How Long Do Cupcakes Last?

Cupcakes are a timeless treat. But sometimes, you bake a whole batch and can’t possibly finish them off in one sitting (unless you’re having a really good day).

If you’re tired of your homemade cupcakes going stale before you can enjoy them all, stick around. I’ll show you all the things you need to think about, such as how long cupcakes can last and helpful cupcake storage tips.

How Long Are Cupcakes Good For?

The storage time really depends on whether you’ve frosted them or not. If they are, you can usually expect them to stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature. Meanwhile, unfrosted cupcakes can hang in there a bit longer, maybe around 5 to 6 days in most cases.

Like many foods, leftover cupcakes can last longer in the fridge. You can store them in the fridge for 5 to 6 days and even freeze them for about 3 months.

How to Store Cupcakes at Room Temperature

For many cupcake variants, if your kitchen isn’t too warm, you can totally skip the fridge and let your fresh cupcakes sit out for some days right on the counter.

Storing Unfrosted Cupcakes

Without the frosting, everything is a bit easier to handle. In fact, this is my preferred method in many cases.

If you want to add toppings like fresh fruit or berries, it’s best to hold off on adding them until just before serving. Unlike plain cupcakes, they can spoil quickly and might affect the freshness of your moist cupcakes.

Likewise, if you’re going for crispy toppings like cereal, you’ll want to wait until the last minute to add them. Storing them with the toppings can make them soggy, and nobody wants that.

Since you don’t have to worry about smudging frosting, you can really seal them up tight. I like to use either aluminum foil or plastic wrap to cover them individually, and then I put them all in an airtight container. This helps them stay just as moist and delicious as when they first came out of the oven.

Storing Frosted Cupcakes

Even with the frosting, you can still do it; just keep in mind something.

The first step is to let them cool down completely before frosting and storing them. I usually put them on a wire rack for a good hour or so. This lets the air circulate around them, so the bottoms get just as cool as the tops and sides.

Once they’re completely cool, you can put them in a plastic storage bag or an airtight container.

Any old container will do, but there are also special cupcake carriers and storage containers out there that work wonders. The main thing is to keep them at a stable temperature and prevent them from drying out.

How to Store Cupcakes in the Fridge

Refrigerating your fresh cupcakes is certainly a better choice when the fillings or frostings have cream cheese frosting, custards, buttercream frosting, or anything with milk or cream.

Some frosting can also melt pretty fast in warmer climates. A fridge will help maintain their structure and prevent any potential bacterial growth.

Just pop your homemade cupcakes into an airtight container before they go into the fridge. This helps keep them from drying out.

If your cupcakes are unfrosted, a good trick is to lay a sheet of plastic wrap directly on top before sealing the container. This creates an extra barrier against air and helps lock in moisture.

Remember that refrigeration can also dry out baked goods a bit faster. The cold temperatures speed up the crystallization of sugar and flour, making your sweet treats go stale. That’s why it’s best to enjoy any refrigerated cupcakes within a couple of days for the best taste and texture.

Can You Freeze Cupcakes?

Yes. It’s seriously effective, especially if you’ve baked a big batch of cupcakes or want to make them ahead of time for a special occasion.

I actually have a whole blog post dedicated to freezing cupcakes. It covers everything from the best wrapping techniques to avoiding freezer burn. If you’re thinking about freezing your bakes, I’d definitely suggest reading it for a more in-depth look at the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Tell if My Cupcakes Have Gone Bad?

First, take a good look at them. If you see any weird colors or mold, it’s time to throw them away. You might also notice a change in smell or how they feel. That can be a sign they’ve gone bad too.

Is It a Good Idea to Store Frosting Separately from Cupcakes?

If you’re planning on making them several days in advance, this can be a smart move.

Pop the cupcake frosting in an airtight container in the fridge – it’ll be good for about several days. You can store the unfrosted cupcakes in their own container on the counter or in the refrigerator, too.

What Else Can I Do with Frozen Cupcakes?

Believe it or not, you can deep-fry frozen cupcakes – an odd favorite of mine.

Dip them in pancake batter and then carefully lower them into hot oil (around 375°F). Once they’re golden brown, dust them with powdered sugar or cocoa powder and let them cool on a baking rack.

How Do I Store Store-Bought Cupcakes with Frosting?

Those delicious cupcakes can stay fresh for a good 3-4 days right in their original box. Just make sure you keep it closed up tight, maybe even tape down the flaps.

Wrapping Up

Keeping your cupcakes fresh is easier than you think. With the proper storage techniques, you can enjoy them for days. Also, don’t forget to check out my tried-and-true recipes for some baking inspiration.