The Trick To Storing Donuts Overnight So They're Not Stale In The Morning

Like many pastries, donuts hold a timeless appeal that transcends any one specific occasion. Synonymous with coffee runs, Friday office meetings, and weekend brunches, donuts are delectable morning treats that serve as a promise of good things to come. Whether they're homemade or from your local Dunkin', every sweet, frosted ring is a gift that should not be wasted. That's why it's important to store your donuts properly. When it comes to these timeless treats, the right storage can mean the difference between delightfully soft, tender donuts, and hard, stale disappointments.

How long your donuts will stay fresh depends on whether they're the yeast or cake variety. Yeast donuts are the lighter option, and have a subtle taste with a soft, fluffy texture. These are very often glazed, but can also be filled with jelly, chocolate filling, and whipped or Bavarian cream. Cake donuts, like blueberry or apple spice donuts, are much denser — though are crumbly in contrast to yeast donuts' slightly chewy bite. Regardless of the type, the best way to store it is to put it in an airtight bag or plastic container. The donuts can then be left on the counter, where yeast donuts will last a couple of days, while cake donuts can stay good for almost a week.

In general, the airtight container can be left unrefrigerated so long as it's kept out of the sun and away from hot areas, like near the oven. However, any donuts with a jelly, creme, or dairy-based filling need to be stored in the refrigerator, or they may grow mold. Putting regular donuts can also help them last longer, but it will also make them have a chewier bite.

As far as longer-term donut storage solutions go, the treats can stay in the freezer for three months without going bad. Any donut can be frozen, but plain donuts freeze better than heavily frosted ones. Before you dig into your leftover donuts, do a quick check to make sure they're still edible. If you spot any mold or detect an unpleasant odor, the donuts are past saving and should be discarded. 

It's practically impossible to recreate the taste and texture of a donut fresh from the bakery, but popping a day-old donut into the microwave for twenty seconds or so will get you pretty close. Old donuts are also great for enhancing other desserts, like donut bread pudding or a donut ice cream sundae.