Pancakes are one of my favorite treats because they are delicious and filling. It’s always nice to have some on hand for a quick breakfast. Plus, they are fun to share with friends and family.
The idea of making them in advance is attractive, especially if you want to make pancakes for a lot of guests.
However, pancake batter does not stay well in the refrigerator.
But can you freeze pancake batter?
Yes, you can freeze pancake batter! In fact, it’s pretty easy and we’ll show you exactly our favorite method.
Pancake batter keeps in the freezer between one and three months, depending on how it is stored.
Is Freezing Pancake Batter a Good Idea?
Freezing pancake batter is a great way to have them on demand. However, freezing may cause some loss of quality because of the changing of certain properties. Freezing will not affect the flavor, but it will cause less fluffiness upon defrosting.
This is especially true if you use baking soda in the batter.
The activation of baking soda is single-acting, so the leavening agent will not activate with freezing and then defrosting.
This is noticeable when defrosted pancakes are thinner than before they were frozen.
But they still taste good, and this comes really down to personal preferences and tolerance.
You might also wonder if it is a better idea to freeze the pancakes themselves, not the batter.
Yes, you can freeze pancakes as well and toast them in a toaster oven (defrosted), for instance.
Or you can simply reheat your frozen pancakes in a skillet.
But in my experience, the consistency will be a bit more crumbly.
The result will still be delicious! Again, this will be up to your personal taste.
Also, remember that freezing may lead to some loss of flavor, depending on how much time has passed since they were defrosted. They may also heat less evenly than usual. So also make sure you check whether they are heated through before taking them out of the oven or frying pan.
How Do I Freeze a Pancake Batter?
Freezing the dough, as already shown, is not very complicated.
To freeze your pancake batter, all you have to do is:
- Scoop the batter into a zip-lock bag or an airtight container.
- Squeeze out as much of the air as possible before sealing it.
- Write the date on your bag with a permanent marker.
- Finally, lay it flat in your freezer.
And that’s it.
Note: It is important that the dough is very well sealed and airtight. This will help you avoid freezer burn, which is not good for the taste at all.
How Do I Thaw Pancake Batter?
If you’ve never had to thaw a frozen pancake batter before, don’t worry! There are several ways that you can do this.
- If you want to do it quickly, one option is to microwave it for 30 to 45 seconds.
- Another option is to let it thaw slowly overnight in the refrigerator, which is much gentler on the flavor. (my favorite method)
- Of course, you can also put it in a bowl of cold water and leave it there until the dough is thawed.
Once the batter is completely thawed, give it a good whisk before baking. This will give the pancakes the light and fluffy consistency you are used to from fresh.
How Long Can I Keep Pancake Batter In the Freezer?
Similar to freezing cake batter, you can keep the pancake batter in your freezer for up to three months. Label everything with a label or masking tape, so you don’t forget about it!
However, you should always perform quality control before consumption. The time you can freeze also depends on various factors such as temperature, preparation.
If you find your pancake batter has grown mold, throw it away immediately.
Final Thoughts
Freezing a pancake batter is an excellent way to save time. Just remember these tips so that your pancakes turn out delicious every time.
Do you have any pancake batter tips? Share with us in the comments below!
FAQS
Can I also freeze ready-made pancakes?
Yes, you can, but pancakes are best eaten immediately after baking. I think it’s better to freeze just the batter and make the pancakes fresh.
What happens if the batter falls apart while freezing?
If you find that your batter has separated or is foamy when frozen, don’t worry. Just stir it before baking to make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
