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Fresh, homemade muffins are a great snack to enjoy at any time of the day. If you ever make more muffins than you needed and are looking for a great way to store them, you’re in luck. Here are some step-by-step instructions to store your muffins to make them last for as long as possible at room temperature!
- Cool the muffins completely on a cooling rack
- Place a paper towel on the bottom of an airtight container
- Place the muffins on the paper towel
- Make sure the muffins are not touching each other
- Place cut pieces of paper towel in between each muffin
- Place another paper towel on top of the muffins
- Seal the airtight container shut
- Store the container at room temperature
You can store your muffins short-term using these instructions and they will stay fresh and not get soggy short term. However, I started wondering how else I can store my muffins to keep them fresh long term. In this article, I will share all the ways I found to store my muffins properly for short and long periods of time.
How To Store Muffins Properly?
As a general rule, muffins should be stored at room temperature inside an airtight container for them to stay fresh for longer. Place a sheet of paper towel in between each muffin as well as the top and the bottom of the muffins to absorb any excess moisture that could be developed.
I usually make smaller batches of muffins, but there are times when I need to make a few large batches for a family gathering or brunch with friends. If I’m making muffins that I plan on eating within the next day or two, storing them in an airtight container usually suffices.
If you’re looking for a good set of airtight storage containers, I recommend getting the Rubbermaid Brilliance Leak-Proof Food Storage Containers with Airtight Lids.
I’ve used these containers for a couple of years now and I’ve successfully stored all of my food and baked goods in room temperature, fridge, and freezer. I’ve even used them in the microwave! These containers come in many different sets, so choose the right one for you. You can check out these containers on Amazon!
Sometimes, I need to store my muffins for a little longer due to a big event or a party. If my event is less than a week away, the refrigerator is usually my “go-to” storage method.
There are 3 methods to store muffins to make them last:
- Store muffins in an airtight container at room temperature
- Store muffins in the refridgerator
- Store muffins in the freezer
There are only three methods because I don’t recommend storing muffins on the countertop with no container. Muffins that will be open to the atmosphere for an extended period of time tend to get very sticky and soggy.
*Side Note: I recently wrote an article about Why Do Muffins Come Out Sticky & Soggy. This article talks about different ways to fix and prevent muffins that are sticky and soggy. You can check out this article here!
Keep reading to find out exactly how long muffins will last in each storage type!
How Long Can Muffins Last for at Countertop, Room Temperature, Refrigerator, and Freezer
| Counter Top | Sealed Container | Refrigerator | Freezer |
| Can stay fresh for up to 12 hours | Can last for about 2 to 4 days | Can last for up to 1 week | Can last for up to 3 months |
Place them in an air-tight container and leave them at room temperature if they are going to be used within two days. You could also place them in the refrigerator or freezer if they need to be stored for a longer period of time to retain freshness.
Before storing my muffins in the refrigerator I like to place them safely in a plastic storage container.
This will help keep them from getting squished from other items in my fridge, as well as prevent them from absorbing the smells of other food items.
Another great idea is to line the bottom of your muffin containers with paper towels or baking paper. This will help keep them fresh and prevent them from turning soggy while being stored.
How long can muffins last in the fridge? When properly stored, muffins can last for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Let the muffins cool off completely before placing them in an airtight container. Make sure to place paper towels on the bottom and top of the muffins.
If you need to store your muffins for more than a week, your best bet will be using the freezer method.
Since items stored in the freezer always run the risk of developing freezer burn, you’ll need to take a few extra steps before doing so.
How long can muffins last in the freezer? When properly stored, muffins can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. Let the muffins cool off completely before wrapping each one in plastic wrap or freezer paper individually. Then, place them in an airtight container with space in between each one.
While you can store them for this long, I prefer to store mine for no more than about two months. You’re taking a gamble with freshness if you decide to store them much longer than that.
*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 Muffins Last At Room Temperature?
When properly stored in an air-tight container, muffins will last about 2 to 4 days at room temperature. However, when muffins are left out on the countertop with no storage, the muffins will get soggy and moist within the first 12 hours.
If you need to know how to store muffins overnight, I think your best bet is going to be at room temperature.
When you’re storing your baked goods at room temperature as opposed to in the fridge or freezer you don’t have to worry about thawing them or letting them warm up when you’re ready to enjoy them.
After muffins have been left out for two days at room temperature they must then be thrown out or stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Storing the muffins in the fridge and freezer are always good options if you’re trying to keep them fresh for as long as possible, you’re still running the risk of freezer burn or absorbing the smells of other foods you’re storing.
While storing your muffins at room temperature won’t keep them fresh for nearly as long, it’s the best option when you’re only planning to store them for a day or two.
As always, I suggest placing them in an airtight container to preserve their quality and their freshness, no matter where you plan on storing them.
*Side Note: You might also want to know Why Your Muffins Didn’t Rise the way they were supposed to. I recently wrote an article talking about Tips For Preventing Flat Muffins, you can check it out here!
How Long Do Muffins Last In Containers?
Muffins can last anywhere between 2 days to 3 months in an airtight container depending on the place of storage. When stored at room temperature, muffins will last much less than when stored in a fridge or freezer. Muffins last longer in containers when they are stored in a colder environment.
While some home cooks simply store their baked goods in food storage bags, I prefer to use containers. When you store your muffins in bags there’s always a chance that your muffins will get squished or ruined by other objects in your kitchen.
