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Once you know how to make waffles with pancake mix, you may never go back! This easy method turns boxed pancake mix into golden, crispy waffles using ingredients you already have on hand.
If you love my Buttermilk Waffles and classic Waffle Recipe, you’re going to love these too!
Why you’ll love this waffle recipe with pancake mix!
If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen craving waffles only to realize you only have pancake mix, I have very good news for you: you can absolutely make waffles with pancake mix — and they can be just as golden, crispy, and delicious as the kind made from a dedicated waffle mix.
This is one of those little kitchen tricks that feels like a win every single time. With just a small adjustment to the batter, pancake mix transforms into waffles that are crisp on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or breakfast-for-dinner nights when no one feels like making a grocery run!
- It uses what you already have: No extra mixes, no special ingredients — just your trusty pancake mix.
- The waffles turn out crispy and fluffy: That classic waffle texture is totally achievable with one simple tweak.
- It works with any pancake mix: Buttermilk, whole wheat, gluten-free, or protein pancake mix all work beautifully.
- Perfect for busy mornings: Faster than making waffles from scratch, but still feels special.
Table of Contents
- Why you’ll love this waffle recipe with pancake mix!
- Ingredients for This Waffle Recipe With Pancake Mix
- Variations
- How To Make Waffles with Pancake Mix
- Serving Suggestions
- How to Store and Reheat Leftover Waffles
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Waffle Recipes You’ll Love
- How To Make Waffles with Pancake Mix Recipe
Ingredients for This Waffle Recipe With Pancake Mix
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Pancake mix – Any boxed pancake mix works here. Follow the base instructions on the package.
- Egg – Eggs add structure and richness, helping waffles hold their shape.
- Melted butter – Allow the butter to cool to room temperature.
- Milk – I like to use whole milk, but any kind will do.
- Vanilla extract – This is optional, but will enhance the flavor of the mix.
Variations
- Buttermilk waffles: Swap the liquid for buttermilk for a slightly tangy flavor.
- Cinnamon waffles: Add a pinch of cinnamon for cozy warmth.
- Chocolate chip waffles: Fold in chocolate chips just before cooking.
- Protein waffles: Use protein pancake mix and add a little extra oil for crispness.
How To Make Waffles with Pancake Mix
- Preheat the waffle iron: Let the waffle iron warm up while you mix the batter.
- Mix the batter: In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix, egg, melted butter, and vanilla and mix until smooth.
- Rest the batter: Let the batter rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Grease the waffle iron: Lightly coat the waffle iron with a non-stick spray.
- Make the waffles: Pour the batter into the oven, making sure it spreads out easily. Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the waffles from the iron and serve with syrup or your favorite topping.
Serving Suggestions
These waffles are delicious straight off the iron, but they’re also a blank canvas for toppings:
- Classic butter and warm maple syrup or pancake syrup
- Fresh berries and homemade whipped cream
- Peanut butter or almond butter with sliced bananas
- Yogurt and honey for a lighter breakfast
- Or go savory with fried chicken for an easy chicken-and-waffles moment
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Waffles
- Refrigerator: Keep waffles in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Toast straight from the fridge or freezer until hot and crisp. Skip the microwave if you can — the toaster brings them back to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Pancake mix already has the dry ingredients you need — you just adjust the wet ingredients slightly.
This usually means there wasn’t enough fat in the batter, or the waffle iron was opened too early. Let them cook until deeply golden.
Most of the time, yes. Adding oil or melted butter makes all the difference.
Absolutely. Use a dairy-free milk and oil instead of butter.
More Waffle Recipes You’ll Love
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Bisquick Waffles
Waffle Recipes
Chocolate Waffles
Waffle Recipes
Red Velvet Waffles
Waffle Recipes
Churro Waffles
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How To Make Waffles with Pancake Mix
Equipment
- Waffle iron
- Mixing bowls
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups pancake mix
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Heat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pancake mix, egg, melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth.
- Allow the batter to sit for 2-3 minutes for better texture.
- Lightly coat with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour batter into the preheated waffle iron, spreading evenly. Close the lid and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the waffle carefully and serve warm with butter, syrup, fresh fruit, or your favorite toppings!
Notes
- Always fully preheat your waffle iron. This is how you get crispy, golden waffles!
- Don’t overmix the batter. A few lumps are totally fine. Overmixing will make your waffles tough.
- Avoid stacking hot waffles. They’ll steam and get soggy.
- Keep them warm. If cooking in batches, keep waffles warm in a 200ºF oven until ready to serve.
Using a pancake mix makes these fluffy waffles a breeze!