Do Brownies Need to Be Refrigerated?

Brownies don't necessarily need to be refrigerated to stay fresh. They will last for 2 to 3 days at room temperature when stored in a sealed container. However, refrigerating them can extend the shelf life of brownies for up to 5 - 7 days.

How Long Do Brownies Last?

At room temperature, brownies last for 2 to 3 days when kept in an airtight container. In the refrigerator, they can last for 5 to 7 days. If you freeze them, they will maintain their best quality for up to 3 months, though they're safe to eat beyond that time frame, their taste and texture may begin to decline.

Can I Eat Freezer Burn Brownies?

While eating brownies with freezer burn won't harm you, the quality, flavor, and texture of the brownies may be compromised. If only a small portion of the brownie is affected by freezer burn, you can trim it off and enjoy the rest as usual.

Double Chocolate Brownie Recipe (+ how to store brownies)

Description

This Double Chocolate Brownie Recipe is your gateway to creating the most irresistibly fudgy brownies, perfect for any gathering. An easy-to-follow guide ensures a delicious treat every time, along with tips on how to extend the shelf life or freeze a huge batch for future indulgence.

Ingredients

80g dutch-process cocoa powder

60g all-purpose flour (cake flour)

1 tsp baking powder

370g castor sugar

Pinch of salt

4 eggs, room temperature

250g butter, melted and cooled

1 tsp vanilla extract

200g dark chocolate, chopped (or dark chocolate chips)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F)

2. Line a 20 x 30cm (9×13 inch) pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the finished brownies out. Set aside.

3. Sift cocoa, flour, and baking powder together in a large mixing bowl.

4. Add castor sugar and salt and mix well with a spatula.

5. Whisk together the eggs, butter and vanilla.

6. Fold the egg mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined.

7. Fold in the chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips.

8. Spread evenly into the prepared pan. (Batter will be very thick.)

9. Bake for 40 - 45 minutes.

10. Remove from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely in the pan before cutting.

Notes

Chef’s Tips

Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps them mix more thoroughly into the batter, contributing to a smoother texture.

Melting the Butter: Melt the butter either in the microwave or on the stove, but ensure you let it cool slightly before adding it to the eggs. Hot butter can cook or curdle the eggs, affecting the texture of your brownies.

Avoid Overmixing: To keep your brownies from sinking or developing a tough texture, mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing can compromise the fudgy texture we all love.

Testing for Doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to check if your brownies are ready. A few moist crumbs mean perfection; wet batter means they need more time.

Cooling Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This patience ensures clean cuts and preserves the brownies’ texture.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store leftover brownies in a cool place away from direct sunlight for 2-3 days. Use an airtight container to maintain freshness. Remember, store-bought brownies might last longer due to additives; always check the expiration date for guidance.

Fridge: Brownies can last 5-7 days when refrigerated. This is especially important for brownies with perishable toppings or mix-ins, such as cream cheese. Keep them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing fridge odors.

Freezer: Properly stored, brownies can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Defrosting Brownies - Individual Brownies: Allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or defrost in the microwave on low power in 15-second increments. Whole Slab of Brownies: Defrost overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 5 - 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 - 45 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 242
Sugar: 21.2 g
Sodium: 17.2 mg
Fat: 14.7 g
Carbohydrates: 27.3 g
Protein: 2.9 g
Cholesterol: 61.6 mg