Brownies are easy to prepare and quickly done in a flash. While you can stick with the classic chocolate brownie, you can always incorporate other ingredients you can find in the kitchen. Enrich with some healthy nuts, your favorite biscuits, or serve with frosting.
Here comes the next question when you have too many leftovers. Can you freeze brownies?
Perhaps, you want to bring your signature brownies recipe for a potluck dinner. Can you make brownies in advance and freeze them for later?
Oh, definitely yes. Just like other cakes and baked goods, brownies also freeze pretty well. Freezing improves its shelf life and causes little change to the flavor and texture.
Keep reading to delve into the right way to store and freeze brownies. You’ll also find useful information around freezing brownies.
The Best Way to Store and Freeze Brownies
As mentioned earlier, brownies are versatile and can be prepared with many different ingredients. Brownies can also be baked as a cakey or fudgy texture, depending on your preference.
In terms of storage, the best practice slightly depends on the ingredients and preparation.
Sliced brownies keep well at room temperature for 1 to 2 days. A whole block of brownies lasts a little longer, up to 4 days, if wrapped well in plastic. Therefore, it is best to cut the brownie shortly before serving.
For brownies with frosting or dairy-based fillings, they should be kept refrigerated for up to 3 to 4 days.
If you buy store-bought brownies, check the storage instructions. Some producers recommend to store the products at room temperature or freeze them for later serving. Some might be strongly against storing their products in the fridge.
If you can’t go through the whole pan of brownie in less than a week, freezing is your best option to extend its shelf life.
Brownies can be frozen successfully as a block or slices. It is best to freeze brownies without frosting. But, freezing frosted brownies is also possible.
Follow our step-by-step guide on how to freeze brownies properly.
How to Freeze a Block of Brownies
Let the brownie cool down after baking. Skip this step if you’re freezing a store-bought brownie.
Leave the parchment paper from the baking process to give support for the brownie.
If you have frosted the brownie, flash freeze it for one hour or two until the frosting is frozen solid.
Wrap the brownie tightly with plastic wrap, followed by another layer of aluminum foil. A double layer of protection helps to prevent freezer burn.
Place the wrapped brownie in a freezer bag.
Remove as much air as possible from the pack and seal tightly.
Label with the name and a freezing date (or a use-by date).
Transfer the package into the freezer.
Check your freezer regularly. Maintain the temperature at 0 °F (−18 °C) or lower.
How to Freeze Sliced Brownies
Freezing sliced brownies takes time in the process but saves you more time when it comes to the serving. Whenever you need it for your kid’s school lunch or snack on the go, you can quickly grab it.
Here are the steps to freeze leftover or sliced brownies:
Let the brownie cool down after baking.
Cut the brownie into individual slices or your preferred sizes. Use a sharp, serrated knife (or a bread knife) and gently press the blade down to cut. Wipe the knife after every cut.
Wrap each slice gently in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Double layer protection is necessary against freezer burn during long term freezing.
Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer bag.
Remove as much air as possible from the pack and seal tightly.
Label it with the name and freezing date (or a use-by date).
Toss the package into the freezer.
Check your freezer temperature regularly. Set to 0 °F (−18 °C) or lower.
How Do You Defrost Frozen Brownies?
To defrost frozen brownies, unwrap the aluminum foil and plastic wrap. Place them on a plate and let them stand at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours. For a whole pan of brownie, cut it after thawing. If you’d like to add frosting, do it before cutting.
If you prefer your brownies warm, reheat them in the microwave with a small increment of 5 to 10 seconds until they’re warm enough.
In general, brownies freeze and thaw pretty well. However, for brownies topped with cheesecake swirl, this layer may look sweaty after thawing. This is completely normal and safe to eat.
How Long Can You Freeze Brownies?
Brownies freeze well for 3 to 6 months. For the optimal texture and flavor, it is best to eat it within 3 months after freezing. This duration may depend on the recipes and ingredients. It is best to try freezing a small amount of your favorite piece and check for yourself how long it stays fresh.
FAQs
Can I freeze two-bite brownies?
Yes, two-bite brownies are just another variety of brownies. They are made in individual mini muffin cups. To freeze them, start with cooling them down after baking. Next, place them in a freezer bag and stash the package in the freezer—label with name and freezing date.
Does freezing ruin brownies?
Freezing brownies does little to negligible effect on the texture and taste if the brownies are adequately prepared and frozen. Follow our guides above. Keep in mind that unfrosted brownies freeze better than frosted ones.
Can you freeze brownies batter?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked batter. Pack the batter in a freezer bag and set it in a baking tray. Flash freeze until it is solid. Once the batter is frozen solid, remove the tray and stack the batter in your freezer.
Summary
Brownies are popular sweet treats that you may want to stock up at home. Due to their limited shelf life, freezing brownies is a feasible option to prolong the shelf life. This way, you can bake in advance and enjoy one slice at a time.
You can freeze a whole pan of brownies or sliced ones. Freezing unfrosted brownies is recommended. You can always add the frosting before serving. Carefully wrap them with plastic wrap and aluminum foil for long term storage of up to 3 to 6 months.
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
