Boxed pancake mix is a convenient way to make breakfast in minutes. But it can also have a flat, tasteless flavor.
With just a little extra effort, you can make your favorite brand’s mix feel like it was made from scratch. Here are five easy ways to turn your boxed pancakes into something that will be the envy of everyone at your next brunch party!
- Sift the Dry Ingredients
There’s nothing quite like a stack of homemade pancakes, but if you’re feeling lazy or aren’t able to make your own, boxed pancake mix is a great alternative. They’re cheap, easy to store, and they taste good – not to mention they’re perfect for camping!
While most boxed pancake mixes call for water, replacing it with milk or buttermilk will instantly add a more home-cooked flavor. The fat and protein in milk make for softer, fluffier pancakes.
You can even replace water with carbonated water if you’d prefer a fizzy kick. Herrine Ro tried this experiment and was pleasantly surprised by the results.
A simple sifting step can help get rid of clumps that may form in the batter while you’re mixing it together. It also helps to ensure that the final product is light and fluffy, according to Lifestyle of a Foodie.
If you don’t have a sifter, you can use a fork to gently stir the dry ingredients in the bowl before adding any other wet elements. This will break up any clumps and help to eliminate air bubbles, too.
Another trick that’s guaranteed to give your pancakes a more homemade look is adding melted butter. You can find this in sticks if your recipe calls for it or simply melt it yourself.
In either case, the butter will add a hefty dose of flavor and fat that makes your pancakes a bit richer. It also gives them a signature buttery texture that’s sure to impress.
In addition to these five easy ways to make boxed pancake batter taste homemade, there are plenty of other options for making your pancakes extra special. Try substituting a variety of ingredients for the ones listed on your box, adding some eggs to the mix or greasing your pan before you pour them on the griddle. These easy alterations will have you enjoying your breakfast in no time!
- Add Some Eggs
Adding some eggs to the batter will add extra structure and make the pancakes more homemade. You can also use whipped egg whites to add extra lightness.
The trick is to not overmix the batter; this will cause the gluten in the flour to develop and create dense, chewy pancakes. Avoid using an electric mixer; instead, gently stir your batter by hand.
It’s also important to let the mixture rest for a few minutes before transferring it to the griddle. This gives the leavening agent in the mix time to activate and start working.
You can also try mixing in some citrus zest or juice to really amp up the flavor and turn your batter into something that tastes more like a homemade cake than a boxed mix. For a vanilla cake, Waterson suggests mixing in 1 tablespoon of freshly grated orange, lemon, or grapefruit zest to create a bright, zesty flavor.
Alternatively, if you want a more classic chocolate cake, try blending in some HERSHEY’S Cocoa powder to give your flapjacks a rich, decadent flavor.
To make it even more versatile, you can use milk instead of water if the recipe calls for it. Cow, coconut, almond, or oat milk will all add moisture and give your pancakes a more luxurious texture.
Buttermilk is also a great option; it can be substituted for water in most pancake mixes to create fluffy, moist, and delicious pancakes. It can be added to the mix in a 1:1 ratio and will give your pancakes the perfect creamy texture without adding any more sugar.
Whether you’re looking to change up your normal routine or are feeling inspired by one of our recipes, you can always make your pancakes taste just like homemade with these easy hacks!
- Grease Your Pan
If you’ve ever tried to make pancakes from a box, you know that they are never as good as the ones you make yourself. But with a few simple tricks, you can turn those bland boxed mixes into savory, delicious breakfast staples.
The first and easiest way to make your boxed pancake mix taste homemade is by using butter in the recipe. This gives you a golden brown pancake exterior and adds extra flavor.
Another great way to make your boxed pancake mix look and smell more homemade is by adding warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg. These spices not only give your pancakes an amazing homey aroma, but they also add a whole new level of complexity to the final product.
A little baking powder can also help keep your pancakes fluffy and airy. Just a teaspoon of baking powder per cup of batter will go a long way in helping to create an airy and light texture that will leave you wanting more.
You can even replace some of the water called for in the recipe with milk to add a richer, more moist texture. A touch of melted butter can also help to add a delicious nutty flavor and a little extra moisture.
To ensure that your pancakes cook evenly and that they don’t burn on the outside, it’s important to grease your pan before cooking them. If you don’t, the pancakes may get too dark on the outside and underdone on the inside.
Once your pan is greased, scoop out your batter and pour it into the pan. Then, wait until bubbles start to form on the top of the pancake and the edges are dry and set before you flip it over.
- Add Some Sweetener
If you want to make your boxed pancake mix taste a little more homemade, adding some sweetener is an easy way to do it. The amount of sweetener is up to you, but it’s a great way to add sweetness to your pancakes without making them too much sweet.
You can also use powdered sugar or honey to give your pancakes a little extra sweetness. Alternatively, you can also add some fruit or other sweet toppings like syrup or jam.
Using milk or other dairy products instead of water is another way to upgrade your pancakes, and it can really improve their texture and flavor. You can try swapping out a couple of tablespoons of water for milk to get a thicker batter, or you can even substitute a few tablespoons of milk with yogurt or ricotta cheese for added moisture and creaminess.
This will also help the pancakes cook more evenly and make them less likely to stick to the pan. You can also try adding a little melted butter to your batter, which will add an additional layer of moistness and richness.
Another way to make your boxed pancake mix taste homemade is by experimenting with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg. These ingredients not only add an extra layer of flavor but they also smell fantastic!
Whether you’re looking to take your pancake game from bland to scrumptious or simply want to treat yourself, these simple tips and tricks will turn your boxed pancake mix into something special. They’re all easy enough that they won’t require a lot of extra effort, but they will have you and your family coming back for more!
- Add Some Mix-Ins
One of the easiest ways to make boxed pancake mix taste homemade is by adding some mix-ins. Whether you want chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts, this simple tweak will add a delicious dose of flavor to your batter before cooking.
You can also use your favorite savory mix-ins, such as cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sausage bits, or scallions. Just be sure not to overdo it or you’ll end up with too heavy a pancake.
Another way to give your pancakes a boost of flavor is by adding an extract. A few drops of maple syrup, vanilla, or almond extract will enhance the flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients in the recipe.
If you’re looking to create a more complex pancake, you can even try adding a few tablespoons of butter. This simple change will result in a light and fluffy flapjack with a smooth texture.
Finally, you can swap out the water called for in your pancake mix with milk or a richer liquid. This will increase the flavor and fluff of your flapjacks, while still maintaining the same amount of protein and fiber you get from a homemade pancake mix.
Using these tips, you can easily turn any boxed pancake mix into a mouthwatering breakfast that’s just as delicious as homemade. If you’re craving pancakes but don’t have time to make them from scratch, try one of these easy hacks for an upgrade that’s sure to be a hit with your family! Enjoy! Let us know which of these recipes your family likes best! And don’t forget to check out the rest of our list for more recipes to try. We’re always adding new ones to our collection!