If you have leftover cupcakes, storing them in the refrigerator is a great way to keep them fresh longer. However, you should be aware that there are some things to consider before putting your cupcakes in the fridge. Read on to learn more about how long cupcakes last in the fridge and other storage tips for these delicious desserts!
How Long Do Cupcakes Last In The Fridge?
Cupcakes that don’t have any icing will last for about 1 week when stored in the fridge. If there is icing on the cupcakes, they will last for only 3-5 days in the fridge. Whether the cupcakes have icing or not, It’s important to store them in an airtight container as well so that they don’t dry out.
How Long Do Cupcakes Last at Room Temperature?
The shelf life of a cupcake depends on how it is stored and prepared, as well as the ingredients used to make it.
Freshly baked cupcakes without any icing can be stored for about three days at room temperature. If you have topped the cupcakes with icing, they will last for about 3-4 days when stored on the countertop.
Do Cupcakes Go Bad In The Fridge?
The answer is yes! Cupcakes are pretty much like cake, and they can spoil in the fridge if they’re not stored properly.
To keep your cupcakes fresh as long as possible, make sure to store them properly in an airtight container or plastic bag.
If you don’t store them in a container or bag, the cool temperature in the fridge will cause the cupcakes to become dry.
Why Do You Put Cupcakes In The Fridge?
There are two main reasons why you might want to store your cupcakes in the fridge:
To keep them from going bad quickly. Cupcakes are often made with lots of butter and sugar, which means they have a shorter shelf life than cakes made with less fat. They also contain more moisture than cakes because they’re designed to be soft and moist, which makes them especially susceptible to mold growth if they aren’t kept cold.
To keep them from melting in high temperatures. If you live somewhere hot and humid or where it gets very hot during the summer months, then your cupcakes might start to melt if left out at room temperature for too long. Putting them in the fridge will help prevent this from happening as long as you don’t leave them there for too long (more on this later).
How to Tell if Cupcakes Has Gone Bad
Cupcakes are delicious, but they have a short shelf life. If you love to bake and you make cupcakes often, the last thing you want is for them to go bad before they can be enjoyed.
If you’re not sure how long your cupcakes have been sitting in the fridge, here are some signs that will tell you whether or not it’s time to throw them away.
1. The Cupcakes Have an Odor
It’s normal for baked goods to smell sweet, but if your cupcakes have a different odor than usual — like spoiled milk or sour milk — then it’s best to throw them away immediately.
2. The Frosting Seems Soft or Liquidy
Cupcake frosting should always be firm and creamy, so if it looks like it’s starting to melt or drip off the cake, then it’s definitely time for a replacement batch of frosting.
3. The Cupcake Is Dry
If your cupcake is dry and hard, this means that it has gone bad. The cupcakes were exposed to air either you didn’t store them properly or it was left in the fridge for too long. Either way, you should discard the cupcakes.
How To Store Cupcakes In The Fridge
Cupcakes are a sweet treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. However, this delicious dessert can quickly go bad if it is not stored properly.
Cupcakes should be stored in an airtight container or box to keep them fresh. If you don’t have one on hand, wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap and place them in a large Ziploc bag.
As long as you keep them cold and dry, they should stay good for up to a week.
Can You Freeze Cupcakes?
You can freeze cupcakes. The best way to freeze cupcakes is by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing them individually, then storing them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. This will allow you to pull out however many you want at any given time, rather than having to thaw out the entire batch when you only need three or four.
You can also freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months by wrapping them tightly with plastic wrap and then putting them in freezer bags or containers so that they don’t get smashed together while being stored.
Defrosting frozen cupcakes will take some time since they have been frozen solid, but once thawed they should be good as new! Once defrosted, do not refreeze unless there was some kind of error with your initial freezing process—it won’t taste good if it’s been refrozen twice!
Conclusion
Hopefully, I’ve answered all of your questions about how long cupcakes last in the fridge. It’s clear that it depends on a lot of factors, so we recommend keeping an eye on your individual batch. But if you do want them to last longer than three days or so, then consider freezing them!

Kate has been in the food business for over 20 years. Worked as a cook at several buffets which include Old Country Buffet, Five Star Buffet, and Ichiban Buffet. Now, I’m mostly at home cooking for my family, caring for chickens and ducks, and tending the garden.