Making pancakes for breakfast is actually one of the most popular things to do whether you are running on a budget or not. However, making the pancake batter in the morning is actually quite frustrating if you are someone who always has a busy morning schedule since it takes a lot of time to prepare. Most people often ask the question “can you refrigerate pancake batter” because they do not like going through the hustle of preparing the pancake batter from scratch in the morning. The answer to that question is yes you can refrigerate pancake batter. The article below provides you with all the information you need concerning the refrigeration of pancake batter.
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How to refrigerate pancake batter
NB: refrigerated pancake batter can last for up to 4 days if stored the right way
Use an air tight container
When refrigerating pancake batter start by pouring your pancake batter into an air tight container then cover it with a lid. This will help to ensure that moisture does not enter inside so that it can last for a longer period of time.
Use a liquid-safe Ziploc bag
The other way of storing pancake batter is by placing it in a liquid-safe Ziploc bag. This will help to prevent air and moisture from getting inside as these can affect the texture and flavour of the pancake batter. Store the pancake batter in the refrigerator and when you are ready to use it just cut out the corner of the bag and squeeze out the batter just like what you do when using a piping bag.
Types of pancake batter to store in the refrigerator
NB: pancake batter is made using different types of raising agents; this is to say the ingredients used when making the batter differ of which some raising agents do not work well after they have been stored in the refrigerator.
Pancake batter that contains baking powder
This type of pancake batter is ideal for storing in the refrigerator this is because baking powder is double acting meaning that it activates itself when introduced with wet ingredients as well as when it is introduced to heat. There are some type of rising agents for example baking soda that do not work well when they are refrigerated. If your recipe for making pancakes requires you to use baking powder then you can safely make the batter way ahead of time and refrigerate it. However, if you notice that the pancakes are coming out flat when you cook them on the stove then simply add a little bit of baking powder, this will help your pancakes to rise when you are cooking them.
Pancake batter that contains yeast
If your pancake batter contains yeast as a raising agent then it will definitely rise after having been placed in the refrigerator. This is due to the fact that yeast has a tendency of remaining active for a long period of time thus when you refrigerator your pancake batter made of yeast you are guaranteed of pancakes that have the volume that you like as well as a nice taste.
Crepe or thin pancake
If you are planning on making a very thin pancake also known as a crepe then refrigerating the pancake batter will be a good idea. When you make a pancake batter for a crepe the dry and wet ingredients they aerate and create bubbles which help the pancakes to puff up and rise. Refrigerating the pancake batter does not affect anything thus you can always refrigerate pancake batter for a crepe.
Types of pancake batter to avoid storing in the refrigerator
Pancake batter that contains baking soda
Baking soda can act as a raising agent when making pancakes however, it starts working the moment you add it to all the other ingredients and should be cooked immediately. Failure to do so will result in the batter falling flat meaning the pancakes will not rise. If you are planning on making pancake batter which you will refrigerate then using baking soda is not a suitable option since your pancakes will not rise.
Pancake butter that contains buttermilk
If buttermilk is one of the main ingredients that will help to add volume to your pancakes then it is not advisable to refrigerate the pancake batter. This is mainly because buttermilk tends to deflate when it is left to sit for a long time. Thus if you refrigerate pancake batter containing buttermilk then you will not get pancakes that are nice and fluffy.
Pancake batter that contains egg whites
There are recipes that will require you to use egg whites as a raising agent instead of baking powder and yeast but, this recipe is not ideal if you are planning on refrigerating the pancake batter. This is because once you place the pancake batter that contains eggs in the refrigerator it will not produce those type of pancakes that are light and fluffy. However, if this is your favourite recipe for making pancakes then you can always mix up the batter the night before but then exclude the egg whites which you can then add in the morning when you are about to cook them.
How to freeze pancake batter
If you are planning on extending the shelf life of your pancake batter then you can always freeze it. Pancake batter that is stored in the freezer can last for up to 3 months. The method for storing pancakes in the refrigerator is almost similar to that of storing pancakes in the freezer. To do this simply place the pancake batter in a freezer safe Ziploc bag then take out as much air as possible from the bag. Label the freezer bag with the date in which you are placing it. This will help you to keep track of when exactly the pancake batter is expiring.
How to use defrost pancake batter
To use frozen pancake batter simply start by thawing it. You can take it out of the refrigerator and place it on a counter or you can simply place it in side a bowl that has warm water. This will help it to defrost faster.
