How to Improve a Dry Cake

Last Updated: January 2, 2020

A dry fruit or butter cake can be improved by using one of the methods described below, depending on whether or not you have just baked the cake or it has come from storage.

Steps

1
Test the cake. If it is dry, choose the correct method for improving it.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Folded towel method

This method is suitable when a cake removed from the oven is perceptibly dry.

1
Place a thick folded towel over the cake top.
2
Leave the cake to cool on a wire cooling rack. The towel will trap the escaping steam and force it back into the cake, helping to soften and moisten it again.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Milk or water method

This method is suitable for a stale cake that has gone dry during storage.

1
Brush a little milk or cold water over the top of the cake.
2
Place in a medium heat oven (350ºF/ 175ºC) and allow to crisp for 15–20 minutes.
3
Remove and leave to cool on a wire cooling rack.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Wine method

Cake that has gone impossibly dry can form the basis of dessert dishes such as a trifle.

1
Choose a dessert or other sweet fortified wine that you like.
2
Sprinkle generously over the cake. Or even dip cut pieces of the cake into it.
3
Make a trifle with the end result. It's a perfect way to save a dry cake.

Community Q&A

Question

I bought a fruit cake and it's too dry to eat. How can I get it to be moist again?

Community Answer

Any of these methods may work out for you, but you may also just end up making it soggy. Instead, you could just eat it with something else that brings some moisture. A glass of eggnog or some fresh fruit should do the trick.
Question

Can I do the same with cookies and pies?

Community Answer

Yes, you should be able to do the same with cookies and pies.
Question

How do I soften a refrigerated cake? It's been three days in the fridge and has buttercream frosting?

Community Answer

Take the cake out of the fridge ahead of when you'd like to serve it. You can also serve your cake with ice cream, custard, or whipped cream. These agents of creaminess will add some welcome moisture to each bite.