Knowing all the different ways to freeze cake and other baked goods means you can enjoy them whenever you want and save time and money at the same time.
If freshly baked, cool the cake or baked good completely on a wire rack.
To freeze pie:
Wrap the pie with heavy duty foil and place on a flat surface in the freezer. Don't thaw it before baking; simply place the frozen pie in a 425° oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat to 375° and continue baking until the crust is brown and the filling is hot and bubbly, typically another 45 minutes.
To freeze cake, brownies, and bread:
You can freeze the cake, brownies, or bread either whole or in slices. To freeze the whole thing, wrap it well with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a large ziptop bag. To freeze slices, place them in an airtight freezer container, separating layers with parchment paper, or wrap each piece with plastic wrap and place them in a ziptop freezer bag.
To freeze waffles and pancakes:
Cook the waffles or pancakes according to the recipe instructions, allowing them to brown a little less than you prefer them. Cool them completely on a wire rack. Place in a ziptop freezer bag and stash in the freezer. For pancakes, you can wrap short stacks in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer bag.Reheat from frozen in the microwave or toaster.
To freeze muffins:
To freeze unbaked: Prepare the muffin recipe and scoop the batter into paper or silicone-lined baking cups. Do not bake. Freeze until firm. Once firm, transfer the frozen muffin pucks to a ziptop freezer bag or airtight container. To bake, place the frozen muffin pucks back into the baking pan and bake according to the recipe, adding about five minutes to the bake time.
To freeze baked muffins: Bake the muffins according to your recipe. Cool them completely on a rack. Place in a ziptop freezer bag and stash in the freezer. Thaw, wrapped, at room temperature.
To freeze cookies:
Freeze the unbaked dough in a covered container; thaw in the refrigerator before forming the cookies and baking as directed by the recipe. Freeze dough balls on a tray and then place them in a zippered freezer bag. Bake from frozen. Freeze baked and cooled cookies in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature and serve.
To freeze baking mixes:
Simply combine the dry ingredients for the recipe in a bag marked with the rest of the recipe directions. Store the bag of mix in the pantry or in the freezer for longer shelf life.
For all baked goods:
Label the package well with the date and the name of the recipe. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Notes
Nutritional values will vary widely based on the brownie recipe you use.Tips for success: You can store different types of baked goods in the same freezer container, however, be sure not to store heavily scented ones, such as peppermint or banana together. Everything will taste like peppermint or banana if you do!Likewise, you can store different types of baked cookies and brownies together in the same container, separating them with layers of parchment paper or deli wrap, however, do not mix textures. For instance, do not combine very crispy cookies with soft brownies as their textures will change when stored together. To freeze frosted items: Place the cooled and frosted baked good in the freezer. Once the frosting is very firm, wrap it carefully in foil or plastic wrap and slip inside a ziptop bag. Store in the freezer. Unwrap prior to thawing to prevent the icing from smearing.