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Make pancakes every morning with this Easy Pancake Mix Recipe! All you need is water, oil, and an egg for the fluffiest pancakes ever!
Pancake Mix
The only issue with pancakes I have is waking up early enough to make a batch and get my kids out the door to catch their bus. Enter this utterly divine homemade Pancake Mix. If you need the perfect way to make pancakes, this is it. It’s a fast, simple method that will give you probably some of the best pancakes out there. Plus you make the base pancake mix ahead of time so when it comes time to actually make pancakes, it’s a cinch.
Main Ingredients Needed
In the pancake mix recipe, I call for a lot of common ingredients like:
- flour
- salt
- baking powder
- baking soda…
and one, not-so-common ingredient: powdered milk! I hate to say it, but it really is my secret and the key to prosperity, success, and the fluffiest pancakes in the wooooorrrrrllllldddd. You can also use powdered buttermilk here for buttermilk pancakes.
Variations
Feel free to customize this mix and pancake recipe so it suits your needs.
If you have an egg issue going on, one of my readers suggested vegan egg powder.
If you have gluten allergies, use GF flour.
If you hate plain pancakes, spice it up with fruit or fancy syrup. (This homemade Cinnamon Roll Syrup is also highly recommended.) Other readers have added nutmeg, cinnamon, or vanilla to make their pancakes a little more special. 
How to Make Pancake Mix
For all of the nitty-gritty details, see the recipe card below.
- Measure out a bunch of flour, sugar, powdered milk, salt, and leavenings into a mixing bowl.
- Stir it together and that’s it!! Pancake mix you can use for days and days.
Storing Pancake Mix
Store homemade pancake mix in an airtight container in a cool dry place (aka your pantry).
Check the expiration dates on all of the ingredients you used, whichever one is up first indicates when your mix will go bad. So use fresh ingredients for longer-lasting mix!
This would be perfect for your food storage {if you do that sort of thing} OR, even to have on hand for a faster breakfast idea.
How to Make Pancakes with Mix
For full details see the recipe card below 🙂
- To make a batch of these, simply measure out 2 cups of the mix, then add in an egg, some water, and a little oil.
- Whisk ’til the batter is smooth and fry these little dudes up. Good things happening right here!
- Eat these babies hot off the griddle. Ideally with butter. And a touch of syrup… ok, A LOT of syrup.
These will have the same texture that store-bought mixes would have, but minus all the weirdo ingredients.
Yes, you still have to stand over a stove for 10-ish minutes cooking pancakes, but that’s a small price to pay after one bite of these!
How to Make Waffles with Pancake Mix
PS- This recipe also makes waffles! Whhheeeeeee!
Simply mix the batter as directed in the recipe card below but instead of frying on a griddle, pour that batter into a waffle iron. Top with desired toppings and enjoy!
Feeling adventurous with Pancakes? Try these recipes out:
- Banana Chocolate Chip Walnut Pancakes
- Cinnamon Roll Pancake & Waffle Syrup
- Mini Chocolate Chip Doughnut Pancake Dippers
- Apple Pancakes with Caramel Syrup
- Whole Wheat Buttermilk Pancakes
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes
- Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
Give this Pancake Mix a whirl, you guys! You won’t be sorry 🙂
Printable recipe card and helpful video below!
Homemade Pancake Mix Recipe
Ingredients
Instant Pancake & Waffle Mix
- 6 1/3 cups all purpose unbleached flour
- 1 1/3 cups instant dry milk powder
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons salt
For Instant Pancakes -
- 2 cups pancake mix
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
For Instant Waffles -
- 2 cups pancake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 1 1/4 cups cold water
Instructions
Instant Pancake Mix
- Measure all ingredients into the bowl of a stand mixer. Stir to combine. Store in airtight containers before using.
Instant Pancakes
- Whisk all ingredients together until smooth. Fry on lightly greased griddle until golden brown.
Instant Waffles
- Whisk all ingredients together until smooth. Pour onto preheated and greased waffle iron and cook as desired.
Awesome, thank you very much!
