How to Store Cupcakes Overnight

Homemade cupcakes are a dessert that people love to eat and share. But how do you store cupcakes overnight? How long do cupcakes last and can you freeze cupcakes at home? 

Well, keeping your cupcakes fresh is easy when you know how. Whether your cupcakes have already been frosted or you want to frost them the next day, there are some important things to keep in mind.

How to store frosted cupcakes overnight

Firstly, let’s talk about how to store frosted cupcakes. There are a few ways you can store cupcakes overnight.

The first way is to put them in the fridge. Cupcake frosting needs to be stored in the fridge because it contains dairy products like whipped cream. Buttercream frosting and cream cheese frosting can spoil if they are not kept at a cool temperature. 

The fridge will help keep the cupcake frosting from spoiling and will also extend its shelf life. If you keep your cupcakes in an airtight container in the fridge, they should last up to 5 days.

The second way is to use freezer bags and keep them in your freezer overnight. If you want to store your frosted cupcakes in the freezer, you can place them in an airtight container and freeze them for up to two months. Just make sure to organize your freezer so that your frosted cupcakes do not get squashed by any heavy boxes or bags.

This also works great if you need cupcakes for a large number of people over several days or weeks, as opposed to just one day. You can leave them packed up in your freezer until you’re ready to pull them out again and thaw them overnight.

BONUS TIP

To prevent freezer burn, leave your frosted cupcakes to freeze for an hour or two until the frosting has frozen solid. Once the frosting is hard to the touch, you can wrap each cupcake in a layer of plastic wrap before returning to the freezer in your airtight container.

How to store cupcakes overnight before frosting

If your cupcakes have not yet been frosted, they are easier to store. Cupcake frosting can get damaged, so if your cakes need to look their absolute best, it is a good idea to frost them on the day they are going to be eaten. Unless you live in a hot climate, unfrosted cupcakes do not need to be kept in the fridge or freezer and can be stored at room temperature.

However, if you want to store unfrosted cupcakes in the freezer, bake your sponge cakes as usual then leave them to cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. Once cool, wrap each individual cupcake in plastic wrap, then place the cooled cupcakes all together into an airtight container or bag, such as Tupperware or Ziploc in the freezer. 

The benefit of this method is that it allows you to bake cupcakes ahead of time. You can take out just what you need in the morning ready for frosting without having to unpack the entire batch, so it’s great for transporting. 

Just slip the cupcakes you need into a large box or bag without having to worry about anything spilling or getting smashed. And, since the plastic wrap is impermeable, there won’t be any bugs or dust to worry about either.

What is the best way to store cupcakes?

The best way to store cupcakes is in an airtight container. This will act as insulation and keep the frosting from melting or getting too moist. Cupcakes can also be stored in the fridge if you want them to last longer, but make sure they are sealed tightly so that moisture doesn’t get inside. 

Unless you are going to eat your cakes on the same day they are baked, the worst thing you could do is leave them uncovered at room temperature. This can cause condensation which leads to soggy cake bottoms and tops.