So you just made a batch of perfect brownies. They are amazing, they are delicious, they are the best brownies that you have ever tasted.
You could probably eat the whole batch but it is probably a better idea to save some for later (here are some great ideas for your leftovers!). However, you want them to be just as fantastic the next day.
So what is the best way to store brownies so that they still have that just-baked taste the next day?
Here are a few tips and tricks on how to store brownies and make sure those crazy good brownies are just as mouthwatering tomorrow!
1 – Avoid Cutting Them
If you plan on storing brownies rather than eating them right away, it is best not to cut them until you are ready to eat. It’s best to let them cool anyway to get a clean cut.
When you cut brownies, you expose more parts of the brownie to the air. This can make the brownies dry out very quickly.
That means that a yummy chewy brownie is going to turn into a crunchy dry brownie quite fast. No one want’s that!
The solution to preventing your brownies from drying out is simple, just keep them in the tray they baked in, uncut until you are ready to eat them!
You can even cut off one brownie at a time just for yourself. Maybe keep a knife nearby so you can conveniently have a snack when you want one…
2 – Keep the Air Away
No matter where you plan on storing your brownies, one of the keys to keeping them fresh is to wrap them tightly. Air is your brownies enemy so any way you can prevent air from touching your brownies is something you should definitely do.
Wrapping your brownies in plastic wrap is the best way to keep brownies fresh. Since you can place plastic wrap directly on top of the brownies and really pull it tightly around the brownies, you will be able to block that drying air completely.
Foil is the second best option for storing brownies as you can bend it to be right against the brownies.
You can also choose to keep brownies fresh by placing them in an airtight container. Plastic storage containers with lids (like this set on amazon) work well as they click together and block air circulation (no dry brownies in there!).
Cookie tins or cookie jars are another option that will suffice however, they aren’t always as airtight as plastic wrap, plastic storage containers or foil.
If you are looking for a quick way to wrap individual brownies, just place them directly into Ziploc bags. Not only will this help keep the brownies away from the drying air but it will also make them convenient to eat. Need a brownie? Just grab one of the pre-packaged bags! Sounds amazing.
As you can see, they key is to keep air at bay. The longer the brownies stay wrapped and away from that evil, drying air, the better!
The tighter you can wrap them, the better! An important step in how to store brownies is definitely to wrap them well.
3 – Add a Slice of Bread
If you are storing brownies for a few days inside any type of container, place a piece of sliced bread in the top of the jar. The moisture from the bread will help keep the brownies soft and keep them fresh for a few extra days.
If you notice that the bread is starting to get dry, just replace it with a new piece of bread. It may sound crazy but this bread trick definitely works to help keep your brownies nice and soft!
4 – Dip Them in Chocolate
If you want to make some extremely decadent brownies that will stay fresh longer, try dipping your brownies in melted chocolate, covering them completely. This is just one of many ways to improve a brownie mix.
When you enrobe your brownies in chocolate, you create an airtight shell around them, preventing the air from getting to that delicate brownie surface.
Not only will your brownies be sealed from air exposure but they will also be oh so chocolaty, almost like a brownie truffle!
Now that is one fantastic way to keep brownies fresh.
5 – Keep Them at Room Temperature
Almost any chocolate baked good tastes best when stored at room temperature. Chocolate is ideal when it is close to it’s melting temperature and, when you eat a brownie that was stored at room temperature, it will melt quickly in your mouth.
Keeping brownies at room temperature also keeps them soft and chewy, almost as if they just came out of the oven!
If you choose to store the brownies at room temperature, they will stay nice and fresh for about 3-4 days. Follow the directions discussed about how to properly wrap the brownies and then just let them hang out on your counter!
However, when left on your counter, there is a good chance they will be gone before 4 days rolls around!
6 – Refrigerate for Longer Storage
If you want to keep your brownies fresh for longer than a few days, wrap them tightly and then place them in the fridge. When stored this way, brownies will stay fresh for about two weeks.
If you need to eat a brownie, simply grab one from the fridge and let it come to room temperature before eating to make sure it is nice and chewy, soft for you! You can also microwave the brownie for a few seconds to heat them up after being in the cold.
If you take a brownie or two from your batch in the fridge, be sure to wrap them back up afterward. The refrigerator can be a very drying place so you want to be sure to keep that air at bay!
Take a few out, re-wrap and your brownies will be fresh the next time you go to grab one.
7 – Freeze for Even Longer Storage
If you make a huge batch of brownies and want to keep some fresh for a long period of time, the freezer is your best option.
Once again, you are going to want to wrap the brownies very tightly, preferably in plastic wrap (that is key to keeping brownies fresh!). Then, store the brownies in the freezer for up to three months. That’s right, they will keep in the freezer for three months!
When you are ready to eat the brownies, just take them out of the freezer and let them thaw, still wrapped, at room temperature. If you need them to be ready a little faster, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds and you’ll be eating fresh tasting brownies in no time!
Using the freezer is also a great way to be able to treat yourself to a ‘fresh’ brownie every day. Make a large batch of your favorite brownie recipe and then cut and wrap the brownies as individual servings.
Store them all in the freezer and whenever you need your own brownie, it is right there waiting for you!
How to Make Brownies Fresh Again
Sometimes you make brownies and don’t have time to store them properly and they dry out. Or maybe you just didn’t wrap them quite tightly enough and some of that pesky air got to them, making them crunchy and stale.
Don’t worry! You can easily make your brownies fresh again by using the microwave.
Now, you don’t want to microwave the brownies for too long as you don’t want to cook it further and foods can burn surprisingly fast in the microwave.
Put your brownie in the microwave for about ten seconds at a time, just enough to heat it up and make it soft again. Then, enjoy it right away! Your brownie will taste fresh and delicious once again!
The Best Way Ever To Store Brownies
Now, it must be pointed out that the absolute best way to store brownies and to make sure you only eat fresh brownies is to eat them all right away.
That’s right, your stomach is the perfect “storage” place for just baked brownies. Make them, eat them and never worry about storing them again!
All kidding aside, when you take the time to make a delicious batch of brownies, you want to be sure that they last for a few days or even a few months. After all, there is no sense in making brownies if they are going to spoil or be wasted!
Yet when you follow these tried and true methods for storing brownies, you will never have to eat a dried out brownie again!
So go bake a huge batch of brownies, wrap them up tightly and store them as directed- then enjoy a fresh brownie anytime.
Happy baking!
Sarah is the founder of Baking Kneads, LLC, a blog sharing guides, tips, and recipes for those learning how to bake. Growing up as the daughter of a baker, she spent much of her childhood learning the basics in a local bakery.
Susan
Wednesday 26th of July 2023
Thank you so much for the detailed information.
Please help me with storing brownies in the bakery unit, recently i ststed selling my brownies tona local restaurant, they stored the brownie in a warmer for display reason, but the brownie has become so thick, I feel really bad seeing that, what can be done, how can I advise them to store, pls help
Sarah Bridenstine
Tuesday 1st of August 2023
Hi Susan!
You might be able to get them to store the brownies at room temperature in a large jar on a counter, maybe? That way, they are on display, and they are also not being stored in a warmer. I hope that helps!