How long does the waffle batter last?

Waffles are the perfect addition to any breakfast. Covered with a little maple syrup, these little morning cakes are a favorite around the world.

But, if you love waffles as much as we do, making the batter daily or several times a week can be a bit of a pain, right?

It’s always worth trying to make more dough ahead of time, but making more dough means saving the extra dough for a while.

How long does the waffle batter last? Waffle batter can last anywhere from 2 hours to 1 month, depending on the method of storage. You can store it in the fridge, on the counter or in the freezer. Storing the waffle batter in the refrigerator is the best option, as the flavor and freshness of the batter remain the same.

Read to know more about all the methods to make waffle batter last longer.

How long does the waffle batter last?

Waffle batter mostly lasts anywhere from 2 hours to almost 1 month. Depending on the ingredients you choose and the amount of batter, you can use the methods below and save the waffle batter that will stay fresh and good for cooking.

In the fridge

If you are not willing to give up the taste and softness of the waffles, but you still have a good amount left in the bowl, it is best to store it in the refrigerator.

Since waffle batter is primarily made up of flour, butter, and eggs, it is possible to store it in the fridge, but it has its limits.

We suggest you store the waffle batter in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days at 40°F or below. Make sure the dough is kept refrigerated at all times.

Also, the dough should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag to ensure the quality and flavor of the dough.

We recommend keeping the container in the lower rows of your fridge and not on the door, as temperature fluctuations in the door could affect the dough.

On the counter

If left out at room temperature, the waffle batter will only stay fresh for 2-3 hours , as the batter is made up of milk and eggs, both of which are perishable ingredients.

Over time, microbes will start to contaminate the batter and eventually the flavor of the waffles will change.

You must use the dough within 2 hours to get the best flavor and quality of the dough.

Be sure to cover the container during this time. Also, be sure to lightly beat the batter before using it.

Do not leave the waffle batter for 2 hours off the counter and then put it in the fridge. This will increase the risk of contamination.

In the freezer

And if you want to keep the delicious waffle batter for more than 2 days? Is there any way to do it?

There is! You can keep the dough in the freezer for almost 1 month if you keep it in an airtight container or zip-top bag.

Remember to get as much air out of the zippered bag as possible to keep it cool. Still, it’s not the best option to keep it fresh for a long time, and the flavor will diminish over time.

Once you have mixed the stored batter and made the delicious waffles, do not refreeze the batter as it can affect the texture and safety of the food.

How can waffle batter stay fresh longer?

Of course, any food that is not stored properly is not fit for use, and waffle batter is no different!

Let’s look at the best ways to store the dough to preserve its freshness for longer.

glass containers/jars

Glass containers or jars are great options, as they have an airtight lid that will keep air and moisture out. 

They are best suited for a smaller amount of waffle batter and can take up quite a bit of space in your fridge or freezer.

resealable bags

You can store a good amount of waffle batter if you use resealable bags.  We recommend that you stack them to avoid taking up too much space in your fridge or freezer.

plastic containers

Our favorite way to store waffle batter is in plastic containers. They are easy to find and very practical, and they come in all shapes and sizes.

Make sure your container is airtight to protect the mass from air, moisture, or bacteria.

How to reuse stored dough

When you take your stored waffle batter out of the fridge or freezer, you may notice that the batter looks a little different, as the ingredients may have separated or the batter may have slightly oxidized and changed color.

When this happens, there are a few steps to follow before you start cooking your waffles like crazy.

Dough stored in the fridge

When waffle batter is stored in the fridge, the ingredients tend to separate. For all waffles to have the same consistency and flavor, lightly beat the batter before using. 

Now the dough is ready for the waffle iron, even if it is cold.

Dough stored in the freezer

If you have stored the dough in the freezer, you need to defrost it first. You can defrost the dough in the following ways:

1. Take out the container and store it in the fridge overnight.
2. You can also put the container of frozen dough in a bowl filled with hot or normal water 15 minutes before using it.

Can waffle batter be reused?

The great thing about waffle batter is that you can always be creative with how you want them. You can use the same dough for different recipes.

With the dough you can make mini muffins, or you can beat some cookies to accompany the coffee. You can also make pancakes with the same dough.

Prick some sausages with a fork or knife, dip them in the batter and grill or fry them. And boom! Your delicious salty and sweet sausages are ready.

Can the waffles be stored in the fridge?

Yes, you can also store the waffles in the fridge! Cooked waffles can also keep in your fridge for almost 3 days. 

You can store the waffles in the following ways

1. Wrap the waffles in plastic wrap or cling film and put them in the fridge.
2. Use an airtight container to store the prepared waffles.
3. Store the waffles in a cool, dry place.

When you’re ready to eat your stored waffles, simply reheat them in a toaster oven or microwave them for 1 minute before eating.

Related questions

Now that we’ve gone over how long waffle batter lasts, let’s take a look at some related questions!

Can waffle batter go bad?

Yes, waffle batter can go bad. This occurs when it comes into contact with air or moisture. The best way to know quality and freshness is to use your senses.

If you detect any mold or various bacterial stains in the waffle batter, or if it smells a bit sour or foul, then the batter is unfit to eat. 

Can yeast waffle batter be refrigerated?

For yeast-risen waffle batter, don’t keep it for more than a few hours. Since yeast only takes overnight to rise, storing the dough in the fridge can cause it to rise.

Can you make waffle batter without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute the eggs for baking soda or buttermilk. When using an egg substitute, the shelf life of the dough may increase or decrease depending on what you use.

You can also add commercially available artificial egg substitutes.