How can you make your waffles taste better?
Eat them for dinner!
When it comes to waffles, there aren’t any rules. You can make waffles for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The only problem is that sometimes what you’re craving, and what you have available to cook with, are 2 completely different things.
What can you do if you’re craving waffles but you only have pancake mix? Transform pancake to waffle mix, it’s that easy! However, to make the crispiest, tastiest waffles, you’ll need to know exactly what ingredients to change.
What’s the secret to making waffles with pancake mix? Read on to find out.
Difference Between Waffle and Pancake Batter
Before you can turn pancake to waffle mix, you’ll need to understand the differences in batters. What makes waffle batter different than pancake batter? For the most part, waffles and pancake batter contain the same main ingredients.
However, there are a few key differences between these tasty breakfast foods. For one, waffle batter has a little bit more sugar, butter, and eggs than pancake batter. This helps make the waffles richer because they’ll have a higher fat content.
Alternatively, the pancake mix is thinner and easy to pour. The texture is another part of the equation. The most delicious waffles will be fluffy on the inside while crisp on the outside.
The extra sugar in the waffle batter gives the waffle a sleek golden brown exterior when it caramelizes. The extra fat helps create an extra crispy outer layer, so the waffle doesn’t stick to the waffle iron.
Belgian waffle recipes tend to use pearl sugar for an extra crispy outside. On the other side of the equation, pancakes have a lower amount of sugar and a higher amount of milk.
Leavening Agent and Consistency
Finally, the last differences between pancake and waffle batter are the leavening agents and consistency. A lot of waffle batters will contain baking soda or baking powder. The baking soda or baking powder helps the waffles have a fluffy interior.
Pancake recipes also include leavening agents. However, certain pancakes will be flatter and resemble crepes.
Consistency has to do with how thick the batter is. Waffle batter is thick, and pancake batter is thin.
Turning Pancake Recipes Into Waffle Batter
What does it take to use pancake mix to make waffles? All you have to do is add a few things to your pancake mix, and you’ll be able to make the perfect crispy waffles that your heart desires.
First, you’ll need to choose the right type of oil for whipping up a batch of waffles. This will help your waffles be crispier on the outside while still being light and fluffy on the inside.
What type of oil should you use? You have a couple of options to choose from. You can use vegetable oil or canola oil.
As long as the oil is neutral tasting, it should work fine. If you’re looking for traditional waffles, then we suggest using a plain or classic pancake mix.
Double Down on Fat
Another key part of turning pancake mix into waffle mixes is getting in the additional fat needed. Whatever quantity of fat the pancake recipe calls for, we suggest doubling it.
For instance, if the pancake recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter, use 4 tablespoons instead. If you’re not making your batter from scratch, then it’ll be even easier to turn the pancake mix into waffle mix.
Substitute Water for Whole Milk
Are you using a classic pancake mix that only requires water? Great! That’ll help speed things up quite a bit.
Instead of having to start from scratch, you only need to add a couple of ingredients to create the perfect waffle consistency. Follow the instructions on the pancake mix box to measure the amount of batter you’ll need.
Instead of water, you can use whole milk to make your waffles extra rich. Typically, for one batch of waffles, you’ll need 1 cup of water for every 1 cup of classic pancake mix.
A couple of large brown eggs will also help your waffles have the perfect fluffy interior. Add in a teaspoon of vanilla extract, too, for flavoring. Now you can add in the extra fat that your waffles are craving.
Add in 2 to 4 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of a neutral-tasting oil. The oil and butter will work together to help your waffles be crispy and fluffy!
If you want to go all-in on the fat, you can use 4 tablespoons of melted butter and not use any oil. If you use all butter instead of oil, you’ll notice that the waffles have an almost creamy taste. When you use all oil, the waffles will be a little bit healthier and crispier.
What Type of Pancake Mix Works Best for Waffles?
There are a lot of different just add water pancake mix options out there. The type of mix you choose is going to play a big role in how your waffles turn out.
Here are a few of our favorite pancake batter options:
- Buttermilk pancake mix
- Classic pancake mix
- Whole wheat pancake mix
- Protein pancake mix
- Blueberry buttermilk pancake mix
- Raspberry buttermilk pancake mix
- Vegan pancake mix
Did you want your waffles to lean towards the healthy side?
Pick one of the healthier batter options, such as whole-wheat buttermilk pancakes or protein pancakes. You’ll get the nutrients you want without sacrificing flavor.
Protein is supposed to make up 10-35% of your daily calories. That’s why protein pancakes are the perfect post-workout edition. We suggest looking for mixes that have at least 14 g of protein, so your muscles will get all of the support they need.
Decadent Flavors
Usually, eating healthy isn’t at the top of your list when you’re making waffles. If you’re all about embracing the decadency and luxuriousness of waffles, then we suggest trying a buttermilk or fruit pancake mix.
Plain buttermilk and classic pancake mixes will help you create traditional waffles. However, if you’re looking to turn things up a notch, you’ll want to mix that uses blueberry or raspberries too. The fruity flavors will help your waffles taste that much better.
