You just whipped up the cake batter and forgot to refrigerate the leftover batter for later use. And now you’re wondering, how long can cake batter sit out?
While you can store cake batter in the fridge, it doesn’t last long if left out. A freshly whipped batch of cake batter can only last up to two hours on the countertop. Most cake batter ingredients, such as milk, eggs, and butter, can spoil if left out for too long. Also, leavening agents in cake batter may lose the ability to rise.
It’s best to bake the cake batter right after mixing it up. But if you’ve whipped up more cake batter than you can bake right away, we’ve shared tips on how to store your batter, so it says fresh longer.
Let’s discuss.
How Long Can Cake Batter Sit Out?
Cake is one of the best desserts people love eating on several occasions. It’s easy to make and enjoy by everyone. Unfortunately, when whipping up a cake at home, it’s easy to forget to refrigerate leftover cake batter. So, how long can you leave the cake batter out? And does it go bad?
Leaving freshly-whipped cake batter outside for longer than two hours makes it lose potency. Anything longer than two hours means your cake batter may even spoil. Cake batter contains leavening agents such as baking soda and powder, and these ingredients can weaken over time. Plus, you risk baking a cake that doesn’t rise properly if you leave the batter out longer than necessary.
Keep reading to discover how you can increase the shelf life of homemade cake batter.
Three Ways to Store Cake Batter
There are three ways to store cake batter: On your countertop, in the fridge, or by freezing it.
The time that cake batter can be stored outside depends on the leavening agents used and the room’s temperature.
The rule of thumb is that your batter can sit out for no longer than an hour.
This rule applies to all cake batters, especially those containing milk, raw eggs, buttermilk, or other dairy products.
If you need to store the cake batter for longer than one or two hours, you should refrigerate it.
Another question is how long can the cake batter retains its ability to rise. The longer it sits on your countertop, the more it loses this freshness.
At first, the batter loses aeration; then, the chemical leavening agent decreases its activity.
So it makes sense to refrigerate your cake batter if you don’t want to bake it immediately.
You’re probably also wondering if you can freeze cake batter. Yes, most cake batters can be frozen for up to three months.
Warning: If the batter contains whipped egg whites, like chiffon or angel cakes, the freezing process will spoil the batter.
Can You Store Cake Batter in The Fridge?
As discussed earlier, you can store cake batter in the fridge. It can last up to 48-hours when properly refrigerated.
How to Refrigerate Cake Batter?
Follow these simple steps to refrigerator cake batter:
- Transfer your cake batter to an airtight container.
- If you leave the cake batter in the mixing bowl, cover it with plastic wrap to prevent it from becoming dry.
- Place your cake batter in the fridge for up to two days.
- Make sure to write down the time of placing your airtight container.
- You can use a Zip-top bag or BPA-free plastic food container.
Baking Cold Batter
When ready to bake, take the chilled cake batter from the fridge, let it come to room temperature for about half an hour, and then bake.
Or you can bake your cake batter from the fridge by adding a few more minutes to the baking time.
If the cake batter is frozen, let it defrost in the fridge overnight. If you use a Ziplock bag, cut a corner of the bag, squeeze the cake batter into the pans, and then bake.
Alternatively, you can transfer the batter to a piping bag and fill up muffin trays.
If you have frozen your batter in a cupcake pan, let it defrost and bake. Or bake from frozen, adding extra minutes.
Read more on: Cake Batter Too Thick – How to Fix it? (Tips + Free Chart)
How to Freeze Cake Batter?
Pulling cake batter from your freezer is easier when you run short on time. So, can you freeze cake batter? Let’s find out.
Yes, you can safely freeze cake batter. But there are many factors to consider when you freeze batter, so be sure you follow instructions carefully and consider everything before doing it.
You can freeze the batter in zip-lock freezer bags or directly in your baking dish: disposable loaf pan or muffin pan.
Ensure you freeze a freshly-made cake batter within 24 hours of preparing it.
How to Store Cake Batter Between Batches?
It’s best to freeze the cake batter in smaller portions. So you can quickly thaw the amount you need to bake.
Next, follow these simple steps to freeze your cake batter in between batches:
Freezing Cake Batter in Two Batches
- Line a 12×19 sheet cake pan with paper liners and grease it with cooking spray.
- Use 2-inch tall cake pans to store cake batter between batches.
- Fill the cups with your cake batter, wrap them with plastic sheer tightly and freeze them until you’re ready to bake your next batch.
- Write down the type of batter, date, and serving size, and freeze it.
How Long Does Frozen Batter Last?
Frozen batter can last up to three months. If any ingredients in the cake batter cannot stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months, make sure you follow that shelf life for freezing.
For example, if you have fruit in your cake recipe that can only be in the freezer for one month, only store your cake batter in the freezer for one month.
How to Defrost Cake Batter?
The best way to defrost your cake batter is by keeping it in the refrigerator overnight. You don’t want to use the microwave because this could cook the batter before you bake it.
Read more on: How to Fix Runny Batter? – Tips + Tricks.
Final Thoughts
The best way to ensure a delicious cake every time is by baking your batter right after you mix it. But you can store cake batter for later use at room temperature for an hour or refrigerate it for up to 48 hours.
I hope this guide helped you understand how to store cake batters. If you have more tips on storing cake batter, please share them in the comments below!
Related Questions
Can you freeze homemade cake batter?
Yes, you can freeze homemade cake batter. Our guide details the freezing and thawing process of a homemade cake and store-bought cake batters.
Can you freeze store-bought cake batter?
Yes, you can safely freeze a store-bought batter. However, if you are worried about it, read the package and be aware of ingredients that lose potency when frozen.
Can you freeze cake batter as cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze cake batter as cupcakes, and it’s great to use your frozen batter. Here’s what to do:
- Line your cupcake pan with paper lines and grease it with cooking spray.
- Mix up your cake batter and pour it into your cupcake pan.
- Put the entire cupcake pan in the freezer and allow it to freeze completely.
- Remove the individual cupcakes and store them in an airtight freezer bag.
- When defrosting cupcakes, make sure to put them back into the pans, so they keep their shape as they thaw out.
