How to Store Muffins

Muffins make a delicious treat or easy breakfast on the go.  What happens if you find yourself with too many muffins to enjoy at once? Luckily, muffins store really well.

Below, you'll find out how long muffins last, as well as some tips and tricks for how to store muffins to lock in maximum freshness.

Craving a delicious, fresh baked muffin, but don't want to make a trip to the bakery? Check out this full list of all of my muffin recipes and make your own at home!

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How long do muffins last?

Muffins are commonly made with flour, eggs, and butter. This means that they won't retain their freshness very long if they're not stored properly.

The amount of time that muffins will last will depend on the storage technique. There are a few steps you can take to maximize the shelf-life of fresh muffins.

How to store homemade muffins

Storing  muffins in a cool, dry area to minimize their exposure to moisture is essential to prevent them from going bad quickly. 

Muffins that have been stored on the kitchen counter in an airtight container will typically last anywhere from 2-3 days, depending on the type of muffin, their moisture content and ingredients.

When stored in the fridge, muffins can last up to one week. Below, we will discuss some tips and tricks to keeping muffins fresh. 

How to keep muffins fresh

The key to keeping muffins fresh is storing them properly. If you will be eating freshly baked muffins within a day or two of baking, you may choose to store them on the countertop at room temperature. Be sure that they have cooled completely on a wire rack before attempting to store them.

Then place the cool muffins in an air-tight container or plastic bag with a strong seal, and remove as much air as possible. You can then store them on the counter for a couple of days. 

To store muffins in the fridge, follow the same process. Simply store the muffins in a sealed container or freezer bag, and place them in the refrigerator for up to one week.

How to tell if muffins have gone bad

The actual amount of time that muffins will keep also depend on the kind of muffins and the type of ingredients they contain. This means there is some variation in the shelf life and storage time of your baked goods.

Moist muffins made with perishable ingredients like lots of fresh fruit (such as blueberries or bananas) may go bad more quickly than a muffin with a dryer consistency. Savory muffins that include ingredients like fresh veggies, cheese, or meat may also spoil more quickly. Tip: the same principle applies to quick breads!

For this reason, it is important to look for signs that your muffins have spoiled if you have been keeping muffins for an extended period of time. The below apply to homemade muffins as well as store-bought muffins and even english muffins:

• Mold - a telltale sign that your muffins have gone bad is mold. Mold may result from extra moisture on muffins that have been kept for an extended period of time. You may notice mold on the muffin tops or on the inside of the bag. Either way, this is a clear indicator that they need to be tossed. 
• Sour Smell or Taste - you may notice a sour scent or taste to muffins that have gone bad. If you have had muffins for a long time, and they have an off smell, it is better to err on the side of caution and toss them. 
• Textural Changes - muffins are known for their moist and fluffy texture, but when proper storage measures have not been taken, or they have been stored too long, they might dry out and become stale muffins. The storage methods described above can help prevent the loss of too much moisture. There is a good chance that the texture of the muffin will not remain moist and fluffy for very long if the storage method is not appropriate. You may find dryness to be an issue with muffins that have a drier batter. For best results, store muffins in a lidded container in a cold place, away from direct sunlight to help combat this.

Can muffins be frozen?

Muffins freeze really well. And freezing muffins is the easiest way to keep them longer and with the best quality than they would last on the countertop or in the fridge.

To freeze muffins, first wrap each individual muffin in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Store the wrapped muffins in an airtight storage container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible.

Be sure to use a large enough container. Muffins will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to defrost muffins

To defrost frozen muffins, the easiest method is to leave them in the refrigerator overnight, at which point they should be thawed. If you are in a hurry, your best bet is to defrost the muffins in the microwave.

Remove the plastic wrap or foil, set the microwave to 50% power and microwave for about 1 minute or until the muffin is warmed through.

Be careful not to microwave them for too long or at high heat. This may result in the texture of the top of the muffins and the center of the muffin to become hard and dry.

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Pro tips for muffin storage

• Placing a layer of paper towel in the bottom of the container with your leftover muffins is a simple trick that can help absorb excess moisture and keep them from growing mold. Simply place muffins on top of the paper towels in a single layer and seal the plastic containers for best results
• It is essential that you allow muffins to cool completely before storing them. Putting warm muffins in a container can create excess condensation resulting in soggy muffins. The bottom of the muffin will thank you for storing it after its completely cool!
• When freezing muffins, it is a good idea to label the outside of the zip-lock bag with the date of freezing so that you can keep track of how long they will be good

FOR ALL MY FAVORITE BAKING TOOLS INCLUDING THOSE USED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE, CHECK OUT MY BAKING RESOURCES PAGE!

Homemade muffin recipes

Now that you know all the tips and tricks for properly storing your homemade muffins, give some of these recipes a go!