How to Make Boxed Pancake Mix Better - 6 Fast and Easy Hacks - Bobby Berk (2024)

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Do you ever wake up in the morning craving pancakes? (Why am I even asking, of course, you do!) I always keep a box of pancake mix around just in case I’m in the mood. But sometimes, a store-bought mix just doesn’t have the flavor (or fluffiness) of a homemade batch. So that’s why our resident chef Zach shared with me a few little tweaks for how to make boxed pancake mix better – and to help you make a delicious, fluffy stack of pancakes in no time! I have a confession to make. Although I’m a chef and love to cook things from scratch, I still use instant pancake mix. If I’m short on time or want something simple, I grab my box of Pearl Milling Company, Krusteaz, or Hungry Jack! However, even though I’m using the mix, I still like to spruce it up with some of my own touches – like eggs and ingredients to make them fluffy and sweeter. So here are my 7 tips to make your boxed pancake mix even better! How To Make Boxed Pancake Mix Better 1. USE MILK / MILK ALTERNATIVE INSTEAD OF WATER 2. ADD AN EGG TO THE PANCAKE MIX 3. ADD SOME MELTED BUTTER 4. ADD A DASH OF CLUB SODA 5. FOLD YOUR PANCAKE MIX TO MAKE IT FLUFFIER. YOU WANT LUMPS. 6. MAKE THEM SWEETER TASTING AND LOOKING 7. SPICE IT UP 1. Use Milk/ Alternative Milk Instead Of Water 2. Add An Egg To The Pancake Mix 3. Add Some Melted Butter 4. Add A Dash Of Club Soda Shop Pancake Making Essentials Solid Turner Spatula Nonstick Fry Pan Stainless Steel Ball Whisk Stainless Steel Non-Slip Mixing Bowls 5. FOLD YOUR PANCAKE MIX – YOU WANT LUMPS 6. SWEETER TASTING AND LOOKING 7. Spice It Up Try mixing and matching these methods to find what works best for you, and let us know how your pancakes turn out! You May Also Like// Clever Kitchen Hacks To Save You Time (And Save Your Greens) The Lazy Guide To Thanksgiving: Foolproof Tips For An Easy Meal 8 Healthy Snack Alternatives (That You Will Actually Love) FAQs

Written By: Zach Morgan//Photography By: Ivan Solis

Do you ever wake up in the morning craving pancakes? (Why am I even asking, of course, you do!) I always keep a box of pancake mix around just in case I’m in the mood. But sometimes, a store-bought mix just doesn’t have the flavor (or fluffiness) of a homemade batch.

So that’s why our resident chef Zach shared with me a few little tweaks for how to make boxed pancake mix better – and to help you make a delicious, fluffy stack of pancakes in no time!

I have a confession to make. Although I’m a chef and love to cook things from scratch, I still use instant pancake mix. If I’m short on time or want something simple, I grab my box of Pearl Milling Company, Krusteaz, or Hungry Jack! However, even though I’m using the mix, I still like to spruce it up with some of my own touches – like eggs and ingredients to make them fluffy and sweeter. So here are my 7 tips to make your boxed pancake mix even better!

For more of our favorite foods, check out Our Picks For The 13 Best Trader Joe’s Premade And Refrigerated Meals In 2022, Jackfruit Tacos: A Tasty Vegan Option, and The 16 Tastiest Pumpkin Products From Trader Joe’s.

How To Make Boxed Pancake Mix Better

1. USE MILK / MILK ALTERNATIVE INSTEAD OF WATER

2. ADD AN EGG TO THE PANCAKE MIX

3. ADD SOME MELTED BUTTER

4. ADD A DASH OF CLUB SODA

5. FOLD YOUR PANCAKE MIX TO MAKE IT FLUFFIER. YOU WANT LUMPS.

6. MAKE THEM SWEETER TASTING AND LOOKING

7. SPICE IT UP

1. Use Milk/ Alternative Milk Instead Of Water

Even though the mix may call for water, you can easily substitute that for an alternative milk (I like oat milk). You may have to add a dash more due to the difference in consistency, but it’ll taste so much better!

2. Add An Egg To The Pancake Mix

Whip up an egg with your milk and melted butter for fluffier and better-textured pancakes

3. Add Some Melted Butter

What’s better than melted butter on your pancakes? Melted butter IN your pancakes! Just trust me on this one and try it out.

4. Add A Dash Of Club Soda

Homemade pancakes are so fluffy because when you make them from scratch, it gives them a chance to form more air bubbles. An easy hack to get a similar effect is to add about 1 tbsp of club soda per person. The carbonation will help them rise and give you those pillowy pancakes that you want.

5. FOLD YOUR PANCAKE MIX – YOU WANT LUMPS

For even fluffier pancakes, fold your dry and wet ingredients together. You don’t want smooth pancake mix, you want it a little lumpy for extra fluff. If you want to go the extra mile, you can sive your dry ingredients before adding in the wet ingredients.

