There is nothing like enjoying a batch of fresh waffles. However, if you have overdone it by preparing a large mixing bowl of waffle batter, you can freeze it. I usually prepare waffle batter beforehand and freeze it.
The best thing is the batter can be kept in the freezer for a long time, up to a couple of months. So you do not have to worry about the batter going to waste. Find the proper storage container, and you are good to go.
So whenever you are in the mood for waffles, take your batter from the freezer, defrost it, cook it and enjoy those deliciously crispy and fluffy waffles.
Why Consider Freezing Waffle Batter?
The saying the early bird gets the worm is true. When it is my turn to make breakfast, I try to get up early to maximize my chances of success to serve food on time.
I am not a whiz at waffle making, and if I don’t get up bright and ready, I am rampaging through the kitchen to get all the equipment and ingredients. To make up for a lost time, I throw the dry and wet ingredients into the mixing bowl, rapidly whisk it and pour the batter into the waffle maker, praying that the first batch is ready before everyone is seated on the dining table. The result is usually not the waffles you want to have for breakfast.
If Sunday is your waffle day, your routine would be getting up early, heading to the kitchen, and preparing the waffle batter for your family. Everyone would have at least a single or two servings of waffles. Kids would vote for three waffles to have for breakfast.
If you’re like me, then you would probably make a mess in the kitchen as well. For this reason, you should consider freezing waffle batter in advance. You would be saving a couple of hours on the preparation and have your beauty rest. On the weekend, take your waffle batter out of the freezer, thaw it, mix it up a bit and then cook it.
How To Freeze Waffle Batter
Instead of preparing waffle batter for one time serving, it would be wise to double up on the batter. You will have frozen waffle batter for the coming and future weekends. If you’re adventurous, you can have waffles on weekdays or satisfy your sweet tooth by cooking them for lunch.
Make as much of a large batter you want and store it in different containers. Analyze if your freezer has enough space to store your entire waffle batter. If you have enough storage space you can place the mixing bowl in the freezer. Wrap the mixing bowl using a cling sheet and put it on the freezer tray and not the base, otherwise, your mixing bowl will be stuck to the freezer. To save space, store the batter in boxes and stack them neatly on top of each other.
Being overwhelmed with plenty of waffle batter and out of freezer storage space only means one thing.
WAFFLE PARTY!
Instead of the batter going to waste, it is better to start cooking it and enjoy a waffle buffet. You can also save the batter in the fridge, but only for a few days.
Containers Need for Freezing Waffle Batter
Here are some containers you can you for freezing waffle batter.
The mixing bowl
My favorite container is the mixing bowl itself. I always prepare it in a big mixing bowl, cover it with a lid or use cling paper to wrap it airtight. Place the bowl on the freezer tray and keep it above the base so that the mixing bowl does not freeze and get stuck.
The benefit of this is you don’t need to divide your batter into different containers. Also, when I take out the waffle batter, I mix it straight in the bowl. There is no need to transfer it to another bowl, thus minimizing the need to clean dishes.
Plastic Containers
My second best go-to when it comes to freezing. Plastic containers in square or rectangular shapes can be efficiently and neatly stacked.
You can divide your waffle batter into portions readily available to make the desired number of waffles.
Glass Jars
Can you put glass jars in the freezer? Yes, you can freeze waffle batter in glass jars without a problem if you follow a few simples rules. Here are 4 ways to keep glass jars from breaking in the freezer.
1.) Do not fill the glass jars to the very top. The waffle batter might expand, and the glass jar will shrink when it freezes. So leave some space. If there isn’t any room for the waffle batter to grow, it might burst out, thus breaking the glass jar.
2.) Use straight jars, all the way from the top to bottom, without any bends.
3.) Use tempered glass jars for freezing, as they are much more durable.
4.) There should be some gap between jars when you put them in the freezer. Since they might expand or contract, the glass jars need elbow room.
Plastic Freezer Bags
Freezer bags do not make a fuss about the storage space. It is a suitable alternative if you have a small freezer or one already crammed with other food items. You can lay the bags flat and pile them on top of each other or squeeze them between other containers.
How to defrost and cook frozen waffle batter?
First, you need to defrost the frozen waffle batter. If you’re having waffles in the morning, place the container in the fridge so that it can defrost overnight. If you are in a hurry, you can run the container in warm water so that it can thaw quickly.
If the recipe incorporates eggs, do not microwave the frozen waffle batter. The batter will start to cook, and you will end with a cooked or half-cooked waffle batter.
It is best to let the waffle batter defrost in the fridge as it will be just the right temperature, with zero chances of bacteria growing.
Once the waffle batter is defrosted, mix the batter again but not too much, preheat the waffle maker, and relish your waffles with those mouthwatering toppings.
Refreezing Waffle Batter
If you do not plan to use the whole waffle batter, scope what you need and put the remaining batter back to refreeze it. However, if your waffle batter has remained at room temperate for a long time, you shouldn’t refreeze it. Here are 3 guidelines you should follow.
1.) Thaw the batter in the fridge, and using a spoon, take out the amount of waffle batter you need to make waffles and refreeze the rest. The batter should be in the fridge for less than 24 hours, and ice crystals should be present.
2.) Refreeze the batter as quickly as you can.
3.) If you can’t refreeze the batter, make waffles and freeze them.
How to Tell If Waffle Batter is Bad?
Spotting spoiled waffle batter is easy. Please note that the waffle batter can go bad and is a health hazard if consumed. If you see dark green spots starting to develop, that is mold. The taste and smell of the waffle batter are giveaways.
Do not attempt to cook the batter, don’t scrape the mold off, believing that the rest of the waffle batter is safe. Check the remaining containers and separate the bad from the good. If you need to toss the containers away just do it. Prepare a new batch if you have to but do not make waffles or pancakes using that batter.
FAQS
How long do cooked waffles last in the freezer?
It is safe to say frozen waffles can last up to months. Properly store the cooked waffles and have them for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you see spots or discoloration, it is time to throw them out. For ease, label the containers.
Can you keep waffle batter in the fridge overnight?
Yes, you can keep waffle batter in the fridge overnight. The batter can last up to 3 days before it gets spoiled.
How do you reheat frozen waffles?
My favorite way to reheat frozen waffles is using a frying pan. Drop a slab of batter on the heated pan, let it melt, and cook one side of the waffle. Flip it after a few minutes. Repeat the process till both sides are golden brown.
You can use a toaster or oven to reheat frozen waffles. The former is the most preferred way, place the waffles in the toaster, and when done, the waffles will pop out.
Conclusion
You can freeze waffle batter, and it can last for a long time. It should be stored using the correct container. If a glass jar is your container choice, be careful. Remember to follow the tips explained above on how to keep glass jars from breaking in the freezer. Keep track of how long the waffle batter has been sitting in the freezer by labeling the container with date frozen.
