Can You Make Waffles From Pancake Mix?

Fluffy, golden waffles are a breakfast staple loved by many. Their crispy, honeycomb texture is perfect for soaking up butter and syrup. But what if you’re all out of waffle mix? Don’t worry; with just a few simple ingredients you likely already have, you can transform your trusty pancake mix into delicious homemade waffles. In this short guide, we’ll walk through the easy process step-by-step. All it takes is pancake mix, an egg, some oil or melted butter, and milk to whip up a batch of mouthwatering waffles that taste like they came straight from your favorite breakfast joint. Keep reading to learn the secret to making diner-style waffles at home using ingredients you probably have in your pantry.

Recap in Brief

The short answer is yes, you can make waffles using pancake mix! You only need a standard pancake mix, an egg, oil or melted butter, milk, and a waffle maker. Combine 1 1/4 cups of pancake mix with one beaten egg, 1/3 cup oil or melted butter, and 1 cup milk. Mix until smooth. The egg helps bind the batter together while the fat keeps the waffles crispy. Pour the batter into a preheated waffle maker and cook until golden brown and crispy. The result is delicious homemade waffles with minimal effort. So next time you want waffles but only have pancake mix, don’t worry – mix up this easy batter and pour it into your waffle iron. Enjoy!

How do you use pancake mix to make waffles?

Pancakes and waffles are two beloved breakfast treats, but buying pancake and waffle mix from the store can take up precious pantry space. The good news is that you can use the pancake mix you already have on hand with a few easy tweaks to make delicious homemade waffles!

How to Transform Pancake Mix into Waffles

While pancakes and waffles seem quite similar, a few key differences impact the batter. Waffles need a higher fat and moisture content to cook up light and crispy in the confined heat of a waffle iron. Pancake mix on its own can produce waffles that are dense or doughy. Luckily, you can modify the pancake mix into an excellent waffle batter by adding a few ingredients you likely have in your kitchen already.

The basic method is to add eggs, oil or butter, leavening, and liquids to the pancake mix. This boosts the fat content for crispy waffles, provides a lift for a fluffier texture, and thins out the batter so it pours and spreads nicely into the waffle iron.

Basic pancake mix can be transformed into Belgian-style, buttermilk, or even chocolate waffles with just a couple of extra ingredients. Get ready to make your mornings a whole lot more delicious!

Tips for Making Great Waffles from Pancake Mix

Follow these handy tips for foolproof waffles made from pancake mix:

• Use the right ratios. The basic formula is 1 cup pancake mix, one egg, 2-4 tablespoons oil or melted butter, 1/4 cup milk or water, and a pinch of leavening-like baking powder.
• Whisk well to combine. Blend the batter thoroughly so the added egg and fat are fully incorporated.
• Stay undermixed. As with pancakes, overmixing can lead to tough waffles. Mix just until combined.
• Thin the batter as needed. Add more milk or water until the batter reaches the ideal pouring consistency.
• Watch the temperature. Overheated waffle irons can burn the outside before the inside cooks. Use a moderate temperature setting.
• Grease the waffle iron. Brush the grids well with oil or melted butter before pouring in the batter.
• Refrain from filling. You will need a measuring cup or scoop to portion the batter to avoid overflow.
• Spread evenly. Divide the batter with a spatula to completely fill each waffle.
• Check doneness. Carefully open the lid and check that the waffle is nicely browned.
• Briefly rest waffles on a cooling rack to help keep them crispy before topping.

Recipes for Making Waffles from Pancake Mix

Follow these recipes to whip up amazing homemade waffles using pancake mix.

Basic Waffles

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pancake mix
• One egg
• 2-4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

• Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Brush grids with oil or melted butter.
• Whisk together the pancake mix, egg, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl until well blended. The batter should be pourable but still thick. Add more milk if needed to adjust consistency.
• Scoop batter onto the hot waffle iron. Use about 1/3 cup for a standard round waffle maker. Spread into an even layer.
• Close the lid and cook until steaming stops and the waffle is nicely browned, 2-5 minutes.
• Carefully remove the waffle and repeat with the remaining batter.
• Serve warm with desired toppings.

Make it Belgian: Substitute 1/2 cup melted butter for the vegetable oil. Add a pinch of nutmeg to the batter.

Add mix-ins: Fold 3/4 cup mix-ins like berries, chocolate chips, and nuts into the batter.

Buttermilk Waffles

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pancake mix
• One egg
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• One teaspoon of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

• Preheat the waffle iron. Brush with oil or butter.
• Whisk together the pancake mix, egg, melted butter, buttermilk, baking powder, and spices until the batter is smooth.
• Pour a scant 1/3 cup batter onto hot iron. Spread into an even layer.
• Cook until steaming stops, and the waffle is golden, about 4 minutes.
• Repeat with the remaining batter.
• Serve warm with desired toppings.

Make it Blueberry Buttermilk: Gently fold 1 cup fresh or frozen (unthawed) blueberries into the batter.

