How to Make Waffles with Pancake Mix: A Simple Guide

Introduction

Ever found yourself craving crispy, golden waffles but only have pancake mix in your pantry? You’re not alone! Many people assume pancake mix and waffle batter are identical, but that’s not entirely true. While they share similar ingredients, waffles require a slightly different texture and consistency. The good news? You can easily modify pancake mix to create delicious homemade waffles. In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to make waffles with pancake mix while ensuring they come out fluffy on the inside and perfectly crisp on the outside.

Golden brown waffles with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a dollop of whipped cream, served with fresh strawberries on a white plate.

Ingredients List

To make waffles with pancake mix, you’ll need:

  • Pancake mix : Any store-bought or homemade mix works.
  • Eggs : Helps with structure and crispiness.
  • Milk or water : Adjusts the batter consistency.
  • Vegetable oil or melted butter : Adds richness and ensures a crispy texture.
  • Vanilla extract (optional) : Enhances flavor.
  • Sugar (optional) : Adds a touch of sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions:

  • Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
  • Replace vegetable oil with coconut oil for a hint of extra flavor.
  • Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic touch.

Note: Specific measurements are provided in the recipe card below.

Timing

  • Preparation Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes

This recipe is 20% faster than most traditional waffle recipes, making it perfect for busy mornings!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Waffle Maker

Turn on your waffle iron and let it heat up. A properly preheated waffle maker ensures evenly cooked, crispy waffles.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

  • 2 cups of pancake mix
  • 1 egg
  • 1 1/2 cups of milk (or water)
  • 1/4 cup of vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)

Whisk until smooth. The batter should be slightly thicker than pancake batter.

Step 3: Grease the Waffle Maker

Lightly grease the waffle iron with cooking spray or a brush of butter to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Pour the Batter

Scoop about 1/2 cup of batter into the center of the waffle maker. Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 5: Remove and Serve

Carefully remove the waffle using tongs or a spatula. Serve warm with your favorite toppings!

A stack of golden waffles topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, banana slices, and powdered sugar, drizzled with maple syrup.

Nutritional Information

NutrientAmount Per Serving
Calories220 kcal
Carbohydrates30g
Protein5g
Fat8g
Sugar4g
Fiber1g

Note: Values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

  • Use whole wheat pancake mix for added fiber and nutrients.
  • Swap sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of oil to reduce fat content while keeping waffles moist.

Serving Suggestions

Make your waffles even more irresistible with these toppings:

  • Classic: Butter and maple syrup.
  • Fruity: Fresh berries, bananas, or caramelized apples.
  • Indulgent: Whipped cream, chocolate chips, or peanut butter drizzle.
  • Savory: Fried eggs, crispy bacon, or cheese for a unique twist.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Skipping oil or butter: This leads to dry waffles instead of crispy ones.
  • Overmixing the batter: Creates dense waffles instead of light and airy ones.
  • Using too much batter: Can cause overflow in the waffle maker.
  • Not preheating the waffle iron: Leads to uneven cooking and sticking.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Refrigeration:

Store leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing:

  • Place waffles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
  • Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

  • Toaster: Pop them in for 2-3 minutes for a crisp finish.
  • Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat for 30-60 seconds (less crispy but still warm and soft).

FAQs

Can I make waffles without eggs?

Yes! Replace eggs with a mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, or a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water).

Why are my waffles not crispy?

Ensure you’re using enough oil and that your waffle iron is fully preheated before cooking.

Can I use water instead of milk?

Yes, but milk adds richness and flavor. If using water, consider adding a tablespoon of melted butter for better texture.

How do I prevent waffles from sticking to the waffle maker?

Always grease the iron with oil or butter and avoid opening it too soon while cooking.

Enjoy making your perfect waffles!

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make waffles with pancake mix, you can whip up a quick and delicious breakfast anytime! Whether you prefer them sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, these waffles are versatile and easy to customize. Try out this recipe, and let us know how it turned out in the comments. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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A stack of golden waffles topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, banana slices, and powdered sugar, drizzled with maple syrup.

How to Make Waffles with Pancake Mix


  • Author: Alexandra
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 waffles

Description

Waffles from pancake mix are quick, crispy, and fluffy. Just tweak the mix with extra fat and eggs for the perfect texture!


Ingredients

Pancake mix

Eggs

Milk or water 

Vegetable oil or melted butter 

Vanilla extract (optional) 

Sugar (optional) 


Instructions

1. Preheat your waffle iron and grease it with cooking spray or butter.  

2. In a bowl, whisk together pancake mix, milk, egg, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.  

3. Pour the batter into the waffle iron, spreading evenly.  

4. Close the lid and cook for about 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.  

5. Carefully remove the waffles and serve with syrup, fruit, or toppings of choice.  

 

Notes

  •  Adding extra egg and oil makes the waffles crispier than pancakes.  
  •  For fluffier waffles, separate the egg and whip the whites before folding them in.  
  •  Try adding cinnamon or chocolate chips for extra flavor.  
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Waffle Iron
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 waffle
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: waffles, pancake mix waffles, easy waffles, quick breakfast, homemade waffles