Table of Contents
Introduction
Waffle recipe with pancake mix — yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it’s life-changing when your morning needs a little magic but your pantry is saying “meh.”
Hey, it’s Samuel here from Trips Recipes, your friendly kitchen co-pilot. Now, I know mornings can feel like a sprint — getting kids ready, checking emails, convincing your dog that breakfast doesn’t come with table scraps. So when you want the crispy edges and fluffy insides of waffles without dragging out a dozen ingredients… enter pancake mix, stage left.
This recipe is for those who want brunch vibes with breakfast energy — minus the fuss. Whether you’re feeding your family or treating yourself on a quiet Sunday, this shortcut will have you singing “waffle-lujah” before the coffee’s even brewed.
Ingredients You Will Need
No shame in the shortcut game! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups store-bought pancake mix (your favorite brand works fine!)
- 1 ⅓ cups milk (whole milk gives the richest flavor, but any kind works)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (or vegetable oil if you’re out)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but oh-so worth it)
- Cooking spray or extra butter for greasing the waffle iron
Optional Mix-ins:
- Chocolate chips
- Blueberries
- Cinnamon
- A dash of nutmeg for that cozy fall feel
How to Make Waffles with Pancake Mix
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Turn on your waffle maker and let it heat up while you whip the batter. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than a batter-ready situation with a cold iron. Grease it lightly with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Mix It All Together
In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir just until smooth. If it feels too thick, add a splash more milk — you want a pourable but not runny batter.
Pro Tip: Want crispier waffles? Use less milk (around 1 ¼ cups) and let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking.
Step 3: Pour and Cook
Pour enough batter into the center of the waffle iron to cover the surface (usually about ½ to ¾ cup depending on your machine). Close the lid and cook according to your waffle maker’s instructions — typically 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Resist the urge to peek too early. Trust the process. Let that crispy crust develop!
Tips & Tricks
- Make-Ahead Magic: These waffles freeze beautifully. Let them cool, then store in freezer bags. Reheat in the toaster or oven for weekday wins.
- Get Creative: Add a swirl of peanut butter or drizzle of Nutella before cooking for a sweet surprise inside.
- Savory Spin: Want something less sweet? Skip the vanilla and add shredded cheese, chopped chives, or even crumbled bacon to the batter.
- Kid Fun: Let kids customize their own by pouring batter into mini waffle makers and adding their favorite mix-ins.
Need another breakfast idea in a pinch? You’ll love our Mini Pancakes recipe—adorable, stackable, and totally crowd-pleasing, also Kodiak Pancake Recipe and Viking Pancakes.
Why We Love This Waffle Recipe with Pancake Mix
Because it’s the breakfast hack we never knew we needed. You’re using what’s already in your pantry, saving time, and still delivering crispy, golden waffle glory that tastes like it took way more effort.
Let’s be honest, sometimes real life doesn’t leave room for homemade batters, but that doesn’t mean you should miss out on brunchy goodness. So go ahead, pour that mix, press that waffle, and enjoy every buttery bite.
Your coffee is hot, the waffles are warm, and the day is already off to a delicious start.
FAQs About Waffle Recipe with Pancake Mix
Can pancake mix be used for waffles?
Yes, it absolutely can! Pancake mix is a convenient shortcut for making waffles, and with a few tweaks, you can get that crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture we all love in a good waffle. The key? Add a bit more fat (like melted butter or oil) to the pancake mix batter. Waffles need that extra richness to get that golden, crisp edge.
Are pancake mix and waffle mix the same thing?
Not quite — though they’re very similar. Both typically contain flour, leavening agents, and sometimes sugar. However, waffle mix usually has more fat and sugar. This helps create that signature crisp exterior and rich flavor waffles are known for. But don’t worry — if you’ve only got pancake mix on hand, adding a tablespoon or two of melted butter or oil can help bridge the gap.
What is the secret to making good waffles?
Ah, the million-dollar breakfast question! Here are a few secrets:
– Don’t overmix the batter — a few lumps are okay and will keep your waffles tender.
– Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking to help the gluten relax and the leavening activate.
– Use enough fat — melted butter or oil is key for that crispy exterior.
And finally, preheat the waffle iron and let it do its thing without peeking too soon. That’s how you get waffles that are beautifully golden and cooked evenly.
Can you use Aunt Jemima pancake mix for waffles?
Yes, you can! Aunt Jemima (now Pearl Milling Company) pancake mix works great for waffles with a few easy modifications. Just follow the instructions on the box, and add about 1-2 tablespoons of oil or melted butter to the batter. That little extra fat helps give your waffles that crisp finish and richer taste.