Last Updated on May 5, 2023 by Lori Walker
Whether we make our muffins or buy some from our favorite bakery, the best time to consume muffins is within a day or two.
But there could be leftovers, or you could want to keep the muffins for a few more days.
Can you store those muffins in the fridge? How long do muffins last in the fridge? Keep reading to find out.
How Long Will Muffins Last in the Fridge?
Muffins can last for about 2 to 7 days in the fridge. But there are only a few instances when you need to sit the muffins in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness.
For instance, if your muffins contain ham, cheese, or fresh vegetables, it is necessary to refrigerate them. The same goes for muffins with buttercream frosting or fresh fruit toppings.
Store-bought muffins can last a few more days after their sell-by dates if stored properly. Find out how long will chocolate cake last in the fridge here.
Should You Refrigerate It?
No, most of the time, you should avoid refrigerating muffins because they would start to dry out from the cold temperature.
However, if you make savory muffins that include meat or cheese in the recipe, you have to refrigerate them to maintain their freshness. Muffin varieties with perishable frostings or fresh veggies should also be cooled in the fridge.
Also Read: Is It Possible To Refrigerate A Cake Before Serving?
Will Muffins Last When You Freeze It?
Yes, muffins last for about two to three months when stored in the freezer. If you’re planning to store your muffins in the freezer, remember some points here.
For instance, ensure that you label your packaging properly before storing it for a few months. And before serving, thaw the muffins in the refrigerator for about six hours [1].
How To Properly Store Muffins?
The proper way of storing muffins is by covering them loosely with a paper towel before putting them in an airtight container.
“The paper towels will act like a “sponge,” absorbing the moisture the muffins emit as they age.”
– Erin Clarke, Cookbook Author
Muffins contain plenty of fat from melted butter, shortening, or oil, which keeps them moist longer than ordinary yeast bread [2]. But how do you turn a muffin mix into a cake mix?
How To Tell If It Has Gone Bad
Texture
Freshly baked muffins would feel light, fluffy, and soft when touching them. But after storing them for a long time, the muffin would lose most of its moisture, leading to a dry texture.
You can also stick a toothpick inside of the muffin and see if there are any crumbs attached to the toothpick.
Appearance
After storing the muffins for a long time, check their appearance first. Are they growing mold? You would notice the furry appearance that starts as bright white but will eventually turn into green spots later on.
It’s better to throw away the muffins if you notice those changes because moldy foods can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Odor
Nothing compares to the mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked muffins. So it would be easy for you to compare the bad smell of ruined muffins to the fresh ones.
The same goes even if you taste-test your muffin because its flavors would have already deteriorated after a long time of storage.
Read: 6 Steps To Make Pancakes From Muffin Mix
Muffins Shelf Life
| Muffins | Room Temperature | Refrigerator | Freezer |
| Homemade | 2-4 days | 3-7 days | 2-3 months |
| Store Bought | 3-5 days | 5-7 days | 2-3 months |
| Baked With Fruits | 3-4 days | 3-7 days | 2-3 months |
| Topped With Fruits | 1-2 days | 3-5 days | 2-3 months |
| Savory Muffins | – | 4-6 days | 2-3 months |
Note: The estimates may vary depending on the ingredients used and the state of the muffins before storing them.
Tips & Tricks When Storing Muffins in the Fridge
- Muffins with perishable goods must be refrigerated to maintain freshness.
- Let the muffins cool completely before storing them in the fridge. It also applies when storing muffins at room temperature or freezer.
- Extra moist muffins, like blueberry muffins, would take an extra hour or two to cool properly.
- Store the muffins in an airtight container with a paper towel. It would help absorb any excess moisture to keep your muffins fresh and prevent sogginess.
Also Read: How Long Does Fudge Last In The Refrigerator?
FAQs
How do you store muffins in the fridge to last longer?
Store the muffins in the fridge using an airtight container lined with paper towels. You can only do it for muffins with perishable ingredients.
Find out how long frosting stays good in the refrigerator here.
How long can you keep homemade muffins?
Homemade muffins can last for around two to four days at room temperature. But freezing could make them last for about three months.
How do you keep muffins fresh for a week?
You can keep your muffins fresh for more than a week by storing them in the freezer. Use a plastic wrap or resealable food container to keep the muffins fresh.
How do you increase the shelf life of muffins?
You can increase the shelf life of the muffins if you store them in the freezer. Muffins can last there for about three months.
You might also like to read how to make the King Arthur Sourdough English Muffins here.
Do freezing muffins keep them fresh?
Yes, freezing would keep the muffins fresh for about two to three months. Ensure that you label the packaging properly to avoid ruining your baked goods.
Can I eat expired muffins?
No, you can not eat expired muffins, especially if you have noticed mold formation or an unpleasant odor. Find out if muffins are considered a pastry here.
How long do muffins last past the sell-by date?
If you store them properly, muffins usually last from three to seven days after their sell-by-date. But if there are signs that the muffins have gone bad, you better throw them out.
Final Words
- Storing muffins in the fridge is not always necessary unless the muffins have perishable goods like meat, cheese, fresh vegetables, or fresh fruit toppings.
- Use a paper towel when storing muffins in the fridge, as it helps absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
- Ensure that you properly label your packaging when storing muffins. Muffins would have gone bad after storing them for a long time.
References:
- https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/22/dining/freeze-baked-goods-coronavirus.html
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-store-muffins-and-quick-breads-4802512
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