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Easy Desserts To Freeze – 6 Make-Ahead Treats

By August 25, 20265 min read

Welcome, fellow bakers! I'm Jonas Weber, and today we're tackling a topic near and dear to every busy home: desserts you can freeze. Whether you're meal-prepping for a party, stocking your freezer for unexpected guests, or simply craving a sweet bite without the fuss, these six desserts are your answer.

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I've spent years perfecting recipes that not only freeze beautifully but also taste just as fresh after thawing. From fudgy brownies to creamy cheesecake bites, each one is designed with your freezer in mind. So, let's roll up our sleeves and build a stash of sweetness that's ready whenever you are.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

1

Time-Saver: Prep once, enjoy for weeks – perfect for busy schedules.
2

Budget-Friendly: Buy ingredients in bulk and freeze portions to save money.
3

Versatile: Great for parties, potlucks, or a spontaneous dessert craving.
4

Consistent Results: Each recipe is tested to freeze and thaw perfectly.

About the Ingredients

1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour

Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free 1:1 blend if needed.

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

Sweetens and helps with texture; can use coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.

1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed

Adds moisture and a hint of molasses; use dark brown for more intensity.

3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder

Use Dutch-processed for a richer, less acidic taste.

1 teaspoon baking powder

Leavening agent; ensure it's fresh for proper rise.

1/2 teaspoon salt

Balances sweetness; use fine sea salt for even distribution.

1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil

Keeps brownies moist; can substitute with melted coconut oil.

2 large eggs, room temperature

Bind ingredients; if cold, place in warm water for 5 minutes.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Enhances flavor; use pure vanilla for best results.

1/2 cup (120ml) milk

Adds moisture; any milk or non-dairy alternative works.

1 cup (170g) chocolate chips

Optional but recommended; use semisweet or dark for contrast.

Tips & Tricks

  • Wrap desserts tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
  • Label everything with the date and name – you'll thank yourself later.
  • Thaw desserts in the refrigerator overnight for best texture.
  • For individual portions, freeze on a baking sheet before packaging.

Pro Tips

1

Prep Ahead: Measure dry ingredients in zip-top bags for quick assembly.
2

Double Batch: Make two recipes at once – freeze one for later.
3

Use Quality Chocolate: It makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
4

Cool Completely: Never freeze warm desserts; condensation causes ice crystals.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy lifting.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Ensure there are no lumps for a smooth batter.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined. Slowly add milk, mixing until smooth.

4. Combine Mixtures

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix; fold in chocolate chips if using.

5. Bake the Brownies

Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges should be pulling away from the pan.

6. Cool and Slice

Let brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift out using parchment and cut into squares.

7. Freeze Properly

Place brownies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1 hour. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment between layers.

Delicious Variations

  • Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
  • Swirl in peanut butter or caramel for a marbled effect.
  • Top with cream cheese frosting before freezing – it freezes well too.

How to Store Desserts To Freeze

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you freeze cheesecake?

Yes, cheesecake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Q: How do you freeze cookies?

Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months. You can also freeze cookie dough in scoops.

Q: Do brownies freeze well?

Absolutely. Brownies freeze exceptionally well if wrapped properly. They stay moist and delicious for up to 3 months.

Q: Can you freeze cake?

Yes, cake freezes well. Wrap unfrosted layers in plastic wrap and foil, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before frosting.

Ready to fill your freezer with delicious desserts? Try this recipe and let me know how it goes in the comments below. Happy freezing!

Desserts To Freeze

Desserts To Freeze

Desserts To Freeze: 6 make-ahead treats that save time and satisfy cravings, ready when you are.

★★★★½ 4.8 (157 ratings)
15 minPrep time35 minCook time24Servings180 kcalCalories

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • 3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
  • 1 cup (170g) chocolate chips

📋 Instructions

  1. 1Preheat and Prep — Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy lifting.
  2. 2Mix Dry Ingredients — In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Ensure there are no lumps for a smooth batter.
  3. 3Combine Wet Ingredients — In a large bowl, beat oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined. Slowly add milk, mixing until smooth.
  4. 4Combine Mixtures — Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix; fold in chocolate chips if using.
  5. 5Bake the Brownies — Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The edges should be pulling away from the pan.
  6. 6Cool and Slice — Let brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, lift out using parchment and cut into squares.
  7. 7Freeze Properly — Place brownies on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1 hour. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag with parchment between layers.
👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For best flavor, let frozen desserts come to room temperature before serving. Measure twice, cut once.

Servings: 24

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Nutrition (per serving): 180 kcal · 2g protein · 26g carbs · 8g fat

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