Who doesn’t love pancakes? Surely, we can all agree that they are always a good option for breakfast. When you begin making the batter, some of it is leftover more often than not. Throwing that away does not feel right for many obvious reasons. Like everything else, you may think of storing leftovers for later.
This brings us to the big question: How to save pancake batter? And many people may have several other questions in mind, such as can pancake batter even be saved for later? Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about saving pancake batter and using it later. Keep reading!
Can you save leftover pancake batter?
Yes, you can save leftover pancake batter. Just like every other liquid, you can freeze the batter and save it for longer. You can also store it in the refrigerator, but for a shorter period. Note that freezing it in the freezer can help the batter last longer, but it may alter the taste or the texture after a month.
How to save pancake batter?
There are two ways to go about this: storing it in the refrigerator or freezing it in the freezer. Let’s take a look at both of these in detail.
How to store pancake batter in the refrigerator?
- Pour all of the leftover pancake batter into an airtight container.
- Cover the container properly with plastic cling wrap.
- Place the lid securely over the layer of cling wrap for added protection.
Longevity: Refrigeration will most likely keep your batter good for 2-4 days.
Note: Make sure you store the batter in the coldest area of your refrigerator.
How to store pancake batter in the freezer?
- Scrape and pour all of the leftover pancake batter into a self-sealing plastic bag. Use a size appropriate for the quantity of the batter you wish to freeze.
- Place it in the freezer.
Longevity: Freezing will most likely keep your pancake batter well for up to 3 months. However, after over a month, there are chances that the frozen batter will change in terms of texture and taste.
Note: Make sure that you squeeze out all the air from the plastic bag before locking it and storing it in the freezer.
How can you reuse pancake batter?
Once stored, you may want to reuse the batter the next morning or the next weekend. Here is what you need to do to reuse refrigerated or frozen pancake batter.
How to reuse refrigerated pancake batter
Pancake batter stored in the refrigerator can be used easily. Just leave the batter out for some 15-20 minutes and then cook as you usually do.
How to reuse frozen pancake batter
You would need to defrost the pancake batter overnight if you had frozen it. Once defrosted, you can use it in the morning.
If you are short on time and forgot to defrost the batter the night before, there is a quicker way:
Fill up a large bowl with hot water and immerse your frozen bag of pancake batter in it. Wait for a while until the batter thaws and has a liquid texture again. Then cut out a small hole from one of the corners of the bag and pipe out the batter onto your pan.
Ingredients that could make a difference while storing pancake batter
Let’s take a look at some other things you need to consider before choosing to store your pancake batter overnight or for longer periods. We will discuss in detail some of the ‘rising’ ingredients we usually use for pancakes and how they play into the whole storing situation.
1. Storing pancake batter that uses baking powder
Often pancake recipes include baking powder, which helps the pancakes rise high and look fluffy. Baking powder in itself has a very long shelf life and can last you well. The majority of the baking powder brands sell double-acting baking powder, which is the most suitable for pancakes.
Double-acting means that the powder will react first when added to the batter and a second time when the batter is heated while cooking. This means that storing the batter (refrigerating or freezing), defrosting, and using it later would still allow you to have that fluff in your pancakes.
If you want, you can add a little more baking powder (about 25% of the quantity recommended in the original recipe) before cooking your premade pancake batter.
2. Storing pancake batter that uses baking soda
Baking soda reacts instantly once added to the batter, which is why it is recommended that you cook the pancakes immediately after adding the baking soda. Hence, unfortunately, if your frozen or refrigerated pancake batter has baking soda in it, chances are that the pancakes you make using the stored batter will be quite flat.
However, suppose you wish to store the batter overnight. In that case, you can skip adding the baking soda before putting the batter in the refrigerator at night. The next morning, add the recommended amount of baking soda (according to your recipe) before you make the pancakes, and you will have fluffy, high-rising pancakes.
3. Storing pancake batter that uses egg whites
Egg whites also help make pancakes light, airy, and fluffy. But when whipped into a pancake batter, you need to be quick in getting your batter on the pan. Hence, stored pancake batter containing egg whites will also produce flatter pancakes for you.
However, if you wish to store the batter overnight, you can skip adding the whipped egg whites before storing your batter at night. The next morning, add the recommended quantity of egg whites, and you will have your airy pancakes!
4. Storing pancake batter that uses yeast
Although uncommon, yeast is still used in some recipes and is a good option for pancakes because it does not stop being active (unlike baking soda, etc.). Hence, you can store the batter and have nice pancakes even after adding the yeast to the batter.
Just make sure that you leave the batter out of the refrigerator for a couple of hours before using it if you plan on storing it overnight.
Related FAQs
How long can you keep pancake batter in the refrigerator?
You can store pancake batter in your refrigerator for about 2-4 days. Make sure you store it in an airtight container and in the coldest part of your refrigerator to preserve the freshness of your batter for longer.
Why does my pancake batter turn grey?
Over time, if kept in the air for too long or stored beyond its storage limit, a pancake batter can start turning grey. This happens due to oxidation; air from the surroundings mixes with the batter, turning it grey. This can happen while mixing the batter or storing it incorrectly for too long.
Can you freeze banana pancake batter?
Yes, you can freeze banana pancake batter. Just pour all the batter into a zip-lock plastic bag and make sure to squeeze out all air before zipping it. Store it in your freezer, and it will keep good for up to 3 months. Defrost the batter overnight before using it.
Wrapping up our thoughts on whether you can save pancake batter!
You certainly can save pancake batter; for a few days in your refrigerator and even for months in your freezer! Who knew? This is quite a hack if you are looking to save time and need to be quick on your toes in the morning. Most people make and store pancake batter on weekends to keep them running during weekdays.
However, you also need to keep in mind that stored pancake batter may not produce as fluffy or airy pancakes as a freshly made batter would. But it is also true that they are just as delicious for up to a month (we tried this ourselves!).