It depends on the frosting. Cupcakes with buttercream or sugar-based frosting can stay covered at cool room temperature for 1 to 2 days. Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, custard, or a fresh-fruit or cream filling need to go in the fridge and shouldn’t sit out for more than 2 hours.
By frosting type
| Frosting or filling | Where to keep it |
|---|---|
| American buttercream (butter and sugar) | Room temperature, covered, 1 to 2 days. Fridge if it’s hot |
| Fondant, royal icing, ganache | Room temperature, covered, 1 to 2 days |
| Cream cheese frosting | Fridge. Eat within 3 to 4 days |
| Whipped cream, custard, mascarpone | Fridge. Eat within 1 to 2 days |
| Fresh fruit topping or filling | Fridge |
Tips for refrigerating cupcakes
- Use an airtight container so they don’t dry out or pick up fridge smells.
- Let them sit out for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. Cold buttercream is firm and less flavourful.
- Hot day or warm kitchen? Refrigerate even buttercream cupcakes, so the frosting doesn’t melt or slide.
Can you freeze frosted cupcakes?
Yes, buttercream-frosted ones freeze well. Freeze them uncovered until the frosting is firm, then pack them in a container for up to about 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge. Whipped cream frosting doesn’t freeze well.
Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, Leftovers and Food Safety (2-hour rule for perishable foods).