How Long Do Scones Last? Complete Storage Guide for Cream Tea

Quick Reference: Cream Tea Shelf Life

 

There's nothing quite like enjoying a freshly baked Devon cream tea - warm scones, strawberry jam, and rich clotted cream. But what happens when you can't enjoy your cream tea immediately? Whether you've received one of our cream tea hampers as a gift or ordered ahead for a special occasion, knowing how to store each component properly ensures you'll enjoy the freshest possible experience.

After answering thousands of customer questions about product shelf life, we've created this complete storage guide covering everything from freezing scones to keeping clotted cream fresh.

How Long Do Scones Last?

Homemade Scones Shelf Life

Storage time: 1-2 days at room temperature, up to 1 week refrigerated

Homemade scones are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they can be stored successfully if needed. Keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry cupboard or larder for 1-2 days. Beyond this, they tend to dry out. For longer storage, refrigeration extends their life to about a week, though this can affect texture.

Can You Freeze Scones?

Yes! Freezing is the best method for long-term scone storage. You have three options:

Options 1-3 where have these methods come from

Option 1: Pre-make the Scone Mixture: Save time by preparing the dry ingredients in advance. Rub the fat into the flour, add dry ingredients, and store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. When ready to bake, simply add milk (and egg if using), knead gently, roll out, and bake fresh.

Option 2: Freeze Unbaked Scones (Recommended): This method gives you freshly baked scones on demand:

• Prepare scones as normal but don't bake
• Freeze on a baking sheet until solid
• Transfer to resealable bags or airtight containers
• Store for up to 3 months
• Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to cooking time

Option 3: Freeze Baked Scones" If you prefer to bake first:

• Cool completely before freezing
• Store in resealable bags for up to 1 month
• Defrost at room temperature for 1 hour
• Warm in a preheated oven at 150°C/300°F for 5-10 minutes

Learn more about making perfect scones 

How to Reheat Scones

Whether your scones are freshly baked, refrigerated, or frozen, reheating them properly brings back that just-baked warmth and texture.

Reheating Fresh or Refrigerated Scones

• Preheat your oven to 150°C/300°F (or 140°C for fan ovens)
• Place scones on a baking tray
• Heat for 5-7 minutes until warmed through
• The scones should feel warm to touch but not hot
• Serve immediately for the best texture

Reheating Frozen Scones

If unbaked: Place frozen scones directly in a preheated oven at your normal baking temperature. Add 2-3 minutes to your usual baking time. They'll emerge freshly baked with no need to defrost.

If pre-baked: Defrost scones at room temperature for 2-3 hours (or overnight in the refrigerator). Once defrosted, warm in a preheated oven at 150°C/300°F for 5-10 minutes.

Microwave Reheating (Quick Method) While oven reheating gives the best results, you can use a microwave in a pinch:

• Place scone on a microwave-safe plate
• Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds
• Check and add 5-second intervals if needed
• Be careful not to overheat or scones become rubbery
• Best eaten immediately as they'll harden quickly when cooled

Top Tip: Lightly brush scones with milk or melted butter before reheating in the oven for an extra-fresh taste and appearance.

Learn more about making perfect scones

Supermarket Scones Storage

Storage time: Up to 4 days (check packaging)

Commercial scones typically contain preservatives that extend their shelf life compared to homemade versions. Always check the best-before date, as some are meant for same-day consumption while others keep for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Can you freeze supermarket scones? Absolutely. Freeze as soon as possible after purchase and before the use-by date. Defrost for 2 hours in a cool, dry place and consume the same day.

Devon Heaven Scones Shelf Life

Our cream tea hampers include scones from The Devon Scone Company and Ryders Traditional Bakery. These artisan scones are best enjoyed within 3-4 days when stored in cool conditions. In warm weather, we recommend eating within 3 days from dispatch.

Pro tip: Store in a cool larder rather than the fridge to maintain the best texture.

How Long Does Jam Last?

Homemade Jam Storage

Unopened: 12 months (2 years if canned) Opened: 1 month in fridge (3 months if canned)

Store homemade jam in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, refrigeration is essential. For preserves made using traditional canning methods with hot water bath processing, you can expect up to two years of shelf life when unopened.

Commercial Jam Shelf Life

Unopened: 1-2 years Opened: 6-12 months refrigerated (best quality: 1-3 months)

Supermarket jam contains preservatives that extend shelf life significantly. The actual duration depends on fruit type, sugar content, and other preservatives. Once opened, quality remains optimal for 1-3 months, though it may last 6-12 months total.

Devon Heaven Jam Products

Both The Devon Scone Company Strawberry Preserve and Hoggs Bottom jam included in our afternoon tea hampers last for 1 year unopened. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 6 weeks for best quality.

