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Hi Bold Bakers!
One thing I pride myself on is that I try to never waste. I may have a full fridge and packed freezer but at least I’m always able to pull a rabbit out of my hat! From freezing ingredients like cookie dough and cupcakes, you never know when leftover baked goods will come in handy.
Often times I find myself with leftover odds and ends, and my most favorite of all to keep around is cake! I love to make my Best-Ever Chocolate Cake or my Vanilla Birthday Cake on a regular basis just to have it on hand in a baking emergency.
Once the cakes have cooled I wrap them up really well in plastic, label them, and pop them in the freezer. After they’re frozen they’ll keep in the freezer just fine for up to 1 month. Then whenever I’m craving something sweet — or don’t have the time to bake a new cake — I just take it out.
All you have to do is let it thaw out as normal. Then from there, I have a way to rejuvenate the texture so the cake taste like it was just baked!
![How to make stale cake soft again, close up decorating.](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 640 960"></svg> "How to make stale cake soft!")
Top Tips on How to Make Stale Cake Soft:
1. Back Into The Oven!
Take an oven-safe dish and fill it with water. Turn your oven on to low heat (325°F or 160°C) and allow the water to heat up until the oven is filled with steam. Then place your cake on an oven-safe tray and pop it in the oven above the steam bath.
Allow the cake to have about 5 minutes in the steamy oven. And just like that, it will look and taste as good a freshly baked cake. This can be done with a cake that is not frozen but has been left out for a few days as well. Just when you think it’s gone a bit stale, this is a fantastic trick. No cake should ever go uneaten again!
2. Steam It!
Place a steamer into a large pot on the stove and fill with water until it ALMOST reaches the base of the steamer. Bring the water to a steady simmer and carefully place in the cake. Turn off the heat and leave the cake in the pot with the lid on for 10 minutes or so until the cake has softened and is as good as new. Carefully remove from the steamer and allow to cool before frosting and serving.
3. Microwave it!
This is a really fast, fuss-free method. Moisten 2 pieces of paper towels. On a microwave-safe plate lay down one piece of the dampened paper towel, then place your stale cake down, followed by the second piece of damp paper towel on top covering the surface of the cake. Then, microwave for two 20-30 second intervals. If you feel like you need more time then go for it. This method will trap moisture in and refresh your stale cake to so it’s as good as new.
Did you like this baking tip? I have lots more short videos just like this one that will help you get baking confidently in the kitchen. Get more Bold Baking Basics.
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