How Long Can Cupcakes Sit Out? 3 Easy Storage Solutions

Last Updated on February 6, 2023

Cupcakes are popular desserts to serve at events as they are delicious and easy to serve. However, you may wonder, how long can cupcakes sit out? You want to avoid having cupcakes sit out too long as they can go stale.

For the best results, it is important to properly store your cupcakes, whether they are frosted or unfrosted. You don’t want to let them sit out too long uncovered as this will cause them to go bad quicker than normal. Fortunately, there is a time frame they can be out and still taste delicious, which is good news if you are serving them at an event.

How Long Can Cupcakes Sit Out?

Cupcakes generally have a light, fluffy consistency with a moist crumb. Since cupcakes are moist, this means that they can dry out easily if they are not properly covered.

So, how long can cupcakes sit out? Though it is fine to let cupcakes sit out for a few hours uncovered, you do not want to let them sit out overnight uncovered. If you leave your cupcakes out on the countertop uncovered overnight, they will likely be dry by the next morning.

Cupcakes with frosting tend to stay moist longer than unfrosted cupcakes. The frosting acts as a barrier to keep moisture in the cupcake.

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In general, you do not want to let cupcakes sit out for more than six hours uncovered. However, it is best to cover them with three to four hours of sitting out.

Cupcakes that contain cream cheese frosting, whipped cream frosting, custard filling, dairy filling, or fruit filling should not sit out for more than two hours. Since these ingredients are perishable, they can begin to go bad after two hours of being at room temperature.

How long do unfrosted cupcakes last covered?

Unfrosted cupcakes can last covered for up to two to three days at room temperature. Anytime after that, you will want to freeze them or frost them. You can also place them in the fridge, but some bakers discourage this as it can cause some types of cupcakes to dry out if not properly stored.

Before storing your cupcakes, be sure to let them fully cool first. It can take up to one hour for cupcakes to fully cool at room temperature.

How long do frosted cupcakes last covered?

Frosted cupcakes can last for up to three days covered at room temperature. After that, you can place them in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for about three months.

Any cupcakes that contain perishable frosting or fillings should be kept covered in the fridge. Leaving them at room temperature for more than two hours can potentially lead to foodborne illnesses and cause the cupcakes to spoil.

What is The Best Way to Store Cupcakes?

1. Room Temperature

The best way to store cupcakes of any kind is in an airtight container. You can also store them in a cake stand with a dome or if they are unfrosted, in a Ziploc bag.

Most frosted and unfrosted cupcakes will do just fine stored at room temperate on your counter or stored in a cool, dry location. However, if you live in a warm, humid climate, it may be best to keep your cupcakes, whether frosted or unfrosted, in your fridge.

2. Keeping cupcakes in the fridge

Most cupcakes will last five to seven days in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag to keep them fresh.

Be sure to keep your cupcakes covered well, where no air can get in. Cupcakes can absorb foods with strong flavors, such as onions, if not covered.

3. How to freeze cupcakes

If you don’t plan to freeze your cupcakes right away, freezing them can be a great option. You can freeze both frosted and unfrosted cupcakes. Freezing cupcakes is a great way to keep the moisture in and let them last longer.

To freeze unfrosted cupcakes, allow the cupcakes to fully cool then wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then, place the cupcakes in a Ziploc bag and carefully place the bag in the freezer, ensuring the cupcakes don’t get crushed.

For frosted cupcakes, place them in the freezer for one hour to let the frosting firm up. Then, carefully wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or simply just place them in an airtight container.

To thaw your cupcakes, let them sit at room temperate for around 30 minutes to one hour. You can also pop them in the fridge overnight or for a few hours to let them thaw.

How Long Do Store-Bought Cupcakes Last?

Store-bought cupcakes typically have a longer shelf-life than homemade or even bakery cupcakes. This is because preservatives are often added to extend the freshness of the cupcakes.

Most store-bought cupcakes have a shelf life of five to seven days. They can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or the original packaging they came in. You can also store them in the fridge to slightly extend their shelf life or freeze them for up to six months as well. 

If the store-bought cupcakes you purchased were from the refrigerated section of the store, you should continue to store them in the fridge. Any store-bought cupcakes that contain cream cheese frosting or any perishable fillings should also be kept in the fridge. 

How to Tell if You Have a Bad Cupcake

Cupcakes can go bad so it is important to know the signs of a cupcake that is not safe to eat. If your cupcake has an off smell, taste, or appearance, you should throw it away. In addition, if there are any signs of mold on your cupcakes throw them out immediately. 

While a stale cupcake can be safe to eat, it doesn’t always taste good. Most people prefer to toss their cupcakes out when they become stale as they lose their desirable moist texture. 

Does Icing Expire?

Yes, icing does expire. Homemade icing will have a shorter shelf life than store-bought icing. 

Any leftover homemade icing should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge to maximize freshness. It can last in the fridge for around one to two weeks. You can also store leftover icing in the fridge for up to one month.

Store-bought icing can last in the fridge for around one month after opening in an airtight container. In addition, it can also last in the freezer for up to three months.

After storing your icing in the fridge, allow it to come to room temperature before using it to make it easier to work with. You may need to re-whip your icing with a mixer before using it. Allow frozen icing to thaw in the fridge overnight before bringing it to room temperature. 

If you notice an off smell, taste, or texture in your icing you should throw it away. If you spot any mold on your icing then throw it out. Common signs your icing is no longer good include darker color, very thick texture, or sour smell. 

How to Keep Cupcakes Fresh for 2 Days

To keep cupcakes fresh for two days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. If storing at room temperature, be sure to keep them in a cool, dry location that is away from a sunny window.

You can store your cupcakes frosted or unfrosted. However, frosting can help to lock in moisture into your cupcakes. Be sure to keep your cupcakes in the fridge if using a perishable frosting like cream cheese frosting. 

To help ensure freshness, you can add a piece of bread to the container with your cupcakes. The cupcakes will absorb the moisture from the slice of bread. 

How Long Can Cupcakes Sit Out? Keeping Your Cupcakes Fresh

In most cases, cupcakes will only stay fresh for around four to six hours uncovered at room temperature. After that, they will begin to dry up and go stale, so be sure to keep them in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature. For cupcakes with perishable fillings and frostings, don’t keep them at room temperature for any more than two hours.

Do you have any questions regarding how long can cupcakes sit out? If so, please ask your cupcake storage questions in the comments.

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