There are instances when the recipe you follow results in a massive batch of banana bread batter. If you only want to bake one loaf, you need to have lots of unused mixtures that you don’t know how to store or reuse.
As such, you might be curious: what should you do with your leftover banana bread batter? First, you can place it in an airtight container and freeze it!
However, if you want to come up with a different dessert, you can turn the banana bread batter into balls, waffles, and even muffins!
To know more about what you can do with leftover banana bread batter, keep on reading!
Can You Freeze Leftover Banana Bread Batter?
Yes, you can freeze the leftover banana bread batter. In fact, doing this is better than freezing the baked loaf because it’ll give you a fresh batch every time you bake it.
However, you can only store it in the freezer for two months, even though it contains ingredients with a long shelf-life, such as eggs and bananas. It’s because they become prone to freezer burns.
Even though freezer burns don’t make the banana bread batter unsafe, they alter the mixture’s quality entirely. If the burns are severe, you might have to throw everything away because you won’t be able to enjoy the loaf.
Moreover, you shouldn’t let the batter thaw through a microwave because according to the USDA, some areas will become warm and start cooking already. As a result, it can put the mixture into the “Danger Zone” temperature, a level prone to bacteria development.
Still, here are some benefits of freezing leftover banana bread batter:
1 – Saves Time and Effort
If you’ve accidentally made a big batch of banana bread, don’t think of it as a waste but, rather, a blessing. It’s because you just have to freeze the batter, then you can use it whenever you start craving the loaf again.
You don’t have to spend extra time and effort whipping up a new batch when you already have frozen batter in your freezer.
2 – Helps You Portion Out the Mixture
Freezing leftover banana bread batter allows you to portion out the mixture, so you don’t have to bake everything all at once.
For example, you can divide your banana bread batter by placing them in airtight containers whose volume fits one loaf pan.
3 – Getting Fresh Bread Anytime
The thing is, the flavor and texture of cooked banana bread will change over time. So, when you freeze the leftover batter, you’ll get a fresh loaf every time you bake it.
Can You Put Leftover Banana Bread Batter in the Fridge?
You can store your banana bread batter in the fridge for up to two days. However, you should cover the container with plastic wrap to prevent the surface from drying out.
This method is only applicable if you’re going to bake banana bread the same day or the day after. It’s because raw eggs only have a two-day shelf life in the fridge.
In case you’re going to bake the leftover banana bread batter, let it get to room temperature. This step usually takes around 30 minutes.
Alternatively, you can bake it immediately, but you have to add a few minutes to the baking time. It’s a necessary step to ensure that the banana bread will cook thoroughly.
How to Use Leftover Banana Bread Batter
Considering that banana bread batter is versatile, you can turn it into any dessert you like!
With that said, the following are some recipes you can follow to reuse banana bread batter:
1 – Banana Bread Pancakes
The quickest and easiest way to repurpose a banana bread batter is by making banana bread pancakes.
You just have to place the batter into a pan or a pancake maker, and then you’re good to go! Since bananas go well with literally anything, you can garnish them however you like.
This breakfast staple surely won’t disappoint your family members because the outcome is highly similar to a regular pancake batter—moist yet fluffy! The only difference is that it tastes like sweet bananas.
2 – Banana Bread Cookies
Banana bread cookies are different from regular cookies. The former has a cake-like texture, while the latter is crunchy and chewy.
So, to make banana bread cookies, just line a cookie tray with parchment paper to make banana bread cookies. Next, preheat your oven to 350°F.
If your banana bread batter is runny, add a tablespoon or more of flour until you get your desired consistency.
Scoop the batter using a spoon, then place it in the cookie tray. Let it bake until they turn brown.
You can enjoy the cookies as is. However, you can turn them into banana bread ice cream sandwich cookies if you want to incorporate a different flavor!
3 – Banana Bread Muffins
Another quick and easy way to repurpose banana bread batter is by making muffins.
To do this, preheat your oven to 350°F. Then, take a muffin tin and line it with cupcake liners.
Once your oven has finished preheating, fill the liners until they’re ⅔ full. Afterward, you can put your topping of choice, like nuts or chocolate chips.
Place the tin in the oven, and bake for 20 minutes. Using the toothpick method, you can check if the muffins have finished baking.
4 – Banana Bread Sticks
Banana bread sticks are basically bananas covered in batter. These are handheld snacks that children can enjoy because they’re just like regular churros and breadsticks, but with a unique twist.
If you want to make this, slice ripe bananas in half and insert them in popsicle sticks. Next, cover them with peanut butter and let them chill in the fridge for an hour.
In a cooking pot, start heating the oil until it reaches the temperature for deep frying—which is between 350°F and 375°F.
Transfer the banana bread batter into a glass and dip the chilled bananas until they’re fully covered. Remove the excess mixture by tapping the popsicle stick, then cook until golden brown.
You can serve the banana bread sticks with a dip (e.g., chocolate syrup, jam, caramel). You can sprinkle powdered sugar on top too.
5 – Banana Bread Waffles
Waffles are also a breakfast staple. As such, you can substitute the waffle mixture by using your leftover banana bread batter.
Simply pour the batter into your waffle maker, then add your favorite mix-ins before closing it. Enjoy it with some syrup, powdered sugar, butter, and other toppings.
Final Thoughts
Now you know what to do with leftover banana bread batter!
Since the batter freezes well, you can opt to store it in the freezer and use it for a later time. Keeping it in the fridge works, too, if you’re going to use it immediately.
On the other hand, you can use it to make various desserts and snacks, such as waffles, cookies, and muffins. Indeed, banana bread batter is highly versatile yet a delectable treat!
I have a bachelor’s degree in Film/Video/Media Studies, as well as an associates degree in Communications. I began producing videos and musical recordings nearly 15 years ago. I am a guitarist and bassist in Southwest MI and have been in a few different bands since 2009, and in 2012 I began building custom guitars and basses in my home workshop as well. When I’m home, I love spending time with my three pets (a dog, cat, and snake) and gardening in my backyard.