Flipping Fantastic: storing pancake batter in ice cube trays is a game-changer!
A quick and easy cooking hack we’re loving!
Ahh, there’s nothing like a light and fluffy pancake to start the day or for a sweet treat - but if you’re like us, you always end up with approximately 473 pancakes because there’s always just so much batter.
What if we told you that you can save time and make just one or two fresh pancakes anytime you want by using ice cube trays to store the batter? We are all for this recent trend!
how to make them
This really is a game-changer. All you need to do is whip up your pancake batter as usual and pour it into an ice cube tray. The tray's individual compartments make it easy to portion out the batter, and you can freeze it until you're ready to use it. Our range of Australian animal ice cube trays make this even more fun. (Who doesn’t want to start their day with a cute kangaroo or koala, or a mini Australia?)
how to cook them
To use the frozen pancake batter, just place the frozen cubes in a pan on low heat and let them cook for a few minutes on each side. In a matter of minutes, you'll have perfectly cooked pancakes! (Low heat is the key here, so they melt and cook nice and evenly.)
Not only is this method convenient for busy mornings or quick snacks, but it also reduces food waste - and you know we’re all for anything that helps the planet! By freezing the batter, you can make pancakes in smaller batches, which means you won't have to throw away leftover batter or cooked pancakes that you didn't use.
You can store the frozen pancake batter for up to a month, so you can make pancakes whenever you're in the mood.
the best ice cube trays for freezing batter
It's important to note that not all ice cube trays are created equal. When choosing an ice cube tray for storing pancake batter, ideally look for flexible silicone ice cube trays (like ours!). This will make it easier to remove the pancake batter cubes without them sticking to the tray.
In addition to pancakes, you could also use this method to store waffle batter or even omelette mix. The possibilities are endless!
a quick and easy sweet pancake recipe
Here's a basic pancake recipe that you can use to make your own pancake batter:
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1 large egg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Directions:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using).
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, or the pancakes will be tough.
Cook the few that you want, then pour the rest of the batter into an ice cube tray and freeze until ready to use.
Flavour ideas:
Blueberry pancakes: add 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter.
Chocolate chip pancakes: add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
Banana pancakes: mash 1 ripe banana and add it to the wet ingredients before mixing with the dry ingredients.
Cinnamon pancakes: add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients before mixing with the wet ingredients.
