Last Updated on December 18, 2020 by Diane Hoffmaster
Did you make cake for guests and now have too much? Are you wondering what to do with leftover cake? Well, I can help! A couple of weeks ago I got sucked into Pinterest and was drooling over a collection of dessert recipes. I came across a fabulous looking lemon cake recipe that I just had to make. Then, 3 days later the family went on vacation, leaving the precious cake in the refrigerator for days. Now I am looking for ways to use leftover cake because the idea of throwing away that delicious cake makes me want to cry! One of my favorite uses for leftover cake is to make it into a trifle. I am including a delicious recipe for a lemon and raspberry trifle at the end of the post if you want to try it. Don’t feel like making a leftover cake trifle? Here are a few other ways to use up your uneaten cake!
Table of Contents
Ways to Use Leftover Cake
Make Toasted Cake Crumbs
To make toasted cake crumbs, preheat your over to 250F. Crumble up the cake and lay it on a lined baking sheet. Put it in the oven and let it toast for about an hour or until the crumbs are dry. Let them cool and then process in a food processor or a blender. This makes a great topping for ice cream or a delicious layer for your next parfait. You can also use in place of graham cracker crumbs in a pie crust.
Make Leftover Cake Bread Pudding
Find an easy bread pudding recipe. Now, instead of cubes of bread, use cubes of cake. Add whatever ‘extras’ you think go with your cake flavor. Maybe raisins. Maybe nuts. The variations are endless!
Make Cake Pops:
These things seem to be all the rage nowadays. Personally, it seems like a lot of work but I will tell you that everyone, kids, and adults, seem to love them. Check out the wide variety of cake pop recipes on Pinterest for inspiration. A cake pop maker will make the process much easier.
Leftover cake French toast:
Similar to the cake bread pudding, leftover cake French toast is easy to make. If you are looking for ways to use leftover cake, wouldn’t your kids love to wake up to cake for breakfast? (hmmmm….I think there is a joke in there somewhere.) Just use your favorite French toast recipe and substitute cake for bread. Be a bit gentle with it since cake is more fragile than bread is.
Cake Recipes You May Like
- Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe
- Lemon Zucchini Cake Recipe
- Decadent Peanut Butter Brownie Ice Cream Cake Recipe
Leftover Cake Trifle:
Trifles are my all time favorite ways to use leftover cake. A trifle is really just layers of dessert type things in a pretty glass serving dish. Leftover cake is one layer. I also like pudding, whipped cream, fruit, bits of candy or whatever else you are inspired to throw in there. Find flavors that compliment your leftover cake. I am including my recipe for a lemon raspberry trifle below but honestly, there are so many variations that this is just a guideline! Invest in a trifle bowl and you will be making leftover cake trifle regularly from now on!
How to Layer a Trifle
A trifle is a classic English dessert that is incredibly easy to make. However, it does take a bit of skill to layer a trifle so you will need a steady hand! If you are patient, you will end up with a work of art, as well as a delicious dessert! There are loads of variations for homemade trifles. Use leftover cake like I did, as well as whipped cream, fruit, and jam. You can sprinkle the cake with a bit of alcohol (like rum for a chocolate rum trifle for example). If you are creative, there are so many possibilities you can come up with for a leftover cake trifle!
- Choose your ingredients
- Portion out the number of layers you want to ensure that they are even!
- Cube your cake and toss with alcohol if desired. Be sparing or you will end up with soggy cake!
- Layer your cake, whipped cream, custard, and fruit carefully. Try to keep the sides of the container clean.
- Once all layers are complete, top with extra whipped cream and sprinkle with graham crackers and a sprig of mint for a professional look!
Lemon Raspberry Trifle Recipe
Lemon Raspberry Trifle Recipe
There are tons of ways to use leftover cake but trifles are quick and easy. This lemon raspberry trifle recipe is loaded with sweet, fresh flavor.
Ingredients
- leftover lemon, white or yellow cake, cut into cubes
- lemon pudding
- whipped cream
- fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Layer all the ingredients in either a large glass trifle dish or individual serving glasses.
- Chill if not serving immediately.
Want to make the lemon cake recipe that I used in this trifle? Click below!
NOTE: Post updated from previous post date
I’m not sure I’ve ever had leftover cake in my house (my husband has quite a sweet-tooth!), but in the event I do, I’ll keep these ideas in mind. Thanks for the tips!
Glad you found them helpful! Leftovers don’t happen often but its good to know how to use it up if you do have it!
Oh my goodness! I want to make cake just to have left overs and try these awesome recipes. The trifle looks incredible! Especially with the fresh raspberries.
you could definitely make a cake just for this recipe!
I’ve actually never made a trifle but that is a genius way to use leftover cake. Whenever I bake I always have too much. I usually make a tester cake, and then have a layer or two leftover. These are great tips!
I’d hate to have a delicious cake go to waste. The trifle sounds like a great idea to make sure every bite is enjoyed.
What a great idea, I will have to try to make this one night. I bet it tastes delicious!