One question I get asked often is how to freeze breads, cakes, cookies, or pretty much any recipe in our Recipe Box. Freezing is an excellent time-saver for busy bakers. It allows you to bake in bulk so you’ll always have a treat on hand.
Active Amish friendship starter will keep for up to three months in the freezer. “You can also pop your starter in the fridge, but you can’t forget about it like you can with freezing your starter,” Gee says.
How to Freeze Cakes
Where you place the cake in the freezer can make a difference! It’s best to store your cakes in the back of your freezer where it’s coldest. It’s also less likely to experience fluctuations in temperature from opening and closing the freezer door. This method works best for cakes that aren’t already frosted.
To preserve freshness, create an airtight seal around the cake using a high-quality plastic wrap like Glad Press’n Seal. Then wrap the cake in aluminum foil. If you’re saving multiple cakes or layers of cakes, wrap each layer individually.
When you are ready to use the cake, remove from the freezer the night before and thaw on the counter still fully wrapped. The cake will produce condensation as it thaws so you’ll want to keep all that moisture away from the cake. Carefully remove the wrapping only when the cake is fully thawed. You’ll know it’s fully thawed when the condensation is gone.
You can also freeze individual slices of cake, but like the loaves above, they may be prone to drying out and/or freezer burn. If your cake is already frosted, the frosting may get a little smashed but will still be delicious. Our glazes, icings and frostings are quick and easy to make, and a great way to dress up your thawed cakes.
How to Freeze Cookies
Once your baked cookies have completely cooled, lay them in a single layer in a freezer bag. Form an airtight seal and freeze. If I’m freezing a lot of cookies, I’ll transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe container for easier storage–do this only after the cookies have been frozen and separate with freezer or parchment paper. You’ll want to be especially careful with decorated or frosted cookies. Cookies are generally good for 3-4 weeks in the freezer.
When you’re ready to serve or snack, take one (or the whole bag) out and allow to thaw on the countertop. Once they reach room temperature, you can eat, or if you prefer your cookies warm, pop them into the oven at 300°F for 6 minutes. Most Amish Friendship Bread cookies (see some of our favorite cookie recipes here) freeze well because the starter adds a little extra moisture and tenderness to the cookie batter.
I starved out my starter!! How to fix your Amish friendship bread starter!
FAQ
When can you freeze friendship bread starter?
Can I freeze bread starter?
Does Amish Friendship Bread starter need to be refrigerated?
What is the difference between Amish friendship bread starter and sourdough starter?
How long does Amish friendship bread starter last?
Not only that, the starter will keep indefinitely, as in years. You put 1 cup of starter in a gallon-sized freezer Ziploc, label and date it, and stick it in the freezer. Adios! Fast forward ten years. It’s 2025, and you’ve craving something sweet. You dig around your freezer and behold… a bag of Amish Friendship Bread starter dated 2015.
Can I freeze Amish friendship bread?
The starter tastes better over time, so rather than making it fresh whenever you want some Amish Friendship Bread, consider keeping a bag of it on hand. If frozen in an airtight freezer bag, it should be fine in the freezer for up to a year. Place one heaping cup of the active starter into a ziplock freezer bag and freeze it.
How do you make Amish friendship bread?
Prepare your one-gallon Ziploc freezer bags first. Using a permanent pen like a black Sharpie, write AMISH FRIENDSHIP BREAD STARTER on the front, plus today’s date. Using an active Amish Friendship Bread starter that’s been recently fed (past 24 hours), stir the stater well, and then remove 1 cup at a time (approximately 280 grams).
How do you freeze American family bread starter?
Learn more about this here. Use a one-gallon Ziploc freezer bag for every one cup of starter you’ll be freezing. Prepare the bags by writing AMISH FRIENDSHIP BREAD STARTER on the front in permanent marker, and put the day’s date. Mix your starter well, then add one cup (about 280 g) to each bag.