How to store bread and cakes
Where to keep bread, cake, cheesecake, cookies, doughnuts, muffins, pie, sponge cake, and tortillas, and how long each one lasts there, straight from its own guide.
Food storage chart
How long each food keeps at room temperature, in the fridge, and in the freezer.
| Food | Room temperature | Fridge | Freezer | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bread | 14-18 days | 2-3 weeks | 3-5 months | |
| Cake | 3-7 days | 7-10 days | 6 months | |
| Cheesecake | Not given | 5-7 days | 3-6 months | |
| Cookies | 2-6 months | Not given | 8-12 months | |
| Doughnuts | 1-2 days | 2 days | Not given | |
| Muffins | 3-7 days | Not given | 2-3 months | |
| Pie | 2 hours | 3-4 days | 1-2 months | |
| Sponge cake | 3-7 days | 7-10 days | 6 months | |
| Tortillas | 3 months (flour), 25-45 days (corn) | 3 months (flour), 60-90 days (corn) | 6 months (flour) | |
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How to keep bread fresh for days or months
Store-bought bread lasts 14 to 18 days in the pantry and 3 to 5 months in the freezer. Homemade bread lasts 3 to 5 days, per USDA FoodKeeper.
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How long does cake last in the fridge?
Store-bought cake lasts 3 to 7 days in the pantry, 7 to 10 days in the fridge after opening, and 6 months in the freezer for best quality.
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How long is cookie dough good for in the fridge?
Cookie dough keeps in the fridge until its use-by date and 2 months frozen. Soft cookies last 2 to 3 months in the pantry, crispy ones 4 to 6.
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Can you freeze donuts? The USDA says skip it
Doughnuts last 1 to 2 days in the pantry and 2 days in the fridge after opening. USDA FoodKeeper doesn't recommend freezing them.
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Can you freeze muffins? Yes, for up to 3 months
Muffins last 3 to 7 days in the pantry and 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Skip the fridge, where muffins quickly dry out and go stale.
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Does pumpkin pie need to be refrigerated?
Pumpkin pie can sit out only 2 hours, then keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Apple and other fruit pies last 1 to 2 days at room temperature.
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Questions people ask
Does homemade bread last as long as store-bought bread?
No. Homemade bread keeps 3 to 5 days in the pantry, while store-bought bread keeps 14 to 18 days. FoodKeeper notes that homemade bread may have a shorter shelf life because it lacks preservatives.
Can pumpkin pie sit out overnight?
Pumpkin pie shouldn't sit out overnight, because USDA FoodKeeper gives it only 2 hours at room temperature. Refrigerate it within that time.
How long can store-bought cake sit in the pantry?
3 to 7 days, counted from the date of purchase, according to USDA FoodKeeper.
Do cookies need to be refrigerated?
No, USDA FoodKeeper gives cookies pantry and freezer times, not a fridge time. Soft cookies keep 2 to 3 months in the pantry and crispy cookies 4 to 6 months.
Can you thaw cheesecake on the counter?
No. The USDA says to never thaw food on the counter, and the safest way is slowly in the refrigerator.
Do flour tortillas go bad?
Yes, flour tortillas go bad. FoodKeeper gives them 3 months in the pantry, 3 months in the fridge after opening, and 6 months in the freezer.