How to store and freeze cupcakes

Whether they're homemade cupcakes or store-bought, frosted or unfrosted, it's important to know how to store and freeze cupcakes. Proper storage is essential to keeping your cupcakes looking beautiful and tasting fresh.

You might be wondering how far in advance can I bake cupcakes without freezing, how to store cupcakes without frosting, or how to keep cupcakes moist.

This cupcakes storage guide will cover everything you need to know so you can efficiently store and freeze your delicious cupcakes with ease.

Jump to:

• How to store cupcakes?
• How to freeze cupcakes?
• How to store homemade FROSTED cupcakes?
• 1. How to store frosted cupcakes at room temperature
• 2. How to store frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator
• 3. How to store frosted cupcakes in the freezer
• How to store homemade UNFROSTED cupcakes?
• 1. How to store unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature
• 2. How to store unfrosted cupcakes in the refrigerator
• 3. How to store unfrosted cupcakes in the freezer
• How to store STORE-BOUGHT cupcakes?
• 1. How to store store-bought cupcakes at room temperature
• 2. How to store store-bought cupcakes in the refrigerator
• 3. How to store store-bought cupcakes in the freezer
• How to store most common frostings
• Can I leave cupcakes on the counter overnight?
• Do fresh cupcakes need to be refrigerated?
• What is the best way to store cupcakes to keep them fresh?
• How to thaw frozen cupcakes?
• 5 Expert tips for storing cupcakes
• Storing cupcakes FAQs
• Recommended equipment for storing cupcakes
• Cupcake recipes
• How to Store and Freeze Cupcakes (Ultimate Guide)

How to store cupcakes?

How you store cupcakes depends completely on how they are made and how long they will be stored. Some cupcakes can be stored on the counter at room temperature, and other types need to be refrigerated but there is also a convenient option to freeze cupcakes in most cases. You may prepare cupcakes differently over time, using different frostings, so learning how to freeze unfrosted cupcakes is just as valuable as answering the question can you freeze decorated cupcakes.

From letting your cupcakes cool completely on a wire rack to storing them in an airtight container, this guide covers baking tips and storage equipment with the goal of keeping cupcakes fresh.

How to freeze cupcakes?

Freezing cupcakes is an excellent way to keep cupcakes fresh until you're ready to use them. It's ideal, and easier, to freeze unfrosted cupcakes but you can also freeze frosted cupcakes. Whenever freezing cupcakes after baking, it's important that you cool them completely to prevent freezer burn.

How to store homemade FROSTED cupcakes?

1. How to store frosted cupcakes at room temperature

I don't recommend keeping frosted cupcakes at room temperature, but if you need to know how to keep cupcakes fresh overnight without chilling them, you've come to the right place. 

You can do it safely only if your decorated cupcakes use a dairy-free frosting. Perhaps you're storing American buttercream frosted cupcakes or cupcakes frosted with chocolate ganache. The high sugar and lack of cream content make these safe to store at room temperature. 

If your cupcakes have a heavy presence of cream cheese, milk, or heavy cream in the frosting, you'll want to refrigerate them because the dairy can easily spoil at room temperature.

So how to store frosted cupcakes overnight? To store cupcakes at room temperature, it's ideal to keep them in a large airtight container or in a cake carrier. You'll want to consider the size of your cupcakes and the height of the frosting when deciding which container to store them in. Frosted cupcakes will last at room temperature for 2-3 days.

2. How to store frosted cupcakes in the refrigerator

If you use a dairy-based frosting, you must frost cupcakes and store them in the refrigerator. This is a food safety issue that you must not overlook, even if you're only storing them for a few hours. In order to effectively refrigerate frosted cupcakes, you'll want to place them into a storage container with an air-tight lid. Homemade frosted cupcakes stored in the refrigerator will last for 3-5 days.

3. How to store frosted cupcakes in the freezer

You might be wondering can you freeze frosted cupcakes? Not only can you freeze cupcakes with icing, but the freezing process is also very simple. If you want to know how to keep cupcakes fresh, the best answer is to follow every step in the storage process. This will make storing frosted cupcakes easier. 

To prepare frosted cupcakes for freezer storage, place the cupcakes onto a baking sheet, in an uncovered container, or carefully into a muffin tin. Place into the freezer uncovered for 2-3 hours. This will set the structure of the cupcake in place and freeze the cupcake frosting. This is how to store cupcakes without ruining frosting. If you freeze frosted cupcakes before the frosting is chilled, the frosting can easily stick to the plastic wrap and get messy.

