Making your own pancake mix is surprisingly easy and offers a rewarding experience, resulting in pancakes far superior to most store-bought varieties. This guide will walk you through creating a versatile mix that can be stored for future breakfasts, brunches, or even impromptu pancake parties!
Why Make Your Own Pancake Mix?
There are several compelling reasons to ditch the box and embrace homemade pancake mix:
- Control over Ingredients: You decide what goes into your pancakes. Avoid artificial ingredients, preservatives, and excessive sugar by using high-quality flour, baking powder, and other ingredients you choose.
- Freshness and Flavor: Homemade mix tastes significantly better. The fresh ingredients deliver a richer, more nuanced flavor that simply can't be matched by pre-packaged mixes.
- Cost-Effective (Long Term): While the initial investment in ingredients might seem slightly higher, making your own mix becomes significantly more economical in the long run, especially if you're a frequent pancake maker.
- Versatility: You can customize your mix to create different types of pancakes, from buttermilk to whole wheat, simply by adjusting the ingredients.
The Basic Pancake Mix Recipe:
This recipe provides a foundation that you can easily adapt to your preferences.
Yields: Approximately 8 cups of pancake mix Prep time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour (or a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat for a nuttier flavor)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 4 teaspoons baking powder (ensure it's fresh for optimal results)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined to prevent lumps.
- Store Properly: Transfer the mix to an airtight container. A large zip-top bag works well. Store in a cool, dry place. This mix will last for several months.
Making Pancakes from Your Homemade Mix:
Now for the fun part! Here's how to make delicious pancakes using your homemade mix:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pancake mix
- 1 1/4 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
- 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, mixing until just combined. Overmixing will result in 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.
- Enjoy! Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate chips.
Tips for Perfect Pancakes:
- Fresh Baking Powder: Old baking powder loses its potency, resulting in flat pancakes. Check the expiration date before using.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough pancakes. Mix only until just combined.
- Let the Batter Rest: Allowing the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking allows the gluten to relax, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to experiment with different types of flour, sweeteners, and add-ins to create your perfect pancake recipe.
Making your own pancake mix is a simple yet rewarding endeavor. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Let me know in the comments what your favorite pancake toppings are!
