Do cream cheese muffins need refrigeration?

Here's why:

* Cream cheese is perishable: Cream cheese is a dairy product and contains moisture, making it susceptible to bacterial growth at room temperature.

* Muffins contain moisture: Cream cheese muffins, even if baked, retain moisture from the cream cheese and other ingredients. This moisture provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.

Refrigeration is crucial for:

* Preventing spoilage: Refrigeration slows down bacterial growth and helps keep the muffins fresh for longer.

* Maintaining texture and flavor: Refrigeration helps preserve the cream cheese's soft texture and prevents it from becoming dry or crumbly.

Storing cream cheese muffins:

* Refrigerate within 2 hours of baking: To ensure the best quality, refrigerate the muffins as soon as they cool down to room temperature.

* Store in an airtight container: This will prevent the muffins from absorbing other flavors in the refrigerator and keep them moist.

* Enjoy within 3-4 days: Cream cheese muffins are best eaten fresh, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Note: If you're concerned about the muffins drying out in the refrigerator, you can wrap them individually in plastic wrap before storing.