Pancake Mix

Sometimes I want to have pancakes in the morning, but I don’t feel like doing all the preparation. One way to make pancake-making easier is to use pancake mix. You can buy pancake mix or find a simple pancake mix recipe that you can make from home. I make homemade pancake mix all the time because it’s fast and easy and it means I can make and enjoy pancakes more often, and so can the rest of my family.

Buy Pancake Mix

There are all sorts of different pancake mixes you can buy. There are organic mixes, fast mixes from the grocery store like Bisquick, or mixes for the health-conscious that use whole wheat ingredients. Most of these mixes are general baking mixes that can be used to make pancakes or other baked goods.

The most common is Bisquick pancake mix. It is a simple pancake mix that can also be used for biscuits and other quick baked goods. You can buy it in most grocery stores or buy it online for a more affordable price. They now have the new shake ‘n pour buttermilk pancake mix. All you have to do is add water, shake and pour. While you might not get the best pancakes you ever had out of it that you would with pancakes from scratch, they still taste great and couldn’t be easier. It’s the closest you’ll get to instant pancake mix. “Shake ‘n Pour” says it all.

The next mix I’m going to mention is unique. Before I say anything else, I’ll tell you it is one of the best pancake mixes, hands down. Add to that the fact that it is gluten free and you’ll be shocked. Yes, it’s one of the best pancake mixes and it has no gluten. Gluten free doesn’t automatically mean it’s super healthy and you can eat it guilt free for every meal, but it does mean it’s good for people who have Celiac disease and those who choose to go gluten free. If I ever decide to use pancake mix instead of baking from scratch, I always choose Pamela’s Ultimate Baking and Pancake Mix.

For those looking to go organic, give Bob’s Red Mill Organic 7 Grain Pancake & Waffle, Whole Grain Mix a try. It contains all sorts of good organic whole grains without losing great flavor. In fact, the variety of whole grains it contains only adds to the wholesome nutrition. The truth of the matter is that these organic mixes use real, quality ingredients that come from nature unprocessed. It only makes sense that they would taste good. Another good mix to try is Stonewall Kitchen Farmhouse Pancake and Waffle Mix. Both of these mixes can be used for waffles, too.

Homemade Pancake Mix

Buying mixes is a great choice, especially if you don’t feel like getting your hands dirty, but for real homemade goodness, homemade pancake mix is the best. My first choice when making pancakes is to make them from scratch. My second choice is to make my favorite homemade pancake mix recipe in bulk and keep it on hand.

You will quickly notice that this recipe is very similar to my regular basic recipe. In fact, it is that recipe. The difference is that I mix the dry ingredients ahead of time. The pancake mix ingredients are the same as the dry ingredients from that recipe.

Mix Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients

1 ¼ cups milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Sift all the ingredients together and stir to combine. Store it in ziploc bags or storage containers. I like to make several batches at once and keep them separated in containers. It’s easy to throw all the ingredients together quickly, especially when you don’t have to mix the rest of the recipe together.

When you’re ready to use it, just pour it through a sifter into the wet ingredients that have already been combined. Stir gently until just some lumps remain and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Cook on the griddle. For more specific instructions, see my basic pancake recipe.

Pancake Mix Gifts

I love to give my homemade pancake mix from scratch as gifts. There are so many different kinds of gifts you can use this for such as gifts for family or friends who have everything but love to eat, gifts for those you don’t know well, prizes for games at showers, parties, etc., gifts for friends who can’t cook, or gifts to show someone you care.

You can give store-bought pancake mixes as gifts as well. For example, Bob’s Red Mill Organic 7 Grain Pancake & Waffle, Whole Grain Mix would make a great gift for the friend who is trying to go organic. Give it along with a bottle of organic real maple syrup nestled in a mixing bowl with pretty seasonal dish towels, a spoon, and a spatula, and they’re ready to go.

Once you learn how to make pancake mix, you’ll want to give your own recipe and hard work as a gift. Make your recipe and fill a glass jar. Add a recipe card attached to the lid and it’s ready to go. You can also add things to the mix such as nuts, chocolate chips, or other goodies. I love to add mini chocolate chips because everyone loves chocolate chip pancakes.

Mixes were thought up to make life easier. Pancakes aren’t exactly a quick breakfast to make, but using a simple pancake mix certainly makes it easier. Before you forget, make up a few batches of homemade pancake mix to keep on hand for guests or lazy weekends. You’ll be glad you did!