Whenever I bake cupcakes, I want to be in the zone and without distractions. Because of this, I tend to make the cupcakes a lot earlier than needed, sometimes even a month in advance. Is it possible to store the cupcakes without compromising their quality? What about the frosting?
I understand the need to bake at your own time. Of course, this would pose the problem of keeping the baked goodies until the right time. Luckily, there are ways to store cupcakes, both frosted and unfrosted ones.
You can store the cupcakes inside the freezer for a long span of time. This preserves their quality and allows them to be served at a later date. Simply freeze them properly to avoid soggy or overly dried batches.
Can You Freeze Cupcakes?
For best results, freeze both the cupcake and the frosting but as individual components. Thaw the ingredients overnight then frost the cupcakes a few hours before the event.
Cupcakes that are not properly cooled before storing in the freezer will retain moisture. This moisture will form ice inside the cupcake, causing it to be soggy once thawed.
Freezing cupcakes with frosting for more than three months can cause them to change their consistency. The icing becomes grainy while the cake takes on a crumbly texture.
Avoid freezer burn by wrapping the cupcakes individually in plastic wrap. This also keeps the odors from other items in the freezer from transferring onto the cupcakes.
Sometimes, stored cupcakes will become sticky on the top surface. If they become difficult to frost, allow them to dry for a while before trying again.
Cupcakes are naturally squishy and will not be totally frozen solid in the freezer. To avoid any distortions in the shape of your cupcakes, store them inside a sturdy freezer-safe box.
How to Freeze Cupcakes?
You can store the cupcakes inside the refrigerator, but it’s best to keep them in the freezer. This is to keep them from drying out inside the fridge. The freezer allows the cupcake to remain moist even after a few months.
- First, allow the cupcakes to cool on a wire rack. Make sure that they are no longer warm to the touch.
- Next, wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap. Check that the cupcake is tightly wrapped so that it won’t be affected by freezer burn.
- Then place the wrapped cupcakes inside a freezer bag or a freezer-safe container. Keep the cupcakes away from heavy items that can fall on them.
- Label the containers with the date of preparation. You can achieve the best results when you consume the cupcakes within three months.
- Thaw the cupcakes by unwrapping them and storing them in room temperature. This will take around two hours to completely defrost.
Frost your cupcakes as usual and enjoy!
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Cupcakes?
There’s nothing worse than having leftover cupcakes that go to waste. But don’t worry – there are plenty of delicious ways to use up your leftover cupcakes! Here are five ideas for what to do with those extra cupcakes:
- Make a trifle – A trifle is a layered dessert that is typically made with cake, fruit, and custard or whipped cream. To make a trifle with your leftover cupcakes, simply layer cubed cupcakes, fruit, and custard or whipped cream in a glass bowl.
- Crumble them over ice cream – Ice cream topped with cake crumbs is always a good idea. Just crumble up your leftover cupcakes and sprinkle them over your favorite flavor of ice cream.
- Make a cake pops – Cake pops are a fun and easy way to use up leftover cupcakes. Just crumble up the cupcakes, mix with some frosting, and roll into balls. Then, dip in melted candy coating and decorate however you like.
- Use them as toppings for a sundae – Cupcakes make a great topping for an ice cream sundae. Just top your sundae with a few crumbled cupcakes and enjoy!
- Make a cake batter milkshake – A cake batter milkshake is a delicious treat that is perfect for using up leftover cupcakes. To make a cake batter milkshake, simply combine milk, ice cream, cupcake crumbs, and vanilla extract in a blender and blend until smooth. Then, add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
So there you have it – five delicious ways to use up your leftover cupcakes. Next time you find yourself with extra cupcakes, try one of these recipes and enjoy!
Cupcake Recipes
Relive fun nights around the campfire with this S’mores Cupcake Recipe. Pair with some hot chocolate to have a treat that’s a blast from the past.
A classic cupcake is given this fun twist with the kids’ favorite cookie! Make some Oreo Cupcakes with Oreo Buttercream for a super sweet treat!
Add a fruity side to your cupcakes with the Strawberry Milkshake Cupcake recipe. Serve them with tiny straws and strawberry powder for a lovely presentation.
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze cupcakes. Frozen cupcakes will last for 3-4 months if stored properly in the freezer. Thawing them before serving is not necessary but I love how moist they are after being frozen and then thawed. Follow these steps for freezing your dessert: allow it to cool completely, wrap tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer bag, store properly, label the bag with today’s date, let it defrost at room temperature before serving (optional), enjoy!
What kind of cupcakes do you plan on freezing? Let me know in the comment below!
