Can Cake Batter Be Refrigerated? Find the Answer
So you wanted to bake some cake but you realized you prepared too much batter. And now you are wondering if it is a good idea to put the leftover batter in the fridge for later. Don’t worry because in this post, I will be answering the question “can cake batter be refrigerated?”
While it is often advisable to use your batter right after you are done mixing it up, you can always store your cake batter in the fridge for later use. However, the mix is only going to be good for use for up to 2 days when refrigerated.
Follow along as I discuss all you need to know about refrigerating batter and the best way to do it so it remains fresh for as long as possible.
Can You Refrigerate Cake Batter?
There is no problem with refrigerating cake mix. If stored properly in the fridge, it can last up to 48 hours. However, it is a good idea to use all your cake mix after you have mixed it up. Why?
While batter stored in the fridge may not necessarily be bad for use after 2 days, there is a chance that it is going to lose air rendering the cake you bake flat and denser.
Also, it is very likely that the leavening agent you used will deteriorate as the mix sits leaving you with a denser and shorter cake that’s anything but delicious and fluffy.
Note that I am not saying that you should never refrigerate cake mix. For best results, you might want to store your leftover cake batter in the fridge for at most overnight.
How Do You Store Cake Mix in the Fridge?
I must reiterate that storing cake mix in the fridge is one thing and storing it properly is another. So what’s the best way to store batter in the fridge?
Before we look at that, I should mention that there are two main issues that will render your cake mix difficult to work with when it has been stored in the fridge.
The first issue is the air that you beat into your mix slowly escaping leading to a way denser and shorter cake. The second issue is the top part of the mix drying out. This creates an unappealing crust that is going to be almost impossible to work with.
So how do you avoid these issues when you store your cake mix in the fridge? Here’s how:
Leave the Cake Mix in its Mix Bowl
After you have mixed all the ingredients of the recipe you desire, it is best to store the leftover batter in its mixing bowl. This not only makes your work easier but also prevents the incorporated air from escaping as you transfer the batter to another storage container.
If you decide to leave the mix in the bowl, you want to make sure you cover it with wax paper, parchment paper, or tinfoil to prevent any drying.
Use an Airtight Container
Another way to properly refrigerate batter is to put it in an airtight container. The airtight container will also prevent any potential drying as well as keep out any moisture that would otherwise affect the texture and flavor of your cake.
Keep the Batter Away from Other Food Items
Some food items such as fish and spices have very strong aromas and odors. You want to keep your batter away from these food sources so it does not absorb the odors leaving you with a flavor you didn’t want in your cake.
Also, it is advisable to keep your cake mix at the back of your fridge. This prevents the small temperature and humidity changes that happen every time you open the fridge door from affecting the texture and flavor of your baked goods.
How Long Can I Refrigerate Cake Mix?
As a general rule of thumb, you should not store cake mix in the fridge for longer than 48 hours. To get better results with refrigerated cake mix, use it after 12-24 hours.
Can You Freeze Cake Batter?
Cake mix freezes well but how long your cake batter will stay in the freezer will depend on the type of cake you want to bake or the ingredients you used. In general, batter can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months if stored well.
To store cake batter in the freezer, you want to use an airtight container. You might want to wrap the batter in aluminium foil or plastic wrap before putting it in the airtight container. This way, you will keep away moisture and prevent any potential drying out.
It is also advisable to keep the batter away from other food items in the freezer. As with the fridge, keep the mix tucked away from the door of the freezer.
Can I Store Cake Batter at Room Temperature?
You don’t want to leave your batter sitting at room temperature for more than an hour. It will likely dry out and form a hard crust that will be difficult to work with.
Do you have any interest in other topics? Make sure to check out the following links like, How Long Can Cooked Salmon Be Refrigerated? , How Long Can Cooked Ham Be Refrigerated? and Can Beer Be Refrigerated Twice?
Final Thoughts
You can refrigerate batter but even then, it must be stored properly to prevent any issues that will make it hard to work with. Be sure to wrap it properly and keep away moisture. Use the batter after 2 days at most for best results.
