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Have you ever made pancakes from a boxed mix only to be disappointed by how they turned out? If so, youโ€™re not alone! While boxed pancake mixes are quick and convenient, they often lack the rich flavor and fluffy texture of homemade pancakes. But donโ€™t worry, Iโ€™m here to shareย 7 easy ways to make boxed pancake mix betterย so you can enjoy restaurant-quality pancakes at home with minimal effort anytime the cravings hit!

Stack of boxed pancake mix with banana on top
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By following these simple hacks, youโ€™ll transform your store-bought mix intoย fluffy, buttery pancakesย that taste just like homemade, or even better (wink wink!) . Whether youโ€™re making a quick weekday breakfast or a special weekend brunch for Christmas or Easter, these tips will help you achieve perfect almost from scratch tasting pancakes every time!

Why Use Boxed Pancake Mix?

While homemade pancakes are amazing, boxed pancake mix is a lifesaver when youโ€™re short on time or donโ€™t have all the ingredients on hand. Itโ€™s quick, easy, and great for beginners. The only downside? The flavor and texture arenโ€™t always the best. Luckily, with a few simple tweaks, you can upgrade any store-bought pancake mix and makeย deliciously fluffy flapjacksย that no one will believe came from a box!

Here are the 7 secrets to make pancakes from a box a whole lot better:

  1. Sift the pancake mix
  2. Use melted butter!ย 
  3. Use milk or buttermilk
  4. Add eggs
  5. Up the leaveningย 
  6. Add in vanilla or almond extract
  7. Donโ€™t forget to add toppings

I will go into more detail down below and explain all the box pancakes hacks to make your next pancake batch taste much much better!

More pancake mix recipes you will love!

How to make pancake mix better easily

1.ย Sift the Pancake Mixย for a Lighter Texture

One of the easiest ways to improve boxed pancake mix with the least amount of effort is toย sift the dry ingredientsย before adding any liquids. This aerates the mix, helping to createย lighter, fluffier pancakes. Hold the sieve about 18 inches above the bowl while sifting for the best results. I know, I know, this is one of the simplest hacks but there is more to come! Keep reading ๐Ÿ™‚

How to make boxed pancake better overhead shot

2.ย Use Melted Butter Instead of Oil

Most boxed pancake mix recipes call for oil, but usingย melted butterย instead will give your pancakesย a rich, buttery flavorย and a softer texture with an extra fluffy mouth feel. This simple swap makes your pancakes tasteย homemade and extra indulgent,ย just like the ones from your favorite diner (or Ihop in my case!)!

How to make buttermilk at home

3.ย Swap Water for Milk or Buttermilk

If your boxed mix calls for water, replace it withย whole milk or buttermilk. This increases the fat content, making your pancakesย more tender and flavorful. Buttermilk also reacts with the baking soda in the mix, creating extra fluffiness. This one might be a little bit of a scary switch and you might want to follow the box pancake mix instructions but trust me on this!ย 

ย  ย ย Donโ€™t have buttermilk?ย Here is how to make buttermilk at home! You can create an easy substitute by mixingย 1 ยฝ cups of milk with 3 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 10 minutes before using.

If you want to prepare your homemade buttermilk ahead of time, store it in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container of course.

Pouring wet ingredients over the dry ingredients

4.Add Extra Eggs for a Richer Flavor

Many boxed pancake mixes donโ€™t require eggs, but adding an extra egg or two improves both the texture and taste. For super fluffy pancakes, try separating the egg whites, whipping them until soft peaks form, and folding them into the batter before cooking. I have also tried this hack in my lemon ricotta cheese pancakes but I whipped my egg whites almost to stiff peaks and the results were incredible with results similar to a Japanese pancake.

5.ย Boost the Leavening for Fluffier Pancakes

Over time, the baking powder in pancake mix can lose its strength, leading toย flat pancakes. To fix this, addย 1 teaspoon of baking powderย (orย ยฝ teaspoon of baking sodaย if using buttermilk) to give your pancakes the perfect rise.