Once frozen, you can remove the uncovered tray from the freezer. I recommend freezing frosted cupcakes after you wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap, being careful to fit it around the frosting. You can then place the frosted cupcakes into resealable freezer bags or airtight containers in the freezer. How long will cupcakes stay fresh when frosted beforehand? Homemade frosted cupcakes will last up to three months completely frozen.

Please note that certain ingredients do not freeze well eg. you want to avoid freezing mascarpone-based frosting or pastry cream-based frosting while classic buttercream frosting can be frozen without any problem.

How to store homemade UNFROSTED cupcakes?

1. How to store unfrosted cupcakes at room temperature

Unfrosted is the best type of cupcake to store at room temperature. Undecorated cupcakes store much easier and if you're making them the night before an event, they will still taste fresh once frosted. This is the value of knowing how to store cupcakes overnight without frosting. 

All you need to do is store the cupcakes in a container with an airtight lid, Sealing the cupcakes will help them retain their moisture. How long do cupcakes stay fresh at room temperature? Unfrosted homemade cupcakes will last at room temperature for up to 3 days.

It's also important to note that room temperature really means no warmer than 20C / 68F. Do you store cupcakes in the fridge if the climate you live in keeps your kitchen warmer than that? Absolutely. If your kitchen stays warmer than room temperature on average, you should always store your cupcakes in the fridge. No exceptions. 

2. How to store unfrosted cupcakes in the refrigerator

If you've been wondering how to store unfrosted cupcakes in the refrigerator, you'll be happy to know that it's super simple and doesn't take up much space at all. 

When storing unfrosted cupcakes in the refrigerator, you don't need to tightly wrap them in Saran Wrap, a container will work just fine. How long should cupcakes be refrigerated? Unfrosted homemade cupcakes will last 3 days in the refrigerator for the best freshness, but they are safe to eat for up to 5 days.

3. How to store unfrosted cupcakes in the freezer

You might ask yourself is it better to freeze cupcakes with or without frosting? Not only can you freeze unfrosted cupcakes, but freezing unfrosted cupcakes is the best way to freeze cupcakes to maximize extended freshness. This method also takes away the worry that your beautifully decorated cupcakes will get smashed. 

First, you'll want to make sure that they are cooled completely, for at least about an hour before wrapping. This step is important because heat will create steam. If steam is still coming from the cupcakes in the freezer, it will form ice crystals inside the packaging and affect the frozen cupcakes texture and taste. This is especially important if your goal is learning how to freeze cupcakes with liners. If they're not completely cooled, the moisture will cause the liners to stick to the cupcakes and will make cleanly peeling the liners off impossible. 

Wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap, also known as cling film. You can also use press and seal, which is slightly sticky and will adhere to itself around the cupcake. Wrap tightly, but do not smash the cupcakes. The goal is to protect them as much as possible from outside air. 

Once wrapped, place the cupcakes into an airtight sealable freezer bag or container. A container is a good idea if you store lots of things in your freezer and there's a risk something will get placed on top of the cupcakes. This is how to preserve cupcakes for an extended period of time. So how long can you freeze cupcakes? Unfrosted cupcakes will last 3 months in the freezer.

How to store STORE-BOUGHT cupcakes?

1. How to store store-bought cupcakes at room temperature

When storing store-bought cupcakes at room temperature, it's easiest to keep them in the plastic container you purchased them in. Many store-bought cupcakes have added preservatives and more sugar than homemade cupcakes, which makes them last longer.

Cupcakes kept at room temperature in the bakery on display are fine to keep at room temperature for a few days but if they are refrigerated at the store, you'll want to refrigerate the cupcakes as soon as you get them home. Store-bought cupcakes will last 3-5 days at room temperature but it is always best to check the actual packaging regarding the best-before date.

2. How to store store-bought cupcakes in the refrigerator

Although store-bought cupcakes don't typically have to be refrigerated, you might run into a situation in which fridge storage is best. Knowing how to store cupcakes in fridge containers will help keep them fresher for longer. 

When placing store-bought cupcakes in the refrigerator, it's best to place them in a container with an airtight lid. Be sure that your container is tall enough for the frosting. This is the best way how to store buttercream cupcakes. Store-bought cupcakes will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator, but eating them by day 3 will help ensure freshness. 

3. How to store store-bought cupcakes in the freezer

If you wish to store store-bought cupcakes in the freezer, you're probably wondering can I freeze cupcakes with buttercream frosting? You absolutely can. To store them in the freezer, place the cupcakes on a baking tray and set them in the freezer. Let the frosting firm up for 2-3 hours.

