Cake French Toast
Anyone who says you can’t have cake for breakfast is obviously not living their best life.
At BakingHow, we firmly believe you can have your cake and eat it, too – even if it’s for breakfast.
But honestly, you can also eat this cake french toast for dessert. Either way, your palette will thank you.
To make cake french toast, slice the leftover cake into one-inch slices. Dip into your egg batter, just as you would dip a piece of bread into an egg batter, to make your fave french toast. Cook on a pan over medium-high heat until it reaches the desired consistency. Enjoy!
3. Mix-In for Ice Cream
Ice cream is delicious on its own – can I get an amen? But if you want to kick your bowl of ice cream up a notch, adding some mix-ins is the easiest way to do it.
While you might typically reach for favorites like sprinkles, candy, and syrup, switch up your routine and toss in some leftover cake.
The cake will add an instant burst of sweetness that’s great in any flavor of ice cream, from classics like vanilla and chocolate to funfetti and cookies and cream.
Tip: If you don’t want to mix the leftover cake into your ice cream like you’re working for Cold Stone Creamery, you can always toss it on top. Either way, you get to enjoy an added boost of flavor!
4. Cake Milkshake
Nothing cools and satisfies on a summer afternoon quite like a milkshake. But why settle for “typical” milkshakes when you can opt for one that tastes exactly like a piece of cake?
Making a leftover cake milkshake is simple. All you need to do is throw some leftover cake – frosting and all – into your blender. Then, add a few scoops of ice cream and a cup or two of milk (more or less, depending on the desired texture). Blend until smooth, and enjoy every sip.
5. Cake Trifle
Is a cake trifle something you want to trifle with? Absolutely – especially if you’re someone who loves to pair desserts with fruits (and honestly, who wouldn’t?).
Making a trifle with leftover cake is a breeze. The best way to do it is to follow along with your preferred trifle recipe but substitute the cake portion for your leftover cake. You’ll be left with a scrumptious layered dessert that adds new flavors with every bite.
6. Cake Cookies
Do you have a hankering for cookies but still struggling to use up the remainder of the birthday cake from last weekend? Don’t panic – I have a great idea to satisfy your cookie craving while ensuring the cake leftovers don’t go to waste.
Let me introduce you to cake cookies – i.e., your new favorite way to feast on cookie treats.
To make cake cookies, you’ll need to mix a few cups of leftover cake with other common cookie ingredients, such as butter, flour, and eggs.
To make it easier, find a leftover cake cookie recipe to follow, as every recipe calls for a different amount of ingredients, and you want to make sure you do it right.
7. Cake Brownies
I’m a little bit obsessed with brownies. OK, maybe a lot. OK, perhaps I would eat an entire pan in one sitting. Don’t judge me, alright?
Enough about me, though.
Let me tell you about transforming your cake leftovers into a brownie.
You can use any kind of leftover cake, regardless of the flavor. However, adding chocolate cake to the other ingredients – cocoa powder, butter, sugar, etc. – will create a very decadent and chocolatey treat you won’t be able to keep your hands off of.
This is another option that you’ll need to follow along with a good recipe to ensure it’s done correctly.
8. Cake “Bread” Pudding
Lots of people enjoy bread pudding, especially if it means they can use up any leftover, stale bread that would otherwise make its way into the receptacle.
But who said that bread pudding had to be made with bread?
Sure, it’s in the name of the recipe. Yet, when it comes to baking, you can bend the rules whenever you want.
That said, I highly recommend swapping the bread for leftover cake in your favorite bread pudding. You won’t regret it.
9. Cake “Ice Cream” Cones
Cupcake “ice cream cones” have recently become a huge hit. That’s because, like cake pops, they’re less messy and hassling than a full-fledged cake. Plus, they can be taken on the go, which can be crucial in certain situations.
Well, you can also use leftover cake to make these divine handheld goodies.
Simply scoop a bit of leftover cake and plop it inside the ice cream cone. Cover with some frosting and sprinkles, and you’re ready to serve!
10. Cake “Pie” Crust
Are you planning to make a pie anytime soon? Then don’t opt for your “typical” pie crust. Use your leftover cake instead and give your pie a whole new appearance and taste.
It’s simple!
Just process the cake into small crumbs. Mix with a few tablespoons of butter until it can be pressed down onto a pie pan (or a suitable substitute). Then, add your fillings and bake as usual. Everyone will be impressed with the whimsical cake crust!
11. Freeze for Later
Alright, so this isn’t exactly a way to use leftover cake. But if you simply can’t decide how to use your leftover cake or don’t want to use it right away, you can always save it for later. Just thaw it before consuming or transforming it into one of the delicious recipes mentioned above.
FAQs
When it comes to great ways to use leftover cake, those recipes sure “take the cake!” If you want to keep learning about this topic, go ahead and check out the frequently asked questions I’ve added below. You might learn a little somethin’ new!
What can be made from leftover cake?
The better question is, what can’t be made from leftover cake? Whether you toss it on top of a bowl of ice cream or transform it into cake pops, cookies, or bread pudding, there are endless possibilities when it comes to repurposing leftover cake. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
How long is leftover cake good for?
Most cakes last up to seven days in the refrigerator or three months in the freezer as long as they are appropriately stored. However, this timeframe can change depending on the type of cake and frosting, so double-check your recipe for accurate storage times.
Can you freeze the leftover cake?
You sure can! All you need to do is wrap the cake thoroughly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. For added protection, you can place it in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag (if you have some that are large enough to accommodate your cake).
There Are Many Great Ways to Use Leftover Cake!
Leftover cake shouldn’t be tossed. Find a great way to repurpose it, whether making a fresh batch of “cake cookies” or creating adorable cake “ice cream cones” to share with the family. If nothing else, freeze the cake before it goes bad so you can munch on it later!
What is your favorite way to use leftover cake? Have you tried any of these methods? Do you have any cool ideas to share? Comment below so we can try out your interesting options, too!
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