How long are muffins good in the fridge

MUFFINS (INCLUDING BRAN, BLUEBERRY, BANANA, CORN, CHOCOLATE CHIP) - FRESHLY BAKED

Shelf Life Tips

• How long do muffins last? The precise answer to that question depends to a large extent on storage conditions - keep freshly baked muffins (including bran, blueberry, banana, corn, chocolate chip) in a dry area.
• To maximize the shelf life of muffins, cover with foil or plastic wrap or place in plastic bag to prevent drying out.
• Properly stored, freshly baked muffins will last for about 1 to 2 days at normal room temperature.
• How long do muffins last in the fridge? Freshly baked muffins will keep well for about 1 week in the fridge when properly stored.
• Can you freeze muffins? Yes, to freeze: wrap muffins tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place in heavy-duty freezer bag.
• How long do muffins last in the freezer? Properly stored, they will maintain best quality for about 2 to 3 months, but will remain safe beyond that time.
• The freezer time shown is for best quality only - muffins that have been kept constantly frozen at 0°F will keep safe indefinitely.
• How to tell if muffins are bad or spoiled? The best way is to smell and look at the muffins: discard any that have an off smell or appearance; if mold appears, discard the muffins.

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Sources: For details about data sources used for food storage information, please click here

Today's Tips

You’ve just bought or baked a fresh batch of muffins. Now what? While you might be tempted to scarf the whole batch down in a day, your body might not be too happy (even though your taste buds would be delighted). The better thing to do is space it out between two and seven days. 

Hi! I’m Michelle, and I love all kinds of muffins, from sweet, fruit-topped delights to more savory, nutty flavors. With the number of muffins I bake, it was super important for me to figure out how long muffins last. And now I am going to share my findings with you!

If you are wondering how long your muffins last, you’ve come to the right place. This article will teach you how long muffins last and how to extend their baked goodness lifespan.

Keep reading to find out how long muffins really last.

Contents

• How Long do Muffins Last?
• Should You Refrigerate Muffins?
• How to Store Muffins to Extend Longevity
• Can You Freeze Muffins?
• FAQs
  • How do you keep muffins fresh after baking?
  • Do I need to refrigerate muffins?
  • Do muffins get moldy?
• Final Thoughts

The simple answer is that most muffins last anywhere from two to seven days. However, that is based entirely on what ingredients are used. 

For example, muffins that are topped with fresh fruits – such as blueberries, bananas, or strawberries – tend only to last a day or two on the countertop. After that timeframe, the fruit can start to grow mold. Who wants to eat a moldy muffin? No, thanks! 

On the other hand, muffins with fruit baked into the batter can last a bit longer because they are no longer considered ‘fresh.’ With a baked fruit muffin, such as banana nut, you can get around three to four days on a dry surface.

Lastly, you have dry muffins. ‘Dry’ muffins are muffins that do not contain fruit in or on top. For example, chocolate muffins or those baked with oats or dried fruit are considered dry. Dry muffins can easily last up to a week on the countertop. 

What about savory muffins? I don’t know about you, but I love to make breakfast muffins with cheese, bacon, and various vegetables. Regardless of the type of savory ingredients you choose, you can typically get up to six days of use – but savory muffins must be refrigerated. 

Should You Refrigerate Muffins?

It’s no secret – sticking something into the refrigerator rather than sitting on your kitchen countertop will typically extend the lifespan. Is the same true for muffins?

Yes, you can place your muffins in the refrigerator. In fact, if you make savory muffins with meat and cheese, you have to refrigerate. But if you are going to do so, make sure that the muffins are cooled off entirely. Otherwise, you may end up with a soggy baked good.

However, keep in mind that the quality of the muffin may deteriorate in the fridge. That said, it’s best if you keep them stored correctly. But how do you store muffins to extend the lifespan? This next section will teach you how. 

How to Store Muffins to Extend Longevity

First things first: this storage solution is not applicable for savory muffins with meat and cheese. These muffins should not sit on the countertop as the meat and cheese will go bad within a few short hours.

However, if you’re making a sweet baked treat, storing correctly on the countertop is important. Here’s how to do it.

• Place a paper towel on the bottom of an airtight container.
• Place the muffins on top.
• Cover with a paper towel.
• Close the container, making sure it is an airtight seal.

Yup, it’s that easy. By storing properly, you can ensure that your muffins stay at peak quality, nice and fresh.

Can You Freeze Muffins?

Muffins and refrigerators aren’t exactly best friends. That said, it may come as a shock that muffins are actually very freezer-friendly! Here’s how to freeze your muffins.

• If freshly baked, make sure they are cooled completely before storing them.
• Place muffins in an airtight container or freezer plastic bag.
• Toss into the freezer and remove when necessary.

Nothing too fancy here – just baking, cooling, and storing. When stored in the freezer, muffins can easily last up to three months and sometimes longer. But let’s be honest – those muffins are never going to last beyond the three-month mark!

When you’re ready to devour those delicious goodies, simply take out as many muffins as desired and let them thaw on the countertop. Thawing typically takes anywhere between one and three hours. If you’re in a pitch, you can also nuke them for 30 seconds in the microwave. 

FAQs

Have questions about how long muffins last? I’ve got your answer. Below, you will find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about muffin longevity.

How do you keep muffins fresh after baking?

The best way to keep muffins fresh after baking is to let them cool off entirely before storing them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel on the bottom of the container and on top to soak up any extra moisture and avoid soggy muffins.

Do I need to refrigerate muffins?

Most of the time, it’s best to skip refrigerating muffins. This can affect the overall quality, texture, and moistness of the muffins. This rule does not apply to savory muffins, though, like those that contain meat and cheese. These types of muffins must be refrigerated.

Do muffins get moldy?

Unfortunately, muffins are susceptible to mold, especially if you use fruit. The best way to avoid a moldy muffin is to store them properly and eat them within the designated timeframe (see the table above for the longevity).

Final Thoughts

I love muffins – who doesn’t? But they don’t have a very long shelf life. The best thing to do is eat them within the timeframe or freeze them for up to three months. You can use the fridge, but it’s not recommended unless you’re storing savory muffins with meat and cheese.

How do you store your muffins?

I have been a lover of sweets since day one. This led me on a self-taught baking journey starting at the age of 13. It's been over 10 years since the start of my baking adventures, and I’ve learned a lot along the way. Now, people rave about my delectable treats, whether it’s a chocolate cake or a strawberry crepe.