Boxed Pancakes Don’t Have To Be Boring
If your boxed mix ask that you mix the blend with water or milk, try mixing it up with kefir instead. Use plain or you can also use any flavored kefir to infuse a delicious variation into your pancakes. Chef Seamus Mullen or Real Food Heals says: “Using kefir instead of milk or water helps fluff up the texture and adds a really nice, sort of tangy flavor to the pancakes. It also packs in a ton of protein and essential probiotics.”
If you’re looking to inject some flavor into your pancakes, adding a bit of extract may actually overpower the batter. Instead, add in some flavored water like apple, which pairs well with maple syrup. To make your pancakes uber fluffy, add sparkling water to the pancake mix. Allow for the bubbles to make their way fully into the batter for getting them on a pan.
Most boxed mixes don’t usually call for an egg, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add it to the mix anyway. They’ll provide extra creamy richness, and help give the illusion of homemade pancake mix. Beat eggs before adding into your mix.
Boxed Mix Can Easily Be Elevated
If you’re vegan, you can opt for flax eggs instead. Chef Matthew Kenney of PlantMade says: “Instead of adding an egg, make your own plant-based flax egg by combining one tablespoon of ground flax with 3 tablespoons of water. Stir, and let it sit for about 15 minutes.”
Although boxed mixes tend to already add in baking powder to the mix, there’s no reason why you can’t add any more. Naomi Robinson of Bakers Royale says: “Add a half teaspoon as a backup measure in case the leavener in the mix is flat. If it’s not flat the half teaspoon will add a little extra fluff.”
Add In Butter And Mixins To Keep Things Exciting
Aren’t buttery and fluffy pancakes the best? Well, you can’t exactly get buttery pancakes without butter! Add in melted butter to give your flapjacks extra flavor and richness. You don’t have to go crazy, one tablespoon is enough for every cup of pancake mix.
Just because you’re not making pancakes from scratch, it absolutely doesn’t mean that you can’t get creative with them. Mix ins are the perfect way to easily elevate store bought pancake mix. Kenney says: “Add fresh fruits directly into the batter, blueberries are a classic, bananas can lend flavor and texture, and strawberries work beautifully, too. Top your pancakes with chopped pecans, walnuts, or pistachios for added protein and healthy fats.”
Robinson rounds out the tips with this critical one: “Boxed or not, always let the batter sit for 15 minutes before cooking. This lets the pancakes leaven to make them nice and fluffy.”