6.ย Add Flavor With Vanillaย or Almond Extract

Boxed pancakes can taste a little bland, but a teaspoon ofย vanilla or almond extractย will instantly upgrade their flavor. You can also experiment with some type of citrust zest. spices likeย cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spiceย for a cozy twist.

7.ย Donโ€™t Forget Toppings!

Homemade pancakes are all aboutย fun toppings! Elevate your pancakes with:

  • Fresh fruit (bananas, strawberries, blueberries)
  • Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
  • Chocolate chips or sprinkles
  • Whipped cream and flavored syrups
  • Peanut butter, Nutella, or yogurt

ย  ย ย Pro Tip:ย Create a DIY pancake topping bar for a fun breakfast experience including a variety of syrups, spreads, toppings, and maybe even sides like bacon or scrambled eggs!what brand you use! These 7 tips will allow you to wow everyone during breakfast.

How to make pancake mix better
I topped my tasty pancakes with caramelized bananas and powdered sugar.

How do I make boxed pancakes taste like restaurant-style pancakes?

I think we can all agree that restaurant pancakes and insanely superior then anything else, and the wildest part is that they often use pancake mix for their ย pancakes so for extra indulgent, restaurant-style pancakes, try these tricks:

  • Use an ice cream scoop or measuring cup for evenly sized pancakes.
  • Use buttermilk for rich, tangy flavor.
  • Add a touch of vanilla or almond extract.
  • Melt butter onto the griddle before cooking to create crispy edges.

Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking, it helps the gluten relax and makes fluffier pancakes.

If your pancakes are sticking to the pan, here are some sollutions that can help you solve that problem:

  • Make sure the griddle is properly preheated before adding batter.
  • Use butter or non-stick spray lightly, too much can cause uneven browning.
  • Use a non-stick or well-seasoned cast-iron pan for best results.

Can I freeze leftover pancakes?

Absolutely! Let the pancakes cool completely, then stack them with parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking. Store in a freezer-safe bag for up toย 3 months. Reheat in theย toaster, microwave, or ovenย for quick breakfasts. Trust me these will come in so handy on those days where you don’t have energy to make breakfast!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Boxed Pancake Mix Better

Even with these tips, there are a few mistakes that can ruin your pancakes. Avoid these for theย best results:

Overmixing the Batter

Stirring too much removes air bubbles, leading toย dense, chewy pancakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, small lumps in your pancake batter are totally fine!

Why does over-mixing ruin pancakes?

The reason why I say that you shouldnโ€™t over mix your batter is because it will deflate all the air bubbles that were created by the leavening agent. Another reason as to why over mixing is a no no when it comes to pancakes is gluten development. Gluten development is often something we want to have when want a certain foods to be chewy, but who wants chewy pancakes.

Using the Wrong Temperature

Cooking pancakes onย too high heatย burns the outside before the inside cooks through. Keep your griddle or skillet atย medium-low heatย for even cooking.

Flipping Too Early

Wait untilย bubbles form on the surface and the edges look setย before flipping. This prevents raw batter in the middle.

How can I make boxed pancakes healthier?

To make your pancakes healthier and more nutritious for you and your family, try these swaps:

  • Use whole milk or buttermilk instead of water for extra nutrients.
  • Add Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to increase protein.
  • Swap half the pancake mix with oat flour or whole wheat flour for added fiber.
  • Mix in chia seeds, ground flaxseeds, or protein powder for extra nutrition.
  • Reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup

ย How do I get perfectly round pancakes?

