Tips For Freezing Holiday Baked Goods
For most of us the holidays mean an abundance of baked goods. And, if you’re like me and have way more cookies, too many pies and more cake than you know what to do with the following tips might be just the help you need. I for one hate the thought of letting cookies go stale, or knowing that I’ll end up throwing away a delicious cake because it went stale. But, after all the decorations have been taken down and the holiday hussle and bussle has passed it’s a great feeling to get a craving for buttercream frosted pineapple cake and know that I have some waiting for me in the freezer.
Before freezing ALL baked goods:
- Remember that not all foods freeze well, for example: an item containing fresh fruits that need to resemble fresh fruit at presentation, custards and meringues also do not freeze well.
- Think about what you are freezing before doing so; sometimes it works better to freeze items and then wrap them, for example: delicate cookies, muffins or cupcakes may be more easily packaged if frozen on a baking sheet then wrapped.
- Make sure that items are completely cooled before wrapping and freezing to eliminate any moisture issues.
- Wrap items in plastic wrap, then in heavy duty aluminum foil or place in plastic zippered freezer bags or freezer-safe container with lid.
- Store items inside freezer, and not in freezer doors for coldest temperature.
Cakes:
- Cakes can often be frozen after they have been fully frosted. If freezing a whole cake I would recommend freezing it before frosting it if you have the option.
- When freezing part of a cake, it is convenient to wrap and freeze slices individually.
Cookies:
- Remember that certain types of cookies do not freeze well, especially cookies with frosting.
- When wrapping in plastic wrap, cookies are best wrapped individually or two cookies per each wrapping.
Pies:
- Custard filled and cream pies do not freeze well.
- Pies should remain in pan and be wrapped in completely in plastic wrap then placed in freezer bag.
