Cupcakes are one of the most popular baked treats around the world. It’s easy to prepare and make at home. You can either prepare them with frost or without it. Since cupcakes take a while to make, most people will make them in large batches. There will of course be some leftovers after you enjoy it. You’ll need to store them to eat the rest for later. Would freezing them be an option?
So, can you freeze cupcakes? Yes, you can freeze cupcakes, and they freeze extremely well. The cupcakes will need to be individually wrapped in plastic wrap tightly. Then transfer to an airtight container. Properly stored, cupcakes will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Does Cupcakes Freeze Well?
Cupcakes freeze very well, only if it’s prepped and stored properly. Not sealing the cupcakes tightly will cause air to leak in and spoil them.
If you’re planning to eat cupcakes within a week, it’s best to store them in the fridge. While stored there, the cupcakes will need to be kept in an airtight container to prevent air from drying out.
For cupcakes the need to be stored for longer than a week, you can keep them in the freezer. When frozen properly, the cupcakes will retain their moisture and texture.
How To Freeze Cupcakes
When it comes to freezing cupcakes, you can either freeze frosted or unfrosted. Freezing them is quite simple and straightforward. Below are the instructions to freezing your cupcakes successfully:
Freezing Frosted Cupcakes
Step 1: Allow the cupcakes to cool down
After the cupcakes are baked, allow them to cool down to room temperature first. Freezing cupcakes while it’s hot will cause condensation to form in the container. This will lead to the cupcakes becoming soft when it’s thaw.
Also, it will cause other frozen foods are in the container to thaw and refreeze repeatedly.
Place the hot cupcakes on the countertop for about 30 minutes or so to completely cool down.
Step 2: Add Frosting on the Cupcake
After the cupcake has cooled, add your preference for frosting onto it. Make sure that’s the frosting that you want on the cupcakes. Once the frosting is on it, you can’t change it.
Step 3: Flash Freezing
Once the frosting is on all the cupcakes, place it into a container. Arrange them in rows so that they don’t touch each other.
Place the container of cupcakes into the freezer without the lid. The reason for this is to ensure the frosting freeze completely.
Flash freeze the cupcakes for about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Cover the Container
Once the frosting is completely frozen, remove them from the freezer. Immediately place the lid on the container and seal it tightly.
Step 5: Label and Freeze
With a marker, write the date of freezing onto the container. Then place it into the freezer for storage.
Freezing Unfrosted Cupcakes
Step 1: Let the cupcakes cool down
Cupcakes that are fresh from the oven will be very hot. Avoid placing them directly into the freezer while it’s still hot or even when it’s warm. If you try to put cupcakes that are hot into the freezer, it will lead to the formation of moisture in the container. This will cause the protective paper liners to peel off.
Wait until it cools down to room temperature before getting them ready for the freezer.
Step 2: Transfer To An Airtight Container
Once the cupcakes have cooled down completely, place the cupcakes into an airtight container. Make sure that it’s large enough to fit all the cupcakes without them squeezing against each other.
You can freeze them in several small containers as well. This will make it easier for you to remove them from the freezer.
Step 3: Alternatively Freezing Single Cupcakes
If you enjoy eating cupcakes and eat them regularly, you can freeze each one separately. Simply place them into an airtight container that has room to fit the cupcake. Then place the lid on the container and secure it tightly.
You can use freezer bags to store the cupcake as well. Press the bag to remove any excess air before sealing it.
Step 4: Label and Freeze
After it’s sealed, write the date on the container or freezer bag. Then place it into the freezer for storage.
How Long Can You Freeze Cupcakes?
You can freeze cupcakes both frosted and unfrosted for 3 months. It will last for much longer, but the quality of it will deteriorate after each month thereafter.
You’ll be able to eat it safely, but it may not taste as good as when it was fresh.
To make sure your cupcakes are at their best taste, try to consume them within 2 months
How Do You Defrost Cupcakes?
Cupcakes will need to be thawed to enjoy it at the best taste. Take out the container of cupcakes and set it on the countertop. Make sure to place it away from direct sunlight or next to an appliance. The heat will make the frosting melt and cause moisture to form in the container.
After about 60 minutes on the countertop, remove the lid from the container. After about 10-15 minutes, the cupcakes should be thawed completely and ready to be enjoyed.
Can You Refreeze Cupcakes?
You can refreeze cupcakes only if it has not thawed yet. If the cupcakes are removed from the freezer, and it’s only been less than 10 minutes, you can refreeze them. The quality of the cupcakes will not be affected.
Otherwise, if it’s been longer than 10 minutes, it’s likely the cupcakes have started to thaw a bit. Freezing the cupcakes again will alter the texture and taste of it.
Other Questions about Cupcakes
Can you freeze cupcakes with buttercream?
Yes, you can. Once the cupcakes are cooled, frost them with buttercream icing. Then place them into an airtight container and place it into the freezer for storage. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.
How long can frosted cupcakes sit out?
Once it’s removed from the freezer, you can let frosted cupcakes stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight and near an appliance such as the stovetop or fridge.
Also, place the frosted cupcakes into a container with a lid on top.