Can You Use Waffle Mix to Make Pancakes? – 3 Easy Steps to Convert a Waffle Mix into Pancake Mix
Do you ever suddenly crave pancakes? Or, do you like to enjoy this delicious breakfast food each morning?
Whatever the case, it can be so disappointing when we discover that there’s no more pancake mix in the pantry. There’s only a box of waffle mix left.
You’ll probably just decide to make waffles instead. But wait… What if we told you, you can take waffle mix and turn it into pancake mix?
Yes, you can!
Here, we’re going to teach you how to convert waffle batter into pancakes. We’re also going to teach you how to make pancakes from scratch, in case the waffle mix runs out, too.
Pancakes vs Waffles – What Are The Differences?
Before we get into that, it’s important to know the differences between pancakes and waffles. This way, you’ll have a better idea of how to convert one to the other.
The most obvious differences are the texture and appearance. Pancakes have more of a cake-like texture. It’s light-colored, soft, and even a bit spongy all round. Waffles, on the other hand, are golden-brown crispy on the outside and airy on the inside.
But if you read the ingredients of a pancake and waffle mix, you’ll notice that it’s the same. So why do pancakes and waffles differ in texture and appearance?
There are 2 reasons. And these reasons are the other differences.
The first is because, of course, it’s made in different ways. You make pancakes in stovetops and griddles, while you make waffles with a waffle maker.
The second reason is that more sugar and fat are added to waffle mixes. This is so the exterior can be golden-brown and crispy when it comes out of the waffle maker.
These are the only differences between pancakes and waffles. Since it’s not much, it’s very easy to make pancakes out of a waffle mix and vice versa.
How to Convert a Waffle Mix into Pancakes – 3 Easy Steps
Now, let’s get to it.
1. Reduce the Fat
If you like your pancakes extra soft and fluffy, you won’t get that using a waffle mix. It’ll have a crispy surface instead.
You already know that that’s because of the higher concentration of fat. If you reduce that, then you can get your pancake texture.
But how do you reduce the fat?
It’s easy. Add a little bit of water to the mixture. The water will be able to dilute the extra fat in the waffle mix.
Also, you should avoid adding even more fat. Don’t add oil to the batter anymore. Use a non-stick baking spray for the pan or griddle instead of oil or butter. This way, there’s no extra fat that goes into the batter, causing it to crisp.
2. Avoid Adding More Sugar
It’s not only the higher fat concentration that crisps the surface, it’s also the sugar.
Another thing the extra sugar does is it gives waffles its darker color and sweeter and richer taste. You might not want that in your pancakes.
You can reduce the sugar the same way you would the fat. Just add a little water and it will lessen the sugar’s effect on the batter.
Some waffle mixes tell you to add even more sugar to the batter for crispier and sweeter waffles. Avoid those instructions. Stay away from adding anything sugary if you want it to come out like actual pancakes.
3. Treat It Like a Pancake
Finally, you need to treat it like a pancake for it to be a pancake.
Make it on a stovetop or a griddle. Use the same heat you would when you make your pancakes. Add whatever you usually add to your pancake batter (make sure it isn’t fatty or sugary). And all that.
You can forget that it’s a waffle mix.
So these are the 3 super easy steps to make a waffle mix into the perfect pancakes.
How to Make Pancakes from Scratch
What if both the pancake and waffle mix run out?
Don’t worry. It’s super easy to make your own pancake batter from scratch. And, all the ingredients are pantry staples.
Here’s what you’ll need: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, white sugar, milk, an egg, and butter.
These are the base ingredients. If you want to be creative, go ahead and add blueberries or cinnamon or anything else for a new flavor and texture.
In a large bowl, put 1½ cups of flour, 3½ tsp of baking powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp sugar. Sift all these dry ingredients together.
In another bowl, put the remaining ingredients. 1¼ cups of milk, 3 tbsp melted butter, and 1 egg. Mix it all together.
In the dry ingredients bowl, make a hole in the center and pour in the wet ingredients. Keep on mixing until it becomes smooth.
Once it’s smooth, you can add any extra ingredients. Blueberries, cinnamon, chocolate, or whatnot.
That’s it. As simple as that.
Conclusion
Anyone will agree that there’s always time for pancakes! Be it breakfast, lunch, dinner, or snacks, pancakes can be eaten at any time.
Sadly, we don’t have the convenience to do a quick grocery run for pancakes when it gets finished, what with quarantine and all that.
So the next time you’re craving pancakes but are left with only a waffle mix, you know what to do. Not only that, you even know now how to make pancakes from scratch.