Thank you for this recipe, Have always keep store bought on hand, so am going to try this first thing in am. I have tried a lot of your recipes and suggestions, and so far everything has been great. Thank you so much
What to do for a grandchild with an egg allergy?
A tablespoon of ground flaxseed for every egg. Add a little extra liquid.
I bought a bag of self rising flour by mistake. Would it be acceptable (quantiy of baking powder) to use in this recipe.
thank you for the recipe! it was great i increased the sugar to 1 cup my daughters have sweet tooth.
I always thank you wave! Made the pancake mix last week when my family wanted pancakes for supper! I used half buttermilk powder in place of the dry milk. It was yummy! Used the mix again today and added red food coloring, cocoa, and vanilla to make red velvet waffles. I drizzled them with cream cheese icing. Yum, Yum, Yummy! I wish I could post a pic! Thanks for the recipe!
I used this mix to do a brunch at our Ronald McDonald House today! My pancakes went over quite well! I made Blackberry, Banana, and Blueberry Pancakes (some plain ones too, but nobody wanted plain once they went for the fruity ones!) These were a hit!
I added some vanilla extract for extra flavor. I also added some nutmeg for the plain and the banana pancakes. This is a very versatile mix and I could see keeping this in my cabinet for everyday use!
I am going too give my 12yr old a try at making these pancakes. He is so awesome at waffles, french toast. pancakes, and homemade bread (which he makes in our bread maker) Thank you.
I absolutely LOVED these pancakes. Followed your instructions exactly as written they could not have tasted any better. This is my new go-to pancake recipe. Thank you! Can’t wait to make them again! 🙂
Definitely will try this recipe! I also feel your pain, when jerks try to pull in front of you or don’t acknowledge your kindness to let them thru
I ALWAYS wave – ALWAYS!!!!! and if I’m on the interstate I flash my hazard lights for a couple seconds. 1) my kids always ask “who are you waving at?” EVERY. TIME. 2) my husband has never heard of the flashing hazards and thinks I’m insane and no one else knows what it means. Maybe I was a trucker in my former life?
Can you cook these up and freeze them?
Thanks for the recipe! Do you know if I could use powered egg, if we run out of real eggs in a food storage situation?
Thanks for this awesome mix recipe. It’s totally yummy. Added a bit of vanilla when making them. By the way, **wave** **wave** Thanks!
Yum!! We eat a lot of pancakes at our house. What is really nice is some buttermilk syrup over the pancakes and fresh cut strawberries. I made this one time for my husband’s family and they informed me that they were “Maple Syrup” eaters and wouldn’t even try it. Then they came to my house and my sister-in-law’s son helped make the syrup so then they gave it a try….needless to say they were converted after the first bit. You never know what you might be missing out on if you don’t open up your mind. Your recipe I am definitely going to try. Thank you.
What is buttermilk syrup?
My family loves my pancakes! I always make from scratch! The youngest likes strawberry, the two older like chocolate chip pancakes! I’m a “seasoned ” country cook and my GREATEST PASSION is cooking for my friends and family! I cannot wait to whip up this recipe! Thank you so much for it!!!! God Bless
Hi- thanks for the recipe…
I was wondering if we can omit the powdered milk from the dry ingredients and then replace it with regular milk instead of water when ready to mix?
Thank you:-)
I was wondering that too. Powdered milk isn’t something I keep on hand. And kids wanted pancakes right now
Hey! Can we substitute water with milk? 🙂 Thanks!
This looks great! Can you substitute EVOO or coconut oil for the canola? Thats what i have on hand 🙂
yes!
Can you add a vanilla bean to the dry mixture for that really cakey taste? Sounds terrific.
Yes! Dried vanilla beans would work great!!
On this note, could you add liquid vanilla to the wet mix? How would you alter it?
Yes, you can add in vanilla to the mix.
Hi there,
I am a grumpy,invisible lady too.
I would double wave you xxxx
P.S great pancake idea 🙂
This looks great! Can’t wait to share it!
Your pancakes look so perfect! Beautiful. Thank you for the recipe…I was thinking buttermilk powder too…but hey, could just use the milk powder and then, instead of all water, a little real buttermilk too…I always have buttermilk in my refrigerator.
