Pancakes are an essential breakfast item for many people, and they are something that you can prepare yourself at home. If you have ever made up too much pancake mixture, you might be wondering how long you have to eat it before it starts to go bad.
You might even have a powdered form of pancake mixture in your cupboard that you have yet to finish, but is this something that can go bad? The last thing that you want to do is make yourself ill by eating pancake mix or waffle batter that perhaps would have been better off in the trash, which is why we are here to help.
In this article, we are going to explain whether pancake mix goes off, and tell you how to check for yourself if this is the case. You can use this information to make sure that you aren’t eating pancake mix that has gone bad, and get back to enjoying your delicious breakfast in no time.
Will Pancake Mix Go Bad?
Just like most other foods, pancake mix will go bad. However, if we are talking about pancake mix that is in powder form, not one that you have made up yourself, then you can expect it to last for a very long time. The lack of moisture ensures that the shelf life will be long, but it needs to be stored properly to ensure that this is the case.
Powdered pancake mix will need to be kept sealed in order to minimize the amount of air that it is exposed to and decrease the risk of mold growing inside the packaging. Pancake mix can be prone to mold growth if it has been kept in a humid environment. Pancake mix like cake mix and baking powder can be prone to mold growth if it has been kept in a humid environment.
How to Tell if Your Pancake Mix Has Gone Bad
If you have had buttermilk pancake mix stored for quite some time, you might be wondering if it is still safe for you to eat. Some of the things that you should keep an eye on are the texture, color, and flavor of the mix. If you notice that anything is off, then it is better to be safe than sorry and throw your mix away.
If there is a strange odor coming from the mix, or if it smells like mold, then it is not safe for you to eat. If there are any signs of blue-green spots on the mix, then you are looking at mold, and you should throw the mixture away.
What is the Best Way to Store Pancake Mix?
The best way to store sealed and unopened boxes of pancake mix is at room temperature in the pantry. This product is sealed, which means that it is safe to keep in any cool and dry place that is away from any moisture. It is likely to last for a very long time when it has been kept in this environment.
If you have opened the box of pancake mix, then it would be better for you to transfer the product into an airtight container, and then store it in the pantry. If you have already made up the pancake mix, then you should store the batter in the refrigerator. You should pour the batter into an airtight container, seal it, and put it in the refrigerator. It can also be helpful to write the date in a label and stick it to the container, so you know when it is still safe to eat.
When your food is being kept in the pantry, sealed packs of pancake mix will stay good for around 12 months, and sometimes even longer. Packs of pancake mix that have been opened will keep for around 6 months or less. Homemade pancake batter will only keep for a maximum of a week. You should always check for signs that it has gone bad before eating any of these products.
Can You Freeze Pancake Batter?
You might now be wondering if you can freeze pancakebatter to make it last longer, but this is not ideal. Freezing pancakebatter will separate once it has been defrosted, and it might not provide you with the best results. However, it is possible to mix the wet ingredient back together before cooking if you have leftover batter. Just add a little milk and flour to remix. Frozen pancakebatter is not easy to work with.
In closing, my family loves cooked pancakes with melted butter in the morning with pure maple syrup. If I have time I mix my homemade pancake mix that makes the best fluffy pancake. You can even add chocolate chip to the recipe. It can also double for a waffle mix with some minor modifications if you have leftover pancakebatter. I'll share my pancakerecipe shortly.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
