Boxed pancake mixes are convenient but rarely measure up to the flavor and texture of made-from-scratch pancakes. Though there's no shame in making things easy with a ready-to-go mix, these simple hacks for how to make pancake mix better-tasting are good enough to use even on special occasions. These handy packages are easy to whip together with just a few ingredients.
Substitute Kefir for Water or Milk
If your boxed mix calls for water or milk, an easy pancake mix hack is to swap out the liquids for kefir, either flavored or plain. "Using kefir instead of milk or water helps fluff up the texture and adds a really nice, sort of tangy flavor to the pancakes," explains Seamus Mullen, chef and author of Real Food Heals. "It also packs in a ton of protein and essential probiotics."
Use Flavored Water Instead
Adding an extract can overpower the flavor of a boxed pancake mix, but a simple swap of flavored water instead of plain water is how to make pancakes better-tasting with just the right subtle taste of fruit. Try apple-flavored water, or make those stacks extra fluffy by using cold sparkling water and letting the cold bubbles work their way into the batter before expanding as they're exposed to the heat of the griddle.
Add an Egg…or a Plant-Based Egg
Even if your boxed mix doesn't call for an egg, go ahead and add one. Eggs provide a creamy richness that will make the batch taste homemade, allowing the pancakes to rise by keeping the bubbles structurally intact throughout the cooking process. Beat your egg before folding it into the batter for super fluffy stacks, or go plant-based with a flax egg. "Instead of adding an egg, make your own plant-based flax egg by combining one tablespoon of ground flax with three tablespoons of water," suggests Matthew Kenney, chef and founder of PlantMade by Matthew Kenney. "Stir, and let it sit for about 15 minutes."
Sprinkle More Baking Powder
Your boxed mix likely already contains baking powder, but this chemical leavener is best when fresh. "Add a half teaspoon as a backup measure in case the leavener in the mix is flat," recommends Naomi Robinson, owner of Bakers Royale. "If it's not flat, the half teaspoon will add a little extra fluff."
Add Some Butter
You can't get buttery soft pancakes without butter. Melted butter rounds out the texture of pancakes by adding just the right amount of fat to keep the stacks rich and moist. No need to go crazy with it, though; a little goes a long way. Just add a tablespoon of melted butter per cup of pancake mix for super tasty pancakes.
Have Fun with Add-Ins
Fresh fruit and crunchy nuts can liven up just about anything, but they're pancake mix hacks that add the perfect amount of texture for a satisfying breakfast. "Add fresh fruits directly into the batter; blueberries are a classic, bananas can lend flavor and texture, and strawberries work beautifully, too," says Kenney. "Top your pancakes with chopped pecans, walnuts, or pistachios for added protein and healthy fats."
Skip the Griddle
Dirty fewer dishes by making a pancake mug cake instead. Just combine ⅓ cup of boxed pancake mix with three tablespoons of water (or milk) and one tablespoon of melted butter into a large microwave-safe mug and microwave on high for 60 seconds or until cooked through. Top with maple syrup, and enjoy!
Let It Rest
"Boxed or not, always let the batter sit for 15 minutes before cooking," advises Robinson. "This lets the pancakes leaven to make them nice and fluffy."
Go ahead and whip up a drool-worthy stack of pancakes from the box you have on hand using our pancake mix hacks. Try our Oven-Baked Pancakes for a casserole-style flapjack dish, or make a big batch and freeze them for quick weekday breakfasts instead of toaster waffles. Try substituting pancake mix for flour in any pancake dish, like these Pumpkin Pancakes—just leave out any baking powder or baking soda included in the recipe.