Average shelf life of homemade cakes?

It's tough to give a single answer for the shelf life of homemade cakes, as it depends on a lot of factors! Here's a breakdown:

General Guidelines:

* Frosted cakes: 3-4 days at room temperature, 5-7 days in the refrigerator.

* Unfrosted cakes: 2-3 days at room temperature, 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Factors Affecting Shelf Life:

* Ingredients: Cakes with high moisture content (e.g., fruit cakes) tend to last longer than drier cakes.

* Type of frosting: Buttercream frosting tends to last longer than whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.

* Storage conditions: Proper storage is key. Airtight containers are best.

* Temperature: Room temperature is ideal for a few days, but refrigeration is recommended for longer storage.

Freezing:

* Most cakes freeze well for 2-3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for best results.

* Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips:

* Use fresh ingredients: Start with the freshest ingredients possible.

* Don't overbake: Overbaking can dry out the cake.

* Cool completely before frosting: This helps prevent condensation and frosting melting.

Signs of Spoilage:

* Mold: Any sign of mold is a definite indication of spoilage.

* Off odor: A sour or unpleasant smell.

* Changes in texture: Cake becomes dry, crumbly, or soggy.

It's always better to err on the side of caution! If you're unsure, it's best to discard the cake.