How well do cupcakes freeze?

[TelephoneTree]

I've found a recipe for really light cupcakes (hummingbird) and DSs birthday is coming up and I'd quite like to make a big batch of cupcakes, freeze them and then ice them after thawing. Would the cake survive or go dry/solid?

[PandaG]

not iced they should be fine.

[TragicallyHip]

I haven't frozen cupcakes but I have muffins and they were fine. Do you have time to make a test batch?

[TelephoneTree]

oh yes good idea on the test batch!
do i keep them in their paper cases?

[bigTillyMint]

I often do this using all sorts of recipes, including the Hummingbird red velvet cupcakes recipe (yummm) and they all freeze well before icing. Yes, keep them in the paper cases.

[TelephoneTree]

oooh i'm making those next! can you frost them still frozen and how long do they take to thaw?

[bigTillyMint]

Well I let them defrost first as I find when defrosting, alot of moisture is released and the icing can become a bit wetter IYSWIM. They thaw within an hour easily. But they don't last long on the plate

[debka]

If you use buttercream you can freeze them iced as well. I have done this and you can honestly not tell.

[TelephoneTree]

oooh now - i froze the cakes without the frosting - can i put the frosting on while they're frozen and pop them back in the freezer until frosting frozen too and then transport them frozen and thaw at the other end??

[wildfig]

Frosting generally doesn't freeze well; can you make up a batch of frosting on the day, put it in a tupperware container and slap it on at the other end?

[TelephoneTree]

oooh now - i thawed a cake out and thought that it was a bit on the heavy side but i did forget to test the batch before it went in! the mix was bursting with lightness when I spooned it in to the cases ....