June 25, 2021
updated
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Ever wonder if you can freeze pancakes? Don’t worry this post has you covered with step-by-step directions and tips for freezing pancakes.
Need more ideas for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner? From recipes to how-tos, MOMables has it all! Join us!
There is something so wonderful about freshly made pancakes for breakfast. With syrup and butter, they are oh-so-good!
However, mornings can be too hectic to whip up pancakes from scratch, which results in pre-packaged frozen pancakes which are nowhere near as good as the homemade version. Instead, why not make your favorite pancake recipe and freeze it for later? They can be reheated in the microwave or toaster and taste much better than anything from a box.
How to Freeze Pancakes (step-by-step)
Freezing pancakes is simple and a convenient way to have fresh-out-the-toaster pancakes in the morning on any given day. Below are the steps to freeze pancakes so they don’t stick together and are ready to be reheated when you need a quick breakfast:
- Make pancakes in your pan or griddle. Remove onto a plate and let the pancakes cool down completely.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment, wax paper, a silicone mat, or plastic wrap (do not use aluminum foil).
- Place pancakes on the lined baking sheet and place the baking sheet in the freezer.
- Freeze the pancakes, for 30 minutes to 1-hour minimum, before transferring the frozen pancakes from the tray into a sealable, zip bag.
- Label the zip bag with the pancake batch and date.
More of a visual learner? No problem. I’ll walk you through everything in this quick, 2 minute video.
How to Reheat Pancakes
Now that you know how to properly freeze pancakes, let’s talk about the best way to reheat them.
You can warm up a frozen pancake in the microwave by placing the pancakes on a microwave-safe plate and microwaving them uncovered for 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on the number of pancakes, until the centers are heated through.
You can also toast the pancakes in a toaster or toaster oven on a “medium” toast setting. Warming up the pancakes in the toaster will give them a crispy outer layer.
Can You Freeze Pancake Batter?
You can freeze just about anything including pancake batter! This is a prep-ahead tip that you can mix up, freeze, and defrost the night before you plan to cook. It saves time and the pancakes still turn out light and fluffy.
If you want to freeze pancake batter, follow the steps below:
- Mix
Prepare your pancake batter as directed. - Store
Transfer the batter to a large, freezer-safe zip bag, and seal. Label the container with the date, place it on a baking sheet, and freeze flat before removing it from the baking sheet. Freeze for up to 1 month. - Cook
The night before your pancake breakfast, defrost the pancake batter in the fridge overnight. Using kitchen scissors, cut one tip of the bag and pipe the pancakes onto a preheated griddle or pan.
The best part about making homemade pancakes is that you can tailor them to your family’s preferences and allergies, like with this gluten-free pancake recipe. Double or triple the recipe, freeze the leftovers, and stash them away for a yummy breakfast or breakfast for lunch!
How to Freeze Pancakes
Ingredients
- Your favorite fluffy pancake recipe
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Freezer-safe bag or container
- Permanent marker
Instructions
- Make your favorite pancakes and allow them to fully cool.
- Put the pancakes on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until fully frozen.
- Once the pancakes are completely frozen, you can remove them from the baking sheet and place them inside your freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label your bag or container with a permanent marker.
- When you’re ready to eat the pancakes, remove the desired number and reheat them in either the microwave, toaster oven, or oven until warm.
Aruna
Hi, Laura! This is awesome. Thanks! What if I want to pack it for lunch for my son? Should I warm it before putting it in his lunch box to eat 4 hours later?
MOMables - Laura
I usually lightly toast ours and then pack. Enjoy!
Rick
I am an older single man-70 years young—-:)–I love to cook but find I am wasting a lot of food these days because I don’t eat that much. I followed your freezing method and it is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!–Fresh pancakes without having to measure, make a mess and clean up every time I eat pancakes.-I haven’t tried the toaster method but have had good luck zapping in microwave for about 30 secs. let sit for a few minutes flip them over and zap for another 30 secs. seems to work for me. Keep up the good work–You have a nice smile–I bet your daughter is beautiful!!!
MOMables
I’m glad this worked for you!
Kerry Reed
I freeze pancakes, cookies, brownies, etc. on cooling racks before placing them in freezer safe bags. They don’t stick and I don’t have to use parchment paper. I made your pancake recipe and blueberry syrup recipe this morning. Both were big hits. Thank you.
Soeh
My baby has an egg allergy so I have to cut eggs out of my diet. This is the best pancake recipe I have made without eggs. Thanks.
MOMables
So glad you enjoyed them!
Lani
I don’t have a large enough freezer. Any other methods?
MOMables
On a plate, separated by parchment or wax paper so they don’t stick together.
Joyce Smithers
Doing pancakes for a large crowd at the church your idea is perfect but you have not mentioned preparation for heating them up in the oven , at what tempature and for how long , Thanking you in advance Joyce
MOMables
You can bring them to church frozen, they will thaw out during transportation, and heat them up at 250F until warm.
shelly
I have to make pancakes for a large group of people. I was think of making them early and freezing them. I am very limited in space in the freezer. May I place them in a ziplock bag with parchment paper between them? If so how long do I reheat them in the oven before serving them? Thank you for your advice. Have a good day!
MOMables
you can definitely freeze them in a zip bag with parchment between them. enjoy!
Monica
Thank you!! I was looking how to freeze homemade pancakes and waffles :)
Jessica
Which do you think is the best method of reheating for taste/ texture and also, at which temperature and for how long etc? Sorry! I’ve had it said before that I need a little more “experience” in the kitchen… haha
MOMables
I usually toast them.
zuleyka
Yeah like the frozen waffers low setting for reheat!
Jackie
How long does the pancakes last in the freezer?
MOMables
in a sealed bag, 30-60 days. Any longer and I’m sure they get a bit frosty.
Cari
Oh wow!!! You’ve changed my life! ha!
I grew up on French Toast my mom froze.
As a mama, I make it but just let it cool and stick in the bag.
I LOVE the trick to freeze them FIRST. So great! Really, what a relief that it won’t stick anymore!! =)
With my pancakes I add –
ground flax seed
Chia seeds
Protein powder
Frech Toast I add –
All the same as above
pumpkin (no one ever notices =)
Vanilla
lots of cinnamon
Off to check out your other recipes! Feeling inspired!! Thx for a great website!!
Cari
Austin, TX
MOMables
thanks Cari!
Brooke Organista
Forgot to add would it work for french toast as well?
MOMables
Absolutely! I freeze french toast with this method all the time
carolina
What is a french toast? Similar to a pancake?
Karen
French toast is bread soaked in a mixture of beaten eggs and a little milk (and cinnamon and/or vanilla if you like), and then fried more or less like a pancake. Good stuff!
Brooke Organista
Would this work with waffles as well? I am thinking it would but I am new to freezing
food.
MOMables
Yes! I freeze waffles like this as well