Waffles are an excellent addition to any brunch or breakfast. Topped with maple syrup, these morning treats are a favorite across the globe. Nevertheless, there’s no denying that whipping up waffle batter every day or a few times a week can become a hassle. For that reason, it doesn’t hurt to store away extra batter for a while.
With that being said, you might be a tad curious, ‘how long does wafer batter last?’ It has the uncanny ability to last anywhere between a few hours and a month. However, the duration boils down to the storage method. You have free rein to store the batter in your freezer, fridge, or kitchen counter.
Storing leftover waffle batter in your freezer is your best bet as it maintains the freshness and flavor of the batter. Read on to learn more about a few pointers you can implement for long-lasting waffle batter.
How Long Does Waffle Batter Last?
Now that you know leftover waffle batter lasts anywhere between two hours and a month, based on your preferred ingredients coupled with the amount of batter, you can use the following methods to store batter and keep it fresh for cooking in a hot waffle iron at a later date.
In the Fridge
If you’re unwilling to let go of the softness and fresh taste of the waffles made by the best waffle maker with removable plates but still have a good quantity left in the bowl for another batch of waffles, store it in your fridge.
Given that the waffle batter is mostly made of milk, egg or egg white, flour, and butter, it has a time limit within which you can store it in your fridge. We recommend storing the leftover waffle batter in your fridge for no longer than two days at a maximum of 40°F. However, the batter must remain in your fridge the entire time without being taken out.
Additionally, you should store it in an airtight container or ziplock bag to maintain the quality. We advise keeping the container or bag at the bottom rows of your fridge rather than near the door. That’s because the fluctuations in the temperature might negatively affect the freshness or quality of your batter.
On the Counter
When you leave homemade waffle batter at room temperature, it’ll maintain freshness for up to three hours as it’s made up of milk and egg, both of which are perishables. After a while, the microbes will slowly contaminate the batter, and eventually, the taste of your waffles will become worse.
Ensure you cover the container or bag during this time and ensure you lightly whisk the batter before use. Avoid keeping the waffle batter on your kitchen counter for more than two hours, as that increases the likelihood of contamination. Instead, put it in the fridge when it’s not in use.
In the Freezer
You might be wondering if you can store yummy waffle batter for more than two days and still maintain the desired freshness and taste when it is time to make homemade waffles. You’ll be pleased to learn that you can store the batter or waffle mix in your freezer for almost a month in a zipper bag or airtight container.
As you do so, remember to expel as much air as possible to keep the batter fresh. That might not be the most ideal choice for long-term freshness as the taste will considerably diminish with time.
Once you whisk the stored homemade waffle batter, you can whip up yummy homemade waffles as your brew a fresh cup of coffee in your machine or squeeze some fresh juice from your juicer. However, avoid refreezing the batter as it negatively impacts the texture and makes the waffles unsafe for consumption.
How Can You Keep Your Waffle Batter Fresh For Longer?
Any food that’s not stored properly becomes unfit for consumption, and waffle mix is no exception. With that being said, let’s delve into the most ideal ways to store your homemade waffle batter and keep it fresh for longer.
Glass Jars or Containers
These are perfect options as they have a tight-fit lid that will prevent moisture and air from seeping in. Glass containers or jars are best suited for a smaller amount of batter and can use a good space in your freezer or fridge.
Re-sealable Bags
A re-sealable bag comes in handy in storing waffle batter. However, if you use several, put them in a stack to save space in your freezer or fridge. You can also use these bags to freeze leftover waffles you have already cooked but didn’t get eaten. Frozen waffles stored properly can last three to four months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat them, pull the frozen waffles out and pop them into your toaster!
Plastic Containers
An airtight container is one of the best ways to store waffle batter or pancake mix. That’s because plastic containers are the epitome of convenience as they come in a vast assortment of sizes and shapes and are easily available. Ensure the container is airtight to prevent bacteria, air, and moisture from getting in.
Reusing Stored Waffle Batter
When you remove your waffle batter from your freezer or fridge, you might notice that it looks different because the ingredients might have separated or it’s darker due to oxidation. If this situation crops up, here are a few steps to consider before you pour the batter into your waffle cone maker to whip up some cones to enjoy with mouthwatering banana ice cream.
In the Fridge
When you store the waffle batter in your fridge, it’s not surprising that the ingredients separate. To ensure uniform taste and consistency with each waffle you make, whisk the batter lightly beforehand. For better results, you can use a blender or bread mixer.
In the Freezer
Once you remove batter from your freezer, the first course of action is to thaw it by:
- Transferring it from your freezer to the fridge and leaving it overnight.
- Immersing the frozen batter in a container with warm water for up to 30 minutes before making waffles.
Conclusion
Armed with insight into how long waffle batter lasts, how to reuse it, and how to keep it fresh for longer, you can now enjoy fresh and fluffy waffles in a jiffy. You don’t have to undergo the slight hassle of whipping up fresh batter each time your cravings strike.
Simply throw your thawed-out waffle mix into your hot waffle iron and top your delicious waffles with all your favorite toppings like syrup and melted butter or whipped cream.