How to Keep Your Baked Goods Fresh

(Without Resorting to Magic)

You’ve made a purchase from Geekamuffins! Now, how do you keep those precious baked goods ready to share (or hidden) until you’re ready to enjoy them again?

Below is a comprehensive guide on how to keep your baked goods fresh beyond the “best by” date by freezing or storing them properly. (That is, if you can hold off devouring them that long!) If you notice something missing, please leave a comment or contact me through the information on my website, and I’ll make any necessary updates.

English Muffins:

English muffins will last on the counter in their original bag, in a cool, dry place for 3 days. However, you can extend the life of your muffins by storing them in the fridge for up to 1 week or simply freeze them by the “best by” date printed on the label.

Freezing instructions: To maintain freshness, remove the muffins from the paper bag, slice in half for easy defrosting, and store in a freezer bag printed with the date you placed them in the freezer. They will keep for 1 month. To defrost, take them out and defrost in the fridge the night before OR on a low power in your microwave in short intervals to avoid turning your beloved English muffin gummy. Toast + enjoy!

Our favorite ways to enjoy an English Muffin:

Toasted with butter or jam
As a sandwich for with your favorite breakfast items (Bacon, Egg & Cheese is a must!)
As a bun for a burger

How do you enjoy our fluffy English Muffins? I’d love to know!

Brownies:

Brownies are best stored in a sealed container to maintain freshness. These brownies freeze great and I recommend wrapping each brownie in clear wrap and placing in a freezer bag printed with the date you placed them in the freezer.

A warmed brownie under a pile a ice cream is never a bad idea.

Out of the freezer: Heat the brownie at two 15 second intervals (30 seconds total), checking each time until you have the desired temperature.**

Room temperature brownie: Heat the brownie a max of 20 seconds – 10 second intervals is best – slow and steady wins the race.

Remember, a Geekamuffins brownie is EXTRA LARGE but please heat your baked goods based upon the power of your microwave.

**Please note that this varies based upon the strength of your microwave. Slow and steady wins the race.

Macarons:

Macarons need to be stored in the fridge but taste the best at room temperature. Always follow the recommended storage and best by dates on the ingredient label provided with your Macs.

Macarons can be stored in the freezer** and if they are already in a sealed, plastic container, simply place this container in the freezer for 1-2 months. If you really want to keep them fresh, seal any box openings with tape or place the container in a freezer bag or another Tupperware container, label and date.

When ready to eat, simply take the desired amount of macarons out and place on a plate on the counter (out of direct sunlight) until ready to eat. Do not exceed 6 hours. Macarons only need a short amount of time to defrost (caramels and ganache centers will take slightly longer).

If you’re planning ahead, take your macarons out of the freezer and defrost in the fridge overnight in their original container. Simply follow the instructions above to enjoy at room temperature.

If you received macarons in a paper container: remove macarons and place in a freezer bag and place in a Tupperware to protect from breakage in your freezer. Label and date!

**Macs with sprinkles, edible markers and layered designs may bleed after defrosting from the freezer no matter the precautions.

Decorated Sugar Cookies:

Decorated sugar cookies last a surprisingly long time when stored in their original heat sealed packaging. Even longer in the freezer!**

Decorated Sugar Cookies are still scrumptious up to 14 days from their Date of Manufacture but some designs may begin bleed due to humidity, storage or simply – everyone’s favorite culprit – sugar. This is why cookies should never be stored in the fridge. Do your best to never stack your cookies as this will also damage any lettering, raised designs or simply the cookies themselves. These are actually delicate works of art, delicious, but delicate. Treat them like you just paid for an edible gift at the MOMA – Gift shop, not the gallery. 😉

To freeze your cookies: simply place the original, heat-sealed bag in your freezer complete with the original label. Cookies can be frozen up to 1 month. I’ve had success even as long as 45 days. If you want to be extra, place the heat sealed bag in a tupperware.
To defrost your cookies: simple place the frozen cookie, still in the bag, on your counter. Keep the cookie in the bag and let them defrost for 1-3 hours.

**Cookies with sprinkles, edible markers and layered designs may bleed after defrosting from the freezer no matter the precautions.

Cupcakes:

Cupcakes can be tricky, I admit. With so many variations, figuring out how to make these delicious treats last longer isn’t always straightforward. Here are some general guidelines:

Instructions for cupcakes in hard plastic containers (single or multiple): These cupcakes will last the longest as they keep out debris and air. I find that the maximum for taste, freshness and safety (depending on ingredients and proper storage) these cupcakes can be delicious for 6 days. Store cupcakes in the fridge and never in direct sunlight or out of refrigeration for more than 4 hours.

For cupcakes stored in a cardboard box: These cupcakes will maintain their freshness for a maximum for 3 days.

How to freeze cupcakes:

Place cupcake back in box OR transfer to a tupperware. Place in freezer and allow cupcakes to freeze until frozen to the touch – at least 3 hours. Note: you can test by touching your clean finger to the buttercream. If you can’t leave a mark on the buttercream, ie: it is hard to the touch, your cupcake is ready to wrap.
Remove any extra liners (tulip or decorative) from your cupcake
Wrap each cupcake lightly in plastic wrap and place in a sealed tupperware. Label & date your tupperware. This is a good time to switch from the cardboard box to a hard plastic tupperware with a lid.
You can store your cupcakes for 1 month.
To defrost your cupcakes: Remove the desired amount of cupcakes from the Tupperware, remove the plastic wrap and place in another sealed Tupperware and defrost overnight in the fridge.
Take out of the fridge 2-3 hours before you plan to enjoy!

**Note: some buttercreams & fillings will react differently to the freezing process and may change the texture. Always defrost slowly and don’t microwave your cupcakes no matter how badly you want that Red Velvet Cupcake.

Alas, Crunchy toppings will not be returned to their crunchy-selves post freezing and sprinkles or other decor will also not be the same after freezing.

Thank you for supporting Geekamuffins! Can’t find your ingredient label or care card? Follow this link or contact me at the information on my website and I’ll help you out.

Stay sweet, Alice