To make perfectly round pancakes:

  • Scoop the batter with a cookie scoop for even distribution.
  • Use a piping bag or pancake dispenser for even pouring.
  • Donโ€™t spread the batter after pouring, let it naturally form a circle.
  • Use an egg ring or metal mold to help shape them.
Fork full of boxed pancakes to show texture
How to make boxed pancakes better
4.99 from 111 votes

7 secrets to make boxed pancakes better + mistakes to avoid + recipe

If you love pancakes but don't love the boxed pancake flavor, this recipe is for you! With a few tweaks you won't be able to tell that these pancakes were made using box mix!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 20 minutes
Servings: 8 pancakes
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Ingredients 
 

  • 2 cup pancake mix
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cup buttermilk At room temperature
  • 2 tbsp butter melted
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs at room temperature

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl, sift the pancake mix, baking soda, sugar and salt. Then, set aside.
    2 cup pancake mix, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp salt
  • In a medium bowl mix all the wet ingredients, starting with the buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla and eggs. Whisk until well combined.
    1 1/2 cup buttermilk, 2 tbsp butter, 2 tsp vanilla extract, 2 eggs
  • Pour the wet mixture over the dry mixture and stir until all the ingredients are combined. Do not over mix.
  • Heat a griddle on medium heat and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. I usually only do this once at the beginning! When the griddle is hot enough, pour 1/4 cup of the pancake batter for each pancake on the griddle. When bubbles appear and the edges lose some of their shine it's time to flip and cook the other side. Cook until golden.
  • Once the pancakes are ready, serve them with some butter and warm syrup or your favorite pancake toppings.

Nutrition

Calories: 154Calories | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 677mg | Potassium: 143mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 302IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 129mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Chahinez

Chahinez Tabet Aoul is the recipe developer, photographer, and writer behind Lifestyle of a Foodie and Simple Copycat Recipes. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Chahinez is known for creating approachable, high-reward recipes that feel like they came straight from your favorite restaurant. Only easier, more fun, and made right a thome!

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4.99 from 111 votes (100 ratings without comment)

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86 Comments

  1. Maureen Fabian Steiner says:

    Made this for the first time and batter is very thick! what do I do with this now?

    1. Chahinez says:

      If your batter is too thick, you can always thin out with a splash of milk. As a helpful tip, try to use a kitchen scale instead of measuring cups to weigh the flour or pancake mix. It’ll always be more accurate and help avoid inconsistencies.

  2. Nisha says:

    How many pancakes does this recipe make? ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Chahinez says:

      Usually about 8 but it can vary depending on how big or small you make them.

  3. Katie Regier says:

    These are absolutely amazing!! My boyfriend had me make them 3 times in one week!! I was really nervous about making DIY buttermilk but to my surprise it turned out so good!! My batter was super thick (not sure if itโ€™s supposed to be that think) so they werenโ€™t the prettiest pancakes but they are pancakes so who cares!!

    1. Chahinez says:

      So glad he enjoyed them so much ๐Ÿ™‚

  4. Keith says:

    5 stars
    This is so easy to follow and the pancakes are delicious

  5. Maddy says:

    5 stars
    I love this recipe! I use the milk and vinegar substitute for buttermilk (there is never any buttermilk at my local store). I have made this recipe a number of times, and I just love the texture and flavor. I am about to try aa banana version in sheet pan tomorrow morning. I have no clue how it will turn out. ๐Ÿคž๐Ÿคž

    1. Chahinez says:

      That’s fantastic! Using the milk and vinegar substitute is a great way to work around not having buttermilk on hand. I hope your banana version in a sheet pan turns out wonderfully!

  6. Frann says:

    This was amazing! The best waffle I ever tasted. I made the recipe in half and put maybe half a tablespoon more sugar since I like sweeter pancakes and it was great. Would do it again!!

    1. Chahinez says:

      Sweet pancakes really are delicious I totally agree ๐Ÿ™‚

  7. Diana Weber says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! Will definitely make this again!

    1. Chahinez says:

      Thank you so much!!

  8. Colleen Koster says:

    5 stars
    Currently in progress but looks promising! When do I add the sugar?

    1. Chahinez says:

      In the very beginning with the dry ingredients ๐Ÿ™‚