The best pancake mix is a cornerstone for anyone seeking a delightful Saturday morning breakfast at home. Indeed, a reliable pancake mix is an important pantry staple to have at the ready. However, with numerous options promising fluffy flapjacks, discerning the best from the rest can be a challenge. This review aims to explore a range of pancake mixes, including those catering to specific dietary needs like keto, to help you make an informed choice.
Methodology: The Pancake Test
To evaluate the pancake mixes, the simplest possible package instructions were followed. If the package allowed for optional egg, the mix was prepared sans egg. Each pancake was tasted without any toppings, such as maple syrup, to assess its inherent flavor and texture.
New Contenders and Dietary Considerations
Since the initial ranking of the best pancake mixes, many new boxed pancake mixes have emerged. This review specifically sought out pancake mixes that satisfy more particular dietary requirements.
Notable Pancake Mixes: A Detailed Look
Betty Crocker Cinnamon Toast Crunch Pancake Mix
For those with a sweet tooth, Betty Crocker's Cinnamon Toast Crunch Pancake Mix offers a unique experience. While one could argue for simply combining Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal with a regular pancake mix, Betty Crocker's collaboration provides a pouch of cinnamon toast powder that adds a wonderful and thoroughly sugary cinnamon flavor when sprinkled on the pancakes. This mix is ideal for satisfying midnight cravings.
Arrowhead Mills Organic Buckwheat Pancake & Waffle Mix
Though buckwheat may not be everyone's favorite, the pancakes made from Arrowhead Mills Organic Buckwheat Pancake & Waffle Mix are surprisingly pleasant and remarkably fluffy. These pancakes would be a hit at a sophisticated brunch. Despite the packaging being difficult to open, this mix is a top contender for the best buckwheat pancake mix.
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Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix
Krusteaz Belgian Waffles performed well in a ranking of frozen waffles, and their pancake mix offers some of the best buttermilk flavor. These pancakes stand tall and have a good height. However, they are somewhat bland in flavor, which can be seen as an advantage for those who prefer to customize their pancakes with sugary fillings and toppings.
Great Value Pancake & Waffle Mix
Walmart's Great Value Pancake & Waffle Mix is a solid and extremely affordable option. With a slightly sweet and salty flavor profile, this mix delivers an excellent plain flavor and a pleasantly chewy texture. It contains buttermilk powder and dried egg yolks, requiring only the addition of water. For those stocking up or seeking a budget-friendly choice, Great Value is a great pancake mix brand.
Betty Crocker Dunkaroos Pancake Mix
Betty Crocker's Dunkaroos Pancake Mix is a wild and chaotic option. The pancake mix itself is standard and filled with sprinkles, but it includes sweet Dunkaroos frosting. The frosting melts over the hot pancakes, creating a syrup-like consistency. This mix is perfect for a birthday breakfast for a roommate or child.
King Arthur Baking Company Gluten-Free Pancake Mix
The King Arthur Baking Company Gluten-Free Pancake Mix is a top choice for those seeking a gluten-free option. The mix has a sweet and aromatic scent. The finished pancake has a surprisingly neutral flavor, striking a balance between subtle and ideal for syrup. The pancakes crisp up quickly and evenly, with a great texture. This is the best gluten free pancake mix you can buy.
Hawaiian Sun Chocolate Macadamia Nut Pancake Mix
Hawaiian Sun's Chocolate Macadamia Nut Pancake Mix offers a delightful and aromatic pancake experience with a subtle coconutty flavor. The package suggests pairing it with Hawaiian Sun's Coconut Syrup and fresh pineapple. The chocolate and macadamia flavors are understated, providing a blank slate for fruity toppings. This mix requires only the addition of water.
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Lund's Swedish Pancake Mix
Lund's Swedish Pancake Mix is super fine. While it requires the addition of an egg and suggests using milk instead of water, the overall product is excellent. Swedish pancakes are thin, almost like crepes, with a buttery flavor and a toothsome bite. They crisp up nicely, especially when cooked longer. This mix is a great option for making tasty, thin Swedish pancakes.
King Arthur Baking Company Buttermilk Pancake Mix
King Arthur Buttermilk Pancake Mix has a classic buttermilk tang and a touch of salt. Its buttery flavor, likely due to the inclusion of sunflower oil, is a standout feature. These pancakes are also fluffy and flavorful. This mix is a top contender, particularly as the best buttermilk pancake mix.
Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes Buttermilk Flapjack and Waffle Mix
Kodiak Cakes Power Cakes Buttermilk Flapjack and Waffle Mix is unique and delicious. The almond and coconut flour flavors are prominent. While it might not satisfy a craving for classic pancakes, it's a great way to enjoy 11g of protein in the morning. Despite being protein-infused, these pancakes are creamy in the middle, nutty, and subtly sweet, making it the best protein pancake mix.
Birch Benders Keto Pancake & Waffle Mix
Birch Benders Keto Pancake & Waffle Mix is a standout in the low-carb category. Despite initial skepticism about low-carb pancakes, this mix produces delicious, fluffy pancakes with a Nilla Wafer-like flavor. Whether seeking the best keto pancake mix or the best low carb pancake mix, Birch Benders is a top choice.
Birch Benders Buttermilk Pancake Mix
Birch Benders Buttermilk Pancake Mix offers an exceptional flavor, even with just adding water. The buttermilk flavor is delicious, balanced by sweet and sugary notes. Made with organic ingredients, this mix produces light, fluffy, and substantial pancakes. Birch Benders Buttermilk Pancake Mix is a top contender overall.
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Other Mixes Considered
Other pancake mixes that were tested include Bisquick, Log Cabin, Cap'N Crunch Berrytastic, and Mrs. Butterworth's.