How to Store Cupcakes

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Everything you need to know about how to store cupcakes! Whether you’ve just baked a fresh batch of delicious cupcakes for a special occasion or have leftover cupcakes, here are the best ways to store this classic dessert!

I love cupcakes. I mean, who doesn’t? They’re little bites of heaven, and they come in so many delicious flavors. But sometimes, you just have too many cupcakes. Maybe you made a batch of cupcakes or maybe you went a little crazy at the store.

how to store and freeze cupcakes

Whatever the reason, if you find yourself with more cupcakes than you can eat in a couple of days, you’ll need to store them properly to keep them fresh.

The best option to store leftover cupcakes is in an airtight container. This will protect them from drying out or getting stale. You can store them on the counter or in the fridge, depending on how long you need to keep them fresh. For best results, store them in the fridge if you’re not going to eat them within a day or two.

Why do I need to store cupcakes? You might be thinking, “Can’t I just leave them out on the counter?” We’re glad you asked! Storing cupcakes properly can help them to stay fresh and delicious.

How To Store Cupcakes

After you’ve baked your delicious cupcakes, it’s important to know how to store them so they stay fresh and tasty. For frosted cupcakes, the best way to keep them is in an airtight container with a tightly sealed lid.

This will prevent the frosting from drying out or becoming too soft. Just make sure the container is deep enough so that the tops of your cupcakes don’t get squashed! Room temperature is ideal for storing frosted cupcakes.

If you’re storing unfrosted cupcakes, the best way to keep them is to allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. This will help circulate air and prevent the cupcakes from becoming soggy or moist.

Once they’re cooled, you can wrap them in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Unfrosted cupcakes can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge, depending on your preference.

How to Store Frosted Cupcakes

If you have frosted cupcakes, you will need to store them in the fridge. This is because the frosting can start to melt if it is left at room temperature for too long. Frosted cupcakes will last for up to a week in the fridge.

Store them in a cupcake container that can be closed. Something like 12 Cavity Cupcake Plastic Container or any of the containers below.

How to Freeze Unfrosted Cupcakes in 4 steps

If you want to store cupcakes for a longer period of time, you can freeze them. Unfrosted cupcakes can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

To freeze cupcakes, follow these steps:

Let the cupcakes cool completely. Before wrapping the cupcakes, they need to cool on a wire rack.

Wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Once the cupcakes are cooled, wrap them in saran wrap or aluminum foil.

Store in an airtight container. Store the individual wrapped cupcakes in an airtight container or a freezer-safe plastic bag with an airtight seal.

Label the container with the date for freshness.

5 Reasons It’s a Good Idea to Freeze Cupcakes

  • You can save time by baking a big batch of cupcakes and freezing them for later.
  • Freezing cupcakes is a great way to enjoy them later if you’re short on time.
  • Cupcakes that are frozen will last longer than fresh cupcakes.
  • Frozen cupcakes are easier to transport than fresh cupcakes.
  • You can easily thaw frozen cupcakes when you’re ready to eat them.
how to store cupcakes

Best Way to Defrost Frozen Cupcakes

To defrost frozen cupcakes, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about two hours. Once they are thawed, you can store them in an airtight container for up to three days. Before serving make sure they come to room temperature.

Cold cupcakes will not have the same flavor and texture as room temp. cupcakes.

Cupcake Storage Options

There are a few different types of cupcake cases you can use. The best container and storage method for storing cupcakes is an airtight container. This will keep the cupcakes fresh for a longer period of time.

You can also use a freezer-safe plastic bag or a Tupperware container. Here are some of the best cupcake storage containers and carriers:

Nordic Ware Reversible Cake & Cupcake Carrier

Tuppaware Rectangular Cake Carrier

Cuisinart ® 2-Tier Cupcake Carrier

Snapware Snap ‘N Stack 

Prepworks® Collapsible Cupcake and Cake Carrier

Wilton Ultimate 3-In-1 Cupcake Caddy 

You can also use this freezer storage container to store cupcakes.

vanilla cupcakes

What is the best way to store cupcakes to keep them fresh?

The best way to is in an airtight container so they won’t dry out. This will keep them fresh for up to three days. The downside of this method is that the cupcakes may become soggy if they are stored in a humid environment.

Another way is in the fridge. This will keep them fresh for up to a week. The downside of this method is that the cupcakes may dry out if they are stored in the fridge for too long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cupcakes need to be refrigerated?

It depends. If your cupcakes are frosted, they should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If your cupcakes are unfrosted, they can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge.

How long do cupcakes last?

When stored properly, cupcakes will last for up to three days at room temperature, or up to a week in the fridge.

How do you keep cupcakes fresh for 2 days?

You can keep cupcakes fresh for up to two days by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. The downside of this method is that the cupcakes may become soggy if they are stored in a humid environment.

How long can you leave uncovered cupcakes out?

You can leave uncovered cupcakes out for up to two hours. After that, they should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I leave cupcakes on the counter overnight?

As a general rule of thumb, if the cupcakes you’ve made have buttercream frosting, they can be stored in an airtight container on the counter overnight at room temperature. If they are unfrosted, they can also be stored at room temperature or in the fridge.

If the frosting or cupcake filling contains dairy products or egg whites in the frosting or filling like whipped cream, cream cheese frosting, meringue frosting, or custard they must be refrigerated.

defrosted cupcake

Can I freeze cupcakes with cupcake liners on?

Yes, you can freeze cupcakes with cupcake liners on. Just make sure to put them in an airtight container or freezer-safe plastic bag.

How do you pack cupcakes in a bag?

If you’re packing cupcakes in a bag, make sure to put them in an airtight container so they don’t dry out. You can also put them in a freezer-safe plastic bag or a Tupperware container.

We hope you found this blog post helpful and if you’re making homemade cupcakes for a special occasion, now you know how to store them for the best quality!

So to recap what we covered a good way to store cupcakes is to freeze them. This helps to maintain their moisture content and keeps them fresh for a couple of months.

When you’re ready to eat them, simply defrost the cupcakes at room temperature or in the microwave. While this method works well for regular cupcakes, frosted cupcakes are best eaten within a couple of days of being made.

Let us know what you think or if you have any questions by leaving a comment below.

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vanilla cupcakes

How to Store Cupcakes

Easy way to store and freeze cupcakes
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Calories:
Author: Eden

Ingredients

  • plastic wrap
  • freezer bag or container
  • 12 vanilla cupcakes

Instructions

  • Let the cupcakes cool completely. Before wrapping the cupcakes, they need to cool on a wire rack. 
  • Wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Once the cupcakes are cooled, wrap them in saran wrap or aluminum foil.
  • Store in an airtight container. Store the individual wrapped cupcakes in an airtight container or a freezer-safe plastic bag with an airtight seal.
  • Label the container with the date for freshness.
  • Place the bag in the freezer or the refrigerator.

Notes

Store frosted cupcakes in a cupcake container that can be closed. Something like 12 Cavity Cupcake Plastic Container or any of the containers below.
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