Did you end up baking a big batch of the fudgiest brownies and now wonder what to do with them? Don’t worry about them going to waste because I will tell you how long your brownies can last under the right conditions.
Freshly baked homemade brownies last 3 to 4 days at room temperature, up to a week in the fridge, and for 2-3 months in the freezer. So, if you bake a big batch of brownies, all you need to know is their correct storage methods.
Brownies are the most delicious comfort food to indulge in. They taste even better when paired with ice cream, cool whip, chocolate sauce, or fresh fruits.
This article will help you find out the shelf life of brownies, the correct storage methods to make them last longer, and how to find out if they have gone bad. Let’s learn all the tips to enjoy them to their fullest potential in the sections below.
How Long Do Brownies Last?
| Brownies State | Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2 – 3 days |
| Refrigerator | 4 – 5 days |
| Freezer | 3 months |
Brownies last for 2-3 days at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months in an airtight container, freezer bag, or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
While these are the general storage guidelines for the storage of brownies, it should be noted that the shelf life of brownies also depends on the ingredients used in the recipe.
There are hundreds of varieties of brownie recipes that call for different ingredients. Thus, their shelf life may vary.
How To Tell If Brownies Have Gone Bad?
Brownies are perishable goods. No matter how long their shelf life is, they are bound to get spoilt beyond a point. Therefore, it’s important to know the signs that indicate your brownies have gone bad to prevent sickness.
1. Appearance
Change in the physical appearance of brownies is the first sign that indicates the health of your brownies. The brownies should not be consumed if they have developed mold or a fuzzy or slimy texture.
2. Smell
Fresh brownies have a sweet and chocolatey smell. If you find your brownies smelling different, sour, or rancid, it clearly indicates that they have gone bad and should be thrown away.
3. Texture
If your moist brownies have turned hard, dry, and crumbly, they are past their prime shelf life. Such brownies will not be as enjoyable to eat.
4. Taste
Change in the flavor of the brownies is a clear indicator of spoilage. If the brownies taste sour, stale, or have an unpleasant flavor, it means they have gone bad.
It’s important to remember that brownies can spoil even if stored properly, especially if left at room temperature for too long. It’s best to discard them if you are unsure whether or not your brownies are still good.
How To Store Brownies?
The quality of brownies can be maintained with proper storage methods. Be it at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or freezer. Let’s take a look at how to store brownies in the best way.
1. At Room Temperature
Freshly baked brownies can last for 2-3 days. Provided they are stored in an airtight container, airtight bags, or plastic wrap. Brownies dry out quickly if left uncovered, resulting in a texture change.
2. In The Fridge
Brownies are best stored in the refrigerator. Their shelf life increases by up to a week. However, brownies must also be stored in an airtight container, bag, or plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
Without these storage methods, your brownies may catch the odor of other foods in the refrigerator. Furthermore, they also prevent your brownies from drying out.
3. In The Freezer
The shelf of brownies increases significantly in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
To store brownies in the freezer, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container.
When you wish to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight. Or else, leave them on the countertop for a few hours.
Tips To Extend The Shelf Life Of Brownies
Now that you know all the ways to store brownies correctly, here are some more tips that can help you maintain their quality.
1. Store Brownies Only After They Are Cooled
Storing brownies correctly is important to maintain their quality according to their shelf life. However, it’s important to allow brownies to cool completely before you wrap and store them in an airtight container.
If hot brownies are packed before they have completely cooled, they can create moisture inside the packaging, leading to the brownies becoming soggy or even developing mold. Additionally, packing hot brownies can ruin their shape.
2. Avoid Cutting The Brownie
If you are left with a big chunk of brownie, it’s best to store the whole piece as it is rather than cutting it down into smaller pieces.
When we cut the brownies into smaller pieces, they are exposed to more air. This leads to a change in their texture, and the brownie becomes dry.
Therefore, if you store a full tray of uncut brownies or a big chunk of leftover brownies in an airtight container, you will be able to maintain its moisture content. You will further be able to enjoy fresh brownies by cutting them into smaller pieces as required.
3. Protect Them From Air
As mentioned above, exposure to air turns brownies dry. Thus, you should cover your brownies once out of the oven and cooled to prevent a change in texture. Make sure to store your brownies in an airtight container.
4. Add A Slice Of Bread
Keeping a slice of bread in the brownie box is a successful grandmother’s trick to keep them moist and fresh. A fresh slice of bread acts as a source of moisture that prevents the brownies from drying out.
However, remember to replace it periodically as it will eventually become stale and hard after losing moisture.
5. Drizzle Some Chocolate
Drizzling brownies with chocolate is an incredible idea, not just in terms of how extra delicious it would taste but it will act as a protective shield.
Coating brownies with chocolate will protect them from coming into contact with the air. This will help maintain their moisture and make them fudgy and chewy.
Conclusion
Brownies are the ultimate sweet indulgence for any occasion. But storing them the right way should be your top priority to enjoy them for a longer period.
So, next time you bake yourself a big batch of brownies, you can take the help of all the storage methods mentioned above.
Try them out and drop a message in the comments section below telling how successful they turned out to be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can brownies be left outside?
Brownies can be left outside for 2-3 days.
What is the best way to store brownies?
The best way to store brownies is to keep them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
For how long can we freeze brownies?
Brownies can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can we reheat brownies?
Brownies can be reheated in the microwave for 10-20 seconds until warmed to your liking.
How can we tell that the brownies have gone bad?
Changes in appearance, smell, taste, and texture indicated that the brownies had gone bad.
