Fresh, fluffy waffles can make a delicious breakfast, but it can take time to make the batter from scratch. So can you freeze waffle batter and save some for later? Or will that affect the texture?
In fact, it is okay to freeze waffle batter. It will keep for up to 1 month in the freezer if stored properly. After that, you may notice some changes in the quality of the batter when you go to make the waffles.
But I’ll show you a trick to getting fluffy, airy delicious waffles even after the batter has been in the freezer for a while.
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How to freeze waffle batter
We make homemade waffles a lot in our family. It’s not only satisfying, it’s also easy to make a large batch and save some for later. And if you don’t plan on using the batter for a while, your best option is to freeze it.
Just follow these easy steps for how to do it:
1. Make your batter according to your favorite recipe.
2. Place the batter in an airtight container. If you use rigid plastic containers, leave some space at the top for the batter to expand. If you choose a freezer-safe bag, press any excess air out of it.
3. Date and label the bag or container.
4. Seal the container and place it on an even, single layer in the freezer. This will ensure that it freezes evenly.
For best results, it’s a good idea to use your frozen batter within 1 month of freezing it.
⭐️ Tip: Consider freezing waffle batter in smaller portions. That way you only need to thaw out what you need when you’re ready to make some waffles, instead of the whole batch.
How to thaw frozen waffle batter
The best way to thaw frozen waffle batter is to move it from the freezer to the fridge and let it defrost slowly. It may take a few hours depending on the amount of batter.
If you’re pinched for time, you can place the freezer bag or container with the frozen batter in a bowl of warm water and defrost it that way. Just be sure to not leave it out for several hours, especially if the batter contains eggs, as harmful bacteria could start to form.
❌ Avoid microwaving the batter to try to thaw it. That could end up cooking it by mistake, which can make it difficult to create a fluffy texture in the waffle iron.
How to cook waffles from thawed waffle batter
Once your homemade waffle batter is fully defrosted, it’s almost ready for the waffle iron.
⭐️ But before you start, there’s a trick to help make sure your waffles are light and fluffy: Mix in a tablespoon of baking powder to the thawed batter.
Why? Well, when you freeze batters, the air they rely on to make them rise can dissipate over time. By adding more leavening agent, like a bit of extra baking powder, you can help give your waffles more volume when you make them.
Now you’re ready to make them. Simply add a scoop of batter to the waffle maker and wait for the indicator to let you know they’re done. Your freshly-made waffles should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and light and airy on the inside.
👉🏼 Related: Can You Freeze Banana Bread Batter?
Can you refreeze waffle batter?
If you still have leftover waffle batter after you’ve frozen it once already, your best option is to simply make all of it and freeze the cooked waffles instead.
That’s because refreezing waffle batter can further affect its ability to rise and the overall quality of the waffles when you make them.
How to freeze cooked waffles
To freeze leftover waffles, allow them to cool to room temperature first. Then place them in large plastic bags with a sheet of parchment paper in between them. This will help prevent them from sticking together.
Remove any excess air from the bag and seal it tightly. Then place it on a flat surface in the freezer. Be careful not to set anything heavy on top of it, otherwise you could crush the waffles.
Fully cooked waffles can stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to make them, just pop them in the toaster or toaster oven for an easy breakfast or snack.
FAQ
You can glass jars to freeze waffle batter as long as they’re freezer-safe. But they run the risk of breaking in the freezer. A better option is to use plastic freezer bags. Larger ones can hold a fair amount of batter, they’ll take up less room in the freezer, and they won’t break or shatter.
If you need to store your waffle batter for a short time, you can keep it in the fridge in a covered bowl or airtight container. It can keep for up to 3 days. During that time, the rising agents will start to lose their effectiveness. So you’ll want to add a bit of extra baking powder and give the batter a good stir before you make the waffles. This will also ensure that any of the ingredients that may have separated are fully incorporated.
Adding melted butter to your waffle batter is a great way to make waffles richer and moister and give them a perfect, crispy golden crust. They can also give them a slight buttery taste.
More food storage answers
Find out whether and how to store more of your favorite foods. Check out the posts below.
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