Waffles vs. Pancakes vs. Crepes! Three breakfast desserts, with three very similar recipes, that make three very different, yet delicious, breakfast entrees. Sowhat’s the actual difference between the three? Are thebatters really are interchangeable? Why is one crunchy, one soft, and one sheet thin? All very different products, with very subtle differences.
Derived from Belgium,waffles arevery similar to pancakes in that they both use the same ingredients:flour, eggs,baking powder, sugar, and milk. The key difference is the increments, the cooking method, and the result. Waffles are crunchier than pancakes for a reason. They’re typically made with slightly more sugar than pancakesand they’re cooked using a two sided, dual-heated griddle that’s typically wellgreased. The extra sugar ever so slightly caramelizes the outer layerof the waffles, accounting for part of the crunch factor, and the well-greased griddle lightly fries the surface of the waffles (while the inside portion bakes)—accounting for the rest of that delicious crunchy exterior and fluffy interior! Also, if you’re cooking waffles the old schoolway, you’re separating the yolks from the eggs whites, whipping the whites, and then folding that and the yolksinto the batter separately. Is makes for a fluffier waffle, but the majority of folksdon’t follow this method anymore. Regardless, the best part of waffles is how well they can cradle heaps ofmelted butter and syrup; not to mention the countless other toppings they’resturdy enough to support!
Pancakes, hotcakes, flatjacks…are apparently interchangeable names for the sameawesome breakfast. They’re thin, yet fluffy, round, and dense bread cakes—madeby whipping the same ingredients as waffles (only with a little less sugar and sometimes less egg), into a lump free batter that gets poured onto a med-high pan or griddle. As the exposed side beginsto bubble, and then the bubbles begin to pop open, you flip it, cook it for slightly less time on the second side, and then start the signature pancake stack—one, two, three, and more if you’re really hungry! They tend to be more dense and more moist than a waffle. Very sponge like, perfect for sopping up syrup or even chocolate! The outside, though lightly browned, remains soft and smooth like a sheet cake—not crunchy like a waffle. Crazy how thetiniest change in ingredients and cooking methods, make such different, yet delectable treats.
Crepes are no exception. A french dish, it’s prime ingredients are identical to that of pancakes and waffles…that is except for one thing—baking powder. Without baking powder, there’s no rising agent, accounting for the thinness of a crepe. They also tend to be made with the less sugar, resulting in less of a sweet taste and of more of a subtle egg flavor. That’s one of the greatest things about crepes! Since they’re not abundantly sweet,they can, and often are, served sweet ORsavory. They can be stuffed with nutella and strawberries, ORthey can be wrapped around ham, spinach and melted cheese. Traditionally, crepes are so light that they’ll commonly be eaten as a snack throughout the day. Personally, toss a little powdered sugar on top, and I’ll eat them any time you want!
Of the three, which is your favorite, and how do you like to serve it up?
FAQs
Crepes are no exception. A french dish, it's prime ingredients are identical to that of pancakes and waffles…that is except for one thing—baking powder. Without baking powder, there's no rising agent, accounting for the thinness of a crepe.
What is better, waffles or crêpes? ›
Crepes (very light and thin) and waffles (more chunky) are different so I take them for what they are. Crepes can make a very tasty sweet or savoury meal so I tend to prefer them. It's apples and banana's, both are great. Different in texture, taste and application.
What's the difference between a waffle and a pancake? ›
Those ingredients are exactly the same! So what's the difference?” Well, my uneducated friend, it's all in the ratios. Pancakes have more baking powder to help them rise in the pan, while waffles have more butter and an extra egg to help them form their slightly crispy, golden brown outside and soft, chewy inside.
What's the difference between a pancake and a crepe? ›
The main difference is that pancake batter has a raising agent in it, such as baking powder or baking soda, and crepe batter does not. This means that pancakes are thicker and fluffy while crêpes are thin and flat.
Are waffles healthier than pancakes? ›
So while a basic waffle might have more protein, a pancake has better macros and has 20 percent fewer calories than a waffle. Waffles also tend to have more refined sugar in them than pancakes. Amy Goodson, who worked for the Dallas Cowboys, said that “pancakes are easier to turn healthy”.
Are crêpes healthier than pancakes? ›
What's healthier: crêpes or pancakes? A single crêpe has less fat and calories than pancakes because they don't have the baking powder and, so, are less dense. However, they're not less calorific if you're stacking up double the amount of crêpes vs pancakes, so bear this in mind before you get carried away.
Why do people like waffles better than pancakes? ›
Waffles are crispier and fluffier than pancakes, but pancakes are compacter and more filling than waffles. The tastes are not to be discussed, but the fact is that waffles hold syrup better than pancakes. On the other hand, the combination of flavors on the pancakes is unlimited.
Which Came First pancakes or waffles? ›
Although the lineage of the waffle is long and illustrious, the first modern versions of the waffle iron came about in the early 18th century. Prior to then, they were more akin to thin wafers than the waffles we know today. The origin of pancakes goes back much further.
What were waffles originally called? ›
The Origins of Waffles
Our sweet research shows they were first known as “obleios,” flat cakes cooked between two metal plates. These ancient waffles were quite different from the fluffy ones we enjoy today; they were often savory and used as a vessel for holding meats and other toppings.
Is a crepe just a thin pancake? ›
Crêpes are very thin pancakes. They can be served with a wide variety of sweet and savory fillings and toppings. The breakfast staple dates back to at least 13th-century France.
The common word is “crêpe”. But if you refer to American or English ones, people use the English one. Otherwise, if you make pancakes with buckwheat only or a mix of wheat and buckwheat, you'll say “galettes” or “ crêpes salées”. If you make them for dessert, the word “une crêpe” or “une crêpe sucrée” is used.
Is waffles healthy or unhealthy? ›
We hate to break it to you, but pancakes and waffles are not a nutritious way to fuel your mornings. Despite their tasty profile, these comfort foods are often made with refined white flour and topped with butter and syrup, which is essentially pure sugar.
Are crepes good for you? ›
Crêpes can be healthy
Since the recipe is made using several eggs, the batter is full of 14 essential nutrients including hunger-curbing protein. By switching some toppings around, crêpes can make for a healthy meal at any time of the day.
Are crepes junk food? ›
Simple yet Nutritious Ingredients
Crepes tend to have more protein than carbs because they are made of ingredients such as milk, eggs, and a little flour. To make them healthier, buckwheat flour, which is gluten-free, can also be used.
Are waffles or French toast healthier? ›
WAFFLES vs.
A 6-ounce waffle at Bob Evans “costs” 340 calories, while Denny's Belgian waffle platter will run you more than 600 calories — before adding syrup, butter or fruit. French toast, though, is typically the least healthy choice. Denny's French toast platter has more than 1,200 calories.
