If you’re wondering how to freeze and reheat pancakes, don’t worry. I’ve got all the information you need.
Fortunately, freezing pancakes is simple. If you freeze (and thaw) them properly, it doesn’t degrade their taste or texture much. #winning
There are plenty of ways to reheat them, too! You don’t only have to pop them in the microwave. (Though that is the quickest method).
You can use the air fryer, oven, and more!
But let’s stop dancing around it and get to it! Here’s how to freeze and reheat pancakes.
How to Freeze Pancakes
The first step to freezing pancakes is selecting a freezer-safe container.
I typically slip mine in Tupperware-style containers so they don’t get smashed. But you can just as easily use freezer-safe Ziploc bags.
Once you’ve chosen a suitable container, prepare them for the freezer. There are three primary options for doing this.
And they all start with letting the pancakes cool.
After that, use one of the following methods:
1. Flash freeze the pancakes.
- Place a single layer of cooled pancakes on a baking sheet.
- Stick the sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours to freeze the pancakes solid.
- Then, transfer them to your chosen container.
2. Stack the pancakes with parchment paper.
This method is simple and works best if you use Tupperware containers.
- Place a sheet of parchment paper on the bottom of the container.
- Then, place a pancake on top of it.
- Then, add another layer of parchment paper and another pancake.
- Continue until you’ve stored all the pancakes.
3. Place pancakes in sandwich bags.
- Slide a single, room-temperature pancake into a sandwich bag.
- Fold the top over it.
- Then, repeat, using a new sandwich bag for each pancake. (Each one is in a separate bag.)
- Transfer them to your chosen container.
Then, add a date to your container and pop the pancakes in the freezer.
Can You Freeze Pancake Batter?
You absolutely can freeze pancake batter! Doing so is a great way to save time.
Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the batter. Use whatever recipe you like best.
- Store the batter. Transfer the batter to a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. (Bags work best for batter.)
- Remove the air. Press as much air out of the bag as possible before sealing it. Then, label and date the container.
- Freeze. Lay the bag of batter flat on a baking sheet. Stick it into the freezer for 1 to 2 hours so the batter can freeze flat. Then, remove the baking sheet and return just the bag of batter to the freezer.
The batter should remain fresh for up to 30 days.
Transfer the bag from the freezer to the fridge when you want to cook it. Let it thaw there overnight.
The next day, cut the end of the bag diagonally to make a DIY piping bag.
Then, pipe the desired amount of batter onto the pan. Be sure to use the whole bag; refreezing isn’t an option.
How Long Can You Freeze Pancakes?
Some sources claim you can freeze pancakes for up to 3 months.
However, they taste best (and have the best texture) when eaten within 2 months.
How to Reheat Pancakes
You have several options for reheating frozen pancakes.
Microwave
This is the fastest way to reheat your pancakes.
- Place the pancakes in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. (Don’t stack them!)
- Add a little butter to each one if desired.
- Then, cover the pancakes with a damp paper towel and heat on high using 10-second intervals.
They’ll reheat quickly, so check them after every 10 seconds.
Oven
Here are the steps for reheating pancakes in the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease a cookie sheet with cooking spray or butter.
- Add the pancakes to the tray in a single layer.* They shouldn’t overlap or touch.
- Cover the tray with aluminum foil.
- Warm the pancakes for 5 to 10 minutes or until they soften and heat through.
*Note: If the pancakes seem stiff or stale, sprinkle water before adding the foil. You can use butter, too.
Toaster
Heating pancakes in a toaster may seem strange. However, it’s an excellent way to reheat them!
But this only works if they don’t have butter or other toppings on them.
- Pop them in the toaster and heat them on high for 1 to 2 minutes.
Stove
To reheat pancakes on the stove:
- Warm a skillet over medium heat.
- Add butter to the hot skillet, and let it melt and coat the skillet.
- Then, add the pancakes in a single layer. (If they’re large, you may have to heat them one at a time.)
- Heat each side of each pancake for about a minute to 90 seconds.
Air Fryer
Reheating pancakes in the air fryer is super simple.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Then, add the pancakes to the basket in a single layer.
- Heat the pancakes for 2 to 3 minutes, then serve immediately.
Tips for Freezing and Reheating Pancakes
- Don’t freeze pancakes with toppings. Only freeze pancakes to which you didn’t add syrup, butter, or other toppings.
- Reheat the pancakes directly from frozen. Pancake batter needs to thaw in the fridge overnight. Cooked pancakes don’t.
- Avoid using the toaster for filled or stuffed pancakes. This includes pancakes with chocolate chips, blueberries, and other ingredients in the batter.
- Those are often too messy to reheat in a toaster.
- Add butter before reheating. Doing so will make the pancakes lighter, fluffier, and fresher. You can do this with all methods except the toaster.
