How to Store Donuts? Prevent Spoiling Donuts

I love donuts! Who does not, right? These mouth-watering confections are great for any occasion. Whether I am celebrating for a particular reason or feeling sad about something, I always look for donuts. They are not just for good times but they are also my comfort food. This is no wonder why my kids share the same love for donuts. We never run out of them at home, be it homemade ones or store-bought. This is why it is important for me to know the best way how to store donuts.

These treats are best consumed shortly after they have been made. They contain ingredients that easily become havens for bacterial growth if left exposed in room temperature for some time. As a result, they lose their flavor and texture— the two things we love about donuts!

However, does this mean we cannot make or buy them in bulk? So, in this article, we will tackle all there is to know about our favorite treat and how to store donuts properly!

History of Donuts

Before anything else, let us first talk about how donuts came into existence. It is pretty interesting and will help us learn why some have holes and some have none. It will also allow us to appreciate the creativity of the past generations. I bet we will love donuts more once we trace back where they really came from!

Truthfully, it is really hard to tell where and how donuts exactly came into existence. There are different tales around the world. However, there are some significant events marked in history that form the popular story about our favorite treat.

Early 19th Century

Accordingly, it all started with the Dutch. In the early 19th century, they were making olykoeks or oil cakes. These are cake balls fried in pork fat until they turn golden brown. The problem with these delicacies is that the middle part did not cook as fast and as good as the rest of the ball.

To solve this problem, the Dutch filled the olykoeks with ingredients that do not need cooking. These fillings include fruits, nuts, among others.

1847

As many Dutch migrated to the US, they brought their olykoeks with them. This is where and how Americans enter the picture, all in the face of Hanson Gregory, a ship captain.

Gregory is credited as the one responsible for the hole-in-the-middle shape of the donuts we love today. History has it that he punched a hole in the center of olykoeks before they were fried.

This provided a better solution for the problem aforementioned. The hole improved the hot oil exposure and surface area of the confection. More importantly, it got rid of the part that is not easily cooked!

1920

In 1920, Russian immigrant Adolph Levitt devised the first machine that automated the donut-making process. It was so ambitious and futuristic at the time, but it helped build the hype for donuts. What was once a simple Dutch delicacy is now bound to be loved around the world.

1934

14 years later, donuts were named as the food hit of the Century of Progress at the World’s Fair in Chicago. Instantly, they became known all over the US and in fact, all over the world.

Word Origin

There are also several theories about the origin of the word “donut”. Some say that the word was coined because of the nuts used as filling. There are also some saying that the term originated from the phrase “dough knot”, which is another well-known shape of olykoeks.

Originally, it is called a doughnut. However, in the 1900s, the term “donut” was adapted. These two terms are still accepted in the English language and may be used interchangeably.

How To Store Donuts at Home?

Whether you bake your own donuts or buy them from the store, it is important that you know how to store donuts properly. Leaving them out in the open for some time can easily compromise their quality. What is worse is that they may get spoiled, putting them all to waste. So, let us find out how to store donuts for freshness!!!

If you are making your own donuts, make sure that you let them cool properly before storing them. Otherwise, chances are they will easily go to waste.

When storing donuts, make sure that you wrap them in foil or plastic. You can keep them in room temperature of 60°F to 70°F for up to two days. Then, if you still have not consumed your donuts after two days, it is time to put them in the fridge. Keep them sealed properly in the fridge for up to seven days. Maintain a temperature of 35°F to 45°F.

Beyond one week, you can still store your donuts for up to three months. This time, you just need to keep them in the freezer. There is nothing wrong with freezing donuts as long as you keep them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Make sure that you maintain a freezing point temperature or 0°F.

How Long Do Donuts Last?

When we ask, “how long do donuts last?” we are referring to how long they do stay fresh without losing their flavor and texture. If you do not know this thing, you will don’t know how to store donuts to keep fresh.

At room temperature, donuts may last up to two days. In the fridge, where the temperature ranges between 35°F and 45°F, they can last for a week. Then, at freezing point, they remain good for consumption up to 12 weeks. 

How To Reheat Donuts?

