9 Tips for Making Boxed Pancake Mix Better (with recipe and variations)

9 ways to enhance boxed pancake mix

1. Use milk (or buttermilk) in place of water.

Most boxed mixes call for water, but substituting milk for water will add richness. Milk will yield a thicker batter, so the amount may need to be adjusted to get the desired consistency. Or try half water, half milk.

2. Add eggs.

Many boxed mixes are complete mixes, meaning only water is needed. However, even though eggs are not required, you can definitely add one. The egg will add richness and improve the texture of the pancakes.

3. Add butter.

Butter = flavor, so adding a touch of melted butter to the batter will only add more flavor.

4. Add spices.

Warm spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg add a wonderful homemade taste... and they smell good too!

5. Add extracts.

Extracts are another great way to amp up the flavor. Vanilla and almond extract are my go-to's, but other great options include lemon, orange, or maple extracts.

6. Add citrus zest.

Lemon, lime, or orange zest - a little goes a long way - is an awesome way to pump up the flavor and give the pancakes a special flair.

7. Add flavor and texture with add-ins.

Jazz things up with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, blueberries, strawberries, bacon, or sprinkles. Get creative and have fun with flavor combinations.

8. Rest the batter after mixing.

Let the batter sit for 5-10 minutes after mixing. The pancake mix contains leavening (like baking soda) and needs a few minutes to activate and start working. This time also helps all of the flavors to meld together.

9. Use butter for cooking the pancakes.

Greasing the pan with butter before each batch gives the pancakes a golden brown exterior and more flavor, of course! Be sure to keep the heat set to medium to prevent the butter from burning. If the butter starts to burn, wipe off the griddle and start again by buttering the clean pan.

Variations and flavor combinations

• Cinnamon spice - Cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Serve with warm syrup. (See recipe below)
• Chocolate chip - Cinnamon spice batter with chocolate chips added and finished with powdered sugar.
• Lemon and Blueberry - Lemon zest and blueberries topped with powdered sugar and extra blueberries.
• Strawberries and Cream - Vanilla extract and strawberries topped with whipped cream.
• Maple Bacon - Maple extract and chopped crispy bacon.

Cinnamon spice pancake recipe

See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.

1. Whisk together pancake mix and milk. (Image 1)
2. Add spices and extracts and whisk to combine. (Image 2)
3. Rest the batter for 5-10 minutes.

4. Heat a griddle over medium heat. Brush or rub with butter.
5. Using a ¼ cup scoop or measuring cup, scoop the batter onto the griddle. If adding chocolate chips, sprinkle them on top of the batter. (Image 3)
6. Cook until bubbles form on the top and the edges are slightly brown. Flip and cook on the other side for 1-2 minutes until brown. (Image 4)

7. Repeat with the remaining batter, buttering the griddle in between each batch.
8. Serve with butter and syrup. Enjoy!