How To Make Waffles Without A Waffle Maker In 4 Easy Steps

A lot of my readers have been asking if it is possible to make a delicious waffle without a waffle maker. The clear answer is yes, but …the waffle won’t be a 100% the same than the one made with an electric waffle maker.

Some people don’t want to get a waffle iron because of limited storage space in the kitchen, or they don’t want to spend money on a kitchen appliance that might be only used once in a while.

Are you looking for an affordable waffle iron that doesn’t take much space in the kitchen? You’ll find some options in my buying guide.

I have researched a lot of articles related to the subject and put the idea to the test.

My simple to follow step-by-step guide on how to make waffles without a waffle iron will help you get started right away.

What Do You Need To Make Waffles Without A Waffle Iron?

You’ll only need three things: a cast iron grill pan (here are some great choices over on Amazon), a waffle batter, homemade or premixed (I won’t judge, promise) and a spatula. Simple!

Related Post: Best Waffle Mix Reviews

I am using my cast iron grill pan. A cast iron pan is great for many reasons. It retains the heat well, is durable and nonstick.

You can watch my videohere, to see my step-by-step guide in action

How To Make Waffles Without A Waffle Maker

My Step-By-Step-Guide

Step One

The waffle batter is ready

Get the waffle batter ready. I prefer my homemade recipe which is easy to make from scratch. Find the recipe and instructions over here.

As I mentioned before, feel free to use a premade mix. Anything works! 🙂

Step Two

Put the batter into the pan

Put your grill pan on the burner and let it preheat on medium heat. Once the pan is heated, put a knob of butter into the pan to grease.

Once the butter is melted and has a beautiful golden brown color, ladle the batter into the pan and spread it out slightly.

Step Three

Similar to the process of making pancakes wait until bubbles form on the surface. Now it is time to gently flipping the waffle/pancake with a spatula. By the way, my kids and I have decided to call it a ‘paffle.’ 🙂

Why? Because the result is not really a waffle or a pancake; it is something in between, and it tastes delicious.

Step Four

Press the ‘paffle’ down with a spatula

Now, this step is essential: while the underside of the ‘paffle’ cooks, press it down with a spatula, so the ‘paffle’ doesn’t puff up like a pancake.

Also, turn down the burner to the lowest setting so the batter cooks through and the ridges can crisp up a nicely.

Step Five

The ‘paffle’ is cooked

Once the ‘paffle’ is golden brown, either immediately serve it with some maple syrup and thick cream or put it on a wire rack, so it doesn’t get soggy.

The Result

Slather on some maple syrup or your favorite toppings.

The result tastes delicious, and my children liked it even better than the waffles from our waffle maker.

Our waffle served with but and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.

As I mentioned before, you won’t get a waffle as you would get in a waffle maker that is for sure. Instead, the texture and taste of the ‘paffle’ are more delicate than a pancake because the ridges are crispier.

The only downside when making the waffle in the grill pan is that you need to be there consistently; checking, flipping the ‘paffle,’ adding more butter to the pan, etc.

By using a waffle maker, you only need to pour the batter, close the lid and wait for the waffle iron to do its thing. The beeper or light will tell you when the waffle is done. Very simple!

Now it’s your turn. Try it out for yourself to make a waffle without a waffle maker.

Don’t forget to let me know what you like better: the ‘paffle’ or the traditional waffle made in an electric waffle iron.