Cake is the perfect celebratory treat, whether you’re indulging with friends on your birthday or enjoying time as a family. But what happens when you accidentally mix a little too much batter? You can freeze it for later or repurpose it into another delicious treat easily.
Hello, cake fans! My name is Michelle, and I’ve spent the last ten years baking in my beloved kitchen. I love making cakes because they offer tons of versatility in flavor, texture, shape, and more.
If you find yourself with an excess amount of cake batter, don’t worry – and more importantly, don’t throw it away. It’s super simple to find another solution for cake batter, whether you just want to save it for the weekend or want to make a small batch of cookie-flavored cookies.
Keep reading to find out some of the top ways to use leftover cake batter!
6 Great Ways to Use Leftover Cake Batter
I am all about repurposing ingredients and getting the most out of my batters. Basically, I hate throwing perfectly good food away, and I avoid it like the plague. That’s why I have created this list of the top six ways to use leftover cake batter. Let’s dive in!
1. Make Cupcakes
The easiest solution for leftover cake batter is cupcakes. Why? Because there are no extra ingredients, stirring, or drama involved. All you need is a cupcake pan, and an oven turned to 350F. Most cupcakes will bake in around 15-20 minutes, but always keep an eye on them.
2. Make a Sweet Breakfast
While I am a firm believer you should start your day with a nutritious breakfast, the same rules don’t apply to weekends. If you’re looking for a flavorful, sugary breakfast to indulge in Saturday morning, consider making cake batter waffles.
It’s simple! Here are the quick steps:
Step 1: Pour leftover cake batter into your waffle iron.
Step 2: Close the waffle iron.
Step 3: Wait until the “red” light turns “green,” indicating your waffles are done.
Step 4: Remove carefully and top with your favorite toppings.
The great thing about this is that you can add extras to make your waffles stand out from the cake. For example, a chocolate cake batter can be revved up with some strawberries, while a white cake can get a fruity twist with pineapples.
Don’t have a waffle maker? Then get one ASAP. In the meantime, you can always drop cake batter onto your griddle and enjoy pancakes instead. You can even make french toast using the leftover cake batter as your bread’s coating. Yum!
3. Create Fudge
Fudge.. Made using leftover cake batter? You betcha. Hey, sometimes you have to get extra creative. Isn’t that what baking is all about?
If you’re a fan of fudge (like me), then you will be happy to know you can make fudge using your leftover cake batter, regardless of the flavor. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Place leftover cake batter in a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 2: Microwave for approx. two minutes.
Step 3: Remove and stir generously.
Step 4: Add mix-ins, such as white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or walnuts, and mix them.
Step 5: Spread mixture into a shallow, greased pan.
Step 6: Refrigerate until chilled.
Last Step: Cut and enjoy!
4. Make Cookies
Cake and cupcakes are very similar desserts. If you want to make something sweet but a little different, consider turning your leftover cake batter into cookies. The texture might be a little unlike your “typical” cookies, but they’re still delicious.
The best part is you have complete control over the flavors. Don’t hesitate to throw some extra ingredients into the batter. For instance, I love using walnuts and toffee in chocolate cake mix and rainbow sprinkles in white cake mix.
Whatever flavor combination you create, bake your leftover cake batter cookies for around 10 minutes, but check them regularly. Don’t panic if they spread more than your usual cookie recipes. That’s 100% normal and expected from most leftover cake batter cookies.
5. Freeze It!
If you’re already baking a cake, you probably don’t want to spend another 20+ minutes in the kitchen. I totally understand that.
If you’re ready to say sayonara to your kitchen for the night, consider freezing your leftover cake batter. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or sealable freezer bag. The less air that makes its way to your cake batter, the longer it will last.
With proper storage, cake batter can last up to three months in the freezer. Keep in mind that freezing works best for creamed cakes (those that blend sugar and oil/butter initially) rather than whipped ones (utilize whipped eggs folded into the batter).
When you’re ready to bake the cake, simply defrost the frozen cake batter, place it in your cake pan, and bake as usual.
6. Bake It Separately
Just bake it anyway. Why? Because cake “scraps” opens up a realm of possibilities, from classic cake pops to flavorful pie crusts. You can even make a quick and easy milkshake by blending cake scraps, your favorite ice cream, and a banana.
With that in mind, you don’t need to worry about making your scraps look pretty like your initial cake. Just throw it into a cake pan and prepare the following recipe.
FAQs
Now you have some excellent ideas to use leftover cake batter! Still have some prying questions? I’ve looked up the four most commonly asked questions regarding this topic, and I’m here to share the answers with you.
How long is leftover cake batter good for?
If you have leftover cake batter, don’t think you have to use it immediately. Cake batter has surprising longevity as long as it is stored in an airtight container or freezer bag. Store in the fridge for up to two days or in the freezer for three months.
Can I Refrigerate the cake batter and bake it later?
You can absolutely refrigerate your cake batter and bake it later! Store it in the fridge (correctly) for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, let it come to room temperature on the counter for around 30 minutes before sticking it in the oven.
Does cake mix go bad?
Yes, cake mix eventually goes bad, but it takes a very long time – especially if it’s unopened. It’s safe to use cake mix a few months (possibly years) after the expiration date. Just add more baking soda/powder as these ingredients lose potency over time.
Don’t use expired cake mix if it has any signs of mold or a sour smell. If you bake using the expired cake mix and it has an odd odor or taste, it’s best to toss it.
Can you make a milkshake using leftover cake batter?
Yes, but only if you’re using an eggless cake batter. Otherwise, you’ll be consuming raw eggs. If you don’t have a problem doing that, you can use any cake batter – but I wouldn’t recommend it as there is a risk of consuming salmonella and getting sick.
Final Words
Don’t ditch your leftover cake batter. There are many great ways to reuse it, whether you opt to freeze it for later or turn it into something else entirely. I 100% recommend making adorable, delicious cupcakes or surprising your kiddos with a cake-y breakfast on the weekend!
What do you make with your leftover cake batter?
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