How to Extend the Life of Baked Goods, According to Experts

The holiday season is firmly upon us, which means you've likely got plenty of parties to attend on your upcoming social calendar. And with those events come a whole lot of baked goods, whether you're making them, swapping them, or receiving them as a gift. And those holiday baked goods sure are tasty, so you should try your best to extend the life of those cookies, cakes, and all that fruit bread for as long as possible. But how? We asked a few experts for their advice on how to extend the life of all your delicious baked goods. 

First, consider the type of baked goods

As Keiry Palma, chef-instructor of Pastry & Baking Arts at the Institute of Culinary Education’s New York City campus, explains, it all depends on the type of baked goods. For cakes and cupcakes, Palma shared that for optimal flavor, these should be consumed within two to three days. However, "If your product does not contain dairy, store cakes and cupcakes at room temperature in an air-tight container to maintain their consistency." 

As for cookies, brownies, and bars, those stay fresh a little longer, about two days to a week, according to Palma. (Though she recommends eating them within the first two days, and really, that sounds correct.) And, as pastry chef Adriano Zumbo added, "If it's a croissant or bread, they will change over a few days, so they're best eaten fresh."

So, should you refrigerate baked goods? 

Palma noted, you should refrigerate cakes and cookies "to ensure food safety and optimal quality" if they have dairy-based fillings or frostings. "This includes popular choices like whipped cream, buttercream, and cream cheese frosting. Storing these cakes in an air-tight container in the refrigerator can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illness caused by harmful bacteria." While refrigeration may slightly alter the texture of the cake, Palma said, it's a necessary step "to prioritize safety and freshness, especially when dealing with perishable ingredients."  

Eunji Lee, one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs in 2023 and the founder of Patisserie Lysée, echoed this statement, noting that it indeed can also depend on the products you're refrigerating and if they contain elements like ganache or whipped cream. But added, "based on dairy or not, in general, it is better to not refrigerate," Lee said. "If you want to refrigerate for a longer shelf life, it might be better to enjoy it at room temperature." 

How about freezing baked goods? 

Again, it can depend on the type of baked goods. Or Amsalam, the founder of Lodge Bread, shared that for bread specifically, "freezing is the best way to preserve freshness." But you should do so in a very precise way. "I recommend slicing the loaf, placing it in a large zip-top bag, and freezing it," Amsalam shared. "This way, you can easily take out a slice at a time and warm it up as needed." 

Palma added that freezing is a good way to preserve baked goods for long-term storage but also recommended wrapping each piece individually. "For longer storage, wrap individual cookies in plastic wrap or parchment paper, place them in an air-tight container, and freeze them for up to three months. Freezing is a great way to extend the shelf life of baked goods. By tightly wrapping baked goods in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, followed by an air-tight container or freezer bag, you can significantly extend their shelf life." 

The only caveat here would be cream pies, which Palma noted "do not freeze well."

So, should you always wrap baked goods? 

"Baked goods tend to stale and deteriorate from direct contact with air and humidity, depending on weather and your home room conditions. This can vary greatly for everyone, so keeping things wrapped and in proper containers will help maintain texture and shelf life just that little bit longer," Zumbo said. 

However, it's important to note that plastic wrap isn't ideal for long-term storage. "The tight seal can trap moisture, leading to sweating and potential sogginess," Palma explained. "When frozen, this excess moisture can contribute to freezer burn." And while it may look cute, Palma also noted that she does not recommend storing items in cloth, as the fibers can hold bacteria and moisture, "which create the perfect breeding conditions for mold and other harmful pathogens that may cause illnesses." 

How can I bring baked goods back to life? 

If you're looking to bring loaf cakes back to life to enjoy your next slice, Amsalam says you first need to let it defrost at room temperature, which keeps the texture and quality intact. "Once defrosted, it can be sliced or topped with frosting or buttercream as desired." As for cookie dough, Amsalam added, "you can make a large batch, bake what you need for the day, and then either refrigerate or freeze the rest in pre-shaped portions. This makes it easy to bake fresh cookies on demand." 

Palma added that it's best to let all baked goods warm up before serving. "Thaw the baked goods gradually at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Rapid thawing can lead to uneven texture and reduced quality," she added. Then, you can reheat them in the oven to make them feel totally brand-new.