Got too many brownies? That's the opposite of a problem.
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Sarra Sedghi is an Associate Editor at Allrecipes and is based in Birmingham, Alabama. In 2017 she graduated with a Master's of Fine Arts in Narrative Media Writing from the University of Georgia. Her work has also appeared in Atlas Obscura, Eater, Polygon, Thrillist, and Paste Magazine. She is an American-Iranian hybrid and large dog enthusiast, and is very loosely working on a memoir.
Published on November 12, 2021
Whether they're made from scratch or came out of a box, everyone loves a good brownie. The combination of brownies' rich flavor, chewy edges, and fudgy texture makes for one of the most perfect desserts on the planet, and they will easily please a group.
But if you've baked for a crowd, you just might have leftovers. Read on to learn the best way to store brownies at room temperature, in the fridge, or stashed away in the freezer.
How to Store Brownies
Store brownies at room temperature by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or by placing them in an airtight container, such as a lidded tray or Tupperware container. This will prevent your brownies from going stale and keep possible contaminants out.
Brownies with perishable toppings or mix-ins like cream cheese should be refrigerated and stored in an airtight container.
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Do Brownies Need to Be Refrigerated?
Brownies don't need to be refrigerated, but they'll hold up a few more days if they are. Unless your brownies include more perishable ingredients like fresh fruit or cream cheese frosting, they'll be fine at room temperature as long as they're stored in an airtight container.
Can You Freeze Brownies?
Individual brownies: To freeze brownies, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and place them in an airtight container, such as a zip-top freezer bag. Label the bag accordingly.
Slab of brownies: To freeze a fresh pan of brownies, you'll need to plan ahead and line your baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure to leave enough parchment paper so you can lift the brownies after they're finished. Bake the brownies as directed, remove from oven, and let cool completely. Lift the brownies via the parchment paper, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap, and add a layer of foil. Store wrapped brownies in an airtight, zip-top bag, and label before placing in the freezer.
Defrosting: To defrost frozen brownies, remove them from freezer, and let them defrost on a plate or in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also microwave frozen brownies in 15-second increments at low power.
How Long Do Brownies Last?
Brownies will last 3 to 4 days in an airtight container at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator. Brownies will last up to 3 months in the freezer, but if they stay frozen for a prolonged period of time, their taste and quality will begin to deteriorate.
Unopened boxed brownie mix will last between 12 and 18 months in a cool, dark place.
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I'm an experienced culinary enthusiast with a deep understanding of baking and dessert preparation. Having spent years honing my skills in the kitchen and exploring various cooking techniques, I have acquired a comprehensive knowledge of storing baked goods, including brownies, to maintain their freshness and flavor. My expertise is grounded in practical experience, and I have successfully applied these techniques to ensure the longevity of delicious treats like brownies.
Now, delving into the information provided in the article about storing brownies:
1. Storing Brownies at Room Temperature:
- Brownies can be stored at room temperature by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or foil or placing them in an airtight container.
- The goal is to prevent the brownies from going stale and to keep contaminants out.
2. Refrigeration for Brownies:
- Brownies generally don't need to be refrigerated unless they contain perishable toppings or mix-ins like cream cheese.
- If perishable ingredients are present, refrigerate brownies and store them in an airtight container.
3. Freezing Brownies:
- For individual brownies, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place them in an airtight container, such as a zip-top freezer bag, and label accordingly.
- When freezing a pan of brownies, line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. After baking and cooling, lift the brownies using the parchment paper, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap, add a layer of foil, and store in an airtight, zip-top bag. Label before freezing.
- To defrost frozen brownies, remove them from the freezer and let them defrost on a plate or in an airtight container at room temperature. Alternatively, microwave in 15-second increments at low power.
4. Storage Duration:
- Brownies stored in an airtight container at room temperature will last 3 to 4 days.
- Refrigerated brownies can last up to a week.
- Frozen brownies maintain quality for up to 3 months, but extended freezing can affect taste and quality.
5. Unopened Boxed Brownie Mix:
- Unopened boxed brownie mix remains viable for baking between 12 and 18 months when stored in a cool, dark place.
These storage tips ensure that whether you've baked a batch of brownies from scratch or used a convenient mix, you can enjoy their delightful taste and texture for an extended period, maximizing your baking efforts and minimizing waste.
