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Whether you’re preparing a batch of cupcakes for your company picnic or you’re getting ready for a festive celebration ahead, it’s important to know how to store cupcakes in order to keep them fresh and avoid spoilage. Here’s the best way to store frosted cupcakes to make them last longer!
As a general rule, frosted cupcakes should be stored in a deep enough airtight container that could be tightly sealed without touching the top of the frosting. Make sure to cool the cupcakes completely on a wire rack before putting on frosting or storing them in an airtight container.
While storing cupcakes, I found that there are different places to store them to keep them, fresher, for longer. Here are some of my general rules of thumb that you can use in order to keep your delicious cupcakes fresh for as long as possible.
What Is The Best Way To Store Cupcakes?
Here are the best ways to successfully store cupcakes to make them last:
- Cupcakes can be stored in an airtight container and left at room temperature
- Cupcakes can be placed in a container and stored in the refrigerator
- Cupcakes can be individually wrapped, placed in a container, and stored in the freezer
If I’m planning on making several batches of cupcakes, I like to do it ahead of time. When I’m baking for a crowd, I like to make sure that my results are nothing short of amazing.
Baking ahead of any big event allows for extra time to perfect my recipe and address any inconsistencies in my batches. Of course, this means I need a few storage options I can utilize in order to protect my cupcakes ahead of the big day.
There are a few methods you could use to store cupcakes!
If you plan on enjoying them within two days, the best way to store them is in an airtight container or a food-safe storage bag. Cupcakes can also be stored in a container in the fridge, or individually wrapped and stored for up to three months.
While you can use any of these methods, the best way to retain the flavor and texture of your cupcakes is to store them at room temperature.
Here’s a short video I found that shares the best ways to store cupcakes to make them last:
*By the way, I consider decorating my cupcakes correctly to be the most important step to presenting a perfect-looking cupcake. I recently came across a Full Set of Cupcake Decorating Kit that has everything you need to decorate your cupcakes! You can check out this set on Amazon!
Unfortunately, this method doesn’t keep them fresh for much longer than two days. Storing them at room temperature instead of in a chilly fridge or freezer will be the best way to avoid any pesky texture changes.
My general rule of thumb is to place your cupcakes in the fridge if you won’t be eating them within 48 hours. While they can get dry in the fridge, you can always add a bit more frosting when you pull them out in order to increase their moisture content.
The final option you can use to store cupcakes is in the freezer. While you can successfully freeze a batch of cupcakes, the longer they sit in the freezer the more likely you are to experience quality issues.
Storing your cupcakes in the freezer increases your risk of freezer burn, which will definitely ruin your batch.
How long will unfrosted cupcakes last in each storage method:
| Counter Top | Sealed Container | Refrigerator | Freezer |
| Can last for up to 24 hours | Can last for up to 2 days | Can last for up to 2 weeks | Can last for up to 3 months |
Unfrosted cupcakes are much easier to store since they do not contain any delicate dairy products that have to be monitored on a regular basis.
*By the way, I recently wrote an article about How to Store Muffins to Keep Them Fresh for Longer. This article talks about the proper ways to store muffins at room temperature, in the fridge, and in the freezer to keep them fresh. You can check out this article here!
How long will frosted cupcakes last in each storage method:
| Counter Top | Sealed Container | Refrigerator | Freezer |
| Can last for up to 12 hours | Can last for up to 24 hours | Can stay fresh for up to 4 days | Can last for up to 3 months |
While storing unfrosted cupcakes is easier than storing frosted cupcakes, it’s not that much harder to do. The only difference is that you have to make sure to not leave out frosting at room temperature long enough for it to spoil.
*Side Note: I recently wrote an article about How To Properly Store Leftover Buttercream Frosting. This article talks about the right ways to store and freeze buttercream frosting to make it last. You can check out this article here!
Can I Leave Cupcakes On The Counter Overnight At Room Temperature?
As a general rule, cupcakes can be left to sit out at room temperature for up to two days once properly stored in an airtight container. However, frosted cupcakes contain dairy or eggs. They should be stored in the refrigerator as soon as possible to avoid spoilage.
If I’m planning on serving my cupcakes within a day or so, I typically just let them sit out on the counter. This method yields the best-tasting cupcakes without compromising their texture.
Just make sure that you place them in a container beforehand in order to keep them fresh.
While you can leave unfrosted cupcakes out at room temperature for a couple of days without any issues, many people wonder what to do with their frosted cupcakes, especially if they’ve made a whole batch a day or two ahead of time.
Frosted cupcakes can sit out at room temperature on your countertop as long as the frosting doesn’t contain ingredients that would otherwise require refrigeration like eggs or other dairy products.
If you’re unsure as to whether you should keep your frosted cupcakes out, just pop them in the fridge and they should keep just fine as well.
*Side Note: You might also want to know How To Stop Cupcake & Muffin Liners From Folding In and Sticking. I recently wrote an article that explains How To Keep The Liners Looking Good When Baking In Them, which you can check out here!
