Pancakes are delicious, but it can be difficult to know how much batter you need. This often means that there is leftover batter.
It would be a waste to throw it out, but can you save pancake batter?
Well, it depends. While you can save pancake batter, it is often down to the ingredients you have used.
Some versions of pancake batter you can keep in the freezer, while others are best put in the fridge.
If you want to know more about whether you can store your pancake batter, then read on!
Is It Okay To Save The Leftover Pancake Batter?
It is often fine to save any leftover pancake batter. However, there are some things you will want to keep in mind.
Due to particular ingredients, you will need to make sure that you are storing the pancake batter correctly.
While it will not cause harm to you, it may mean that the pancakes will not turn out correctly once you get around to using the batter.
You may also want to think about how long you are storing the pancake batter for, too.
What Pancake Batter Can You Refrigerate?
Due to there being different types of pancake batter, you will want to know which ones you can and cannot refrigerate. Here is a handy guide:
Baking Soda Pancake Batter
Baking soda is an ingredient that will begin to work as soon as it is mixed with other ingredients. A type of leavening agent, it will make sure that the pancakes are fluffy and risen.
For this reason, you will not want to put this batter in the cold temperatures of your refrigerator. Instead, leave the backing soda out and add it in just before you cook with the pancake mixture.
Baking Powder Pancake Batter
Pancake batter with baking powder should not be put in the refrigerator. If you do put this pancake batter in the cold, you will find that the end result is sunken and flat.
Just like with baking soda, the baking powder will start working as soon as it is mixed in with the other ingredients.
Instead, you can refrigerate the rest of the pancake batter and add the baking powder right before you cook it.
Buttermilk Pancake Batter
Storing pancake batter with buttermilk in the refrigerator is not a good idea. When the mixture sits for too long in the cold temperature, you will notice that the batter mix deflates.
This means that you will not end up with delicious pancakes! Instead, add the buttermilk before you cook the pancakes, rather than have them together already.
Crepe Pancake Batter
If you are using a batter to create crepe-style pancakes, then you can happily leave it in the refrigerator.
This is because they are not supposed to rise in the same way as regular fluffy pancakes.
You may even want to make the batter the night before, as it often tastes even more delicious after storing it in the cold for a few hours.
Banana Pancake Batter
If you want to make a pancake batter with crushed bananas, you may want to consider mixing them in right before making the pancakes.
The only reason for this is that it will change the color of the pancake batter if you refrigerate it with the bananas mushed in. It will go a dark brown color.
Yeast Pancake Batter
Using yeast is a great way to create fluffy and risen pancakes. You can also refrigerate this type of pancake batter and still achieve wonderful results.
The yeast will always stay active, and help to give your pancakes volume. However, for the best results, take the batter out of the fridge an hour before you plan to cook with it.
How Long Will Pancake Batter Stay Good In The Refrigerator?
If you are not planning on using the pancake batter right away, then you will need to store it.
However, do take note of the best ways to store the different ingredients from the information above.
Once you store the pancake batter in the refrigerator, then it can be kept there for up to 4 days. After that and you may find that it has gone bad.
This is because it includes the likes of eggs and milk.
You will also want to make sure that you have stored the batter properly. You can do so in an airtight container or using a Ziploc bag with the air removed.
Is It Okay To Freeze Pancake Batter?
Pancake batter can be frozen if you are not planning to use it right away. This means that you have up to a month to be able to cook with it.
However, you will want to make sure that certain ingredients like baking soda haven’t already been added.
This can affect the texture and end result of the pancake.
If you are making crepe-style pancakes, then you will find you can store the batter in the freezer very simply.
All you need to do is place the batter in a Ziploc bag with the air removed and lie it flat in the freezer.
Once you thaw it out, you can cut a corner and pipe it onto the griddle to cook.
Can You Leave Pancake Batter In Room Temperature?
One of the things you should not do is leave pancake batter for too long at room temperature.
This means that you will want to put it in the refrigerator if you are not planning to use it right away.
This is because pancake batter usually includes ingredients such as eggs and milk.
Just like with other perishable foods, you will need to remove it from room temperature within a two-hour window.
This is shorter if the temperature is particularly warm.
How To Thaw Frozen Pancake Batter?
To thaw out frozen pancake batter, all you need to do is place it in the refrigerator overnight. You will find it ready to be used the next morning.
If you need to use it the same day, place the Ziplock bag in a warm (not hot) bowl of water. It should be ready to be used within a few hours.
Final Thoughts
Pancake batter is so easy to make and cook with, but how can you save pancake batter? Fortunately, placing it in the refrigerator or freezer is an easy and safe option.
Just remember to avoid adding certain active ingredients to ensure that you achieve a wonderful fluffy result every time.
You can also freeze pancake batter if you are not going to be using it right away.
