Have you ever reached into a container of leftover muffins, eager for the fluffy bites of breakfast joy that await, only to discover that the outside of the muffins have become unpleasantly soggy? It’s a sad moment that, while it cannot be reversed, can be avoided with one simple trick. Here’s How to Store Muffins to prolong their shelf life and keep them fresh.
Before we delve in, let’s first address the issue at hand: Why do leftover muffins become soggy?
It is an odd phenomenon. Intuitively, you would think that, as muffins stale, the outsides would become dry. In reality, this just isn’t how muffin science (a delicious field I aspire to master) operates.
As muffins age, their moisture migrates to the surface. That moisture will try to evaporate and, if the muffins are wrapped in plastic or stored in an empty airtight bag or container, that moisture sinks right back onto the muffins’ surface. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent this (aside from loading the muffins with preservatives), but we can delay the inevitable with a handy little tool I’m betting you have lurking in your kitchen right now.
Paper towels.
Let’s do this.
The Best Way to Store Muffins
STEP ONE: Let the muffins cool completely on a wire rack.
Storing the muffins when they are even a little bit warm will result in even more condensation, as the muffins will still be letting off heat. Let them cool for no more than five-to-10 minutes in the pan, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
STEP TWO: Line an airtight storage container with paper towels.
The paper towels will act like a “sponge,” absorbing the moisture the muffins emit as they age. Instead of sinking back into the muffin’s surface and making them soggy, the moisture will be absorbed by the paper towels. I like to use one large paper towel, folded in half to fit the container.
Alternatively, you can use a large ziptop bag, turned on its side so that it lays flat—just be sure you store the muffins in a single layer only (do not stack).
STEP THREE: Place muffins in the container, on top of the paper towels.
Or on the bottom of the ziptop bag, still atop the paper towels.
STEP FOUR: Place an additional paper towel layer on top of the muffins.
This is essential. You want to be sure to absorb moisture from all sides. Again, I use a large paper towel, folded in half.
STEP FIVE: Cover and store AT ROOM TEMPERATURE.
Refrigerating the muffins will alter their flavor and texture. Room temperature is the way to go from maximum freshness.
STEP SIX: Enjoy!
The muffins will last two-to-four days stored this way (without this method, you’ll notice the “soggy” factor taking hold in fewer than 24 hours). If the paper towels become very damp, I recommend replacing them on Day 2 or Day 3.
For Storage Longer Than Four Days
- To Freeze. I recommend freezing muffins that you’d like to keep beyond four days. Individually wrap them in plastic, then place them in a ziptop bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat. Let thaw at room temperature or rewarm gently in the microwave.
My Favorite Muffin Recipes
I have DOZENS of Healthy Muffin Recipes for you to choose from, but here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate Muffins
- Raspberry Muffins
- Healthy Banana Muffins
- Healthy Maple Oatmeal Muffins <– the one’s photographed in this post.
This advice is great and works for storing almost anything – a paper towel or a clean dish towel regulates the moisture in the box.
This way of storing, in an airtight container with a towel, works for yeast bread, cakes and cookies (though you need to not mix these – bread, cakes and and cookies need different moisture levels and will make each other stale if kept together).
You can even use this to prolong the life of fruit and veg in the fridge – take the produce out of its packaging and put it in a salad box lined with paper towels or clean dish towels, and it will stop condensation building up and causing rot. I find they will last about twice as long that way compared to being kept in their packaging in a bare box or shelf.
Thanks so much for the tips! I love storing produce this way too.
If muffins have a consumable period of more than 5 days (indicated in the packaging), is it okay to not store it in a fridge within the period?
May, these directions apply to homemade vs. packaged muffins (packaged muffins usually have preservatives or other added ingredients so that can stay fresh for longer). For packaged muffins, I’d follow whatever the packaging suggests.
These came out perfect with a few minor substtutions goat milk yogurt, didnt have enough honey, so used part monk fruit.. used paper cubs that I sprayed lightly, but still hard to get out to much sticking to sides.. vety delicious , thank you so much for this recipe
I’m so glad you enjoyed them Angie!
Hi. Good tips. I’ve used paper towels on top of baked goods when they are still warm and I need to take them to an event. Had not thought of placing the paper under though. Will definitely try. I have a question about muffins or bread with fresh fruit such as blueberries. Can you store them on the counter also?
Hi Cyndi! I do store them on the counter, but you can always freeze if you prefer.
We always have fresh bread and muffins at our house- and this Christmas invested in a bread box. Our muffins last perfectly in it without the need for paper towels etc. Just another idea for anyone interested :)
Thanks for sharing this tip, Rachael!
Thank you for the tip!
I’m glad you found this helpful, Tina!
Hey! Can i store blueberry muffins this way too?
Hi Mehwish! Are you referring to my Healthy Blueberry Muffins recipe? If so, yes, this method should work well!
It was my first time making zucchini muffins. Love this recipe! So delicious! I subbed maple syrup and added some flax. Definitely my go to zucchini muffin recipe. Thanks Erin!
So glad you enjoyed them, Jen! Thank you!
Thank you so much for the advice on storing muffins. They always go soggy on me so, I’m going to try your method. I need them for the weekend. I’ll freeze half and store the others. Just signed up to receive your recipes as well!
Great! Thank you Carol!