Entenmann undoubtedly has something for every type of baked good. The donuts, in particular, are divine! However, all donuts get stale after a short time, and one could question how to keep them fresh for longer.
Although refrigeration may help them last longer, is freezing a possibility? Yes, you can freeze Entenmann’s Donuts! In fact, it can last in the freezer for upto 2 months. You must, however, follow specific protocols and take particular precautions.
In this article, we’ll go over how to freeze Entenmann’s donuts, how long they can survive, and how to spot symptoms of spoiling, so you know when to throw them.
Entenmann’s Donuts: Storing and Freezing
Properly storing the donuts is very important, or you may be disappointed with the outcome. Due to the blend that makes donuts, it is easy for them to turn into a breeding ground for germs if you leave them out for too long. Here are steps you can follow in freezing and storing your donuts to keep them in perfect taste and shape for longer.
Step 1: Get rid of all of the store packaging.
Please do not make the mistake of storing the donuts in their store-bought packaging. There are multiple speculations of the container not being safe.
Not only that—a few years back, there was a case that settled which stated that Entenmann’s donuts contain preservatives to prevent them from spoiling and rotting on the store shelves. This is precisely why you should not toss the donuts in the packaging they came in.
Step 2: Wrap the Donuts
Now, head on to covering your donuts with a plastic wrap. This helps in protecting them from the frigid air and keeps them from sticking together. You can also use aluminum or cling film to wrap the donuts.
We recommend you use extra caution when wrapping frosted donuts as you do not want to break or smudge the icing. When wrapping donuts, ensure that air does not get trapped inside as that can spoil the donuts. Not only Entenmann’s donuts but any donuts can be wrapped and stored in this manner unless the manufacturer advises against it.
Step 3: Freezing and Storage
Use a Ziploc bag for the final step of storage. Place the wrapped donut pieces into a Ziploc freezer bag. Once again, press out any trapped air before you leave them to be.
Tip: If you are freezing donuts of multiple flavors, you can divide them accordingly, so you don’t have to go through each bag to get the one you want.
How Do You Defrost Frozen Entenmann’s Donuts?
You can take two routes when reheating donuts—microwave and oven. However, a microwave will be the best option if you’re working with frosted donuts, as it prevents them from becoming sloppy. You can even keep the frosting from melting when microwaving the donuts.
The old-fashioned or classic Entenmann’s donuts bake well in the oven. You shouldn’t necessarily have to worry about the icing melting. It should take about five minutes to re-prepare your donuts. However, as we mentioned earlier, frosted donuts should not be reheated in the oven as the prolonged heat will melt the frosting.
Here’s how you do it in a microwave:
- Unwrap the donut and place it on a microwave-safe dish or paper towel;
- Heat the microwave for 15 seconds on medium power;
- Repeat the cycle at a 5-second interval until you’re satisfied with the outcome.
Here’s how you do it in an oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F;
- Unwrap the plastic from the donut and place it on a baking sheet; you can even wrap them in a foil for better results;
- Place the donut in the oven and heat it for 5 minutes, and voila, it’s done!
How Long Do Donuts Last?
Let’s come straight to the point—plain and glazed donuts can be kept on the counter for about one to two days if they’re tightly wrapped. And you can expect them to survive upto a week in the refrigerator.
For cream-filled donuts, refrigeration is required. You cannot keep them on the counter for even a day, or they will spoil! They will last for about three to five days in the fridge.
When you freeze donuts using the best storing measures, you can keep them fresh, tasty, and edible for upto 2 months. This goes for both plain and cream-filled donuts.
Having said the above, predicting how long a donut will last is quite complex. All we can do is offer you some estimations. You have to remember that these estimations vary in some cases.
Donuts Shelf Life Chart
| Counter | Fridge | Freezer | |
| Donuts (not-cream-filled) | 2 Days | 5-7 Days | Upto 2 months |
| Cream-filled Donuts | Not counter-safe | 3-5 Days | Upto 2 months |
If you find your donut to be stale or nasty at any point, go ahead and toss it out! We will discuss some signs of rotten donuts in the next section.
What Are The Signs That Donuts Are Bad?
Here is a quick check you can do to rule out possibilities of spoilage in donuts:
Mold: Bid farewell to your dessert plans if you find any suspicious activity on the outer layer of your donuts. Look out for signs of discolorations or white patches.
Unpleasant odor: If your donut smells icky, trust your judgment and throw it out. Usually, your nose is right about the health of food!
Bad taste: The donuts’ flavor gives them all the hype. If your favorite flavor does not straight up WOW you, there is a significant chance it is getting past its prime. It’s time to throw it away.
Warning: Toss out cream-filled donuts if they have been in the fridge for more than five days, regardless of how they taste or smell. Sometimes the donut may seem just fine by appearance, but you do not know which bacterial growth is happening inside the filling.
Summary
Yes, freezing Entenmann’s donuts is a go! And there are sure-shot ways to ensure they last you for months, helping you with your mid-night dessert cravings whenever! Having said that, you must follow a few protocols and measures mentioned in this post for better outcomes. Moreover, always look out for signs of spoilage and do not consume stale donuts!