Who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked goods? The tantalizing smell wafting through the air, the anticipation of sinking your teeth into a soft loaf of bread or moist cake—it’s pure bliss! But let’s face it; baked goods don’t last long. So, if you’re looking to extend the life of your bakery products, here are some handy tips and tricks to keep your treats fresher for longer.
Keep Them Tightly Sealed
Alright, first things first—proper storage is key. Baked goods don’t last long if they are exposed to air, so you need to keep them airtight. If you are going to eat the goods in the next few days, then an airtight container will suffice. For bread, keep it cool and dry in a breathable bag or quality bread box. For cakes, cookies and muffins put them in an airtight container. For those delicate pastries, wrapping them individually in plastic wrap, or place them in airtight containers.
Use Oxygen Absorber Packets
If you really want to keep oxygen at bay and prolong the life of your baked goods, use oxygen absorber packets or CO2 pads. Both products work to remove the oxygen surrounding your bakery products, to prevent microbial growth and dry textures.
Freeze Don’t Refrigerate
While the freezer is your friend, steer clear of the fridge as it can make bread and other baked goods develop strange tastes and textures. The only exception are cream-based goods that contain dairy or eggs, as these need refrigeration to stay food safe. Freezing on the other hand is a great way to preserve bakery products and is effective for unfrosted cookies, muffins and most breads.
To freeze bread, slice it up and separate the slices with parchment paper to avoid clinginess, then pop them into freezer bags. For frosted cakes, give them a quick freeze to set the frosting and then wrap them up. And pastries? Freeze them up in airtight containers or freezer bags. Just make sure your bakery products are cooled first and aren’t crammed in. When it’s time to defrost, leave your baked goods in the fridge to thaw safely before consuming.
Use Natural Preservatives
Did you know certain ingredients can also boost the shelf life of baked goods? Honey is a natural preserver and just a touch of this natural sweetener in your bread dough or cake batter can ward of bacterial and mould growth and keep your bakery products fresher for longer. The same goes for cinnamon. This delicious spice has natural microbial properties, preventing mould and slowing staleness.
Looking For Fresh Bakery Products In Mackay?
Experience the freshly baked difference at Crusty’s Bakery! We utilise classic bakehouse recipes to produce fresh, delicious bread, mouth-watering cakes and piping hot pies and sausage rolls. We serve dour bakery products direct to the public and wholesale to local schools, cafés, corporate events, hotels, charities and clubs. If you’re yearning for traditional, freshly baked goods in Mackay, visit Crusty’s Bakery today.