Anyway, the pancakes look delicious and I am giving you a double wave…and a thank you.
Any changes if I wanted to make a waffle mix?
I roll down window and give about a 3-4 second thumbs up or if traffic is harried, I do the wave but always acknowledge. I too get irked when people were behind me about 4 lengths and could have merged then but wait till the last minute and expect you, their last opportunity to merge to let them in. More people who egregiously think they are entitled.
The pancake mix is an answer to wants. Your recipes in the past have been great and I trust this will be. Will make thus today with granddaughters so they know their are options other than running to the store for a box. We can have the same with no ucky stuff. Thanks Lauren.
Let me start with- wait for it- I Do the wave.☺️& I can’t wait to try this mix! Thank you from a mom if a girl who would have pancakes EVERYDAY if I would only cook them! Thank You!
I HATE jerky, ungrateful drivers. We moved to Los Angeles a year ago and few people wave to thank me. And blinkers are considered optional sometimes. And the one that really yanks my chain is people honking and speeding by/around me as I’m backing out of a parking spot. OK. I obviously need pancakes now too! I love this simple homemade version – perfect for quick breakfasts on the go!
This Looks Great. I’m Just Wondering How Many servings This Would Be Per 2 Cup Batch.
I got 10 3-inch pancakes from one batch.
Thank you! A great idea for kids who want to make pancakes on their own and have no additives/preservatives. about the curtesy wave, it is standard here when you give way to anyone, the person waves to acknowledge when passing goint the opposite direction or after they see you are letting them go in front of you. It is one of the most polite things I noticed living in England.
I’m totally making these!
Additionally, I am a let-er in-er and an over waver thank-er if that makes sense 🙂
Wow – these pancakes do look fluffy! Love the idea of having pre-made pancake mix ready to go for the mornings!
Hard to beat Hungry Jack and I’m a pancake conniseur.
I agree – I can’t stand it when people don’t wave a “thank you!”
You are not alone sista! Drives me batty when people don’t wave! Since you said this was the *best* I guess that means I must try it! 🙂
What would you add for it to be used for waffles?
I wondered the same! Since you add egg and oil to the pancake mix, I would think it’d be fine for waffles as is…but I don’t know for sure!
You always use less water for waffle.
I was reading these comments hoping to find out about waffles. My family loves waffles!
How long does it keep on the shelf? Til it smells weird?
Check the expiration dates on all your ingredients! It would expire after the earliest listed date.
You could also keep it in the freezer.
I walk alot for excercise and I have come to the conclusion that there is very little politeness out there, particularly behind the wheel. When driving, I always do the double wave one commenter spoke of, but I guess we are among the limited minority. At least we can moan a little here, thanks for giving the opportunity! That said, these pancakes look and sound just yummy!!! My daughter loves pancakes and I’ve done waffles using a similar recipe, but always end up going the ‘Bisquick’ route for hurried before-school pancakes. This looks simple, and delicious and we each have one more opportunity to high five ourselves for our home made, hand made simplicity. Thank you.
Any suggestions of a powder substitute that would make it dairy free? Still learning how to cope and substitute with my milk allergies! Do they make an almond milk powder like they do a powder milk?
Maybe try this
http://www.aussiehealthproducts.com.au/milk-products.php?id=78378&Bonvit-Soy-Milk-Powder-ORGANIC-500g
Van’s Dari-Free makes a milk substitute powder that is made from potatoes. It’s got calcium and is the closest in flavor to real milk that we have found. You can buy it direct on their website. Super easy as you just mix it with water but it might take some experimenting to find the right proportion. Nice thing about the product though is that you can make it as strong or weak as you like. I feel for you! It’s really hard dealing with milk allergies when you only want to cook one thing for the whole family!
Cnt wait to try this!!! Been searching for the best pancake mix that i can store for later use! The pancake looks soooo fluffy! What i like abt this is it uses powdered milk! I loooove powdered milk! With the 6+ cups of flour, is 1/3 cup of sugar sweet enough? I dnt usually put syrup on my pancakes and like it plain when i eat ’em that’s y im wondering if the amount of sugar is sweet enough 🙂
Thank you soooo much!!!
