Help me take my pancakes up a notch
December 3, 2022 10:37 AM Subscribe
What are your favorite extra ingredients/spices to add to boxed pancake mix? Sweet or savory—I want to hear about them! No allergy or diet restrictions.
(Not looking for toppings only—I’m interested in learning about additional things to add to the boxed batter)
Make them with buttermilk or yogurt or sour cream for a bit of extra tang.
posted by brookeb at 10:41 AM on December 3, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by brookeb at 10:41 AM on December 3, 2022 [3 favorites]
I once put sour cream and chopped up bits of lox in my pancakes. I should totally do that again. (Notably I am a huge fan of salty/sweet and I love lox on a blueberry bagel, so ymmv.)
posted by Mizu at 10:52 AM on December 3, 2022
posted by Mizu at 10:52 AM on December 3, 2022
Replace half the liquid with applesauce. Add a little chopped walnuts and cinnamon.
posted by NotLost at 10:54 AM on December 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by NotLost at 10:54 AM on December 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
Pancake mix is a critical item in my camping supplies. I make a lot of what I call Pancake Cake, with batter dumped over fresh (usually briefly pre-cooked in the pan) sliced fruit or berries, or canned or frozen fruit. Sort of like a clafoutis.
I also use pancake mix to make Field Okonomiyaki - thin-slice cabbage or use a bag of slaw, stir fry it more or less dry for a few minutes to wilt it a little, stir in onion and garlic powder, set aside. Lay down a base layer of bacon half-strips and cook them to at least half done (if you want, or skip the bacon), then cover with a pan-sized pretty dense layer of cabbage, add any other (generally pre-cooked) ingredients you like (including cooked ramen noodles, for Hiroshima-style), pour pancake batter over to cover the bottom of the pan plus a bit. Let it cook covered for a few minutes, flip once the bottom is pretty firm, keep cooking until it feels ready. Yes, with pancake mix it is a little sweet, but okonomiyaki is often served with a sweet sauce (BBQ will work if you don't want to buy the purpose-made sauce) plus drizzles of mayo.
A few spoonfuls of pancake mix in diced or grated vegetables, with an egg or a bit of water to make the mix stick together, makes perfectly acceptable pan-fried fritters. You can also do this in muffin cups (regular or mini, which makes great appetizers) in the oven, which gives you a more cohesive puck you can top with sour cream or goat cheese or something else interesting. You can also put this mixture in a waffle iron.
You can make a vague interpretation of a scallion pancake with finely chopped scallions and pancake mix. I have done this to produce a sort of flatbread when camping, something to liven up a one-pot pasta or soup dinner.
posted by Lyn Never at 10:55 AM on December 3, 2022 [12 favorites]
I also use pancake mix to make Field Okonomiyaki - thin-slice cabbage or use a bag of slaw, stir fry it more or less dry for a few minutes to wilt it a little, stir in onion and garlic powder, set aside. Lay down a base layer of bacon half-strips and cook them to at least half done (if you want, or skip the bacon), then cover with a pan-sized pretty dense layer of cabbage, add any other (generally pre-cooked) ingredients you like (including cooked ramen noodles, for Hiroshima-style), pour pancake batter over to cover the bottom of the pan plus a bit. Let it cook covered for a few minutes, flip once the bottom is pretty firm, keep cooking until it feels ready. Yes, with pancake mix it is a little sweet, but okonomiyaki is often served with a sweet sauce (BBQ will work if you don't want to buy the purpose-made sauce) plus drizzles of mayo.
A few spoonfuls of pancake mix in diced or grated vegetables, with an egg or a bit of water to make the mix stick together, makes perfectly acceptable pan-fried fritters. You can also do this in muffin cups (regular or mini, which makes great appetizers) in the oven, which gives you a more cohesive puck you can top with sour cream or goat cheese or something else interesting. You can also put this mixture in a waffle iron.
You can make a vague interpretation of a scallion pancake with finely chopped scallions and pancake mix. I have done this to produce a sort of flatbread when camping, something to liven up a one-pot pasta or soup dinner.
posted by Lyn Never at 10:55 AM on December 3, 2022 [12 favorites]
Blueberries and chocolate chips are the ones I grew up with and love.
Really any fruit, vegetable, nut, seed, and/or spice/spice mix will work fine.
posted by aniola at 10:55 AM on December 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
Really any fruit, vegetable, nut, seed, and/or spice/spice mix will work fine.
posted by aniola at 10:55 AM on December 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
I'm a pecan/chocolate chip gal. Sometimes I put the chocolate chips on top after I turn the pancakes over so they melt. I have found laying a metal cookie cutter on top and dropping them inside that at first keeps the chocolate chips from spilling onto the pan.
posted by FencingGal at 10:57 AM on December 3, 2022
posted by FencingGal at 10:57 AM on December 3, 2022
Seconding corn kernels. Canned is fine, and I'm sure fresh would be better.
posted by Faint of Butt at 11:03 AM on December 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Faint of Butt at 11:03 AM on December 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
I like to add a tiny bit extra baking powder (or soda), a bit of extra sugar and then just before cooking squeeze in some lemon juice. It makes a fluffier pancake with a bright lemony flavor.