Chocolate Waffles

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pancake mix
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• One egg
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk
• One teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat the waffle iron. Brush with oil.
• Whisk together the pancake mix, cocoa powder, egg, vegetable oil, milk, vanilla and cinnamon.
• Fold in chocolate chips if desired.
• Pour a scant 1/3 cup batter onto hot iron. Spread into an even layer.
• Bake until set, about 4 minutes.
• Repeat with the remaining batter.
• Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve chocolate waffles warm.

Make it Mocha: Dissolve two teaspoons of instant coffee powder into the milk before mixing it into the batter.

Wonderful Waffle Toppings

Homemade waffles made from pancake mix are delicious on their own but can also be topped with a wide variety of sweet and savory treats:

• Fruit: Fresh berries, bananas, peaches, and pineapple are amazing on waffles. Grill or saute the fruit first for warm toppings.
• Whipped cream and ice cream: Sweeten your waffles with dollops of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
• Chocolate hazelnut spread: For an instant nutty chocolate flavor, spread waffles with Nutella.
• Mashed berries: Mash fresh berries with a little sugar for a quick jammy syrup.
• Citrus curds: Tangy lemon, lime, or orange curd is delicious and spooned over waffles.
• Nut butter: Smear waffles with your favorite nut butter for added protein and healthy fats.
• Bacon and sausage: Crispy, savory meats make waffles a complete breakfast.
• Sliced ham and cheese: Turn them into ham and cheese sandwiches!
• Chicken or turkey: Top with leftover shredded meat for an easy meal.
• Chili or soup: Ladle chili, stew, or soup right over opened waffles.
• Veggies: Waffles can be a great vessel for veggies, too. Try tomatoes, avocado, sautéed onions, or mushrooms.

With the simple tricks for converting pancake mix into waffle batter, plus endless topping possibilities, you’ll never need to buy a special waffle mix again. Just look in your pantry for pancake mix anytime that waffle craving strikes!

FAQ

Do you need a waffle maker to make waffles from pancake mix?

Yes, you will need a waffle maker to make waffles, as you need an appliance that can pour the batter onto a hot grid to create the classic waffle pattern. Investing in a quality waffle maker is a great idea if you want to make restaurant-worthy waffles at home regularly. There are many affordable options for individual-sized or larger waffle makers.

Does the batter need to be handled differently for waffles vs. pancakes?

The main difference when making waffles is that you must scoop and pour the batter onto the hot waffle iron, spreading it to fill the entire grid. The batter may be thicker than the typical pancake batter. Take care not to overload the waffle iron. Use a heat-safe batter spoon or measuring cup to portion the batter. Level and spread the batter gently with a spatula or fork.

Can I make Belgian waffles from pancake mix?

Absolutely! Fold 1/2 cup melted butter into the finished batter instead of vegetable oil to transform your basic pancake mix waffles into Belgian-style waffles. Belgian waffles are distinguished by using melted butter instead of oil or shortening. The butter contributes rich flavor and density. For an even more authentic Belgian flavor, use milk instead of water and add a pinch of nutmeg.

What kitchen tools do I need to make great waffles from pancake mix?

Having the right kitchen tools will set you up for waffle success:

• Waffle maker – Be sure to take advantage of this essential appliance!
• Whisk – To blend the batter smoothly.
• Rubber spatula – For scraping batter from the bowl and smoothing on the iron.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurately measuring ingredients.
• Batter spoon/cup – For scooping the thick batter onto the waffle maker.
• Fork or thin spatula – To help spread batter evenly in the waffle iron.
• Brush – To spread melted butter or oil on the irons.
• Oven mitt – To handle the hot waffle maker safely.
• Cooling rack – Let waffles cool briefly before adding toppings or serving.

What are the best toppings for homemade waffles?

The possibilities are endless when it comes to waffle toppings! Here are some classic topping ideas:

• Maple syrup and butter
• Fresh fruit like bananas, berries, peaches
• Whipped cream, ice cream, or yogurt
• Chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, honey, jam
• Sprinkles or powdered sugar
• Nut butters like peanut or almond butter
• Bacon, sausage, ham
• Shredded cheese

Feel free to get creative and customize your waffles just how you like them! The basic waffle made from pancake mix and your favorite toppings makes breakfast, brunch, snack, or dessert easy and delicious.

Related Video: How to Make the Best Waffles!

Summing Up

As we’ve discovered, you can easily transform pancake mix into delicious homemade waffles with just a few simple ingredients you likely already have. All it takes is combining the mix with an egg, oil or melted butter, and milk to make a quick waffle batter. Pour into a preheated waffle maker until golden brown, and voila – you have crispy, fluffy waffles ready to enjoy. So avoid a lack of waffle mix to stop you from enjoying this breakfast favorite. With this easy workaround, you can satisfy your waffle craving using on-hand pantry items. Whip up a batch on a lazy weekend morning or for a fun breakfast-for-dinner. Enjoy discovering the versatility of pancake mix and the magic of homemade waffles.