How To Store Cupcakes To Keep Them Fresh

Whether they’re elegant white cupcakes or crowd-pleasing

chocolate and peanut butter treats

, frosted cupcakes are a work of art. But just because they

look

good, doesn’t mean they

taste

good. If you don’t store cupcakes properly, the silky icing turns stiff, and the cake base gets hard and dry.

If you’ve ever wondered how to store cupcakes to keep them fresh, look no further. Here’s what you need to know.

Place Homemade Frosted Cupcakes in an Airtight Container

The easiest way to store decorated cupcakes is simply to put them in an airtight container. There are specialized carriers and storage containers that make it even easier to preserve cupcakes, but any ol’ Tupperware will do.

Frosted cupcakes will stay fresh in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days at room temperature. In most cases, you can leave cupcakes on the counter, but if your cupcakes are filled or decorated with anything containing dairy, like

cream cheese frosting

or custard, you’ll want to store them in the refrigerator for food safety.

That said, refrigeration does dry out baked goods quicker, so try to consume any cupcakes requiring refrigeration within a couple days.

Leave Store-Bought Frosted Cupcakes in the Box

Even if you didn’t bake the cupcakes yourself, cupcakes will stay fresh in their bakery box for 3 to 4 days. The key is to keep the box shut with the side flaps taped down. This limits the baked goods’ exposure to air, helping to prevent them from drying out as quickly.

Save Extra Toppings Until You’re Ready To Serve

Cupcakes with fruit, berries, or other perishable toppings should be placed in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. There’s a catch, though. If you’re not going to eat them within a few hours, it’s best to add the toppings when they’re ready to be served. This will ensure perishable toppings remain as fresh as possible.

Cupcakes with crispy toppings like cereal should be stored at room temperature to retain their crunch. When possible, it’s best to top them just before serving to prevent the toppings from softening.

Can You Freeze Cupcakes?

Yes, you can put cupcakes in the freezer. You can arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container and store them for up to 3 months. Since they are individually portioned, you can thaw as many or as little desired at a time.

When ready to enjoy, you can thaw the cupcakes at room temperature on a plate; they should be ready to consume in around 2 hours.