When to Discard Jam

Normal: Darker colour over time is natural and doesn't indicate spoilage

Discard if you notice:

• Mould or yeast growth
• Off smell or fermented odour
• Significant flavour loss
• Signs of improper storage

Best Practices for Storing Jam

Unopened jars: Cool, dry, dark cupboard away from heat sources. In hot weather, consider refrigerating to maintain quality.

Opened jars: Always refrigerate with lid sealed tightly.

Usage tips:

• Take jar out of fridge only when needed
• Return immediately after use
• Always use a clean, dry spoon
• Never double-dip to prevent bacterial contamination

How Long Does Clotted Cream Last?

Clotted Cream Shelf Life

Unopened: Up to 14 days refrigerated Opened: Approximately 4 days refrigerated

Clotted cream was historically used to preserve milk before refrigeration. Whether homemade or commercial, the process is the same. Always store in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Once opened, consume within 4 days for optimal freshness and food safety.

Devon Heaven Clotted Cream Storage

Our cream tea hampers feature Langage Farm clotted cream, which is blast-frozen within 2 days of production. This premium cream has:

• 19-day chilled shelf life
• 17-day shelf life after thawing

However, because we cannot guarantee transit conditions, we recommend using within 5 days of receipt. A recommended best-before date is included with every hamper.

Can You Freeze Clotted Cream?

Yes, clotted cream freezes well for up to 6 months. However, freezing can affect consistency - the longer it's frozen, the drier it becomes. For best results:

• Freeze in original packaging or airtight container
• Use sooner rather than later (within 2-3 months ideal)
• Defrost in refrigerator overnight before use
• Stir gently if separation occurs

Is Clotted Cream Safe at Room Temperature?

While clotted cream has a relatively long shelf life when properly stored, we provide a conservative 5-day best-before date from dispatch. If delivery is delayed and your hamper arrives with the cream slightly warmer, don't worry - our products are packed with ice in insulated bags to maintain temperature during transit.

Important: Refrigerate immediately upon receipt and enjoy as soon as possible for the best taste and texture.

Shop our clotted cream products

How Long Does Tea Last?

Tea Storage and Shelf Life

Storage time: Up to 3 years when properly stored

Good news for tea lovers - tea doesn't truly expire or "go off." However, it can lose flavour intensity or develop musty notes if stored for many years or in poor conditions.

Best storage practices:

• Keep in an airtight container
• Store in a cool, dry place
• Protect from strong odours (tea absorbs smells)
• Consume within 3 years for optimal flavour

Complete Cream Tea Storage Checklist

When your cream tea hamper arrives:

1. ✓ Refrigerate clotted cream immediately
2. ✓ Store scones in an airtight container in a cool cupboard
3. ✓ Keep jam in a cool, dark place (unopened)
4. ✓ Store tea in its original packaging or airtight container
5. ✓ Check all best-before dates included in your hamper
6. ✓ Plan to enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness

For longer storage:

• Freeze unbaked scones for up to 3 months
• Freeze clotted cream for up to 6 months
• Keep unopened jam for up to 1 year

Ready to Enjoy a Fresh Devon Cream Tea?

Now that you know how to store and preserve every element of a cream tea, why not order one of our award-winning cream tea hampers? We offer:

• Next-day delivery - Order by 1pm for same-day dispatch
• Free UK delivery included
• 40,000+ 5-star reviews from satisfied customers
• Award-winning products - Gold Taste of the West Award winner

Browse our full range of Devon food hampers or explore our corporate hamper options for business gifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do scones last at room temperature? Homemade scones last 1-2 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. Commercial scones may last up to 4 days depending on preservatives used.

Can I freeze clotted cream from a cream tea hamper? Yes, you can freeze clotted cream for up to 6 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before use. Some texture changes may occur with extended freezing.

What's the best way to reheat frozen scones? For unbaked frozen scones, bake directly from the freezer at your normal temperature, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time. For pre-baked frozen scones, defrost for 1 hour at room temperature, then warm in a 150°C/300°F oven for 5-10 minutes. For best results, always use the oven rather than microwave - it maintains the scone's texture and prevents rubberiness.

How can I tell if jam has gone bad? Discard jam if you notice mould, yeast growth, off smells, or fermentation. Darkening colour is normal and doesn't indicate spoilage.

Why does Devon Heaven recommend using clotted cream within 5 days? While our Langage Farm clotted cream has a longer technical shelf life, we recommend 5 days because we cannot guarantee temperature control during delivery. This ensures you enjoy the cream at peak freshness and quality.

Related Articles:

• 50 of the Best Cream Teas in Devon
• Devon vs Cornwall Cream Tea: What's the Difference?
• 40 Hotels Serving Afternoon Tea in Devon
• How to Make Perfect Scones

Last updated: November 2025

Have questions about storing your cream tea? Contact our team for personalized advice.