6. SWEETER TASTING AND LOOKING

If you want extra sweet pancakes, you can add in a little sugar or sugar substitute. If you’re not sure if you need more sugar, you can always taste the batter for sweetness before you cook it. (Don’t forget about the raw egg that you might have added and the health risks associated). If you want a little extra sweetness and for your batch to look pretty, add a little powdered sugar. And don’t forget about other possible sweet toppings (syrup, fruit) before you go adding in more sugar.


7. Spice It Up

Some mixes already have flavors added to them, but a little more spice never hurt anyone. I like to add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, and/or vanilla extract to give it more depth in flavor. You can even add a dash of cocoa powder for some chocolate pancakes!

Try mixing and matching these methods to find what works best for you, and let us know how your pancakes turn out!

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  1. We add melted butter, vanilla extract or chocolate syrup with heavy whipping cream, warm water and lactose free milk. It comes out so fluffy and good to where syrup is not needed. We will sauté some apples or bananas or make a fruit compote with strawberries, and blueberries. We make whipped cream and Carmel syrup from scratch then sprinkle some oven chopped honey roasted walnuts or pecans on top.

    Reply

    1. Sounds delicious! I’ll have to try that. -B

      Reply

      1. Oh my, that dash of club soda worked a treat! Sooo fluffy. I always use an extra egg too, which also helps. Out favorite is along with the cinnamon, when I put the mixture in the pan I sprinkle a few frozen blueberries on (they thaw immediately in the heat). You can’t beat those pancakes for brekkie. ?

        Reply

        1. Thats a great idea! Will definitely be adding that to my next batch. -B

          Reply

  2. What if you try all the methods at once? Hot mess?

    Reply

    1. Ha, it could be interesting! -B

      Reply

  3. Tips on how to buy a well made sofa
    Please and Thanks!

    Reply

    1. Check out this link for some of our favorites. Thanks for reading! -B

      Reply

  4. What a great idea, will have to try this next time I have pancakes, although not sure what to use as club soda I don’t think we have that in Australia but I’ll look for something else. Thanks for the ideas sure it will be delicious.

    Reply

    1. Enjoy! Thanks for reading. -B

      Reply

    2. Any carbonated beverage will work. Totally replace the entire volume of water. Big Red pancakes are awesome!!
      Cindy A.

      Reply

  5. What do you cook them on.. oil? Butter? Technique to pouring? Just can’t get them right

    Reply

  6. I used milk, added butter / vanilla to batter.

    DELICIOUS! Thank you.

    Reply

    1. That sounds delicious! Will have to try that version for brunch sometime. xx -B

      Reply

  7. You forgot one of the most important things about pancakes… let the batter rest a few minutes before cooking. (10 to 20 minutes)

    Reply

    1. Thanks for reading and sharing your tip! 🙂 -xx B

      Reply

      1. Hi Bobby,
        Great suggestions. I’ll give the soda water a try. I like to mix in some almond flour for some added protein. Alternates like a little greek yogurt ( a tablespoon or so), a mashed banana or some chopped apples with the skin on and cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg are good for a change. Frozen berries always make the batter harder to cook right. Any suggestions for that problem?

        Reply

How to Make Boxed Pancake Mix Better - 6 Fast and Easy Hacks - Bobby Berk (2024)

FAQs

How to Make Boxed Pancake Mix Better - 6 Fast and Easy Hacks - Bobby Berk? ›

No matter what kind of mix you use, there's no denying that stirring ingredients like blueberries, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and canned pumpkin will make your pancakes feel — and taste — special. You can also top your stack of flapjacks with whipped cream or real maple syrup to disguise unaltered box batter.

How to improve boxed pancake MiX? ›

8 Tips for How to Make Pancake Mix Better-Tasting Than Homemade
  1. Substitute Kefir for Water or Milk. ...
  2. Use Flavored Water Instead. ...
  3. Add an Egg…or a Plant-Based Egg. ...
  4. Sprinkle More Baking Powder. ...
  5. Have Fun with Add-Ins.
Jun 13, 2024

What to add to store bought pancake MiX to make it taste better? ›

No matter what kind of mix you use, there's no denying that stirring ingredients like blueberries, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and canned pumpkin will make your pancakes feel — and taste — special. You can also top your stack of flapjacks with whipped cream or real maple syrup to disguise unaltered box batter.

What does adding an extra egg to pancake MiX do? ›

Eggs also give the batter additional, richer flavor from the yolk fat. If you add too many eggs, you'll have “pancakes” that look more like custard or crepes. When you don't add enough eggs, the cakes will be drier and tougher.

Is it better to add milk or water to pancake MiX? ›

Pancake lovers' biggest complaint when adding water instead of milk is that the flavor seems to change. Pancakes aren't as richly flavored with water. There are a few ways to improve your batter when you've used water, including: Add extra butter.

