When you want to save these fudgy treats for later, you'll need to know how to freeze brownies.
Can You Freeze Brownies Without Ruining Them?
Updated on Sep. 26, 2024
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 (which is especially a blessing if you have been extra patient while making a recipe as unique as 100-hour brownies ). 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
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
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.
The Best Brownies You're Not Baking Yet
Caramel BrowniesSatisfy your sweet tooth with these rich, gooey caramel brownies. Topped with crushed walnut pieces and a hearty swirl of caramel layered throughout, these brownies will be a delight the next time you're craving decadence.
Learn how to freeze brownies if you can't finish the whole pan.
Buckeye BrowniesMy daughter calls these brownies "pure sin!" They are always a hit, no matter where I take them. When pressed for time, I spread the chocolate layer on top just after 15 minutes in the fridge with no problem. —Patty Simmons, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Copycat Little Debbie Cosmic BrowniesTake a nostalgic trip to the past with these copycat Cosmic Brownies. Chocolate-dense brownies are covered in a chocolate glaze and finished with festive sprinkles! —Emily Parulski, Saint Francis, Wisconsin
Layered Chocolate Marshmallow Peanut Butter BrowniesA friend gave me the recipe for these layered brownies, but I added my own touch--chunky peanut butter. Every time I take these to a group gathering, I get requests for the recipe. It's a real crowd-pleaser! —Judy Sims, Weatherford, Texas
Frosted BrowniesThese Frosted Brownies have an amazing chocolate frosting that you'll adore. Sit back and savor every bit of the chewy brownie base and rich, fudgy frosting.
Oatmeal BrowniesThe oatmeal in this recipe makes these chocolaty oatmeal brownies high in fiber, protein and moisture. The result is a rich brownie bar that's both filling and sweet, satisfying both your hunger and your sweet tooth.
Cinnamon BrowniesFor Christmas one year, a friend gave us a pan of these delicious brownies. Before I figured out their secret was cinnamon, half the pan was already gone! —Gail Mehle, Rock Springs, Wyoming.
Hungry for more? Here’s our list of Christmas brownies that are a must at the dessert table.
Fudge-Topped BrowniesIf you love brownies and fudge, why not combine the two? Mix up a pan of these exquisite brownies for any holiday or special gathering—or just when you want to treat yourself to the ultimate chocolate dessert.
—Judy Olson, Whitecourt, Alberta
Oreo BrowniesThese Oreo brownies are a perfect mashup of rich brownies and a cheesecake-like topping, with your favorite childhood cookie thrown in. What's not to like?
Cream Cheese Swirl BrowniesI'm a chocolate lover, and these cream cheese brownies have satisfied my cravings many times. No one guesses the brownies are light because their chewy texture and rich chocolate taste can't be beat. My family requests them often, and I'm happy to oblige. —Heidi Johnson, Worland, Wyoming
Candy Bar BrowniesThe two kinds of candy bars baked into these brownies make them an extra-special treat. —Sharon Evans, Clear Lake, Iowa
Chocolate Crunch BrowniesThe first time I took these brownies to work, I knew I'd better start making copies of the recipe—they disappeared fast! My husband and kids gobble them up quickly, too. —Pat Mueller, Mitchell, South Dakota
Cappuccino Cake BrowniesIf you like your sweets with a cup of coffee, this recipe is good for you! These no-nut brownies combine a mild coffee flavor with the richness of semisweet chocolate chips. They're a quick and easy dessert or anytime snack at our house.
—Mary Houchin
Swansea, Illinois
Peppermint BrowniesOur peppermint brownies topped with a shiny chocolate glaze are a festive Christmas dessert that’s easy to pull off.
Candy Bar Cheesecake BrowniesI came up with these brownies as a way to use up my son's leftover Halloween candy. You can tint the cream cheese orange for a spooky touch. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grv, Utah
Skillet BrowniesSkillet brownies boast a rich, chocolaty flavor and the perfect velvety, fudgy texture. Serve them warm with ice cream, whipped cream or strawberries, and you'll be more than pleased.
