There’s nothing more delicious than freshly-baked cupcakes. But, there can be circumstances when we consider freezing them.
Perhaps you love baking, but you can’t finish a batch before these delicious treats dry out. Or, you have no option but to bake them in advance and freeze them for an upcoming party.
Either way, you might be wondering whether or not you can freeze cupcakes successfully.
Well, we have good news for you. Cupcakes freeze pretty well—frosted and unfrosted.
If you are new to this idea, keep reading. In this article, we walk you through the tricks and steps to freeze cupcakes without compromising their quality.
How To Store Cupcakes: Don’t Refrigerate Them
Not all baked goods are created equally. That means they might require different storage procedures to keep them tasty and fresh as long as possible.
If cupcakes are plain, without any frosting and filling, they can stand room temperature for up to 2 days. So, no worries if you accidentally let them sit out overnight.
Refrigeration is only necessary for cupcakes with fillings and frosting containing egg, dairy, or custards. Bring them back to room temperature shortly before serving.
The refrigerator dries out the cakes much faster due to its dry environment. For long-term storage, freezing is your best option.
How To Freeze Unfrosted Cupcakes
Unlike refrigeration that dries out cupcakes, freezing actually keeps them moist. So, if you plan to bake them far in advance and preserve them for special occasions, you’re in the right direction.
Frost them after defrosting, shortly before serving them. Your guests will hardly notice that they are previously frozen.
Follow our simple guide below to ensure your previously-frozen cupcakes will turn as mouth-watering as freshly-baked ones.
- 1. Bake cupcakes as usual.
- 2. Allow them to cool completely. Use a wire rack instead of a cupboard or plate. The wire rack lets the air circulate around the cakes, so the bottom doesn’t get soggy from absorbing the excess steam.
- 3. Cover them individually in plastic wrap.
- 4. Place wrapped cupcakes in a zip-lock bag or a freezer-safe container.
- 5. Seal the package tightly and label it with the freezing date.
- 6. Pop it into the freezer. Don’t smash any heavy items on top of the package if using a freezer bag.
How To Freeze Frosted Cupcakes
Freezing frosted cupcakes might not be the most ideal, but it does prolong their shelf life. It works perfectly well to preserve leftovers that otherwise go to waste.
You can freeze cupcakes that have various frostings, fillings, and icings, from buttercream icing, fondant icing, or cream cheese frosting. Follow these steps for the best results.
- 1. Arrange the cupcakes in a tray, uncovered.
- 2. Flash freeze for 1 to 2 hours until the frosting is frozen. Pre-freezing helps to maintain the frosting shape, so it won’t be damaged during wrapping.
- 3. Wrap individual cupcakes carefully in plastic wrap.
- 4. Place them in a sturdy, freezer-safe container. Use a box that is large and tall enough to prevent the frosting from squishing to the lid.
- 5. Seal the container tightly and label it with the freezing date.
- 6. Transfer to the freezer.
How To Defrost Frozen Cupcakes
When you’re ready to enjoy these sweet treats, simply pull them out of the freezer, uncover the wrapping, and defrost them at room temperature on the counter. It takes approximately one hour to thaw them completely.
How Long Can You Freeze Cupcakes?
We suggest thawing and serving previously-frozen cupcakes up to 2 to 3 months after freezing for the best results.
They are likely safe to eat after three months. But, they might suffer from texture or flavor losses, especially if they are not tightly wrapped.
| Cupcakes | Freezer |
|---|---|
| Frosted | 2 to 3 months |
| Unfrosted | 2 to 3 months |
FAQs
Yes. Simply scoop the unused batter, pack it in a resealable freezer bag, seal tightly, and freeze up to 2 to 3 months.
No. The excess steam will condensate and form ice crystals, making them suffer from freezer-burn and taste like the freezer.
Unfrosted cupcakes keep well at room temperature for two days. In the fridge, they stay fresh up to 3 to 4 days or a maximum of 7 days. In short, you can bake these sweet treats anytime from 2 to 7 days ahead of serving them.
No. Unlike refrigeration that dries out cakes quickly, freezing actually keeps them moist for a long time. You need to make sure to wrap them completely before freezing to avoid moisture loss.
Yes. Freezing is a great way to preserve cakes, regardless of the varieties. Cakes without frosting or icing are the most freezer-friendly ones. But, even decorated cakes also freeze quite well. Wrap them tightly, add an extra layer of wrapping if necessary and freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy their best flavors.
Summary
Cupcakes are loved by kids and adults. Whether baking ahead of time for a party or salvaging leftovers, you can always freeze them to eat another day.
For the best result, freezing unfrosted cupcakes is recommended. Add your favorite frosting or fillings after defrosting, shortly before serving.
If you want to stock up ready-to-eat sweet treats, try freezing frosted ones. This way, you can pull out one anytime the craving strikes. Follow our guide on freezing cupcakes successfully above.
Check our guide on how to freeze cakes in general.
