How can you tell when a cake has spoiled?

Visual Cues:

* Mold: The most obvious sign. Look for fuzzy, green, white, or black patches on the surface or inside the cake.

* Discoloration: The cake may turn a darker color than usual, especially if it's been exposed to air. This could be browning or a dulling of the frosting.

* Texture Changes: The cake might become dry and crumbly, or it could be soft and mushy.

Smell:

* Sour or Off Odor: If the cake has a sour, musty, or unpleasant smell, it's likely spoiled.

Taste:

* Strange Flavor: If you take a small bite and the flavor is off, bitter, or unusual, the cake is no longer good.

Other Signs:

* Unusually Soft Frosting: If the frosting is overly soft and sticky, it may have gone bad.

* Presence of Insects: Tiny bugs or insects crawling on the cake are a sure sign of spoilage.

Important Considerations:

* Cake Type: Some cakes are more prone to spoiling than others. Cakes with lots of moisture (like pound cake) or fruit fillings (like fruitcake) can spoil faster.

* Storage: Proper storage is key. Store cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

* Frosting: Frosting can spoil faster than cake. If the frosting looks or smells off, it's best to discard the whole cake.

When in Doubt, Throw It Out!

If you have any doubts about the quality of a cake, it's always better to err on the side of caution and throw it away. Food poisoning can be dangerous.