Cooking Pancake Mix Waffles
Take out a large mixing bowl, and put all of your ingredients in it. Using a whisk, vigorously beat the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Slowly whisk in the pancake mix.
Keep whisking until there aren’t any lumps in the batter. Let the batter sit for 5 minutes. As the batter sits, it’ll be able to thicken, which will help your waffles have the perfect height.
Pour the mix into the preheated waffle maker, and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In a matter of minutes, you’ll have crispy, tasty, mouth-watering waffles.
Tips for Making Perfect Waffles
There are a few things you can do to make the perfect waffles every time. First, respect your waffle maker. Always read the instructions thoroughly.
Not all waffle makers are the same. Certain waffle makers are designed to cook for longer, while others work best with 2-4 minute cook times.
Older waffle makers might even tell you to use a cooking spray. Whereas waffle makers from the last 5 years typically have a Teflon coating.
Separate Egg Whites
Separating the egg whites from the yolks will help your waffles be even fluffier! Add the beaten yolks to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl.
Separately beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Slowly fold the egg whites into the final batter using a spatula.
Mix Gently
The waffle batter is touchy. You have to mix it gently to avoid making it too thin. Your goal should be to have a smooth, free-flowing batter that can easily move through the waffle plate.
Using a rubber spatula or a rubber spoon, mix the dry ingredients of your batter into the wet ones. Move slowly as if the batter is fragile and you don’t want to break it.
Using a gentle motion, continue mixing until the batter has a smooth consistency. You should mix for at least 5 minutes, maybe more. However, be careful not to over-mix.
Pay attention to how the batter looks. You want to find the perfect sweet spot of smooth but not runny batter.
Use Plenty of Oil
If you’re noticing that your waffles are sticking to the waffle iron, you need to increase the amount of butter or oil that you’re using. Increasing the butter and oil will also help your waffles taste richer.
Timing Tips for Extra Crisp Waffles
One of the biggest mistakes people make when turning pancake mix into waffle mixes is rushing the process. As a general rule, you should always wait until the waffle iron indicates that it’s okay to lift the lid. Lifting the lid too early could cause your waffles to lose their fluffy interior.
Prematurely lifting the lid can also cause the waffle to fall apart. One side will wind up sticking to the top, and the other half of the waffle will stick to the bottom. To avoid this fiasco, be patient as you cook your tasty waffles.
If the waffle iron doesn’t have a way of indicating that it’s done, look for steam. Steam should be coming out of the sides of the waffle maker.
Once the steam stops, you can lift the lid. Your waffles should be done and crispy. If you’re looking for an extra well-done waffle, wait about 20 to 30 seconds to lift the lid after the steam stops.
Serve Quickly
Waffles taste the best piping hot. However, a lot of people only have one waffle maker.
If you’re feeding a large family, how can you make sure everybody eats at the same time and still has a hot crispy waffle? It’s easy!
Set your oven to 250°, and preheat your waffle maker. As you finish making waffles, transfer them to the oven.
A little bit of time in the oven can help your waffles achieve a perfectly crisp exterior. It’s like you’re giving your waffles a gentle toasting after making them.
Don’t Waste Any Tasty Waffles
If you make one too many waffles, there’s an easy solution. You can freeze them!
Put the leftover waffles in a freezer bag after they’ve completely cooled off. Put wax paper between the waffles and squeeze all of the air out of the bag.
When you want to eat your frozen waffles, let them defrost for 15 minutes. You can then use your oven to heat the waffles at 300° for 5 -7 minutes.
Do you have a toaster? As long as your waffles fit, you can use that too. Toast at a medium-low setting.
Fun Waffle Toppings
The syrup isn’t the only way to dress up your tasty waffles. After turning pancake mix into the waffle batter, stock up on some of the best toppings!
Here’s a list of our favorite add-ons:
- Whipped cream
- Peaches
- Honey
- Ice cream
- Chopped nuts
- Plain yogurt
- Blueberries
- Peanut butter
- Jelly
- Lemon curd
You probably never thought of putting lemon curd on top of your waffles, but it’s a delicious choice. You can find a ready-made jar at your local grocery store or make your own lemon curd from scratch. It only takes about 30 minutes to make and requires less than 5 ingredients.
We’re sure you’ll love the sweet and tart lemony flavor profile. Plus, lemon is a known mood booster. Once you find your favorite waffle topping, you’ll never be able to go back to plain waffles.
Become a Pancake to Waffle Mix Chef
When you’re craving waffles, nothing should get in your way. Now you know all about turning pancake to waffle mix. By adding some whipped egg whites, fat, and whole milk, you’ll be able to make the best waffles you’ve ever had.
However, it all starts with getting the right pancake mix. You have to buy a quality mix that uses premium ingredients, like the ones Lehi Mills provides.
Take a peek at our different pancake mixes, and choose your favorite one. Whether you want classic, wheat, buttermilk, or something completely new, we have what you need.
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