If you’ve ever stored waffle batter to be used a few days later, you might have noticed that it starts to turn an ugly gray color. It’s not pretty. But is the batter still safe to eat? Will it still make delicious waffles? The answer isn’t as simple as you may think. Here are some facts about storing waffle batter.
Waffle batter has an extremely short shelf life, typically lasting no more than three days. However, if you make a large batch of waffles and freeze them before serving, you can extend their lifespan by up to six months. You can also freeze individual portions of waffle batter for quick-and-easy breakfast or brunch fare any time of year.
Read on to learn more about how to make your waffle batter last longer!
How Long Can You Keep Waffle Batter?
Waffle batter typically lasts between 2 hours and nearly a month. Depending on the ingredients and quantity of batter, you can use the methods listed below to store waffle batter that will stay fresh and ready to cook.
Keeping Waffle Batter In The Refrigerator
If you don’t want to give up the taste and softness of the waffles but still have a good amount left in the bowl, storing it in the fridge is a good option. Because waffle batter is mainly made of flour, butter, and eggs, you can store it in the fridge, but it has limitations.
We recommend storing the waffle batter in the fridge for no more than 2 days at 40 °F or lower. Make sure to keep the batter refrigerated the entire time.
Furthermore, storing the batter in an airtight container or resealable bag would be best to maintain its quality and flavor.
We recommend storing the container in the bottom rows of your refrigerator rather than the door, as temperature fluctuations at the door may affect the batter.
On The Shelf
The waffle batter will only stay fresh for 2-3 hours at room temperature because it contains milk and eggs, which are perishable ingredients.
Microbes will contaminate the batter over time, and the waffles’ taste will change.
Note: To get the best taste and quality out of the batter, use it within 2 hours.
Make sure to keep the container covered during this time. Also, before using the batter, whisk it lightly. Please do not leave the waffle batter on the counter for 2 hours before putting it in the fridge. It increases the possibility of contamination.
Keeping Batter In the Freezer
What if you want to keep the delectable waffle batter for more than two days? Is it possible to do that? The batter can be kept in the freezer for nearly a month when stored in an airtight container or zipper bag.
Remember to remove as much air as possible from the zipper bag to keep it fresh. There are better options for long-term freshness, and the flavor will deteriorate over time.
Do not refreeze the batter after whisking it and making the delicious waffles because it can affect the texture and safety of the food.
How Can You Keep Waffle Batter Fresh for the Longest period?
Of course, any food not stored correctly becomes unfit for use, and your waffle batter is no exception! Let’s look at the best ways to keep the batter fresh for as long as possible.
1. Jars and Glass Containers
Jars are excellent choices because they have a sealed-fitting lid that prevents air and moisture from entering. It is best suited for a smaller waffle batter and can take up a lot of fridge or freezer space.
2. Reusable Bags
When you use resealable bags, you can store a large amount of waffle batter. We recommend stacking them to avoid taking up too much space in your fridge or freezer.
3. Plastic Containers
Plastic containers are our preferred method of storing waffle batter. They’re widely available, highly convenient, and come in various shapes and sizes.
Ensure your container is airtight to protect the batter from air, moisture, or bacteria.
How Can You Reuse Old Batter?
When you take your stored waffle batter out of the fridge or freezer, you may notice that the ingredients have separated or that the batter has oxidized and changed colors.
When this occurs, there are a few steps to take before you begin cooking your waffles at random.
1. Refrigerated Batter
The ingredients in the waffle batter tend to separate when stored in the fridge. To ensure that each waffle has the same consistency and flavor, lightly whisk the batter before using it. Even if the batter is cold, it is now ready to go in the waffle maker.
2. Freeze Batter
If you keep the batter in the freezer, it must be thawed first. You can thaw the batter in the following ways.
Remove the container and place it in the refrigerator overnight. You can also soak the frozen batter container in warm or normal water for 15 minutes before using it.
Can Waffle Batter Be Repurposed?
The best thing about waffle batter is that you can make them however you want. Use the same batter for multiple recipes.
You can make mini muffins with the batter or biscuits to go with your coffee. The same batter can also be used to make pancakes.
Pierce some sausages with a fork or knife, then dip them in the batter before roasting or frying them. Boom! Your savory and sweet sausages are finished.
Can You Keep Waffles in the Fridge?
Yes, you can keep waffles in the fridge! You can also keep cooked waffles in the fridge for up to three days. You can store the waffles in the following ways.
- Refrigerate your waffle after wrapping it in plastic wrap or cling film.
- Store the prepared waffles in an airtight container.
- Store the waffles in a cool, dry place.
- When you’re ready to eat your saved waffles, reheat them in a toaster oven or microwave for 1 minute before eating.
What Factors Affect Storage Time For Waffles?
The most critical factor influencing a product’s expiration date is its storage condition. First and foremost, cooks and housewives pay attention to temperature, air quality, and humidity.
The ideal temperature for storing waffle batter is 40°F (4-5°C). It keeps the batter fresh in the fridge for about two days. Furthermore, it is critical to select the appropriate package to keep it. Simple plastic packages are inadequate. The presence of air can quickly spoil the batter.
Special packages with ZIP lockers are recommended. They prevent air from entering the package. The batter will stay fresh for the duration of storage.
What Is The Best Temperature To Keep The Waffle Batter In The Refrigerator?
Always keep your waffle batter in the fridge at 40°F or lower. Bacterial growth occurs faster between 40°F and 140°F, so it is always recommended to store waffle batter at a lower temperature to preserve its freshness and quality for a long time.
How Long Does Room-Temperature Waffle Batter Last?
When left at room temperature, waffle batter keeps for about 2 hours. Plain waffle batter contains eggs and milk, which are highly perishable commodities. Bacteria and other microbes will contaminate and spoil the waffle batter if left out for more than 2 hours.
How Long Does Frozen Waffle Batter Last?
If stored in an airtight container or plastic zipper bag, the waffle batter will keep in the freezer for about a month. Furthermore, if you’re storing the waffle batter in a plastic zipper bag, try to remove as much air as possible from it so that it stays fresh for a long time and doesn’t take long to thaw.