Food storage containers provide a good amount of sturdy protection you need when storing soft pastries and other food items!
*By the way, for a long time, I was looking for a way to store my baked goods without them breaking and losing their shape. I recently came across a great Set of Flat Storage Containers that worked great for storing my baked goods flat in the fridge and freezer without breaking them! You can check out this Storage Set on Amazon!
Muffins will last about three days when you store them in a container at room temperature. You can preserve them for up to a week when you store them in the fridge. Keep in mind that you could run into some texture issues when you store them in the fridge for longer than about five or six days though.
Make sure they’re completely cooled down too before storing them since condensation can cause them to spoil much more quickly.
If I ever need to place my muffins in the freezer I like to wrap them individually first with another layer of protection like foil before putting them in a container. That’s the best way to keep them fresh if you’re trying to preserve them for about three months.
*Side Note: You might also want to know Why Your Muffins Crack On Top after they’re baked. I recently wrote an article that talks about How To Fix and Prevent Dry Muffins, you can check it out here!
Can I Store Muffins In The Fridge?
As a general rule, muffins could be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week to keep them fresh without getting soggy. Line the bottom of an airtight container with a paper towel and place the muffins on top. Place more paper towels in between each muffin and close the lid shut.
Storing any food item for a longer length of time comes with risks. Fortunately, you can lower your chances of having soggy, spoiled muffins by taking a few precautions ahead of time.
First, make sure your muffins are completely cool. While it may be tempting to go ahead and store them more quickly so you can start cleaning up, it’s important they are completely cooled first.
Allowing them to cool will release any excess trapped moisture within them, and will prevent your muffins from getting soggy.
Another good tip to preserve your muffins without getting soggy is to line the bottom of your food storage container with absorbent paper towels.
The reason why muffins get soggy when they’re stored for longer than a day or two is because the moisture will start to seep into the bottom of the container, causing a soggy mess. Paper towels are a great way to keep your muffins fresh without getting soggy.
*Side Note: I recently wrote an article about How to Store Frosted Cupcakes to Keep Them Fresh. This article talks about the right way of storing frosted and unfrosted cupcakes in several different storage places. You can check out the full article here!
Can You Freeze Muffins?
As a general rule, fresh muffins can be frozen in the freezer. However, precautions against freezer burn must be taken. Be sure to wrap each muffin in plastic wrap and place them in a high-quality plastic food storage container that is designed to handle extremely cold temperatures.
How To Store Muffins In The Freezer?
To safely store muffins in the freezer, tightly wrap them in plastic wrap or freezer paper. Then, place the wrapped muffins inside of an airtight plastic food storage container. This will prevent them from getting freezer burn. Muffins will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer.
You can successfully store your muffins in the freezer if you first take the proper steps to protect them! It can seem like a lot of work, but individually wrapping your muffins before placing them in a larger storage container will help ensure they retain their quality for up to two to three months.
First, you’ll want to individually wrap each muffin in either aluminum foil or a small freezer bag. Make sure your muffins are completely cooled before storing them as well since trapped condensation can quickly cause quality issues to arise.
Try to be gentle while handling the muffins, and ensure every area is covered and not exposed. After individually wrapping each muffin, place it in a single layer inside a heavy-duty storage container that can withstand extreme temperatures in the freezer.
If you do a great job of safely storing your muffins in the freezer they should last for about three months.
I typically don’t like to store my muffins any longer than two months or so, but if you’re careful they can last up to three months without running into any quality issues.
*By the way, I recently wrote an article talking about If You Can Freeze Muffins in Liners. This article discusses in-depth how to properly store muffins in the freezer. You can check out this article here!
Do Muffins Spoil? Can They Go Bad?
As a general rule, muffins can go bad and spoil fast when not stored correctly. Muffins will start to go bad within two days if stored at room temperature. They will take one week to start spoiling if they are placed in the fridge. When placed in the freezer, they will spoil within three months.
Yes, like all baked goods your homemade muffins will eventually spoil even if you’ve properly stored them. You never want to take a chance on your health, so be sure to throw out your muffins if they’ve turned slimy or there are spots of mold beginning to appear on the tops or along the sides.
That’s usually a good indicator of further growth on the inside!
Your spoiled muffins may also become discolored and either become darker or lighter in appearance. If you suspect that your muffins were never properly stored or there are any questions regarding their appearance, simply throw them away and create a fresh, new batch to enjoy. Don’t risk it!
*By the way, I recently wrote an article about The 5 Best Ways To Reheat Your Muffins Correctly. This article talks about the best ways I found to warm up your muffins without them getting dry. You can check out this article here!
FAQs:
How Can You Tell If Muffins Are Bad?
As a general rule, spoiled muffins usually have a pungent odor and may start developing mold or slimy growths. They will often be hard, dry, and stale with a sour taste. They may develop a fuzz on the tops, and become discolored.
Can You Make Muffins Ahead Of Time?
As a whole, muffins can be made ahead of time. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and seal them in an airtight storage container. Store them in the fridge or freezer. Muffins can be made up to 3 months ahead of time depending on the storage method used.
Final Thoughts
Storing muffins is important to maximize their freshness and avoid wasting these delicious treats. Ever since I started storing my muffins correctly, I haven’t thrown out a single one! That is very remarkable since I bake A LOT of muffins!
I hope this article helped you learn how to properly store muffins at room temperature, in the fridge, and in the freezer so that you never waste a single muffin again!