If you love the ease of whipping up a stack of fluffy pancakes without rummaging through a dozen ingredients, then this Homemade Pancake Mix (Just Add Water!) Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It’s a simple, clever blend that stores beautifully and transforms into delightful pancakes in mere minutes. Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or an impromptu brunch, having this mix on hand means you can enjoy warm, tender pancakes whenever the craving strikes, with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Ready to dive into pancake perfection?
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward pantry staples, each playing a vital role in achieving that classic pancake texture and taste. From the fluffiness granted by leavening agents to the subtle sweetness and balanced saltiness, every item is essential to making your homemade mix shine.
- 5 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that provides structure without weighing pancakes down.
- 1 cup dry milk powder: Adds creaminess and richness, creating a tender crumb and deeper flavor.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to enhance the batter and promote golden browning.
- 4 tablespoons baking powder: The main leavening hero responsible for those light, airy pancakes.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Boosts fluffiness and helps balance the acidity for a perfect rise.
- 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt: Elevates all the flavors, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.
How to Make Homemade Pancake Mix (Just Add Water!) Recipe
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, dry milk powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt in a large bowl. Mixing these thoroughly ensures your pancake mix will have an even distribution of flavor and leavening agents, which is key to fluffy, well-risen pancakes every time.
Step 2: Store Your Mix Properly
Once combined, transfer the pancake mix into an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dry place away from moisture to keep it fresh for up to three months. This simple storage step is what turns this recipe into such a convenient kitchen staple—you’re always ready for breakfast!
Step 3: Prepare Batter When Ready to Cook
To make pancakes, whisk together 1 cup of your homemade pancake mix with ¾ cup of water until just combined. Don’t overmix; a few small lumps are totally fine and help keep the pancakes tender. This quick step is the magic moment where your “just add water” mix comes to life.
Step 4: Cook Your Pancakes
Heat a nonstick pan or griddle over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup of batter per pancake into the pan. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden and cooked through. The result is a stack of light, fluffy pancakes that taste as good as any made from scratch.
How to Serve Homemade Pancake Mix (Just Add Water!) Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your pancakes should be as fun as making them. Classic choices like butter and warm maple syrup will never fail, but consider fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to add a burst of color and flavor. For a summery twist, dollops of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey work beautifully too.
Side Dishes
Round out your breakfast with sides that complement the fluffy softness. Crispy bacon or savory sausage pairs wonderfully with the mildly sweet pancakes. For a lighter touch, fresh fruit salad or a refreshing yogurt parfait balances the plate perfectly, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests or family? Stack your pancakes in a towering tower with layers of jam orNutella between each pancake. Or try swirling cinnamon or chocolate chips into the batter before cooking for unexpected bursts of flavor. Adding edible flowers or a dusting of cinnamon sugar can elevate the breakfast experience to something truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover pancakes, don’t worry—they keep nicely in the fridge for up to three days. Simply stack them with a little parchment paper in between to avoid sticking and seal them tightly in an airtight container or zip-lock bag.
Freezing
For longer storage, pancakes made using this Homemade Pancake Mix (Just Add Water!) Recipe freeze wonderfully. Lay them out flat on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to two months—perfect for quick breakfasts on busy mornings.
Reheating
Reheat your pancakes gently so they stay moist and delicious. The best way is to pop them in a toaster or air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. Alternatively, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds for a quick warm-up.
FAQs
Is this mix gluten-free?
This specific recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make a gluten-free version, you would need to substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that can mimic the texture of all-purpose flour.
Can I use regular milk instead of dry milk powder?
Dry milk powder is used here to keep the mix shelf-stable and dry. If you want to make pancakes from scratch without the mix, regular milk works just fine, but it can’t replace powdered milk in the pre-made mix.
How much water should I add for thicker pancakes?
If you prefer thicker pancakes, reduce the water slightly to about ½ to ⅔ cup per cup of mix. Thicker batter yields fluffier, more substantial pancakes, but be careful not to make it too thick to pour easily.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins directly to the batter?
Absolutely! Blueberries, chocolate chips, nuts, or even cinnamon can be folded in right after mixing the water and pancake mix. It’s a great way to personalize your stack without altering the base recipe.
How long does the Homemade Pancake Mix (Just Add Water!) Recipe last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, this pancake mix keeps fresh for up to three months, making it a fantastic pantry staple for busy homes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about having a Homemade Pancake Mix (Just Add Water!) Recipe ready to transform into a golden stack of pancakes whenever you want. It’s simple, reliable, and delicious, perfect for busy mornings or cozy brunches. Give it a try, and soon you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this kitchen shortcut that still feels homemade and heartfelt.
Print
Homemade Pancake Mix (Just Add Water!) Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Pancake Mix is a quick and easy blend of dry ingredients that can be stored for up to three months, allowing you to whip up fresh pancakes in just minutes by simply adding water. Perfect for busy mornings or whenever you’re craving fluffy, delicious pancakes with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients for Pancake Mix
- 5 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 cup dry milk powder
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons fine sea salt
To Prepare Pancakes
- 1 cup pancake mix
- ¾ cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Pancake Mix: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dry milk powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and fine sea salt until fully combined. Transfer this pancake mix to an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place. It can be kept fresh for up to three months.
- Make Pancake Batter: When ready to cook, whisk 1 cup of the prepared pancake mix with ¾ cup of water until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Heat the Pan: Warm a nonstick pan or skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the pancakes.
- Cook Pancakes: Scoop ¼ cup of batter onto the heated pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip the pancake carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cooked through and golden brown on both sides.
- Serve Warm: Remove the pancakes from the pan and serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as syrup, butter, or fresh fruit.
Notes
- Ensure the flour is spooned and leveled for accurate measurement to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Adjust the water slightly if the batter feels too thick or thin for your preference.
- This mix can be stored for up to three months when kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
- For dairy-free pancakes, substitute dry milk powder with a non-dairy alternative and water as needed.
- Cooking temperature may vary slightly depending on your stovetop; medium heat generally works best to avoid burning.
