When you’re faced with leftover donuts after a party, a bakery binge, or a Sunday morning splurge, the question always comes up: can you freeze donuts without ruining them? The short answer is yes—but only if you follow the right process.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the dos and don’ts of freezing donuts, so your pastries remain as delicious as the day you got them.

Why Would You Freeze Donuts?

Life gets busy. You may not always get around to enjoying your dozen from Novak’s Bakery the same day. Freezing donuts is an excellent way to reduce waste, save time, and ensure you always have a treat on hand when that sugar craving strikes.

Do: Freeze Donuts While They’re Fresh

The fresher the donut when you freeze it, the better it will taste after thawing. Freezing donuts the same day you buy or bake them helps preserve their moisture and flavor.

Don’t: Freeze Already-Stale Donuts

If your donut is already dry or hard before freezing, no amount of reheating will revive it. Freezing preserves quality—it doesn’t improve it.

Do: Wrap Each Donut Individually

To avoid freezer burn and flavor transfer, wrap each donut in cling film or foil. Then place them all in a sealed freezer-safe bag or airtight container. This prevents ice crystals and keeps your donuts tasting fresh.

Don’t: Toss Donuts in the Freezer Bare

Freezing donuts without protection leads to texture changes and off-flavors. Always wrap them well.

Do: Label and Date Your Donuts

Frozen donuts are best consumed within 2–3 months. Be sure to label your container so you know how long they’ve been stored.

Don’t: Forget About Fillings

Filled donuts—especially with cream, custard, or jelly—don’t freeze as well. The fillings can become watery or separate. If possible, freeze plain donuts and fill them fresh when ready to eat.

Do: Thaw Donuts at Room Temperature

Let frozen donuts sit out unwrapped for 1–2 hours to return to their soft, fluffy state. For that fresh-baked taste, you can also microwave for 10 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.

Novak’s Pro Tip: Use Glaze After Thawing

If you’re making donuts at home, consider freezing them before glazing. This prevents messiness and ensures a glossy, just-applied finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever asked, can you freeze donuts, the answer is yes—but only with proper storage techniques. At Novak’s Bakery, we recommend freezing only the best, freshest donuts and following the above dos and don’ts to make your sweet stash last.