While there’s nothing quite like a stack of pancakes from scratch , there’s a lot of merit in reaching for a just-add-water box mix. Pre-made pancake mix is affordable and convenient, and can make a satisfying breakfast in situations where you may not have refrigeration or electricity, which is why pancake mix is perfect for camping.
That being said, boxed pancakes can, quite honestly, taste pretty boring. But it’s easy to dress up a boxed pancake mix to improve the flavor and texture without much effort. Try one of these simple tweaks to give boxed pancake mix that homemade taste.
Sift the mixture for fluffier pancakes
One of the easiest ways to improve boxed pancake mix is a classic cooking technique: sifting. While boxed pancake mixes never require sifting, this simple technique will remove any possible lumps and aerate your dry mix (especially if it’s been sitting for a while), giving your pancakes a fluffier texture.
As long as you have a fine mesh strainer, sifting your pancake mix will only take a few minutes, and it’s well worth it.
Add dairy products
One element that separates homemade pancakes from boxed mix is the inclusion of fresh dairy products. Milk, yogurt, melted butter, and ricotta cheese are just a few dairy products that can alter the structure of a pancake mix, resulting in a pancake that is both fluffy and fluffy.
If your pancake mix calls for just water, substitute the same amount of milk for a fluffier texture. For guaranteed hydration and richness, add melted butter to your batter. A few tablespoons of Greek yogurt or ricotta will give your pancakes a richer flavor.