How To Keep Donuts Fresh?

Lastest Updated April 20, 2024
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All donut lovers out there know that learning how to keep donuts fresh is key to being able to enjoy their amazing taste for longer. After all, there is nothing more satisfying than having a nice, yummy, freshly baked donut.

Whether you have baked them yourself with a top-ranking donut maker or you bought them from a store, donuts are the best little treats for your tummy that will make you feel better as soon as you eat them.

However, in some cases, you can bake or buy too many donuts and in such a case, you have to quickly figure out what to do with them.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, the first thing you should do is find out how to store the donuts to keep them from going stale. Today, I will share with you some of the best ways to keep donuts fresh and the best storing techniques. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.

How Long Do Donuts Stay Fresh?

When it comes to how to keep donuts fresh, it is important first to know how long they last. There is not an easy way to say how long a donut would last. It mostly depends on the type of donut, the place where you store it, as well as the ingredients used.

Generally, I would say that donuts last only 2 days when left at room temperature. However, you can make them last longer if you put them in the fridge. In that case, the donuts will last up to a week.

With that being said, donuts that are glazed or filled will always last a few days less than plain donuts. Even if you store glazed or filled donuts properly, always make sure to check if they are still good before you eat them.

How Long Can You Keep Donuts In The Open?

If left in the open, donuts will last only a couple of days. Fresh donuts will stay fresh for longer than filled donuts in a case like this.

With that being said, you can try to wrap the donuts with some foil or plastic to make them fresh for longer if you are not planning on putting them in the fridge or the freezer. This will keep them from drying out.

If you want to keep the donuts fresh for longer, you will need to store them properly and not keep them in the open. This will help maximize their lifespan.

Can You Use Airtight Containers To Store Donuts?

Using an airtight container is always a good idea no matter if you are planning on freezing your donuts or keeping them out in the open. Don’t know if it is possible to freeze donuts? Luckily, they can freeze well in the freezer.

In all cases, using airtight containers will keep the donuts fresh for longer. This type of container will keep the donuts from drying or getting wet.

If you do not have such a container, you can always go for a storage bag that you can vacuum seal.

Why Do Donuts Go Stale So Fast?

Before going any further into the discussion about how to keep donuts fresh for longer, I would like to talk a bit about why donuts go stale so fast. Well, one of the main reasons for this is the absence of preservatives.

When you leave donuts out on the open, they start to dry out quickly as the moisture from the donut and the moisture from the air start to intertwine. This causes the donuts to start going bad quickly.

If you want to protect your donuts from going stale, you should keep them away from moisture, air, as well as heat. Keeping them stored in a cold and dark place should also do the trick!

How To Revive Stale Donuts?

Even if you use all your knowledge on how to keep donuts fresh, some donuts will not last more than a couple of days. Once they are stale, you will not necessarily need to throw them away – you can also heat them and eat them!

If you have a stale donut on your hands, the best thing to do is to put it in the microwave. Heat the donut in intervals of 15 seconds, and check to see if it is soft enough for you.

For those who do not have a microwave, you can also try reheating them in the oven or toaster oven.

In fact, there are different characteristics between toaster ovens and microwaves, but these kitchen appliances can warm your food perfectly. And always keep an eye on the donuts while it is heating because you will not want to keep them in there for too long.

Watch this video to know more:

Watch this video: Reviving donuts can be easy if you carefully follow the instructions!

How To Keep All Types Of Donuts Fresh?

Donuts come in various versions with different ingredients. They can be in American, European, or Asian style, like those in Korean sweet course menus. And the proper way to keep donuts fresh will depend on the type of donut.

First of all, there is a big difference between the donuts you make at home and the ones made in a donut shop. Then, there is a difference between cake and yeast donuts, as well as donuts that have filling or icing.

Depending on the specific type of donut, you can do something to make it last longer and taste fresher. Let’s go over some handy tips and tricks to keep all types of donuts fresh for longer!

Assorted Donuts Chocolate
Different types of donuts are best kept in different ways.

1. Cake Donuts

Cake donuts are some of the easiest donuts to store. The only thing you need to do is wrap them in plastic or put them in an airtight container.

If you wrap the donut properly, it can last for as long as five days when left at room temperature, while it will stay fresh for even longer if you refrigerate it. The only thing to look out for is not leaving the donuts in the sun or the heat because that will make them go bad sooner.

2. Yeast Donuts

Yeast-raised donuts last only a couple of days when at room temperature, or up to 4 days when in the fridge. It is best to put them in airtight containers or wrap them in plastic foil, you can also put them in aluminum foil but it will not do as good a job at protecting them.

Yeast donuts tend to be fluffy and very light, so they will dry out a bit faster. This means that you should protect the donuts as soon as possible because they will turn stale even if left only overnight!

