Never Waste Cake Batter Again! 4 Simple Hacks To Store It Perfectly

Have you ever been in a situation where you ended up making more cake batter than required? For people who bake regularly, this is quite a common problem. The excitement of pouring your cake batter into the tin only to realise that you've ended up making excess can soon turn that same feeling into worry in a matter of minutes. Should you simply throw away the batter and let it go to waste? Absolutely not! Contrary to what most people think, it's absolutely safe to use leftover cake batter. However, the key to maintaining its freshness all depends on how you store it. To help you out, we will guide you through some simple hacks to store leftover cake batter effectively. But first, let's address some common questions about storing cake batter for later use.

Also Read: Baking Myths Busted! 5 Common Notions You Should Stop Believing

Photo: iStock

Can You Leave The Cake Batter Out Overnight?

As a rule of thumb, you should try to reuse your leftover cake batter as soon as possible. But if you have other commitments, you can leave it overnight, considering it was stored properly. As most cake batters contain dairy products, they can easily go bad and lead to the growth of bacteria. So, even if you end up storing it overnight, make sure to store it in the refrigerator instead of leaving it out on your kitchen counter at room temperature. Reuse the leftover cake batter first thing in the morning to prevent spoilage.

Can You Store Cake Batter With Raw Eggs In It?

The answer to this question is yes! As mentioned above, there is absolutely no problem with storing cake batters with eggs in them. But the leftover cake batter should be used within a few hours or at most overnight to ensure it doesn't get spoiled. And remember to always store the batter in the refrigerator.

How To Tell If Stored Cake Batter Has Gone Bad?

It's not always obvious, but here's how to check:

• Smell test: A sour or unpleasant odour means it's time to toss it.

• Visual cues: Any discolouration or separation is a clear red flag.

• Texture check: If it's unusually lumpy or curdled, it's best not to risk it.

Photo: iStock

Here Are 4 Ways To Store Excess Cake Batter And Use It For Later:

1. Allow the batter to cool down:

The cake batter is usually cold. But there are times when we add hot ingredients to it, such as melted butter or chocolate. Prior to storing the leftover cake batter, you must always allow it to cool down. Using a hot batter may result in early spoilage as a warmer environment encourages the growth of bacteria. It may even curdle or affect its texture. So, make sure to always cool the leftover cake batter before you decide to store it.

2. Always store in an air-tight container:

As with most leftover food items, leftover cake batter should also be stored in an airtight container. This prevents it from drying out and ensures that it remains fresh for use later on. If you feel the batter is too much, divide it among two containers for proper storage. Additionally, you could use a zip-lock bag, but storing leftover cake this way can be a bit messy.

3. Refrigerate it:

As mentioned above, leftover cake batter should never be stored at room temperature. You should always store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. By doing so, you won't have to worry about it going bad. Its flavour and texture will still remain the same. If you feel the batter has thickened a bit, you can leave it at room temperature for a while and then use it.
Also Read: Ran Out Of Yoghurt For Baking? Try These 5 Fantastic Substitutes

Photo Credit: Istock

4. Freeze it:

Using leftover cake batter immediately may not be practical for everyone. In this case, a freezer will be your best option. Of course, it's not possible to store it for weeks or months, but if it's a matter of 2 to 3 days, this method works well. Just transfer the cooled batter to an airtight container and freeze it like you normally would anything else. Before using, thaw it in the refrigerator or leave it at room temperature, and you're good to go!

With these easy tips, you can prevent your leftover cake batter from going to waste. Keep them in mind the next time you find yourself in such a situation. 

Can you safely refrigerate cake batter overnight?

Yes-most cake batters (butter- or oil-based) can be stored in the fridge for up to 24-48 hours with minimal impact on quality. Cover in an airtight container to prevent drying and odours. Note: Light batters (like sponge or chiffon with whipped eggs) lose volume quickly and should ideally be baked right away. 

What types of cake batters freeze well for later use?

• Best suited: Butter-, oil-, or creaming-method batters, which maintain texture better after freezing. 
• Not ideal: Batters relying on whipped egg whites (like angel food or sponge cake) tend to collapse when frozen. 

Freezing tips:

• Freeze in freezer-safe bags or airtight containers, label with date.
• Keep for up to 1 month, then thaw overnight in the fridge.