How long are cupcakes good for in the fridge?

In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “how long are cupcakes good for in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of different types of cupcakes in the fridge. Moreover, we are going to discuss tips to properly store cupcakes.

So without much ado, let’s dive in and figure out more about it.

How long are cupcakes good for in the fridge?

The shelf life of cupcakes varies from 2-7 days when stored in the air-tight container in the fridge. 

Generally, cupcakes having cream-based frosting or those having eggs present in their formulation last for about 3-4 days while cupcakes with fruit filling last for about 3-5 days when stored properly in the fridge.

It is worth mentioning that you should store the cupcakes with an air-tight lid on them, to prevent them from picking up the smells of other food items present in the fridge.

The storage conditions in which the cupcakes are kept also affect their shelf life, therefore care should be taken in this regard. 

You should always store your frosted cupcakes (especially the ones having some dairy item or eggs present in them) at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit in the fridge. Bacterial growth takes place at a faster pace between the temperature of 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore, it is always advised to store cupcakes at a lower temperature to preserve their freshness and quality for a long time.

How long are cupcakes good for in the pantry?

Generally, a cupcake without any frosting lasts for about a week if stored in an air-tight container or jar in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat. You can also store them in an air-tight container in the fridge.

On the other hand, a frosted cupcake or the one having some filling lasts for 2-4 days when stored in an air-tight container in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat. 

It is worth mentioning that the figures mentioned above are the estimated shelf life of different types of cupcakes.

How long are cupcakes good for in the freezer?

You should store the cupcakes in an air-tight container, to prevent them from picking up the smells of other food items present in the freezer.

In case you like your cupcakes topped with icing or fondant then it is a good practice to store the cupcakes and the icing individually because this way cupcakes will retain their flavor and freshness for a long time. The reason behind doing so is that the icing can make the muffin moist and when you thaw such muffin it will become all watery and very soft. 

In case you have already frosted the cupcakes, wrap them in plastic wrap or cling film and afterward store them in an air-tight container in the freezer.

It is worth mentioning that no doubt cupcakes last for about 3-4 months in the freezer if stored in an air-tight container or plastic zipper bag but the way you store them significantly impacts the quality of the muffin that you get once you thaw the frozen cupcakes.

Factors affecting the shelf life of cupcakes

There are a variety of factors that affect the shelf life of cupcakes.

1. The presence or absence of icing/frosting

2. The preparation method of the cupcakes and the ingredients used to make the cupcakes

3. The storage conditions (Temperature, humidity, etc.)

You can read how to make chocolate cupcakes here.

Tips to properly store cupcakes

1. The unfrosted cupcakes can be kept in an air-tight container in a cool, dry, and dark corner of the pantry away from direct sunlight and heat.

2. The cupcakes can pick up odors therefore they should be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge. Moreover, the air-tight container will also ensure that air won’t find its way to your cupcakes, thereby preserving their freshness for a long time.

3. Moreover, the cupcakes should be stored away from strong-smelling food items like garlic, onion, fish, etc.

4. The frosted cupcakes should be stored on the lowest shelf of the refrigerator as it is the coldest part of the refrigerator and has a temperature between 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. The frozen cupcakes can be thawed easily by leaving them in the fridge overnight. Moreover what you can do is to remove the cling film or the plastic freezer bag in which you initially stored the sponge cupcakes. 

6. If you have frozen the icing of the cupcakes separately then it is recommended to thaw your icing by leaving it in the fridge overnight. Afterward, bring it to room temperature before using it. So once your thawed icing reaches room temperature, re-whip it by using a hand whisk or an electric whisk to get that fluffy icing again.

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we answered the question “how long are cupcakes good for in the fridge” with an in-depth analysis of the shelf life of different types of cupcakes in the fridge. Moreover, we discussed tips to properly store cupcakes.

Citations

Cupcakes