3. Donuts With Filling

Donuts are usually filled with cream or jelly, even pudding in some cases. While this contributes to the moisture of the donut, which can make it last longer, it will also cause the donut to go bad faster.

Too much moisture will cause the donut to go bad. This means that filled donuts will have to be stored properly if you want to eat them days after you make them.

Keep the donuts in the fridge and stored them in an airtight container. You can enjoy them for 3 to 5 days this way. This is necessary no matter what kind of filling the donut has. Trust me on this one!

4. Donuts With Icing

When it comes to donuts with icing, it might not be the best idea to store them in a fridge. The reason for this is that the fridge creates a moist environment that causes changes in the glaze of the donut.

Once the glaze gets absorbed into the donut, it will become all sticky and messy. If you want to avoid this, do not place the donut in the fridge – instead, try keeping it at room temperature.

This means that you will have to wrap the donuts or place them in a plastic bag. Make sure to keep them like that for only a couple of days because they will start to go bad after that.

How Do You Store Donuts At Home?

One of the most important steps to learning how to keep donuts fresh is learning how to properly store them. From aluminum and plastic wrapping to containers – there are so many things that I want to talk to you about.

If you want to learn more about proper storing techniques, make sure to keep reading, as I will cover all that you need to know about storing donuts at home.

1. Keep At Room Temperature

If you want to store donuts at room temperature, you will need an airtight container. Find the best and most effective freezer containers that will keep your donuts from going stale.

You can also use a storage bag to keep the donuts in. In this case, you should try to get as much air out of the bag when you are storing the donuts, possibly even seal the bag with a vacuum sealer.

Wrapping the donuts in aluminum foil or plastic wrapping is also a great way to keep them fresh on the counter.

2. Store In Refrigerator

This is a very good idea because it can make the donuts last for up to seven days. It is advised to always put cream-filled donuts in the fridge because it will keep them from going bad.

When you put donuts in the fridge, you should wrap them in foil first or put them in an airtight container. You can also place the donuts on a plate and cover them with plastic wrap. If you still have the original donuts box, you can put them in it and wrap the box with cling film.

Stir clear from plastic bags, as they tend to turn donuts into a mess because of the moisture that is trapped in them.

3. Freeze Donuts

Freezing donuts is not a good idea unless you are planning to keep the donuts for at least a couple of months before you eat them.

If you want to freeze donuts, you should first place them on a lined baking sheet and freeze them on the sheet for about four hours. Once those four hours pass, you can transfer the donuts to an airtight container. Make sure to seal the container properly and place it in the freezer.

Even though donuts can be frozen for up to three months, it is not advised to keep donuts for as long. You should try to eat them before those three months pass.

Do Homemade Donuts Stay Fresh Longer?

I have mentioned before briefly that there is a difference in how to keep donuts fresh when it comes to homemade donuts and store-bought ones.

For one, when you make donuts at home you are in total control of the things you use. You know what kind of ingredients you are using, if they are fresh or not, or if there is anything bad in the donut mixture.

On the other hand, with bought donuts, you do not know what has been used in the making. There might be some ingredients that are not good for you or that might cause the donuts to go bad quicker.

My advice is always to try to make the donuts at home. There are also other ways to prepare donuts without the help of donut pans in case you don’t have them on hand.

Or you can use a donut maker that will make things easier for you. Or the last option, go to a trusted shop and buy ready-made donuts!

Donuts Powdered Sugar
If you have the time, try making donuts at home.

Watch this video to know more:

Watch this video: How to make the cutest little homemade donuts with a donut maker!

Why Do Glazed Donuts Get Wet?

In addition to learning how to keep donuts fresh, you should also learn how to keep them from getting wet or sweating. This usually happens with glazed donuts, as a result of the sugar that has been used in the glaze.

As it happens, the glaze starts to melt after some time and it shows on the donut in the form of sweat. This is not something bad so if you see your donuts getting wet, do not worry about them, as they are still good for eating.

Are Stale Donuts Bad For You?

Every so often, you can forget a step when learning how to keep donuts fresh and that results in your donuts going bad or stale. If you are wondering what to do with stale donuts, the best answer is to just throw them away.

In case the donuts are only a couple of days old, you can try to reheat them and eat them. However, if they have been laying around for longer than that, you should throw them away without tasting them.

If you are not sure how old the donuts are, check to see if they smell bad or if they show signs of mold anywhere on them. In case you see that they are already turning bad, you should throw them away.

Eating moldy donuts can cause many problems, including stomachaches and diarrhea. You will want to avoid this at all costs as that can lead to additional problems.

FAQs

Last but not least in my detailed guide on how to keep donuts fresh, I would like to mention some of your most frequently asked questions. I hope that these answers will help you make good decisions when it comes to donuts!

How Long Are Donuts Good For In The Fridge?

