Say goodbye to box mixes! This easy pancake mix only requires 5 simple ingredients and can be made ahead of time. Store in the pantry and make soft and fluffy pancakes in just a matter of minutes!
While my homemade buttermilk pancakes or chocolate chip pancakes are still my favorite, this recipe is our back up for a quick breakfast. It’s easy for the kids to make with just a few simple ingredients. They are soft, fluffy and delicious!!
My kids favorite Saturday tradition is to make homemade pancakes! However, we also like to sleep in when possible. Recently I’ve been making the pancake mix ahead of time so the kids can easily whip up the batter on their own.
You only need 5 ingredients to make the mix and then when you’re ready to cook the pancakes, you’ll just add milk and eggs. I have also tested this with just water and it does work. However I do recommend adding the milk and egg if you have them on hand.
These pancakes are so easy to make and are the perfect way to make ahead a quick meal. We love topping them with homemade buttermilk syrup or maple syrup and serving with bacon and scrambled eggs.
How to make pancake mix
Ingredients
- Flour: All-purpose flour is best to use.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
- Baking powder: This helps lift the batter and create extra fluffy pancakes.
- Baking soda: Also used as a leavening agent and helps the pancakes brown.
- Salt: Added to enhance the flavor and help balance out the sweetness from the sugar.
Instructions: Whisk together the ingredients in a large bowl. Pour into a large jar and store in the pantry until ready to use.
Cooking the pancakes
- Warm the griddle or skillet. Preheat a griddle to 325°F, or a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Make batter. Pour 2 cups of the pancake mix in a large bowl along with the milk and egg. Add of splash of vanilla if preferred. Then use a wooden spoon to mix until the batter is smooth.
- Cook the pancakes. Butter your heated griddle or skillet, then pour 1/4 cup of the batter on the pan. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until the top starts to get bubbly. Flip and cook for about 1 more minute until the other side is lightly browned.
TIP: Did you know you can also make crepes with pancake mix? That’s just one more reason to have this homemade mix handy. Especially when you’re craving strawberry crepes or savory breakfast crepes!
Helpful tips
- If you don’t have milk or eggs on hand, simply use 1 1/2 cups water instead. The taste and texture will change a bit, but this method does work as a cooking substitution.
- If you don’t have baking powder on hand, you can make your own by using a mixture of cream of tartar, baking soda and cornstarch. Use 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 teaspoons cream of tartar and 1 teaspoon cornstarch to make about 1 Tablespoon of baking powder.
- If you want to add in extras like chocolate chips, nuts or blueberries, simply fold those in after you’ve mixed the batter.
- Don’t over mix the batter or else the pancakes won’t be as soft. A few small lumps are okay.
- For an extra fluffy texture, let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking.
- 1 cup of pancake mix makes about 4 pancakes.
Storing, freezing + reheating
- Storing the pancake mix: The great thing about this easy pancake mix is that it will stay fresh for up to 6 months if stored in an airtight jar. You can even extend it’s shelf life to 1 year by storing the mixture in the freezer.
- Freezing cooked pancakes: Once you’ve cooked the pancakes, you can store those in the freezer as well. Let them cool completely, then place in a zip top bag and freeze for use within 2 to 3 months.
- Reheating: When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or toaster oven for 30 seconds.
Other delicious variations:
Homemade Pancake Mix
Ingredients
Pancake mix (for storing):
- 4 cups (520 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
Add before cooking:
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- Dash of vanilla , optional
For serving: Butter, Syrup, Fresh berries
Instructions
Making pancake mix:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Place in a large jar until ready to use. Will stay fresh in a jar up to 6 months. Freeze for up to a year.
Cooking pancakes:
- When ready to make pancakes, preheat a griddle to 325°F, or a skillet over medium-high heat.
- In a large bowl, add 2 cups (or 260 grams) of the stored pancake mix, milk and egg. Add a dash of vanilla if desired. Mix with a wooden spoon just until most of the lumps are gone and the batter is smooth.
- Coat the griddle (or skillet) with butter and then pour 1/4 cup batter onto the heated griddle. Cook the pancakes until bubbles appear, about 2 minutes. Flip the pancakes and cook the other side for 1 minute, or just until lightly browned.
- Serve immediately or place pancakes on a baking sheet in the oven at 175°F to keep warm.
Notes
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Sorry but I wanted to clarify the quantities. For 2 cups of mix, add 1-1/2 cups milk & an egg. Double that for all 4 cups? I know someone asked that but when I went to adjust the serving size from 16 to 8 it also halved the milk and egg. Thank you.
Yes that is correct. 1 1/2 cups of milk and an egg per 2 cups of flour. Sorry if that was confusing. Here’s another favorite recipe: https://www.iheartnaptime.net/buttermilk-pancakes/
Amazing and great to make ahead
Thanks for your comment and review, Emily :)
Is the 1 1/2c. of milk & 1 egg per 2cups of mix or per 1 cup of mix? I am thinking 2 but somewhere it mentioned 1cup wil make 4 pancakes which is all I want sometimes but it is difficult to divide an egg. Thanks
It’s per 2 cups of mix :) You could always freeze the extras for an easy breakfast!
Yeah, that is a good idea! Thank you.
The kids go crazy over these because it’s such an easy recipe for them to make too! Delish!
Excellent pancake mix. Just the right ratios!
These turned out delicious!! I ran out of boxed mix but wanted to make my daughters some heart shaped pancakes for Valentine’s Day and these were perfect!! I won’t buy the box mix again!!! It did make a ton of pancakes since I made smaller ones for my toddlers but they were delicious and I can freeze the extra! Thank you!
Heart shaped pancakes are so fun for Valentine’s Day – love it! I’m so glad your family loved them, Kati!
These were perfect fluffy pancakes!
I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
This is so easy to mix up and great to have on hand. It makes the best light and fluffy pancakes!
Was looking for a pancake recipe as the kids are asking for them almost daily. Delicious¡