I bake a lot of muffins because they are such a great way to incorporate so much nutrition. There’s no denying that the muffins taste best the day of, but as a busy mom of two, I mainly bake them to enjoy for breakfast or as a snack throughout the week or to quickly throw into my kid’s lunchbox. I will often double the recipe to build up my freezer stash, as well. And I’ve learned some tips and tricks that help maintain maximum freshness, texture, and flavor! Here they are! Additionally, here’s how to freeze pancakes if you like to batch cook them as well. Healthy Muffins for Babies and Toddlers
On the Counter (to store for 2 days)
The most important tip is to COOL your muffins completely on a wire rack. Keep in mind the biggest enemy to preserving muffin texture and freshness is moisture, which will inevitably evaporate from the center of the muffin to the top. If you don’t store the muffins in a container or bag, they will dry out. But if you store them without something to absorb the moisture, you will end up with soggy muffins. To combat this, place a paper towel layer at the bottom of container. Then add the muffins in a single layer and cover with another sheet of paper towel. The paper towels will help absorb any extra moisture that forms. Check the paper towels every day and replace them as needed.
In the Refrigerator
While most bakers recommend not storing muffins in the refrigerator as they will dry out, I haven’t had issues with any of my muffin recipes. Perhaps it’s because they are quite moist to begin with as they were developed with babies and toddlers in mind. Simply transfer to a container (no paper towels needed) and keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To Freeze
With baked goods, like these pumpkin banana muffins, bread, cakes, etc., I like to flash freeze first! By doing so, more nutrients are preserved and it prevents the food from sticking together. This way you can just pull out whatever you need rather than thawing everything all together. I’ve also learned that it reduces the size of the ice crystals that get formed over time, which will help retain more moisture once thawed.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Avoid Freezer Burn
This happens when food is exposed to air. Therefore, do your best to remove as much air as possible. If using storage bags, stick a straw into a little opening and suck all the air out. For containers, press some plastic wrap or foil onto the surface of the food to prevent it from coming in contact with air. Note: Freezer burn does not make food unsafe.
How to Thaw Frozen Muffins
It is best to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can enjoy cold, at room temperature, or warm slightly in the microwave (no more than 30 seconds) Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
