Homemade Pancake Mix Recipe: Fluffy, Delicious, and Always Ready
Making pancakes from scratch can be a delightful weekend activity, but sometimes you crave that fluffy goodness on a weeknight. That's where a homemade pancake mix comes in! This recipe allows you to enjoy fresh, delicious pancakes anytime without the fuss of measuring ingredients every time. It's easy to make, stores well, and produces perfectly fluffy pancakes every single time. Let's get started!
Ingredients for the Best Homemade Pancake Mix
This recipe yields enough mix for about 8-10 pancakes, depending on the size. You can easily double or triple it to make a larger batch.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our pancake magic! You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist, but be aware it might make the pancakes slightly denser.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness without being overly sugary. Adjust to your preference.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: This is the key to fluffy pancakes. Make sure it's fresh for the best results. Old baking powder will result in flat pancakes.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works in conjunction with the baking powder for maximum fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Don't skip this!
Instructions for Making Your Homemade Pancake Mix
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is well combined to avoid lumps in your pancakes.
- Store Properly: Once everything is thoroughly mixed, transfer the dry ingredients to an airtight container. A large zip-top bag or a sealed jar works perfectly. Label the container with the date to ensure optimal freshness. This mix can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
Making Pancakes from Your Homemade Mix
Now for the fun part! When you're ready to make pancakes, simply follow these steps:
Ingredients for Pancakes:
- 1 cup of your homemade pancake mix
- 1 1/4 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy): Experiment with different milks to find your favorite! Almond milk or oat milk add a unique flavor.
- 1 large egg: Adds richness and binding. You can substitute with flax eggs for a vegan option.
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (optional): This adds extra richness and flavor.
Instructions for Making Pancakes from the Mix:
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter (if using).
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—don't overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough pancakes. A few lumps are okay.
- Cook the Pancakes: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot surface for each pancake.
- Flip and Serve: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip when bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set.
Tips for Perfect Pancakes Every Time
- Don't overmix the batter: This is crucial for fluffy pancakes.
- Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes: This allows the gluten to relax and the baking powder to activate, resulting in lighter pancakes.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: Add more or less sugar depending on your preference.
- Get creative with add-ins: Fold in blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or nuts to customize your pancakes.
This homemade pancake mix recipe is a game-changer. It saves you time and effort while delivering delicious, fluffy pancakes whenever you crave them. Enjoy!
