What's the Differences Between Waffle Batter & Pancake Batter?

Ask The Allergy Chef: Pancake vs Waffle Batter – Is there a difference?

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This is such a great question! Technically, yes, there’s a difference between pancake batter and waffle batter. However, in these modern times, a lot of companies try to pass them off as the same thing. Let’s look at the key differences and a few similarities between waffle batter and pancake batter. I’ll also add this, whilst I am The Allergy Chef, this info applies to all types of waffle and pancake recipes.

First Key Difference: Fat Content

Usually a waffle recipe will include some kind of fat, usually an oil. This additional oil changes the final texture a bit, and also changes the viscosity of the batter. It’s best to use a low flavoured oil, as you don’t want it to leave a sour taste in anyone’s mouth.

Second Key Difference: How it’s Cooked

Waffle batter is designed for a waffle iron (sometimes called a waffle maker). A waffle iron puts direct heat on your batter from both the top and bottom. You’ll also usually see some steam released as your waffles cook on the waffle iron.

Alternatively, pancake recipes are cooked on the stove top in a pan. Many people like to use a non-stick pan for this task. When cooking pancake recipes, my kids insist that the best way is to add a little (dairy free) butter to the pan first.

Third Key Difference: Leavening Agent

Traditionally, a Belgium waffle used yeast as the leavening agent. It’s one of the most popular waffle styles seen around the world, and even has a waffle maker named after itself. These days, most people make Belgium waffles with baking powder and call it a day.

Fourth Key Difference: The Final Textures

Generally, pancakes are soft and flexible. Their insides are bit cake like, and when cooked well, there’s browning on the outside. However, it’s not a crisp browning.

Waffles on the other hand usually have a crisp outside and a lighter inside. Some waffle recipes are designed to be dense, but they’re generally a light final product. The extra fat content I referenced lends itself to the crisp exterior.

Both batters contain sugar of some kind, and waffles usually have more sugar, which also helps with the browning and crisping.

The Similarities Between Pancake Batter and Waffle Batter

Waffle batter and pancake batter share a lot of similarities, so it’s no wonder people think they’re kind of the same thing. It doesn’t help that large manufacturers sell box mixes called “waffle and pancake batter”.

Both batters use the same base ingredients of flour, liquid, egg, salt, and a leavening agent. Furthermore, you mix the batters in an identical fashion. Some pancake recipes, especially “fluffy” pancake recipes will have you mix by hand for the optimal rise.

Both pancakes and waffles are often served with fresh fruit, maple syrup, and butter. It’s also not uncommon to find them flavoured with pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, lemon, or chocolate. The addition of chocolate chips is also pretty common in both.

Can I cook waffle batter on the stove top?

Maybe. It really depends on the base recipe. As long as there’s enough leavening agent in the recipe, yes, you can cook your waffle batter on the stove top. Some waffle batters are thinner than pancake batter. If that’s the case for you, use less liquid or add a bit more of the dry ingredients to reach the desired consistency.

Can I cook pancake batter in my waffle iron?

Maybe. As long as the batter isn’t too thick, you should be fine to cook it in the waffle maker. If you’d like, add 4 Tablespoons of a neutral oil to the batter, then cook it in your waffle iron. Most pancake batters will automatically have enough leavening agent to work out just fine in a waffle iron.

A Few Pancake Recipes I Think You’ll Enjoy

Since you came to talk about pancakes, I thought it was only fitting that I send you off with some recipes. Here are some pancake recipes to get you started. Each one is gluten free, vegan, and top 9 allergy free. If that’s not enough, you can freeze my waffle recipes which can make for easy mornings in the future.

Egg Free, Vegan Pancakes (a great basic pancake recipe)
Zucchini Maple Pancakes (great for adding a bit of extra veggies to your day)
Dessert Style Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Fluffy Lemon Blueberry Pancakes

Waffle Recipes to Enjoy

These waffle recipes are not only easy to make but are gluten free, vegan, and very allergy friendly. They’re great for breakfast, lunch, snack, and even dinner. Like the pancake recipes, these freeze great as well. If you really want to have fun with your waffles, purchase a Dash 4″ mini waffle maker. Then, freeze extra waffles. From there, you can reheat the frozen waffles in a standard toaster, like the waffles you buy in the freezer section.