How To Store And Freeze Cupcakes
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If you’re like me you always want to get your baking ahead of time! Especially when it comes to cupcakes. So whether you have a dozen to store and freeze, or a whole bunch for a special occasion this post should get you covered. Learn how to store and freeze cupcakes – frosted or unfrosted – in this baking tutorial!
I think one of the most asked questions I get when it comes to cupcakes is…”Can I freeze them?”. And I get it. Either you have a ton to make. Or some leftover!
I’ve made cupcakes now for multiple weddings (and actually will be for my own wedding coming up in May 2020! EEK!) so I completely understand the need to know how to store and freeze your cupcakes properly.
How To Store And Freeze Cupcakes
So in this tutorial I’m going to show you how to store your cupcakes and also freeze cupcakes. Generally, if you plan to frost and enjoy them within a couple days I recommend storing your cupcakes at room temperature.
If you do not plan to frost or enjoy them within a couple days then it’s best to freeze them.
Why you should freeze your cupcakes
First of all let’s just say it. Freezing cupcakes = super smart baking move. Ain’t no shame in that game. As long as you are doing it right. Which we will get to. But in case you aren’t totally on board let me show you the light:
- You get ahead of your baking. This is SO true if you have a ton of cupcakes to make! Whether it’s the holidays, your kid’s bake sale, or heck your own wedding (ahem). No need to add stress to your already busy day.
- Perfect for those couple cupcakes you have leftover. Please don’t throw them in the trash!
- They will be just as good as they were before you froze them.
- Super awesome last minute dessert. This means less stress during holidays and last minute get togethers.
Have I convinced you of the awesomeness of freezing cupcakes? Good. Let’s talk about how…
How To Store Your Cupcakes
If you plan to frost and enjoy your cupcakes within a couple days then it’s fine to use this method. First of all, I always recommend storing your cupcakes at room temperature. I find that if I store my cupcakes in the fridge they can become dried out.
If you frost your cupcakes, and need to store them because it’s a warm day you can, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving to soften the buttercream again. Otherwise it’s like eating a giant stick of butter!
How To Store Cupcakes
- Allow your cupcakes to cool completely. Storing cupcakes that are warm, even a little bit, will cause condensation to form inside the container and then cause your cupcakes to form sticky tops. I allow my cupcakes to cool for at least 1 hour.
- Use a container that has an air-tight lid. I like to use these containers. They are also big enough to use for cupcakes that are frosted.
- You can keep them at room temperature for 2 days. You will want to frost them within 2 days. If you don’t plan to frost them, then I’d skip on down to how to freeze them!
Note: Cupcakes are best if enjoyed 3-4 days within making, but will be ok up to a week but may begin to dry out.
How To Freeze Your Cupcakes
You can freeze your cupcakes, frosted OR unfrosted. I’ve done both and have had great results. Again it comes down to using the right tools. And freezing your cupcakes isn’t much different than storing them at room temperature.
How To Freeze Unfrosted Cupcakes:
- Cool Completely. Again, you need to make sure they are cooled completely. Any residual heat in the cupcakes will create condensation. I allow my cupcakes to cool for at least 1 hour.
- Wrap well. I LOVE and can’t recommend enough using press-n-seal. I like to wrap 6 cupcakes at a time. I wrap in the Press-N-Seal place in a large sealable plastic bag. I place a dozen cupcakes into the bag, total. If you are really nervous about freezer burn, you can wrap each one individually.
To wrap up your cupcakes:
Start by placing the Press-n-seal sticky side down.
Place your cupcakes on top of the plastic wrap.
Place a second piece of Press-N-Seal, sticky side up, on top of of the cupcakes.
Wrap the cupcakes up. Be sure to label these and find a flat space to store them in your freezer.
How To Defrost Frozen Cupcakes
I used to defrost my cupcakes by simply unwrapping my cupcakes and allowing to defrost at room temperature. However I found that condensation would form on the cupcakes as they defrosted. And this resulted in sticky tops.
So I found this tip from I Scream For Buttercream, to defrost your cupcakes while wrapped. This keeps the condensation forming on the OUTSIDE of the package, not on the cupcakes themselves.
How To Freeze Frosted Cupcakes:
- Cool Completely. Again, you need to make sure they are cooled completely. Any residual heat in the cupcakes will create condensation. I allow my cupcakes to cool for at least 1 hour.
- Partially freeze. You want to partially freeze them first uncovered. I place mine on a small cookie sheet and allow to freeze until frozen (this can take several hours).
- Transfer to a container or wrap well. Make sure you pick a container that’s large enough to hold the cupcakes safely with the frosting. My favorite containers are these ones. Or you can wrap each cupcake, or up to 6 cupcakes, individually in plastic wrap (or again I recommend press-n-seal). As long as they are partially frozen they frosting won’t get squished. And then transfer the wrapped cupcakes to a sturdy container.
- Uncover and defrost. I like to unwrap the cupcakes so they don’t defrost and squish the frosting.
How Long Can Keep Cupcakes Be Frozen?
I would recommend freezing the cupcakes for no more 3 months.
How To Bake Cupcakes Ahead Of Time For A Party
I’ve made plenty of cupcakes for parties – big (like a wedding) and small (dinner party with a few friends), so I’ve worked out how to make cupcakes ahead of time so as not to lose my mind.
