When it comes to sweet, delicious, and chocolatey delights, few things are as popular as brownies. As a result, the small, square cakes have become cornerstones in the world of desserts.
Since chocolate is enjoyed worldwide, brownies have become more of a global dessert that can be found in most countries. Most of us love brownies, and therefore, we can’t help but wonder whether brownies go bad.
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Do Brownies Go Bad?
Similar to all baked goods, brownies go bad. You might be disappointed to find your brownies have become stiff and tasteless after a few days in the fridge. This is normal because brownies are made with ingredients that spoil within a few days.
No one wants to throw an old brownie away, and that is why it is essential to keep in mind that brownies don’t have a very long shelf life. In fact, the sooner you enjoy your brownie, the fresher and tastier it will be.
How Long Do Brownies Last?
When it comes to the shelf life of brownies, there is quite a vast range depending on the origin of the brownie. However, it is most common for homemade brownies to last up to four days in the pantry and seven days in the fridge. This timeline is natural due to the nature of the ingredients that we use from our pantries.
Brownies that have been bought from a bakery tend to offer the same shelf life as those that have been baked at home. Therefore, you can enjoy your brownies at room temperature for up to four days or up to a week in the fridge.
Online sellers that bake and deliver brownies offer a significantly longer shelf life on their brownies. The only reason for this could possibly be because of added preservatives. Some of these online stores offer a 14-day pantry and 30-day fridge shelf life on their brownies. Although that is very impressive, you must store the brownies correctly to not become spoiled before then.
How Long Do Brownies Last? |
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| In the pantry | In the fridge | |
| Baked at home | 4 days | 7 days |
| Bought from a bakery | 4 days | 7 days |
| Online sellers | 14 days | 30 days |
4 Tips to Tell if Brownies have Gone Bad
There are few things as disappointing as biting into a brownie and discovering that it has gone bad. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this from happening to you.
By keeping these tips in mind, you might be able to tell if your brownies are still suitable for consumption before offering them to friends and family.
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The brownies look different
Brownies have a cake-like appearance. They are dark in color, and they are soft to the touch. If you notice that your brownies have changed color, they are probably past their best.
Since brownies are made with ingredients that spoil, it is best to throw them away if you notice that your brownies show any signs of mold contamination or organic growth. Likewise, if your brownies contain added ingredients such as candy or nuts, and those ingredients appear to have gone bad, throw your brownies away.
If your brownies appear to be sweating, it is best not to eat them.
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The brownies smell bad
Fresh brownies have a delightful aroma that makes everyone think of chocolate. Therefore, if you notice that your brownies smell rotten or stale, it is best to throw them out.
However, you might notice that your brownies don’t have any smell after a couple of days. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they have gone bad, but they are most likely not of the best quality anymore.
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The brownies feel different
Fresh brownies are soft to the touch, much like firm cake. However, brownies tend to harden as time passes. So if you find that your brownies have become quite hard or overly brittle, they are most probably past their best.
However, one important thing to keep in mind regarding the feel of your brownies is that it is normal for them to firm up in the fridge. So if you feel that your brownies feel very firm when you take them out of the fridge, it might not be a clear indication that they have gone bad. Instead, consider heating them up in the microwave for a few seconds and then feel them again.
If your fridge-kept brownies are still hard after you have warmed them up in the microwave, then it is best to throw them away. Likewise, if you find that your brownies are covered in oil and show signs of separation of ingredients, it is not advised to eat them.
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The brownies taste strange
Fresh brownies have a wonderfully gooey, chocolatey, and rich taste. If you notice that your brownies have changed in taste over a few days and now are either tasteless or taste bad, it is best not to eat them.
Similarly, if you made your brownies with added ingredients such as fruit or nuts and they taste bad, you should throw your brownies away.
3 Tips to Store Brownies
By storing your brownies correctly, you can enjoy fresh-tasting brownies for much longer. Follow these tips for great tasting brownies:
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Store your brownies in a cool and dry place
Exposing your brownies to heat elements or direct sunlight can decrease their shelf life significantly. Therefore, never store your brownies close to your stove, oven, or in a place where they will receive direct sunlight.
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Keep your brownies in an airtight container
This is a crucial part of keeping your brownies fresh and tasting great. Neglecting to store your brownies in an airtight container will allow them to spoil much faster.
Regardless of where you store your brownies, make sure that the container they are kept in is properly sealed. Another very effective method for keeping your brownies fresh is wrapping them individually in cling wrap. Although this can be time-consuming, it is a great way to keep your brownies fresher for longer.
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Consider the conditions of where you live and store accordingly
Most baked goods don’t do well when they are exposed to warm and humid conditions, and brownies are no exception. Therefore, if you live in a place that has scorching and humid weather, consider keeping your brownies in the fridge.
On the other hand, keeping your brownies in your pantry is acceptable if you live in an area with cool weather.
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Freezing brownies offers a longer shelf life
If you don’t plan on eating your brownies anytime soon, you can consider freezing them. By freezing your brownies, you keep them safe against contamination and increase their shelf life dramatically. Once you are ready to consume them, allow them to thaw entirely before heating them in the microwave for a minute or two.
The Risk of Consuming Expired Brownies
If you suspect that your brownies might be bad, it is best not to eat them because expired brownies can cause significant discomfort. In addition, your expired brownies might offer a risk of foodborne illnesses if they contain ingredients such as nuts, fruit, or certain spices.
If you have eaten expired brownies, you might experience some symptoms, including abdominal cramping, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and a low-grade fever. Fortunately, these symptoms typically pass after 24 hours. However, if you still feel uncomfortable after 48 hours, it is best to see your doctor.
Can You Freeze Brownies?
Brownies can be frozen. In fact, if done correctly, brownies freeze very well. However, if you plan on freezing your brownies, it is essential that you either freeze them in an airtight container or wrap them in cling film. Freezing them in a ziplock bag is also a good option since it will keep moisture out.
Brownies that haven’t been appropriately stored in the freezer can be affected by freezer burn. Thawing and refreezing of brownies aren’t recommended, so it is a good idea to freeze your brownies in smaller portions if you have a large amount. That way, you can remove only the amount you need while keeping the rest frozen.
If you plan to freeze your brownies, keep in mind that brownies with added ingredients such as candy or nuts might not freeze well. Although these brownies might still be perfectly suitable for consumption after being frozen, you might find that their quality has been affected.
If you bake your own brownies and you plan to freeze them, let them cool down entirely before packing them for freezing. It is never advised to place your warm, freshly baked brownies in cling wrap or a ziplock bag. Instead, store them once they have cooled down completely.
Summary
Brownies are a delightful treat that cake lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike enjoy. Their versatility makes them a great addition to any party or meal.
Regardless of whether you bake or buy your brownies, you can enjoy them for much longer if you keep the tips for storing them in mind. This way, you can enjoy these tasty treats without having to wonder whether they have gone bad.