How does Gordon Ramsay make pancake mix? ›

Gordon Ramsay's recipe

You will need 2 eggs, separated, 2 tbsp sugar, ½ tsp salt, 2 tsp baking powder, 60g vegetable oil, 300g buttermilk, 160g plain flour, and 1 tsp vanilla essence. Whisk the egg whites “*ntil foamy”. MiX all the other ingredients in a second bowl, then fold in the egg whites.

What makes restaurant pancakes taste so good? ›

Restaurants use better quality ingredients

Restaurants tend to use real, farm-fresh eggs and real milk when making their pancakes, which as you might guess, adds to a richer, higher-quality eating experience.

What should you avoid when mixing pancake batter? ›

Just don't make the most common pancake mistake — over-mixing your pancake batter! Perfectly fluffy pancakes take just a few turns of the wrist. Over-mixing is an ambitious baker's enemy. Too much stirring can turn what would otherwise be lofty, tender pancakes into tough, flat disappointments.

Why do you put cold water in pancake mix? ›

First thing's first: whisk up your batter with cold water. Warm water prematurely heats up the batter's gluten, which can deflate fluffy pancakes before they even hit the frying pan. Be sure not to overmix, which can turn pancakes tough and chewy.

What makes pancakes fluffy and rise? ›

Pancakes and waffles typically both contain baking soda, which causes them to rise. As soon as the baking soda is combined with the wet ingredients (which contain an acidic ingredient, like often buttermilk), it starts producing carbon dioxide gas bubbles that cause the batter to rise.

How many extra eggs can you add to a boxed cake mix to make it better? ›

Use an extra egg: Most boxed mixes will call for three eggs. Use four for a cake that's richer-tasting and moister. This tip is one I use practically every time I make a boxed cake mix. Substitute dairy: Replace the water called for on the package with dairy.

Why do restaurants put pancake batter in eggs? ›

The aeration in the pancake batter makes the eggs light, tender, and fluffy without adding any obvious flavor, so the egg dish is both hefty and light at the same time. Pancake batter also gives the eggs enough body and structure to hold together over the meaty, cheesy fillings.

How to enhance pancake mix? ›

The options include sifting your dry ingredients to aerate the mix, adding milk or a milk alternative, or beating egg whites to fold into your mixture. Each one of these will have you feeling like you're biting into a sweet pancake cloud.

What else can I use pancake mix for? ›

5 Ways to Use Pancake Mix
  • Buttermilk Waffles. With just a few extra ingredients and a waffle iron, you can make crisp and fluffy waffles using pancake mix. ...
  • Buttermilk Crepes. Crepes are extremely versatile. ...
  • Buttermilk Biscuits. Biscuits have never been easier to make. ...
  • Funnel Cakes. ...
  • Cinnamon Sugar Roll-Up.

Should you let pancake batter rest? ›

A – Ideally make your batter and let it rest for about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flour to absorb the liquid, making the pancakes lighter and fluffier. Q – Why buttermilk? The acidity of buttermilk reacts with the raising agents to make you pancakes lighter and fluffier.

How do you elevate just add water pancake mix? ›

  1. USE MILK / MILK ALTERNATIVE INSTEAD OF WATER.
  2. ADD AN EGG TO THE PANCAKE MIX.
  3. ADD SOME MELTED BUTTER.
  4. ADD A DASH OF CLUB SODA.
  5. FOLD YOUR PANCAKE MIX TO MAKE IT FLUFFIER. YOU WANT LUMPS.
  6. MAKE THEM SWEETER TASTING AND LOOKING.
  7. SPICE IT UP.
  8. Use Milk/ Alternative Milk Instead Of Water.
Oct 7, 2023

Will adding baking powder to pancake mix make them fluffier? ›

Baking soda is essential for baked goods, but baking powder is really what makes pancakes and biscuits rise and become so super fluffy. Double-acting baking powder, which is the kind that you'll find in the grocery store, produces bubbles in two ways: when it is mixed with wet ingredients and then when it gets heated.

What does adding sugar to pancake mix do? ›

On the inside, sugar acts as a binding agent in pancake batter. After sugar is combined with the liquid, it reduces moisture, which slows gluten production. Less gluten means the batter is less rubbery and rises more when cooked. This reaction creates pancakes with a fluffier consistency.

What else can you use pancake mix for? ›

5 Ways to Use Pancake Mix
  • Buttermilk Waffles. With just a few extra ingredients and a waffle iron, you can make crisp and fluffy waffles using pancake mix. ...
  • Buttermilk Crepes. Crepes are extremely versatile. ...
  • Buttermilk Biscuits. Biscuits have never been easier to make. ...
  • Funnel Cakes. ...
  • Cinnamon Sugar Roll-Up.

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