Of course, when we store donuts in the fridge or freezer, we need to reheat them once we are ready to eat them. There are two ways we can do this— 1) using the microwave; and 2) using the oven.

1. Reheat Donuts in Microwave

Using the microwave is best for donuts with icing. This will not melt the icing since we only need to place them in the microwave for 15 seconds, more or less.

All you need to do is place the donuts in a microwave-safe plate or paper towel. Then, set the microwave on medium power at 15 seconds. Should you not yet be satisfied with the outcome, you can add five more seconds per interval until you get your desired results.

When you take your donuts out of the microwave, make sure to let them cool for a few minutes before eating. They may still be too hot, especially when they have fillings.

2. Reheat Donuts in Oven

Reheating donuts using the oven is perfect for donuts without icing. It takes roughly five minutes, and this prolonged exposure to heat will cause the icing to melt all over the baking pan. However, you can still reheat donuts with icing in the oven if you want to forego some of the icing, especially if you find it too sweet or overwhelming.

To reheat donuts using the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F. Then, place them on a baking pan or foil. Reheat them for up to five minutes.

Top 7 Donuts Recipes Your Kids Will Love

#1. Chocolatey Vegan Donuts

WHAT YOU NEED

HOW TO MAKE THEM

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2. Grease the donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 3. Put together the almond flour, almond milk, almond oil, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, banana, cacao powder, coconut sugar, peanut butter, quick cooking oats, sea salt, and vanilla extract in a blender. Blend all ingredients on high setting until the mixture becomes smooth and thick.

Step 4. Add the vegan dark chocolate chips in the mixture and fold into batter using a spatula.

Step 5. Spoon the batter into the donut pan.

Step 6. Let them bake for a maximum of 14 minutes or until the donuts are springy to the touch.

Step 7. Remove them from the oven and let them cool in the donut pan for at least five minutes.

Step 8. Flip them out onto a cooling rack to let them cool further.

Step 9. Whisk together the almond milk, organic powdered sugar, and peanut butter powder to make the glaze.

Step 10. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled donuts to serve.

# 2. Cinnamon Donuts

WHAT YOU NEED

*** For the cinnamon crumbling topping

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour;
• 1 tbsp softened, unsalted butter;
• 1 ½ tbsp brown sugar; and
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

*** For the cinnamon icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar;
• 2 tbsp milk; and
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the vanilla icing:

• 1 cup powdered sugar;
• 1 ½ tbsp milk; and
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

HOW TO MAKE THEM

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2. Grease the donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 3. Sift all-purpose flour, baking powder, cornstarch, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt in a bowl, and set aside.

Step 4. Whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter in another bowl.

Step 5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Mix them well together until the resulting batter is free of clumps and set aside.

Step 6. Cut the corner of a pastry or ziplock bag. Use this to pipe the batter into the donut pan.

Step 7. Let the donuts bake for a maximum of nine minutes or until the donuts seem dry and puffy.

Step 8. Remove them from the oven and let them cool in the donut pan for at least two minutes.

Step 9. Flip them out onto a cooling rack to let them cool further.

Step 10. Dip them in the cinnamon icing.

Step 11. Sprinkle the cinnamon crumbling topping on top of the donuts quickly, letting it stick to the cinnamon icing.

Step 12. Let the donuts dry for up to 15 minutes.

Step 13. Drizzle the vanilla icing on top of the donuts.

Step 14. Let them dry for another 20 minutes before serving.

***For The Cinnamon Crumbling Topping:

• Put together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl.
• Mash the softened, unsalted butter into the mixture using your fingers until all ingredients are all blended well together.
• Pinch the dough within your fingers, breaking it apart into smaller pieces, once it is completely firm and smooth, and set aside.

*** For The Cinnamon Icing:

• Whisk together the ground cinnamon, milk, and powdered sugar in a bowl, and set aside.

*** For The Vanilla Icing:

• Whisk together the milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
• Pour it into a pastry or ziplock bag with the corner cut out and set aside.

