Quick Answer
The shelf life of French toast batter that has already been prepared depends on how it is stored. French toast batter that is refrigerated in an airtight container will last 3-4 days. Batter kept at room temperature will only last for a few hours before it starts to spoil. For longest shelf life, prepared batter should be stored in the refrigerator.
What is French Toast?
French toast is a popular breakfast dish consisting of sliced bread that is dipped in a milk-egg batter and then fried in a pan until golden brown. The bread soaks up the custard-like batter during cooking which gives the French toast its signature taste and texture.
Traditional French toast batter contains eggs, milk or cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and sometimes a bit of salt. The basic ingredients work to tenderize and flavor the bread once cooked. The type of bread used can vary, but classics like white bread, challah, brioche, and French bread work best as they readily soak up the batter.
French toast makes for a delicious and comforting weekend brunch food. It can be served plain with a dusting of powdered sugar and maple syrup, or dressed up with fresh fruit, whipped cream, nuts, chocolate sauce – the possibilities are endless!
How is French Toast Batter Made?
Making basic French toast batter is quick and easy. Here are the key steps:
Ingredients
- Eggs
- Milk or cream
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon (optional)
- Salt (optional)
Instructions
- Crack the eggs into a shallow mixing bowl and beat lightly just until blended.
- Add the milk or cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon if using, and a pinch of salt if desired. Whisk together until fully combined.
- The batter should have a thin, pourable consistency. If it seems too thick, add a touch more milk as needed.
- Transfer the batter to a wide, shallow container or baking dish. This makes it easy to dip the bread slices.
- Allow the batter to sit for 5-10 minutes before using. This allows time for the bread to fully soak up the liquid.
- Dip sliced bread into the batter, coating both sides. Fry in a lightly greased pan over medium heat until golden brown.
The basic batter ratio is usually 2 eggs for every 1/2 cup (120ml) of milk or cream. The amount of sugar is optional and can be adjusted to taste. Vanilla and cinnamon add lovely flavor.
How Long Does French Toast Batter Last in the Fridge?
Properly Stored Batter
French toast batter that is freshly made and properly stored in the refrigerator will last 3 to 4 days before it goes bad. To maximize the shelf life:
- Make sure to beat the eggs thoroughly so there is no runny egg residue left.
- Store the batter in an airtight container rather than loosely covered.
- Keep the batter bowl towards the back of the fridge where temperatures are coldest.
The eggs in the batter make it highly perishable. Keeping the batter chilled prevents bacteria growth and curdling that can occur after a few days at room temperature.
Signs of Spoilage
How can you tell when French toast batter has gone bad in the fridge? Here are the signs to watch for:
- Liquid separates and is watery on top.
- Batter turns a yellowish color.
- An unpleasant sour smell develops.
- You see bubbles or froth on the surface.
If you notice any of these changes, it’s best to discard the old batter and make a fresh batch. Consuming spoiled batter risks food poisoning.
Batter Kept at Room Temperature
French toast batter that is left out at room temperature will have a much shorter shelf life compared to refrigerated batter.
Room temperature batter will start to spoil after just a few hours. The eggs begin to break down as the batter warms up, causing an increased risk for dangerous bacterial growth.
For food safety, room temperature batter should be discarded if it has sat out for longer than 2 hours. Do not keep batter unrefrigerated overnight.
To keep leftover batter to use the next day, promptly transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Avoid leaving the bowl on the counter between batches.
Reheating Leftover Batter
Can you reheat unused French toast batter? Yes, batter stored in the refrigerator can be reheated and safely used for an additional 1-2 days.
To reheat leftover batter:
- Transfer the batter to a microwave-safe container.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals, whisking well between each interval, until just warm to the touch.
- Alternatively, reheat the batter in a saucepan over low heat, again while whisking constantly.
- Avoid overheating as high heat will scramble the eggs.
Only reheat batter once. Reheated batter will deteriorate faster than fresh. Discard any remaining batter after the second use.
Freezing French Toast Batter
For longer storage, uncooked French toast batter can be frozen for 2-3 months. To freeze:
- Make sure eggs are well beaten into the batter.
- Pour the batter into freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags.
- Lay bags flat in freezer to freeze batter into thinner layers.
- Freeze batter for up to 3 months.
When ready to use, thaw batter overnight in the refrigerator. Give it a good whisk once thawed and proceed as usual.
Batter may separate slightly after freezing. This is normal, simply remix before dipping the bread.
Tips for Making Batter in Advance
Planning to prepare French toast batter ahead of time? Here are some tips:
- Wait to add milk/cream until ready to cook. Keep eggs, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon mixed together.
- Pre-mix a dry blend of flour, sugar, spices. Add wet ingredients later.
- Cook a test slice once batter is mixed to ensure proper flavor and consistency.
- Err on the thinner side if making batter in advance. It thickens as it sits.
- Give batter a good stir before using to recombine ingredients.
Making the batter 1-2 days ahead can save time when serving a big breakfast. Just be sure to store it properly until ready to fry up that French toast!
How Long Does Cooked French Toast Last?
Once cooked, French toast lasts 3-4 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. To extend the shelf life:
- Allow French toast to cool completely before refrigerating.
- Wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap or place in airtight container.
- Keep French toast stored in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
Cooked French toast can also be frozen for 2-3 months. To freeze, place slices in a single layer on a pan and freeze until solid. Then transfer to freezer bags or airtight containers.
Remember to reheat cooked French toast thoroughly until hot throughout. Cold spots can allow bacterial growth. Discard any French toast that smells funny or has mold growth.
Common French Toast Batter Questions
Can I make French toast batter with water instead of milk?
Using water instead of milk or cream will result in a thinner, less rich batter. The milk or cream provides body, flavor, and color to French toast. For best texture and taste, milk, half and half, or cream are recommended.
Is it better to use day old bread for French toast?
Yes, slightly stale or day old bread makes the best French toast. Fresh bread is too moist and can become soggy when dipped in batter. Older bread holds up better after soaking up the custard batter. Brioche, challah, French bread work well.
Can you add cinnamon sugar to the batter?
Absolutely! Adding 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon sugar to the basic batter provides lovely flavor. Other mix-in options include vanilla extract, nutmeg, cardamom, orange zest, or a tablespoon of liqueur like rum or Kahlua.
How thick should French toast batter be?
The ideal consistency for batter is thin and pourable, but not watery. It should coat the bread evenly without being too gloopy or heavy. Batter made with milk or cream will be thicker than batter made with water or juice.
Conclusion
When properly stored in the refrigerator, homemade French toast batter will keep for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Room temperature batter has a shorter shelf life of just 2 hours. Reheating unused batter can extend the fridge life for another 1-2 days. For longer storage, batter can be frozen for 2-3 months. Making the batter in advance and freezing can make weekend breakfasts a breeze!