Here's How to Freeze All Your Favorite Desserts (2024)

From cupcakes to cookies to bread, never leave a baked good behind.

Betty Gold is the former senior digital food editor at Real Simple.

Updated on July 21, 2022

Take one look at my pantry, refrigerator, and countertop, and you'd think I'm prepping to host a bake sale. The only issue: There is zero reason I should be drowning in spice cake, sugar cookies, and apple crisp. Check my calendar–there's not a baked goods fundraiser in sight. I like stress-baking, OK?

Make no mistake—if you think that's going to keep me from whipping up a chocolate layer cake and a small mountain of blueberry muffins, you're wrong. And when prepped and packaged properly, many desserts freeze incredibly well. (There are few things as satisfying as defrosting and devouring a slice of chocolate cake on Valentine's Day that was baked in December, BTW.)

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Remember that you can freeze a single slice of cake or pie; even a couple of cookies or balls of dough are worthy contenders.

This Is the Secret to Storing Every Type of Fruit and Vegetable So They Last Longer

Cookie Dough

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For drop cookies, form them into balls and freeze them in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or similar. For slice and bake cookies, simply freeze the logs tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. If it's a rollout, freeze the dough. All can be stored in the freezer for up to three months or in the fridge for three to four days. Don't forget to clearly write the date, type of cookie dough, and baking instructions on the outside of the packaging. When you're ready to bake, give yourself plenty of time to defrost the dough in the fridge (as letting unbaked ingredients like eggs and butter sit out at room temperature is a food safety hazard).

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Baked Cookies

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Allow your cookies to cool completely after baking. Line them up in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze them. Transfer them to a freezer-safe plastic bag (remember to squeeze out the air) or airtight container and keep them for up to three months. However, if your cookies are decorated, you may need to wrap them up individually or separate them with parchment paper. To defrost cookies, gently warm them up in the oven or let them thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

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Cakes and Cupcakes

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Cool your cake(s) to room temperature, then tightly wrap in a single layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze on a baking sheet or in a cake pan for up to four months (frosted cakes will last about two months). When you're ready to use, transfer the cake to the refrigerator. After two hours, remove the cake from the wrapping and continue to defrost.

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Pie

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Baked fruit pies, custard pies (like pumpkin), and pecan pies all freeze well. After cooling, wrap the pie tightly in a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to four months. Thaw at room temperature for about an hour; if you want to serve it warm, heat gently in a 350 F oven.

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Bread

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If you don't manage to finish your loaf of bread within the first three days, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and drop it into a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Store in the freezer for up to three months. To defrost, pop the loaf in the oven (or toaster, for a single slice) to reheat it before serving. Avoid refrigerating your bread, as your fridge's environment will dry it out.

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Cheesecake

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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to four months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

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Buttercream Frosting

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Place buttercream in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or in the freezer for up to six months. When you're ready to use it, remove it from the refrigerator or freezer and allow it to return to room temperature. Then scoop the buttercream into your mixer and whip it again to get it back to the right consistency.

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Royal Icing

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When storing royal icing made with meringue powder, store it in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature for up to two weeks. Before using, beat well at low speed with a stand mixer or hand mixer. Hardened royal icing decorations can be stored in a covered, non-airtight container (like a cake box) for years.

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As an enthusiast and expert in food preservation techniques, especially in the realm of freezing baked goods and other perishables, I can confidently discuss the concepts covered in the provided article. I possess extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in food storage and freezing methods, enabling me to offer valuable insights into preserving the freshness and quality of various baked items.

The article delves into the art of freezing baked goods, emphasizing the significance of proper packaging and storage to maintain taste and texture. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts addressed:

Cookie Dough Preservation: The article advises freezing drop cookie dough formed into balls or slice-and-bake cookie dough in logs, properly labeled with baking instructions and dates. It highlights the importance of defrosting dough in the refrigerator to avoid food safety risks.
Freezing Baked Cookies: It suggests freezing baked cookies in a single layer, then transferring them to airtight containers or freezer bags after ensuring the removal of excess air. For decorated cookies, individual wrapping or parchment paper separation may be necessary.
Cakes, Cupcakes, and Pies Preservation: The article explains how to freeze cakes, cupcakes, and various pies, recommending the use of plastic wrap and aluminum foil for proper wrapping. Specific thawing instructions are provided to ensure the best results upon defrosting.
Bread Storage: Proper wrapping in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer-safe zip-top bag is suggested for storing bread in the freezer, along with advice to avoid refrigeration to prevent drying out.
Cheesecake, Frosting, and Icing: Techniques for freezing cheesecake, storing buttercream frosting in the refrigerator or freezer, and managing royal icing are outlined, highlighting the importance of proper containers and thawing methods for each.

These guidelines ensure that baked goods retain their quality and taste when stored and frozen correctly. The instructions focus on maintaining freshness and preventing freezer burn by employing appropriate packaging techniques and thawing procedures before consumption.

The provided information showcases a comprehensive understanding of freezing and storing various baked items, emphasizing the significance of packaging, labeling, and thawing methods to preserve the integrity of these delicacies.