# 3. Lemon Blueberry Donuts

WHAT YOU NEED

How To Make KRISPY KREMES

*** For the​​ gl​aze:

• 2 cups powdered icing sugar;
• 7 ½ tbsp fresh lemon juice or milk; and
• 1 ½ tsp lemon zest

HOW TO MAKE THEM

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Step 2. Grease the donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 3. Whisk together the canola or vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and melted, unsalted butter in a bowl until the mixture becomes fluffy and smooth.

Step 4. Whisk in together the buttermilk or substitute regular milk, eggs, grated lemon zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth.

Step 5. Whisk in together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until the mixture is free of lumps.

Step 6. Stir in the fresh blueberries until the batter becomes thick.

Step 7. Spoon the batter into a disposable freezer or piping bag with a cutout corner that is about ½” to ¾” wide. Make sure that the cutout corner is large enough to let the fresh blueberries pass through.

Step 8. Pipe the batter into the donut pan, making sure that it does not fill the holes as much to prevent the donuts from expanding and rising unnecessarily.

Step 9. Let the donuts bake for up to eight minutes or until when you stick a toothpick into them, it comes out clean.

Step 10. Remove them from the oven and let them cool in the donut pan for at least 10 minutes.

Step 11. Flip them out onto a cooling rack to let them cool further and set them aside.

Step 12. Put together the fresh lemon juice or milk, lemon zest, and powdered icing sugar in a bowl. Note that it should be thin enough to coat the donuts evenly and thick enough to let it set and seem dry.

Step 13. Dip the donut tops into the glaze and overturn them, letting the glaze run down the sides for a better presentation.

#4. Mapple Pecan Donuts

WHAT YOU NEED

*** For The Icing:

• ¾ cup chopped pecans;
• 2 cups sifted, powdered sugar;
• 2 ½ tbsp milk;
• 3 ½ tbsp maple syrup; and
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

HOW TO MAKE MAPLE PECAN DONUTS

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2. Grease the donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 3. Beat together the dark brown sugar and unsalted butter until creamed.

Step 4. Add the eggs one by one to blend them well.

Step 5. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and ground cloves in a bowl.

Step 6. Gradually pour the dry mixture into the mixer.

Step 7. Add the vanilla extract.

Step 8. Slowly add the milk until the batter becomes smooth.

Step 9. Spoon the batter into the donut pan.

Step 10. Let the donuts bake for up to 15 minutes.

Step 11. Remove them from the oven and let them cool in the donut pan for a few minutes.

Step 12. Flip them out onto a cooling rack to let them cool further and set them aside.

Step 13. Put together the maple syrup, milk, sifted, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using a wooden spoon.

Step 14. Place the mixture in the microwave and heat it for 10 seconds.

Step 15. Mix it properly until it is free of lumps and can be poured.

Step 16. Dip the donuts into the icing immediately.

Step 17. Top them with the chopped pecans.

#5. Pumpkin Spice Donuts

WHAT YOU NEED

***For The Glaze

• ¼ cup melted butter;
• 2 cups powdered sugar;
• 2 tbsp water;
• ½ tsp vanilla extract; and
• 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

HOW TO MAKE Pumpkin Spice Donuts

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2. Grease the donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 3. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, packed brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, sugar, and salt, and set side.

Step 4. Whisk together the melted butter and pumpkin puree in another bowl.

Step 5. Add the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract, and stir well.

Step 6. Gradually mix the dry and wet mixtures until the batter is free of clumps. Do not overmix. Otherwise, you will have a batter texture that is too heavy and wet.

Step 7. Pour the batter into a ziplock bag with the corner cut out.

Step 8. Pipe it into the donut pan.

Step 9. Let the donuts bake for a maximum of 12 minutes.

Step 10. Remove them from the oven and let them cool in the donut pan for at least five minutes.

Step 11. Flip them out onto a cooling rack to let them cool further and set them aside.

Step 12. Whisk together the powdered sugar and pumpkin pie spice in a bowl.

Step 13. Add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and water, and stir well.

Step 14. Dip the donuts into the glaze immediately.

Step 15. Let the glaze settle before serving.