How Long Do Cupcakes Last In Containers?
Generally speaking, unfrosted cupcakes can last in an airtight container for up to two days while left out at room temperature. However, frosted cupcakes should be stored in the refrigerator and should not be left out in order to keep them fresh and reduce their chances of spoilage.
The general rule of thumb is that cupcakes will last quite a while as long as you properly store them. You’re not going to keep them fresh if you leave them sitting out exposed to the air.
Exposure can quickly dry your cupcakes out, leaving them stale and inedible.
While you can store them in a food-safe plastic storage bag, I generally don’t like to use those for cupcakes. You run the risk of them getting squished and broken. I like to use a sturdy container, preferably two, so I don’t need to worry about stacking them.
If you’ve gone through great lengths to frost your cupcakes, you’re going to want to go a step further and protect them from slipping around inside the container.
You could place them on top of a non-slip liner inside of the container, or go the extra mile and spring for a cupcake carrier to keep them fresh. Whichever method you choose, be sure that your baked goods are protected from the elements and you should be good to go.
*By the way, I always wanted to be able to store my cakes the right way but I never found a good container that could fit my large cakes. However, I recently came across an Extra Large Cake Carrier/Storage Container That Holds up to 12 inch 3-layer Cakes. This carrier was perfect for storing my large cakes. You can check out this Cake Storage Container on Amazon here!
This storage container is not just for cakes. It works great for cupcakes as well! Since it was made for cakes, it’s deep enough to fit any size of frosted cupcakes inside. Give it a try!
Do Cupcakes Need To Be Refrigerated?
In general, unfrosted cupcakes do not need to be refrigerated and can be left in an airtight container for 2 days. However, frosted cupcakes should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator since they contain dairy ingredients. They will stay fresh for up to four days.
Regular cupcakes don’t need to be refrigerated to stay fresh, but they will eventually spoil regardless of which method you use. You can rest assured that your unfrosted cupcakes will last about four days when you store them in the fridge.
However, frosted cupcakes will keep a little bit longer in the fridge at about five days due to the added moisture from the frosting.
*Side Note: I recently wrote an article explaining Why Your Cupcakes Might Overflow & Sink while baking. In this article, I spoke about all the ways to fix and prevent sinking and overflowing cupcakes. You can check out this article here!
Can You Freeze Cupcakes?
As a general rule, you can freeze cupcakes to make them last longer. In order to keep them fresh for longer, they should be individually wrapped in food-safe plastic wrap and then stored in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three months if properly stored in this manner.
How To Store Cupcakes In The Freezer?
Cupcakes can be stored in the freezer for up to three months as long as they have been properly protected. Wrap each cupcake individually prior to placing them in an airtight container to extend their freshness and prevent freezer burn for as long as possible.
Cupcakes that have been frosted with buttercream hold up well when you store them in the freezer.
The key to properly storing a frosted cupcake is to place it in a sturdy container to protect the frosting. You could also wrap each frosted cupcake individually prior to storing them for extra protection.
Both frosted and unfrosted cupcakes will last for about three months before they start to go bad.
Plain cupcakes do just fine when stored in the freezer as well. Just be sure that they aren’t exposed and that the lid on your container provides an airtight seal. This will be your best guarantee against having a batch of freezer-burned cupcakes.
You can minimize your chances of these problems occurring by individually wrapping each cupcake prior to putting them in a storage container!
Typically, I like to wrap my cupcakes in plastic wrap to keep the freezer burn at bay. When it’s time to serve them, I’ll pull them out and set the container out at room temperature for a couple of hours. After that, I can unwrap them and serve them.
Do Cupcakes Spoil? Can They Go Bad?
If proper precautions are not taken, frosted and unfrosted cupcakes can spoil within 24 hours. Cupcakes become bad when you’ll see signs of mold growth, foul smell, and discoloration. Frosted cupcakes which have been left out can spoil more quickly than unfrosted cupcakes.
Like any other baked good, cupcakes will eventually go bad, regardless of how well you stored them. Be on the lookout for any inconsistencies in texture or color change.
Many baked goods will start smelling funny after sitting out for a few days. If they become slimy or if mold begins to appear, it’s a good idea to toss them in the trash and create a new batch.
*Side Note: I recently wrote an article about If Cupcakes Should Be Flat or Domed. This article discusses whether your cupcakes should come out flat or domed while baking. You can check out this article here!
FAQs:
How Can You Tell If Cupcakes Are Bad?
As a general rule, spoiled cupcakes usually have a pungent odor and may start developing mold or slimy growths. They will often have changes in color, texture, smell, or taste. If the cupcake contains a fruit filling it may become slimy and mold may start to grow on it.
Can You Make Cupcakes Ahead Of Time?
Cupcakes can be made ahead of time as long as the appropriate storage method is used. For cupcakes that are made three months in advance, they can be individually wrapped and placed in a storage container in the freezer. Cupcakes that will be eaten within one week can be stored in the fridge.
