Make “homemade” waffles quickly using pancake mix with this simple breakfast hack. Loaded with fresh strawberries and white peaches and finished with maple syrup, these waffles are perfect for busy mornings or a slow weekend treat.
Easy Waffle Recipe | Strawberry + White Peach Waffles
We love visiting farmers markets across Michigan to catch the best of the season. Right now, ripe summer strawberries and sweet white peaches are plentiful, and they make an exceptional topping — and mix-in — for waffles.
On a recent trip to the East Lansing Farmers Market we picked up juicy strawberries, creamy white peaches, and a bottle of vanilla–cinnamon infused maple syrup from a local sugarbush. Combined, these ingredients make a memorable waffle breakfast that’s as simple as it is delicious.
Can you use pancake mix to make waffles?
Yes — pancake mix works well in a waffle iron and is a great shortcut when you want waffles fast. For a richer texture and flavor, swap the water called for on the mix package with buttermilk. The tang and fat in buttermilk produce a tender interior and nicely browned exterior.
After mixing the batter, gently fold in chopped strawberries and diced white peach. Avoid overmixing — a few lumps are fine — because overworked batter can make waffles dense and tough.
Top each waffle with additional fresh fruit and a generous drizzle of vanilla–cinnamon maple syrup for the best flavor.
How to make waffles with pancake mix
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups pancake/waffle mix (such as Krusteaz)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 4 strawberries, sliced and chopped
- 1 ripe white peach, sliced and chopped
- 1/2 stick sweet cream butter, melted (plus more for brushing)
- Maple syrup for serving
Directions
- Preheat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix, buttermilk, and eggs. Fold in the chopped strawberries and peach gently; do not overmix.
- Brush the hot waffle iron with melted butter or lightly spray with cooking oil.
- Spoon 3–4 tablespoons of batter into each waffle section, leaving space for the batter to spread.
- Close the lid and cook for about 4–5 minutes, or until waffles are golden and crisp.
- Remove waffles and top with a pat of softened butter, extra fruit slices, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Serve immediately.
Can I use frozen strawberries and peaches?
Yes. Thaw frozen fruit in the refrigerator overnight or gently warm in the microwave, then drain excess liquid before folding into the batter. This prevents soggy waffles. Note that frozen fruit can be softer and slightly less flavorful than fresh, but it works well when fresh fruit is unavailable.
Can I customize toppings and mix-ins?
Absolutely. Swap in different fruits, nuts, or sweet additions to suit your taste. Popular options include:
- Mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- Banana slices
- Chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans) for crunch
- Whipped cream for an indulgent finish
- Chocolate chips mixed into the batter
- Greek yogurt for a tangy topping
- Honey, toasted coconut flakes, cinnamon-sugar, fruit compote, or nut butters
Substitutes for buttermilk
If you don’t have buttermilk, these quick substitutes work well, though the flavor may vary slightly:
- Milk + cream of tartar: Mix 1 cup milk with 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar and let sit for a few minutes.
- Sour cream or plain yogurt: Use as a 1:1 substitute for buttermilk.
- Milk + yogurt: Combine 1 cup milk with 1/4 cup plain yogurt and whisk until smooth.
How to prevent waffles from sticking to the iron
- Preheat the waffle iron thoroughly before adding batter.
- Lightly grease the iron with melted butter, oil, or non-stick spray, even if it is non-stick.
- Use the correct batter consistency — neither too thin nor too thick.
- Avoid overfilling the iron to prevent overflow and sticking.
- Clean the iron regularly according to manufacturer instructions to remove residue.
Do I need a waffle maker?
For traditional waffles with deep pockets and a crisp exterior you’ll want a waffle maker. If you don’t have one, a stovetop waffle pan or griddle can produce waffle-like results, but the texture and shape will differ from a dedicated waffle iron.
Prep and serving tips
You can prepare the batter ahead of time; cover it tightly and refrigerate. Stir gently before using. Use a ladle or measuring cup to portion batter evenly and follow your waffle maker’s guidance for how much to pour per waffle to achieve the best size and thickness.
Tips for evenly cooked waffles
- Preheat the waffle maker fully.
- Portion batter evenly and spread gently to cover the surface.
- Close the iron firmly and avoid opening too early.
- Follow the recommended cook time and adjust based on color and crispness.
Enjoy these strawberry and white peach waffles with a drizzle of maple syrup for a bright, seasonal breakfast everyone will love.
Created August 2018 | Updated August 2023