Converting Pancake Recipes to Waffles

[lfossett]

There are about a million pancake recipes out there. But I want to make some waffles, darn it! Are there any special tricks when converting a pancake recipe to waffles, or can I use exactly the same recipe? (assuming we're not talking about a chunky pancake recipe with lots of bananas or blueberries or what have you.)

[todao]

You can convert virtually any basic pancake formula to waffles using this exchange ratio:

Flour = same
Bakingn powder increased by 25%
Salt = same
Sugar increased by 300% (crisper, sweeter waffle)
Milk reduced by 20—25%
Eggs same
Melted butter increased 100%

And I agree with beating the egg whites separately and folding them into the batter immediately prior to putting the batter in the waffle iron.
Keep mixing to a minimum to avoid developing too much glulten. You don't want the waffles to be tough or bread like when they're finished baking.

[pharmnerd]

Didn't compare ingredient to ingredient, but main diff I noticed from couple waffle recipes I tried (Test Kitchen & Mark Bittman) was to fold in whipped egg whites. I skipped this step once, & they were super heavy/dense.

[goodhealthgourmet]

a-ha, i didn't think to suggest this because i do it with pancakes too. but yes, whipping the egg whites and folding them in separately definitely makes for a lighter waffle.

[adamshoe]

A trick that works for me.... separate the eggs and beat the whites to stiff peaks. Then fold them gently in at the end. Light, airy, crispy waffles! adam

[gordeaux]

100% agreed.
Waffles = folded in stiff peak egg whites.

Also, yes, use a waffle recipe instead. Um, you do have web access. You can find a few thousand in less than three seconds. Usually a little more fat and the sep egg whites is the major (needed) difference tho. You can certainly use a pancake batter for waffles, but if you are using a deep belgian iron, they will be dense and bready. If that's how you like them, then you're in business.

[Jacquilynne]

We always just added an extra tablespoon or two of oil to our pancake recipe to make waffles.

[taiwanesesmalleats]

I wouldn't convert a pancake recipe to make use for waffles. IMO, they are totally different. A waffle made with pancake batter to me is much too soft and cake-like. A waffle is meant to be crispy on the outside with a very light airy interior. I'd just look for a waffle recipe. Alton Brown has one that you can try.

[goodhealthgourmet]

the only difference is the fat content. waffle recipes usually contain a bit more butter or oil than pancakes - that's what gives you the slightly airier, fluffy yet crisp waffle texture. increase the butter in your pancake batter by 1 Tbsp *per cup* of flour, and it should be about right.