#6. Red Velvet Donuts

WHAT YOU NEED

***For The Vanilla Cream Cheese Icing

• 1 cup powdered sugar;
• 1 oz cream cheese;
• 1 splash milk or cream; and
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

HOW TO MAKE Red Velvet Donuts

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 2. Grease the donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 3. Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, granulated sugar, salt, and unsweetened cocoa powder in a bowl, and set side.

Step 4. Whisk together the buttermilk, canola or vegetable oil, egg, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar in another bowl.

Step 5. Gradually mix the dry and wet mixtures until the batter is free of clumps. Do not overmix.

Step 6. Add more red food coloring if you want to obtain a darker color.

Step 7. Pour the batter into a ziplock bag with the corner cut out.

Step 8. Pipe it into the donut pan.

Step 9. Let the donuts bake for a maximum of seven minutes for mini ones and a maximum of 12 minutes for regular-sized ones.

Step 10. While baking, put together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl. Press the ingredients together thoroughly using a spatula until they are completely mixed.

Step 11. Add splashes of milk in the icing mixture to obtain your desired consistency. Make sure that it is smooth enough but not too drippy.

Step 12. Remove the donuts from the oven and let them cool in the donut pan for at least five minutes.

Step 13. Flip them out onto a cooling rack to let them cool further and set them aside.

Step 14. Pour the icing in another ziplock bag with the corner cut out.

Step 15. Decorate the donuts with the icing as you please.

#7. Snickerdoodle Donuts

​WHAT YOU NEED

***For The Topping:

• ⅓ cup butter;
• ½ cup sugar; and
• 2 tsp cinnamon

HOW TO MAKE Snickerdoodle Donuts

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Step 2. Grease the donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 3. Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cornstarch, cream of tartar, salt, and sugar in a bowl.

Step 4. Whisk together the lightly beaten egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract in another bowl.

Step 5. Gradually mix the dry and wet mixtures until the batter comes together evenly.

Step 6. Pour the batter into a ziplock bag with the corner cut out.

Step 7. Pipe it into the donut pan.

Step 8. Let the donuts bake for a maximum of eight minutes for mini ones and a maximum of 11 minutes for regular-sized ones.

Step 9. Remove them from the oven and let them cool in the donut pan for at least five minutes or until you can hold them with your bare hands comfortably.

Step 10. Flip them out onto a cooling rack to let them cool further and set them aside.

Step 11. Melt the butter in a bowl.

Step 12. Put together the cinnamon and sugar in another bowl.

Step 13. Dip both sides of the donuts into the butter. Alternatively, you may brush the butter on the donuts using a pastry brush.

Step 14. Sprinkle the cinnamon and sugar mixture on both sides.

To Sum It Up… How to Store Donuts For The Next Day!

Donuts go way back to the early 19th century. It has been ingrained to our culture as early as the 1800s— not just in the US but around the world. No wonder why most of us share the common denominator of fondness for these mouth-watering treats. Imagine, even the hole-in-the-middle shape of donuts have an interesting account in our history!

My kids and I love to share stories over boxes of donuts. Whether I am helping them with their homework or we are simply bonding together— we love doing these things together while having donuts.

Our family favorite are the maple pecan donuts. Whenever I have the time, I bake them for my kids. Usually, I prepare them in large batches so that we only need to reheat every time we crave.

For this reason, I have learned the importance of knowing how to store donuts correctly. Donuts only last for two days in room temperature. Beyond that period, they lose the flavor and texture we all love. So, I store them in the fridge, where they can last up to a week at the right temperature settings.

There are also times when our donuts, whether homemade or store-bought, remain unconsumed after a week. This is when I freeze them, letting them last for up to three months without compromising their flavor and texture.

The most important thing when it comes to storing donuts is that you need to seal them in an airtight container or wrapper. This is the best way to preserve them.
You can reheat them using the microwave or the oven, depending on what is on them. If they have icing, it is highly recommended that you use the microwave. Otherwise, you may use the oven.

How do you store your donuts? How do you reheat them? What are your favorite recipes? How do your kids like their donuts? I hope that you have found today’s discussion interesting and that you have learned something new! Feel free to share your thoughts with us!

Related Tips and Tricks from TheWiseMum Lists:

1. Keurig K250 vs K200 vs K50 vs K55: Which is The Best Coffee Maker?