Cupcakes are labours of love – from baking the perfect fluffy cake to decorating with beautiful piped frosting, it’s not always a quick process. So, if you have a big event or party coming up, it’s understandable that you might want to make the cupcakes in advance to avoid a last-minute panic. But can you make cupcakes in advance that still taste delicious? Let’s find out…
When Should You Make Cupcakes For a Party or Event?
If you’re baking cupcakes for a party or event, it’s best to make them one to two days in advance so that they’re still fresh on the day. This also gives you enough time to decorate your cupcakes just before the event.
Baking cupcakes a day or two before an event also allows time for mistakes. Burnt or undercooked cakes? You can simply make another batch without running out of time!
Can You Make Cupcakes in Advance?
You can make cupcakes up to two days in advance, or much longer if you plan to freeze them. Thankfully, there are many different ways to store cupcakes so that they keep fresh and delicious, making it easier than ever to bake cupcakes well in advance of an important event.
Storing at Room Temperature
If you plan to store cupcakes at room temperature, you can simply place them in an airtight container and they’ll keep fresh for 2-5 days. Don’t frost or decorate the cupcakes with dairy products if stored at room temperature – you’ll have to do this on the day of the event.
Storing Cupcakes in the Fridge
You can store cupcakes in the fridge, with frosting and all, for up to seven days in advance. Simply place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Storing Cupcakes in the Freezer
Unfrosted, unfilled cupcakes can be stored in the freezer for up to one or two months prior to an event: any longer and you might run the risk of freezer burn. To store cupcakes in the freezer, allow them to cool completely before wrapping them in cling film and adding a final layer of aluminium foil.
When the time comes to defrost, simply remove the cupcakes from the freezer, unwrap them and allow them to thaw at room temperature for one or two hours. Never leave them wrapped to defrost as this ruins the texture. You can then frost and decorate on the day of the event.
Batter Only
Another option is to make the cupcake batter in advance and freeze it before baking. You can portion the cupcakes into liners in a muffin pan so they’re ready to bake straight from the freezer – talk about efficiency! Once the batter has frozen, you can take the tray out and place the cupcake cases in a freezer storage bag. You’ll have to add five to seven minutes to the baking time to compensate for the frozen batter. You’ll then have freshly baked cupcakes ready to go.
Will Cupcakes Last If You Make Them Before An Event?
If you’re making cupcakes for an event, the ideal length of time is one to two days before. However, if you store cupcakes in an airtight container, they can last up to five days. Cupcakes that have a filling or are decorated with icing will last only 2-4 days. Remember, buttercream and cream cheese frosting is dairy and so will need to be refrigerated and eaten within three days. Depending on how you store cupcakes, they can last longer, especially if you store them in the freezer.
There’s not one answer to the question ‘how long will cupcakes last’ as there are so many variations, all depending on storage and ingredients. The best idea is to bake cupcakes a couple of days before an event and decorate them on the day, popping them in a cupcake box before taking them to the party.
How Can You Keep Your Cupcakes Fresh?
The key to keeping your cupcakes fresh is proper storage. Here are some of the quick and easy ways to keep cupcakes fresh, depending on storage methods:
- Airtight container – place cupcakes in an airtight container and store at room temperate or in the fridge if frosted with dairy.
- Frosting – if you’ve just baked the cakes a couple of days before an event, you can store the frosting covered in clingfilm in the fridge, ready to use on the day.
- Freezer – freezing your cupcakes is a great way to prolong their life for days or weeks before an event. You can then decorate on the day.
- At the event – keep them in a plastic cupcake box at the event to keep your cupcakes fresh throughout the day.
Making cupcakes for an event or party doesn’t have to be stressful. You now know how to make them in advance so that the only thing you have to worry about on the day is hoping everyone enjoys them!
