One of my favorite treats in the whole world is warm, freshly baked muffins. I love big muffins, small muffins, breakfast muffins, dessert muffins, and pretty much every flavor of muffins you can think to make. But precisely how long do muffins last before turning bad and spoiling?
Muffins last for two days to a week, depending on the storage method and the preservatives used in baking. The ingredients included in the muffin can also influence how long it lasts. For example, a muffin with fresh fruit may go off quicker than a plain muffin.
Continue reading for an in-depth view of how long your muffins will typically last and how to make them last a little longer. I’ll go through where to store your muffins to make them last longer, and I’ll even tell you how to spot a bad muffin before taking a bite.
How Long Do Muffins Last on the Counter?
One of the more common places that muffins are stored is on the countertop in the kitchen. This often happens after taking warm muffins from the oven and leaving them out to fill your home with exquisite aromas. But how long can you leave your muffins out on the counter?
Muffins last for one to two days on the counter when they are left uncovered. Muffins with fruit inside can go moldy in just two days, while plain muffins will start drying out after just 24 hours. If you cover the muffins with a paper towel, they could last up to four days on the counter.
How Long To Store Muffins in the Fridge
You can store muffins in the fridge for four to seven days, depending on the type of muffin and how they’re placed in the refrigerator. When storing muffins in the refrigerator, please place them in a Ziplock bag with a paper towel underneath and above the muffins to keep the consistency the same.
Storing muffins on a plate in your fridge uncovered is a bad idea. Depending on the type of muffin and what else is in your fridge, the muffin could lose its consistency. If the air is dry in your fridge, the muffins will dry out and become harder.
However, if the refrigerator air is humid, the muffin may become soggy. This is why it’s essential to cover your muffins with foil or seal them in a Ziplock bag with paper towels to absorb the excess moisture.
If you want to store your muffins for longer than four to seven days, you can freeze them. Just make sure that the muffins are in an airtight container to prevent the ice from destroying them. Your muffins can last for up to three months when stored appropriately in a freezer.
How Long Do Muffins Last in a Container?
Another standard method for storing muffins is by using a container. To do this, you place the muffins in the container and put the lid on it before leaving it on the counter for people to enjoy. But how long will your muffins last when they’re left out on the countertop?
Muffins last for two to four days in a container, provided the container is airtight. You can place your muffins into an airtight container straight after taking them out of the oven. The muffins will not dry out for a couple of days, even without refrigeration in an airtight container.
When storing muffins in an airtight container, you should place a sheet of paper towels above and below them. The paper towels will absorb moisture in the air and help keep your muffins fresh and of the right consistency.
How Do You Know When a Muffin Is Bad?
Now that you know how to store muffins and for how long, it’s time to figure out how to spot a muffin that has not been correctly stored. So are there any ways to tell that a muffin is not fresh and has spoiled?
You know a muffin is bad when it dries out and goes hard, mold starts to appear, you can see discoloration, or it does not smell right. If you notice any of these issues, the muffin has gone bad, and eating it will be unpleasant, if not outright dangerous.
Eating a muffin that is a little stale will not put your health at risk. However, if the muffin has started to grow mold, eating it could land you in the hospital, depending on the variety of mold. However, the muffin will likely go stale a few days before mold starts to form on the treat.
Do Store-Bought Muffins Last Longer than Homemade Muffins?
Not everyone has the time to whip up a batch of muffins when they’re craving a sweet treat. Instead, you can go to the store and buy some muffins to enjoy. However, can you keep store-bought muffins for as long as homemade muffins in your home?
Store-bought muffins generally do not last longer than homemade muffins. Store-bought muffins can last for up to a week when stored correctly, just like homemade muffins. However, some store-bought muffins contain a high number of preservatives that help them to outlast homemade muffins.
In most cases, store-bought muffins will last about the same time as homemade muffins. However, some store-bought muffins contain vast amounts of sugar, which act as a preservative, keeping them fresh. However, the added preservatives often make store-bought muffins less healthy.
Final Thoughts
Muffins are one of the tastiest desserts you can enjoy. They come in a million forms, sizes, and flavors to suit every taste, and you can store them for up to a week in the fridge. However, if you leave the muffins out on the counter, they’ll likely only last a day or two unless placed in an airtight container with a paper towel.
If you want to make your muffins last longer, put them in a freezer in an airtight container. Doing so will keep them for up to three months, but you’ll need to defrost them before eating.
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