We all love a nice stack of pancakes on a Sunday morning. But how long can pancakes sit out when we get side-tracked and forget to put them away?
This article will walk through how long you can leave pancakes and pancake batter out of the refrigerator, and the best way to store your leftover pancakes.
According to FoodSafety.gov, cooked pancakes are safe to consume after leaving them out of fridge for 2 hours.
Source: FoodSafety.gov
How Long Can Pancakes Sit Out?
Cooked pancakes are safe to consume if out of the refrigerator for about 2 hours. However, if you see signs of spoilage (such as mold, change of texture, and unpleasant odors) you should throw the pancakes out and make a fresh batch.
Consider these factors when determining whether or not to leave your pancakes out:
Ingredients: The ingredients used can affect the pancake’s longevity. For instance, pancakes with dairy or eggs might spoil more quickly than vegan alternatives.
Storage Conditions: Storing pancakes in airtight containers or wrapping them well can prolong their freshness compared to leaving them exposed to air.
Temperature: Warmer environments accelerate bacterial growth. If the room is particularly hot, it’s safer to keep pancakes refrigerated or consume them within an hour.
Moisture and Fillings: Pancakes with added fruits, creams, or high-moisture toppings might spoil more rapidly. It’s best to refrigerate these sooner.
How Long Can Pancake Batter Sit Out?
Since pancake batter typically contains dairy, the FDA suggests using the 2-hour rule when leaving pancake batter out.
If you’re cooking or baking with ingredients such as eggs, dairy, meat, or poultry, you should not leave it out of the refrigerator for longer than two hours.
What’s the Best Way to Store Pancakes?
Pancakes usually taste best when consumed immediately after making them. However, if you have leftovers, you might want to try to store them to eat later.
Wrap them in foil or an airtight container
According to Simply Recipes, the best way to store pancakes is to wrap them in tinfoil or in an airtight container. They will keep for about 3-5 days with this method.
Freeze them
According to Cooks Illustrated, one of the best ways to store pancakes is to freeze them.
Freeze your pancakes by placing a piece of parchment paper between each pancake and putting them in a plastic bag; this will make it easy to remove when you want to reheat them. They will keep for about two months in the freezer.
Alyssa’s Tips
I love pancakes on a Sunday morning.
Here are my favorite pancake mixes or homemade pancake recipes:
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