My son's favorite is bacon pieces (cooked beforehand) and chocolate chips together in the same pancake.
posted by CleverClover at 11:10 AM on December 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
My son's favorite is bacon pieces (cooked beforehand) and chocolate chips together in the same pancake.
posted by CleverClover at 11:10 AM on December 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
At one time or another I've done oats, chocolate chunks, Greek yogurt, vanilla bean paste and peanut butter, all of which are quite good, but (smushed up) banana is probably my favorite addition.
posted by eponym at 11:10 AM on December 3, 2022
posted by eponym at 11:10 AM on December 3, 2022
I thought everyone talking about adding sweet corn kernels was talking about popcorn like you were going to have some sort of pop rocks pancake breakfast!
TJ’s sells lots of freeze dried fruits which are excellent additions, I’ve also done many a “candy bar” pancake (mounds-cocoa powder and shredded coconut, etc), you can add in oats, or replace up to half the flour with oats if you’re making your own batter, crumbled up cookie piece can go in (Oreo!)
posted by raccoon409 at 11:25 AM on December 3, 2022
TJ’s sells lots of freeze dried fruits which are excellent additions, I’ve also done many a “candy bar” pancake (mounds-cocoa powder and shredded coconut, etc), you can add in oats, or replace up to half the flour with oats if you’re making your own batter, crumbled up cookie piece can go in (Oreo!)
posted by raccoon409 at 11:25 AM on December 3, 2022
cardamom or nutmeg
corn kernels & shredded cheddar - chili powder is optional (I like to make these as waffles & then top with honey)
posted by belladonna at 11:42 AM on December 3, 2022
corn kernels & shredded cheddar - chili powder is optional (I like to make these as waffles & then top with honey)
posted by belladonna at 11:42 AM on December 3, 2022
A heaping spoon of hot-cocoa mix makes a nice chocolate pancake
Bananas of course
blueberries. raspberries, small cubes of peaches make the best fruity cakes
posted by OHenryPacey at 11:51 AM on December 3, 2022
Bananas of course
blueberries. raspberries, small cubes of peaches make the best fruity cakes
posted by OHenryPacey at 11:51 AM on December 3, 2022
A generous handful of flaked coconut and/or a tablespoon of chia seeds, ¼ tsp. lemon extract.
If you’re in a “what the hell” mood a ⅓ cup of butterscotch chips.
posted by BostonTerrier at 12:02 PM on December 3, 2022
If you’re in a “what the hell” mood a ⅓ cup of butterscotch chips.
posted by BostonTerrier at 12:02 PM on December 3, 2022
Very finely chopped pecans, blueberries, and cardamom is a winning combination.
posted by mezzanayne at 12:16 PM on December 3, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by mezzanayne at 12:16 PM on December 3, 2022 [2 favorites]
Malt powder. It was the "secret ingredient" at a local restaurant, but my intrepid mother-in-law got our waiter to fess up.
posted by hydrophonic at 12:19 PM on December 3, 2022 [3 favorites]
posted by hydrophonic at 12:19 PM on December 3, 2022 [3 favorites]
Pumpkin purée, and fall/winter spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
posted by rodneyaug at 12:42 PM on December 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by rodneyaug at 12:42 PM on December 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
Granola pancakes are delicious. Just add some of your favorite granola in the batter
posted by Swisstine at 12:54 PM on December 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by Swisstine at 12:54 PM on December 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
buckwheat flour, poppy seeds. Slice in the center and spread blackberry jam and yogurt.
posted by effluvia at 1:04 PM on December 3, 2022
posted by effluvia at 1:04 PM on December 3, 2022
Cinnamon with the dry ingredients and then orange extract with the wet (or grated fresh orange zest). Optionally, add chocolate chips too.
posted by lysimache at 2:34 PM on December 3, 2022
posted by lysimache at 2:34 PM on December 3, 2022
A splash of bourbon or whiskey and/or a few drops of vanilla in the batter.
posted by mareli at 2:35 PM on December 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by mareli at 2:35 PM on December 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
A splash of lemon juice.
posted by gideonfrog at 2:39 PM on December 3, 2022
posted by gideonfrog at 2:39 PM on December 3, 2022
I forgot to say that one of the greatest things in my camp cooking pantheon is Efficient Pancakes or SPigs In A Blanket: in your biggest pan or even on a nonstick griddle which is how I do it, lay out slices of Spam. I like the bacon flavor for this, but I've used every flavor including the low-sodium, it's just that Spam's form factor is way better for camping than bacon AND it's more substantial. Spam is a camping champion, but this also applies to feeding a crowd at home. Anyway, get that browned on the first side and flip to get it going on the second side while you mix up pancake batter, which you then pour over the Spam so you're making one giant Spamcake. I can't turn that all in one, not on the griddle anyway, so I cut it into 3-4 sections before flipping once the bottom is set and the top is bubbling and starting to set.