Coffee ‘n’ Cream BrowniesA friend gave me the recipe for these rich cakelike brownies topped with a creamy coffee-enhanced filling and a chocolate glaze. I like to garnish each square with a coffee bean. —Michelle Tiemstra, Lacombe, Alberta
Cookie Dough BrowniesThese cookie dough brownies hit the sweet spot between a decadent brownie and a spoonful of chocolate chip cookie dough. Sweet, nutty and packed with gooey goodness, they're ideal served warm with a giant scoop of ice cream.
Black Bean BrowniesBlack bean brownies are naturally high in protein and fiber, but this recipe ensures chocolaty goodness too. If you're avoiding dairy and gluten, give these a try, but be warned: It's nearly impossible to eat just one.
Mint BrowniesWith an effervescent green hue shining from the center, these mint brownies look stunning and taste novel and delicious. The nice part? They take less than an hour to pull together.
Broadway Brownie BarsI named these dessert bars for Broadway because they're a hit every time I serve them. I especially like to make them as a gift for anyone with a sweet tooth! —Anne Frederick, New Hartford, New York
Double Chocolate Orange BrowniesI have to give my husband credit for this idea—since we love chocolate and orange together, he suggested I come up with this recipe. Now they're not only his favorite, but also the whole family's. I'm always asked to bake these brownies for family gatherings. —Elinor Townsend, North Grafton, Massachusetts
Salted Caramel BrowniesThose looking to amp up a batch of brownies only need to turn their attention to an easy, homemade salted caramel. Swirl it into the brownie batter so the caramel bakes right in. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Copycat Chick-fil-A BrowniesWhy order just one brownie when you can make a whole pan at home? This recipe turns out brownies just like the ones at Chick-fil-A. If you like, you can use dark chocolate chunks or dark chocolate chips instead of chopped chocolate. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Double Chocolate Coconut BrowniesThanks to a head start from a mix, it's easy to bake up these crowd-pleasing treats. It's hard to stop at just one brownie, but don't worry—my recipe makes 30 servings! —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi
Banana Split BrowniesHow’s this for a dish? All the joy of a banana split without the mess. Everything in this recipe fits into one pan of delectable brownie bars. —Constance Sheckler, Chestertown, Maryland
S’mores BrowniesMy family simply adores my daughter's fudgy s'mores brownies. The cinnamon graham cracker crust and the dark chocolate brownies bring our passion for s'mores to a whole new level! —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Copycat Domino’s Cookie BrowniesThis copycat recipe for Domino's cookie brownies delivers the fudgy, the gooey, the chocolaty and the chewy.
Frosted Brownie PizzaIt's impossible to eat just one piece of this dessert pizza with a chewy, chocolaty crust, creamy peanut butter frosting and mouthwatering sweet and crunchy toppings. It's warmly received wherever I take it. —Paula Riehl, Boise, Idaho
Chewy Cream Cheese BrowniesBrownies are a common dessert in our household—they're just about the only form of chocolate my husband will eat! I love this version. It makes a big batch and has a rich cream cheese layer in the center. —Barbara Nitcznski, Denver, Colorado
Sweet Potato BrowniesThis sweet potato brownie recipe is a fun take on the chocolaty dessert, especially when sweet potatoes are in season. You could also try the recipe with canned pumpkin in place of the pureed sweet potatoes. —Sue Draheim, Waterford, Wisconsin
Gluten-Free BrowniesAfter learning that six people in my family had to have gluten-free products, I had the energy to create a brownie recipe they could enjoy. The cost of this recipe is about a quarter of a ready-mix box of gluten-free brownies. You can decorate them with colorful sprinkles or more miniature chocolate chips before baking. —Clair Dax, Two Rivers, Wisconsin
Strawberry BrowniesThese strawberry brownies are actually more like blondies, since they don't call for cocoa powder. Instead, this recipe uses strawberry cake mix and white chocolate chips to create vibrant and sweet bars for berry lovers. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Chickpea BrowniesThese chickpea brownies are a great way to sneak a few extra legumes into your diet. Even though our recipe calls for a whole can of chickpeas, the cocoa powder, chocolate chips and nut butter disguise them perfectly. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Turtle BrowniesChocolate, caramel and pecans —how can you go wrong with turtle brownies? This recipe is quick and easy to make and might just become one of your new favorites.
Up Next: Learn how to make hot chocolate brownies just like Christina Tosi, queen of sweet treats and nostalgic flavors.
