Quick and Easy Recipe for Homemade Pancake Mix

Trust me, I understand the joy of whipping up a delicious batch of fluffy pancakes on a relaxing Saturday morning. But what happens when you reach for your pancake mix and realize you’re out? Fear not! I’ve been in this situation before and I’m here to guide you through the best substitutes to ensure your pancake cravings are satisfied with only the simplest ingredients from your pantry.

As a professional recipe developer for some of the biggest food brands in the world, I always love the challenges of coming up with a new recipe. I’m excited to share with you my easy guide to creating your own pancake mix with ingredients you probably already have!

Table of Contents

• Why Substitute Pancake Mix?
• Creating Your Own Homemade Pancake Mix
• The Perfect Pancake Recipe: From Scratch
• Customizing Your Pancakes
• Storing Your Pancake Batter or Dry Mix
• Conclusion

Why Substitute Pancake Mix?

Using a substitute for your typical pancake mixes is not only a great way to control the quality of ingredients, such as avoiding additives found in commercial mixes, but it also allows you to customize your pancakes to better meet your dietary needs and personal preferences. I’ve personally been faced with the challenge or having to whip up pancakes with a group of different dietary restrictions. So, whether you’re looking for gluten-free options or just trying to use up what you have in your kitchen, making your own pancake batter is a rewarding experience.

Creating Your Own Homemade Pancake Mix

The single easiest way to replace store-bought pancake mix is to make your own homemade pancakes from scratch. It’s really as simple as combining flour (regular flour or a gluten-free alternative like whole-wheat flour or almond flour) with a leavening agent like baking powder or baking soda. This mixture can be stored in an airtight container, ready to be mixed with the wet ingredients—such as a cup of milk (whole milk, oat milk, or any dairy-free milk), eggs or egg substitutes like a flax egg, and a splash of vanilla extract—whenever the pancake mood strikes.

The Perfect Pancake Recipe: From Scratch

For the best pancakes, I suggest starting with the basics:

• Dry Ingredients: Combine 1 cup of flour (all-purpose flour, self-rising flour, or a hearty whole-wheat flour), 2 teaspoons of baking powder, a pinch of salt, and for those who like a bit of sweetness, a tablespoon of sugar.
• Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix one cup of milk, one egg (or an egg alternative like ¼ cup of applesauce or a flaxseed mixture), and 2 tablespoons of oil (vegetable oil, coconut oil, or even olive oil for a healthier twist).

If you’re aiming for buttermilk pancakes without buttermilk, a great idea is to add a tablespoon of lemon juice to a cup of milk and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.

For fluffy pancakes, the key is not to overmix the batter. I’ve found that a few lumps are perfectly fine.

When you’re ready to cook them, heat a nonstick skillet or a large skillet over medium heat and pour ¼ cup of the batter onto the hot pan or griddle. Cook until you see bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set, then flip to achieve those crispy edges and golden-brown perfection.

Customizing Your Pancakes

Personally, I think this is the best part! Pancakes are incredibly versatile. For chocolate lovers, adding a handful of chocolate chips to the batter makes for a fun treat.

For those who prefer their pancakes with more texture and nutrition, incorporating a mix of oatmeal or protein powder can boost daily values and keep you full longer. Don’t forget to top your pancakes with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or even a dollop of yogurt for a perfect final product.

Storing Your Pancake Batter or Dry Mix

If you make a large batch of dry mix, keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. For mixed batter, storing it in the refrigerator in an airtight container can keep it fresh for a couple of days; just stir well before using.

For longer storage, freeze the batter in freezer bags or use single-layer flat freeze techniques for easy morning preparations.

Conclusion

With these tips and tricks, you’ll see that creating your own pancake batter is not only a simple process but also a perfect way to make Saturday mornings even more special. Whether you’re aiming for classic recipe pancakes or experimenting with alternatives like coconut flour or almond flour pancakes, the joy of creating something delicious for the whole family is undeniably satisfying.

So next time you’re out of box mixes, remember: a few pantry staples are all you need to create the fluffiest, tastiest pancakes from scratch. Happy cooking!

Have questions or want to share your thoughts? Drop a comment below or join me over on Instagram at @may.eighty.five. See you there!