Can You Freeze Brownies Without Ruining Them?

Updated: Mar. 28, 2024

When you want to save these fudgy treats for later, you'll need to know how to freeze brownies.

When I’ve just made a fresh pan of warm brownies, there is one thought that flashes through my mind: “How can I make them last as long as possible?” The answer is simple—freeze ’em! Like freezing a cake or freezing cheesecake, there are a few tips to consider so you end up with the best outcome after thawing.

Can you freeze brownies?

Yes! Brownies can be frozen for three months and returned to their original fresh-from-the-oven state without an issue. While freezing brownies is simple, some types thaw better than others.

The best types of brownies to freeze

Just about every type of brownie—whether it’s homemade or from a boxed mix—is ideal for freezing. If you’re making frosted brownies and using the freezer to help you prep in advance, it’s best to cut and freeze your brownies before adding the frosting. But fear not if you’re freezing leftover frosted brownies! Though they might not be as pretty as they initially were, the texture and flavor of frozen frosted brownies will still be OK. Just make sure to wrap them well and be prepared for the frosting to weep slightly.

When it comes to freezing brownies with mix-ins, it’s perfectly okay to go (pun intended) nuts. Brownies that are studded with pieces of candy, shredded coconut, swirls of caramel, mini marshmallows or toasted nuts can be frozen without incident and will continue to be absolutely delicious once they’ve been properly thawed.

If a recipe calls for cream cheese swirl or jam filling, those dairy and liquid-based ingredients may sweat as they come to room temperature. While this extra moisture won’t change the flavor of the brownies, it will affect the appearance and texture.

How to Freeze Brownies

Freezing food is easy. There are a couple of options for storing these chocolaty indulgences long term. Pick your method based on what you want to use them for in the future.

How to freeze a whole pan of brownies

A full pan of brownies cooling on a metal rack before being prepped further for freezingTMB Studio

Freezing brownies as an uncut slab is the best method for protecting them from freezer burn and oxidation. Since air can only creep into the brownies from the edges of the slab, the center is totally protected from drying out or slight color changes.

To freeze a whole pan (or a pan short of a slice!), line the pan you’ll bake in with parchment paper. Make sure plenty of the paper pokes out above the brownies so it is easy to grab—you’ll use it to remove the baked brownies from the pan.

After baking the brownies, let them cool completely. Wrap the whole sheet of brownies tightly with plastic wrap, then wrap again with foil.

This method is best when you plan to serve the entire pan, since you’ll need to thaw it all at once. It is not ideal when you want to thaw individual brownies.

How to freeze individual brownies

Brownie slices being prepped for freezingTMB Studio

If you prefer a brownie to be available at any time—chocolate cravings are real!—freeze them individually.

Slice cooled brownies and place them in a glass or plastic container in a single layer. Cover that layer with wax or parchment paper. Press the paper lightly into the top of each brownie to create a better seal. Top with another layer of brownies and repeat until the container is full or you run out of brownies. Cover the top layer of brownies with paper to keep them as fresh as possible.

How to Thaw Brownies

Defrosting brownies is a snap. Unwrap and set them on a plate on the counter to allow them to come to room temperature.

If you just can’t wait for your fudgy treat, pop it into the microwave on 50% power for 15-second increments. Don’t let it get too hot—best to test a little nibble first.

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