Wrap cupcakes in plastic wrap and place them into an airtight container in the freezer. Occasionally bakery cupcakes come without frosting, which begs the question, can I freeze cupcakes without frosting if the cupcakes are store-bought? This can easily be done following the same steps, except for the pre-freezing. Skip straight to wrapping the cupcakes to keep the cakes from drying out.

An extra barrier like a container helps prevent freezer burn. The less air around the cupcakes, the longer they will stay fresh. This is how to store cupcakes in freezer containers safely. Store-bought cupcakes will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

How to store most common frostings

Type of Frosting	Room Temperature	In the fridge	In the freezer
American Buttercream	In an airtight container for up to three days	In an airtight container for up to five days	Partially freeze Plastic wrap Airtight container for up to three months
Cream Cheese Frosting	Cannot be stored	In an airtight container for up to three days	Partially freeze Plastic wrap Airtight container for up to three months
Mascarpone Frosting	Cannot be stored	In an airtight container for 1-2 days	Not recommended
Whipped Cream Frosting	Cannot be stored	In an airtight container for 1-2 days	Not recommended
Chocolate Ganache	In an airtight container overnight	In an airtight container for 2-3 days	Partially freeze Plastic wrap Airtight container for 2 - 3 months

Can I leave cupcakes on the counter overnight?

Cupcakes can be left on the counter overnight as long as they don't contain any dairy fillings or dairy-based frosting. You should always refrigerate cream cheese, mascarpone, and whipped cream-based frosting and fillings. Unfrosted cupcakes and those topped with ganache or American buttercream are safe to leave on the counter overnight.

Do fresh cupcakes need to be refrigerated?

Fresh cupcakes may need to be refrigerated depending on the recipe. In addition to especially delicate cupcakes, cupcakes with dairy fillings or frostings should always be refrigerated. If you live in a hot and humid climate, it's best to always refrigerate cupcakes to prevent them from getting too warm. This is how to store cupcakes overnight with frosting. Yes, even overnight, these cupcakes should be refrigerated. 

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

The best way to store cupcakes to keep them fresh in the short term is to refrigerate them. Some believe this makes the cupcakes dry, but with proper storage, they will stay fresh and delicious. Refrigerating cupcakes also takes the guesswork out of their freshness.

For the best taste, remove the cupcakes from the refrigerator 15-30 minutes before you plan to eat them. This will allow the frosting and cupcake to soften slightly for a more enjoyable bite.

But can you freeze cupcakes? Do cupcakes freeze well? Yes! If you're going to store them for longer than a few days, it's a better idea to keep your cupcakes in the freezer rather than the refrigerator. 

How to thaw frozen cupcakes?

Thawing frozen cupcakes does not take long. To defrost frozen cupcakes, simply remove them from the freezer and place them on the counter to thaw. It usually takes 1-2 hours for a cupcake to fully thaw. Smaller cupcakes and those without frosting may thaw more quickly.

If you wish to thaw your cupcakes overnight or have cupcakes with perishable frosting or filling, remove them from the freezer and unwrap them. Place the cupcakes in the refrigerator to thaw fully. I don't recommend using the microwave to thaw cupcakes. A bit of patience will be worth the preserved flavor.

5 Expert tips for storing cupcakes

1. Aim to enjoy your cupcakes soon after making them. While you can keep some in the refrigerator for up to a week after baking, just like anything else, cupcakes will lose their freshness the more time goes on. I recommend storing your cupcakes at room temperature or in the fridge for a maximum of 3 days.
2. In dairy-based frostings, like in my cinnamon cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, you cannot store the cupcakes at room temperature. If you leave dairy out for too long, bacteria will start to grow and multiply. This could make you very sick if you eat the cupcakes.
3. Bring your cupcakes back to room temperature before serving. Cupcakes eaten straight out of the fridge tend to taste less moist and less fresh. This top tip will benefit your stored cupcakes greatly. Leave them on the counter to warm back up for about 30 minutes before serving.
4. Whenever possible, wait to decorate. It's much easier to store unfrosted cupcakes and the end result will often be better. Making a fresh batch of frosting to top your thawed cupcakes will ensure a delicious tasting batch. How long can you freeze cupcakes before frosting? You always want to aim for as soon as possible, but they're technically safe for up to three months.
5. Having an outdoor event? Keep your cupcakes fresh tasting by refrigerating them briefly before setting them up outside. Refrigerating the cupcakes for 2-3 hours will firm up the frosting and slow the melting process at outdoor parties. Remove the cupcakes 15-20 minutes before you plan to eat them and avoid displaying them in direct sunlight.

Storing cupcakes FAQs

Cupcake recipes