So you just sunk your teeth into a soggy, lifeless muffin. What went wrong? If your muffins weren’t stored in an airtight container with a paper towel on the top and bottom, then you didn’t store them to keep them at their peak of freshness.
Hi! My name is Michelle, and I have a bit of a muffin addiction. They’re just so versatile. One week it might be a savory muffin, the next a fruity or chocolatey delight. With the number of muffins I make and consume, it is important to know how to store them and keep them fresh.
Today, we’re talking all about muffin storage. I want you to be able to enjoy the freshest, most delicious muffins possible. That said, I’m sharing all of my must-know tips and tricks on how to store muffins and keep them fresh.
Let’s dive into the magical world of fresh muffins!
How to Store Muffins and Keep Them Fresh
I will let you in on a little secret – storing muffins for ultimate freshness is actually really easy. As long as you have paper towels and an airtight container, you can be successful. Let’s take a closer look at the steps to perfectly fresh muffins.
Note: muffins that will be consumed in less than 24 hours do not need to be stored. You can simply leave the muffins on top of the wire rack, cover them with paper towels, and indulge whenever you’d like.
1. Let Muffins Cool
This is important, ladies and gentlemen. Your muffins must be cooled off entirely before being placed anywhere. Why? Because muffins will give off heat in the container. This will produce condensation, which leads to those notorious (and disgusting) soggy treats.
Before you even think about storing them, let your muffins cool down. How long to cool muffins? Let them cool on the pan for around ten minutes. Then, transfer to a wire rack, so the entirety of the muffin gets cooled down. Seriously, bakers – don’t rush it.
2. Line Container with Paper Towels
Next, get your airtight container and your paper towels. You will need to use two sheets of paper towels. Place them on the bottom. This is important because as muffins age, they will release moisture. The moisture can either cause muffin sogginess, or the towel can absorb it.
Obviously, we want the latter.
Now, I will say that large ziplock bags can also be used in place of containers. I prefer containers because it provides neater organization for my muffins and there’s less chance of mishaps.
However, if you use a ziplock bag, just turn it on its side to utilize the paper towels and place the muffins correctly.
3. Place Muffins Inside
Personally, I find that stacking them in a single layer yields the best results. That’s because the muffins are making contact with the paper towel, so there is no room for soggy mishaps.
With that in mind, you might need to use multiple containers or an extra-large size, depending on your muffin production.
4. Cover With Paper Towels
I know what you’re thinking – more paper towels? Yup. Muffins are moisture-filled little treats that can get mushy in a blink of an eye. Let’s avoid that disaster and keep moisture to a minimum by placing another few paper towels on top of the muffins.
By the way, if you notice the paper towels becoming damp, it is perfectly fine to switch them out for new paper towels. Remember – we want freshness here, so sometimes these little steps are important!
5. Store and Enjoy!
Plenty of people will think it’s best to pop their container of muffins into the fridge to extend their longevity. Don’t do this. Although it’s tempting, muffins in the fridge are a bad idea. The muffins will have an altered texture and distorted flavor. No, thanks.
Instead, it’s best to leave the muffins on your countertop at room temperature. Depending on the type of muffin, the lifespan is anywhere from two to four days.
What About Freezing Muffins?
If you cannot eat the muffins within a specific timeframe, you might be wondering if you’re going to have wasted muffins. No way! I hate wasting food, especially when it’s one of my favorite baked goods.
So, while the refrigerator is a big no-no, the same isn’t true for the freezer. You can freeze muffins for up to three months. To do this, you will need to alter your storage a bit. Here’s how.
- Wrap the muffins individually
- Place in an airtight container or freezer bag
- Store in the coldest part of the freezer
When you’re ready to dive into your muffins, simply thaw them on the countertop for an hour or two. No time to wait? A quick trip to the microwave is a great idea.
FAQs
Muffin-related storage questions? You have them, and I’ve got all the answers. Let’s take a glance at some of the frequently asked questions about muffin storage!
Should you refrigerate muffins after baking?
No, no, no! (Picture me yelling at the top of my lungs). Muffins should never be stored in the refrigerator. Refrigerated muffins will dry out, and the texture and flavor will be altered. Needless to say, it’s not a positive change. Stick to the countertop or freezer.
How do you keep muffin tops crunchy?
Ok, so this might sound odd. But if you have a crunchy-topped muffin (my absolute favorite), then stick a few saltine crackers into your airtight container or ziplock bag. Yes, it really works! They absorb moisture and ensure the crunchiness doesn’t quit.
How long do muffins stay fresh?
It depends on the type of muffin you’re making. Most of the time, though, muffins typically last for around four days before they need to be thrown out or tossed in the freezer. This solely depends on the ingredients, and some muffins only last two days while others might go seven.
Final Thoughts
Muffins are meant to be enjoyed with a fluffy texture and fresh flavor. The best way to do this is by storing the muffins in an airtight container or ziplock bag lined with paper towels. Store at room temp for a few days or stick in the freezer for up to three months.
How do you store your muffins?
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