I thought they were slightly sweet, but you are welcome to add in a heaping 1/3 cup of sugar just to be sure!
I have been looking for a mix like these because my kids LOVE pancakes for breakfast. Do you know how long it will keep?
Check the expiration dates on all your ingredients! It would expire after the earliest listed date.
Can you use whole wheat flour in place of white flour without changing the rest of the recipe?
I would only substitute half of the flour for whole wheat. If you sub the entire amount, be prepared to add more liquid to the batter when making your batches of pancakes.
What about self-rising flour or do you live in a part of the country where it’s hard to get?
I can find self rising flour easily in Portland, but it’s easier for me to just buy all purpose flour and add in the leavenings myself.
I’ve taught my children that you actually should *double* wave — wave once as the person lets your car in, then wave again once you’ve made your move! Twice the thanks!
Yes, THANK YOU!!
This sounds great for a homemade mix, but I found something wonderful at Target …… Look where the pancake mixes/syrup are, and you will see Kodiak Cakes, a brand that was featured on Shark Tank. The great thing about this mix is that ALL you add is water…..one cup of mix plus one cup of water, so if you want to make a smaller batch, just cut that down to 1/2 cup of each. They make two different flavors – Buttermilk & Honey and Whole Wheat, Oats. & Honey. It’s $4.99 a box, and it will make bunch of pancakes! I’ve only used it so far to make waffles, but they are DELICIOUS! When I don’t feel like whipping up my favorite homemade mix, this is my go-to mix I like to use!
Kodiak Cakes actually sent me some products to try!! Yummy!
We used that for pancakes at church for lent. It was really good. You can also get that at Von’s in California.
Hi. Love this recipe! How long will this instant pancake mix last in an airtight container? Days? Weeks? Thanks!
Check the expiration dates on all your ingredients! It would expire after the earliest listed date.
Girl – drives me crazy when people don’t give me the ‘thank you wave’!!! I make sure I always do, but it is almost rare to find people that do it anymore!
Oh my gosh. I feel the exact same way! No one ever waves anymore, except apparently you and me! I’ll wave if you let me in 🙂 It irritates me that people expect it and don’t say thanks! These pancakes could solve all of that though. 🙂
Thank you so much. I am forever running out of boxed pancake mix and don’t have time to make homemade ones during the week. This will be super easy to put together. Can’t wait to make them!
Can’t wait to try this! I was wondering though… could you add some buttermilk powder for some of the powdered milk to make buttermilk pancakes?
I am wondering the same thing
Exactly what I was thinking! I’m going to try it and find out.
I would sub out half the instant milk powder for buttermilk powder to start. I didn’t even think to use buttermilk powder….smart!!
I was wondering the same thing! I always make my pancakes with buttermilk. I have some of the powder in my freezer, so I guess I’ll give it a try. However, with buttermilk, you generally don’t have to add baking powder due to the acidity of the buttermilk. Then the amount of baking soda would change, too. It’s been too long since I took Food Science in college. 🙂
Did you try the buttermilk powder with success?
The buttermilk powder I use suggests refrigeration after opening. I would guess then, that if you use buttermilk powder in this recipe, you’d have to store it in the fridge? I would think regular powdered milk would be better if you would want to store it in your pantry. Anybody try the buttermilk powder yet?
Laura this looks like a fantastic recipe! I always love making pancakes from stratch but hate measuring out the ingredients every single time for one batch, especially since I make pancakes often, this definitely reduces prep time and less dishes! I was wondering if you would post a similar recipe but for homemade microwave cake mix, like those betty crocker dessert delights? Every once in a while I enjoy a “microwave mug cake” but I find that this could be done even simpler if made an “instant” mix like this. Thanks for reading this, I love all your recipes! 🙂 xoxo
Thanks, Angela!!
Lauren, I’d have given you a “thank you” wave! I know what you mean, lol. Thank you for another yuMMy recipe.
What a lovely recipe and pancakes turned out the awesomest ever, my son relished those! Forever in my kitty kinda recipe. Thanks a ton!