1 week ahead – Make your buttercream and store in the fridge (you can also make and freeze your buttercream up to 2 months ahead of time)
2 days before – Make your cupcakes and store at room temperature
1 day up to a few hours before the party – Re-whip the frosting and frost the cooled cupcakes. If it’s a day before then I will store the cupcakes in the fridge in a container. These are my favorite containers and super handy to travel with. Be sure to take out a couple hours before so the buttercream frosting can soften.
More Cupcake 101
- 12 Easy Cupcake Decorating Ideas
- 6 Cupcake Decorating Supplies You Need
- Why Do Cupcakes Sink?
- The Ultimate Guide To Baking Cupcakes At Home
- How To Store Leftover Buttercream
Ingredients
- saran wrap (or press-n-seal)
- large plastic bag
- 1 batch vanilla cupcakes
Instructions
How To Freeze Unfrosted Cupcakes
- Cool Completely. Again, you need to make sure they are cooled completely. Any residual heat in the cupcakes will create condensation. I allow my cupcakes to cool for at least 1 hour.
- Wrap well. I LOVE and can't recommend enough using press-n-seal. I like to wrap 6 cupcakes at a time. I wrap in the Press-N-Seal place in a large sealable plastic bag. I place a dozen cupcakes into the bag, total. If you are really nervous about freezer burn, you can wrap each one individually.
- Keep your cupcakes wrapped, while they defrost at room temperature. This keeps condensation forming on the OUTSIDE of the package, not on the cupcakes themselves. Unwrap once thawed and frost.
How To Freeze Frosted Cupcakes
- Cool Completely. Again, you need to make sure they are cooled completely. Any residual heat in the cupcakes will create condensation. I allow my cupcakes to cool for at least 1 hour.
- Partially freeze. You want to partially freeze them first uncovered. I place mine on a small cookie sheet and allow to freeze until frozen (this can take several hours).
- Transfer to a container or wrap well. Make sure you pick a container that's large enough to hold the cupcakes safely with the frosting. My favorite containers are these ones. Or you can wrap each cupcake, or up to 6 cupcakes, individually in plastic wrap (or again I recommend press-n-seal). As long as they are partially frozen they frosting won't get squished. And then transfer the wrapped cupcakes to a sturdy container.
- Uncover and defrost. I like to unwrap the cupcakes so they don't defrost and squish the frosting.
Notes
- Keep cupcakes frozen for up to 3 months.
Hi- can you freeze cupcakes frosted with Swiss meringue buttercream? I need to decorate with piped roses for a reception, and need to do ahead of time if possible. Thank you!
Yes, you can definitely freeze cupcakes with Swiss meringue buttercream! It’s a great option for preparing ahead, even with piped decorations like roses. 😊
For a wedding, do you recommend icing them and freezing. Or just freezing the cupcake without frosting and decorating the day before wedding.
If you’re using a basic American buttercream on a simple cupcake, you can definitely freeze them frosted and thaw overnight. It really comes down to your preference and the type of cupcake and frosting. I recommend doing a test run by freezing one frosted cupcake and thawing it overnight in the fridge to see how it holds up. For large batches, freezing frosted cupcakes and thawing them in the fridge overnight can be a great time-saver.
Can you freeze cupcakes that are frosted with store bought frosting? Thank you in advance for your response.
Thank you for your question! Yes, you can freeze cupcakes frosted with store-bought frosting. Enjoy!
Hi There do you know if after I freeze them, if the cupcake wrappers will separate from the cupcake itself? Thank you!
You might consider testing by freezing one cupcake. The outcome can sometimes be influenced by the type of cupcake liners used, I’ve recently had great results with these particular liners. You can find them here at Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VYmLHN
When you’re keeping the freshly baked cupcake at room temperature for frosting the next day, do you need to use airtight containers? Or any container? Thank you.
I do keep in an a container – with a lid of some kind – just to help keep out some of the air! 🙂 hope that helps!
How can you keep the cup cake liners from coming off the cupcake after freezing ?
Hi Bunny, I would let them defrost first then try to peel them away but some sticking may still occur.
Would this method work for any kind of cupcake? What about one with fruit in the batter?
yes I think it would work just fine but I always like to freeze a few and try it first to be sure.
What containers do you recommend for storing the frozen cupcakes in? In the recipe it acts like you’re recommending some but I do not see any link embedded in the recipe where you talk about containers.
Hi Heather I use these containers.
Can I decorate my frozen cupcakes with stabilized whip cream and freeze ? Will they hold shape when defrosted?
Hi Kim, I haven’t tried with frozen whipped cream and not sure if it would hold up as well when defrosted.
How long would you say it takes your cupcakes to thaw after being frozen? Trying to decide if I should take them out of the freezer the day before frosting/eating or the morning of.
Hi Kate, you can thaw overnight in the fridge, or at room temperature if you need them thawed quicker (I’d say hour tops)
Regarding cupcakes I’m a bit confused with the thawing method. I know you keep wrapping on when thawing frozen cupcakes. But do you thaw cupcakes at room temperature or in the fridge?
I’ve done both – depends on how fast you need them thawed