Usually, donuts will be good for about seven days if you put them in the fridge. This is an improvement from the only two days that donuts can last for at room temperature.

Can You Freeze Fresh Donuts?

Of course! If you are making the donuts at home or what bought them from a store, you should wait until they are cooled down before you freeze them!

Can You Freeze Cream Filled Donuts?

Yes, you can freeze donuts filled with any type of cream, chocolate, or jam. Once you take them out of the freezer, you can warm them up in a microwave or an oven before you eat them. But remember – you should never re-freeze them again!

Will Freezing Donuts Hurt?

Freezing donuts will not necessarily cause them to go bad; it is the re-freezing that mostly hurts them. If you have frozen donuts, always check them for mold or bad smell to tell if they are good or not.

If you see no signs of mold or no bad smells, you can eat the donuts without having to worry about them harming your health.

How Long Do Mochi Donuts Last?

Mochi donuts can last up to three days before turning stale. You can always refrigerate them to make them last longer, but that will cause the mocha to go hard.

If you want to keep the same taste, you should eat the donuts immediately after you buy them.

How Long Do Krispy Kreme Donuts Stay Fresh?

Krispy Kreme donuts can last up to four days if you put them in the fridge and store them in a good container.

You can also put the donuts in the freezer for up to three months. With this type of donuts, you should only heat them for eight seconds when you take them out of the freezer and they will be as good as new.

Should I Put Krispy Kremes In The Fridge?

You can always do that, but it is much better to keep them in the original packaging and leave them at room temperature. Only if you are planning on eating them days later should you put them in the fridge in a container of plastic wrapping.

Can You Freeze Little Debbie Donuts?

Yes, you can. If you want to freeze Little Debbie Donuts, the company advises removing the original packaging and wrap all donuts with aluminum foil. If you do not have foil, you can always use a freezer bag to store the donuts.

Can I Freeze Apple Cider Donuts?

Like all other types of donuts, apple cider donuts can also be put in the freezer for up to three months. With that being said, make sure to use a good container or bag when you put them in the freezer.

When you want to take them out and eat them, you should only put them in the microwave for 30 seconds and they will be as good as new!

All You Need To Know About Keeping Donuts Fresh!

I hope that my guide helped you learn how to keep donuts fresh and all the storage techniques that you can use to get the most from them. From homemade to store-bought donuts with filling or glaze or anything else, this guide will help you learn everything you need about the durability of all types of donuts.

If you have any tips or tricks on this topic that you would want to share, please do not hesitate to share them in the comment section below! All advice is welcomed!

Keep Donuts Fresh

How To Keep Donuts Fresh

It’s important for donut lovers to learn how to keep donuts fresh. Here is a brief guide to keeping different types of donuts delicious.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: best ways to keep donuts fresh, How to keep donuts fresh
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 192kcal

Ingredients

  • Fresh donuts
  • Aluminum foil or plastic wrapping
  • Airtight container

Instructions 

Cake Donuts

  • Wrap them in plastic or put them in an airtight container.
    Sugared Donuts
  • Keep at room temperature away from the heat for up to 5 days.
    Donuts Bought Bakery

Yeast Donuts

  • Place the donuts in airtight containers or wrap them in cling film.
    Two Glazed Donut
  • Store at room temperature for 1 to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
    Glazed Sweet Donuts

Donuts With Filling

  • Place the donuts in airtight containers and refrigerate them. The donuts will last for 3 to 5 days.
    Donuts Colorful Toppings

Donuts With Icing

  • Wrap the donuts or place them in a plastic bag.
    Tasty Glazed Raspberry Donut
  • Store at room temperature for 1 to 2 days.
    Colorful Donuts In Box

Notes

  • The listed calories are based on 12 glazed, cake-type donuts.
  • To store donuts for a longer time, you can put them in a fridge or a freezer.

Nutrition

Calories: 192kcal
Keep Donuts Fresh
Jamie Scott

Jamie Scott

Editor in Chief, Senior Content Writer

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Western Food Evaluation Expert

Education

Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Gained foundational knowledge in French and European culinary techniques. Participated in workshops and hands-on training sessions under the guidance of seasoned chefs.

Local Community College, New York, NY

  • Program: Associate’s Degree in Nutrition
  • Focus: Acquired basic understanding of nutrition principles, dietary needs, and the importance of balanced diets in daily life.

Jamie Scott is a skilled culinary expert and content creator specializing in Western cuisine. With over 15 years in the culinary field and formal training from Le Cordon Bleu, Paris, Jamie deeply understands how to blend nutrition with delicious flavors. His passion for cooking matches his commitment to making healthy eating accessible and enjoyable.

On Fifteen.net, Jamie brings a fresh perspective to classic dishes and beverages, offering readers insightful recipes, cooking tips, and a fresh view on meal planning that emphasizes taste, health, and simplicity.

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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