When it's done, it's really easy to shuffle the Spamcakes off to one side and quickly scramble eggs, and now breakfast for 2-4 is done.
You CAN dice the Spam if you'd rather. You could also use real ham, sausage patties or links, or whatever proteins you've got left in the cooler/want to use up in the fridge, especially if you're making Breakfast For Dinner.
posted by Lyn Never at 2:45 PM on December 3, 2022
When it's done, it's really easy to shuffle the Spamcakes off to one side and quickly scramble eggs, and now breakfast for 2-4 is done.
You CAN dice the Spam if you'd rather. You could also use real ham, sausage patties or links, or whatever proteins you've got left in the cooler/want to use up in the fridge, especially if you're making Breakfast For Dinner.
posted by Lyn Never at 2:45 PM on December 3, 2022
I grew up eating pancakes with leftover white rice mixed in the batter thinking that was how everyone fixed pancakes.
But a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla makes any box mix taste better.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 4:39 PM on December 3, 2022
But a 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla makes any box mix taste better.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 4:39 PM on December 3, 2022
Fold in some egg whites beaten to soft peaks, per Serious Eats.
posted by notyou at 5:08 PM on December 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by notyou at 5:08 PM on December 3, 2022 [1 favorite]
I always always add ground cinnamon to the pancakes no matter the recipe. Antioxidants + flavor!
And even if they're the "just add water" kind, try adding milk, or 50/50 milk/water.
posted by never.was.and.never.will.be. at 5:36 PM on December 3, 2022
And even if they're the "just add water" kind, try adding milk, or 50/50 milk/water.
posted by never.was.and.never.will.be. at 5:36 PM on December 3, 2022
We add powdered ginger or freshly ground cardamom to our mix, it adds just a lil something that elevates them, and often is subtle enough others can’t identify what’s different.
Same as others, we replace the water with milk. Occasionally we throw in a spoonful of cocoa powder to make chocolate pancakes.
posted by larthegreat at 5:40 PM on December 3, 2022
Same as others, we replace the water with milk. Occasionally we throw in a spoonful of cocoa powder to make chocolate pancakes.
posted by larthegreat at 5:40 PM on December 3, 2022
Milk instead of water, pinch of salt, extra baking powder, and malt powder as a baseline. Though honestly at this point you may as well make your own dry mix. But anyway.
Finely grated carrots, lots of cinnamon and nutmeg, vanilla, and golden raisins will give you a carrot cake pancake, especially if you add an egg to make them fluffier. You can add pineapple tidbits and chopped walnuts or pecans as well. I like to serve these with whipped cream cheese sweetened with maple syrup.
posted by ananci at 7:23 PM on December 3, 2022
Finely grated carrots, lots of cinnamon and nutmeg, vanilla, and golden raisins will give you a carrot cake pancake, especially if you add an egg to make them fluffier. You can add pineapple tidbits and chopped walnuts or pecans as well. I like to serve these with whipped cream cheese sweetened with maple syrup.
posted by ananci at 7:23 PM on December 3, 2022
Well, I don’t use boxed pancake mix but my daughter and wife ask for blueberries and chopped-up sausages in their pancakes. A couple of the grandkids like chocolate chips. And I am partial to granola. I imagine they’d all be good with a box mix too.
Also, honey doesn’t make pancakes as soggy as syrup.
posted by Gilgamesh's Chauffeur at 8:26 PM on December 3, 2022
Also, honey doesn’t make pancakes as soggy as syrup.
posted by Gilgamesh's Chauffeur at 8:26 PM on December 3, 2022
A very mild cheese, like mozzarella or monterey jack. Add in a little cube of it when you put the pancake on the griddle, then pour a little more batter on top to seal it in.
posted by capricorn at 8:30 PM on December 3, 2022
posted by capricorn at 8:30 PM on December 3, 2022
Smoked cinnamon is my secret pancake ingredient.
posted by southern_sky at 7:14 AM on December 4, 2022
posted by southern_sky at 7:14 AM on December 4, 2022
Cottage cheese, small curd. The curds melt and become tiny sour little bombs of delicious melty chewiness
posted by erattacorrige at 7:19 AM on December 4, 2022
posted by erattacorrige at 7:19 AM on December 4, 2022
Apple butter. If you stir it in just a little you get a tasty swirl.
posted by The Man from Lardfork at 8:16 PM on December 4, 2022
posted by The Man from Lardfork at 8:16 PM on December 4, 2022
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by fancyoats at 10:39 AM on December 3, 2022 [3 favorites]