Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you’re craving pancakes, but all you have is cake mix in your pantry? Well, you’re in luck! It turns out you can indeed make pancakes from cake mix with a few simple adjustments. This approach not only satisfies your pancake craving but also allows you to experiment with different flavors you may not find in traditional pancake mixes.
To make pancakes with cake mix, all you need to do is tweak the cake mix recipe a bit to get the right consistency. In this article, we will discuss the steps and ingredients needed to transform your typical cake mix into delicious and fluffy pancakes.
Pancake Mix & Cake Mix Differences
The primary difference between pancakes and cake mix lies in the ingredients. While both contain flour, sugar, and a leavening agent, cake mix often includes additional elements such as flavorings, emulsifiers, and more sugar. Here’s a comparison to help clarify the differences:
| Product | Main Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Pancakes | Flour, sugar, baking powder, salt |
| Boxed Cake Mix | Flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, flavorings, emulsifiers |
In using cake mix, you not only save time and effort but also get to enjoy a creative twist on traditional pancake flavors. From enticing chocolate to zesty lemon, there are countless possibilities.
How to Make Pancakes With Cake Mix
To begin making pancakes with cake mix, you’ll need a few essential ingredients: your favorite cake mix, milk, oil, sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla. Adding a few extra elements to the standard cake mix can transform it into a delicious pancake batter.
Start by combining the cake mix with the additional pancake ingredients in a large bowl. Typically, a basic pancake recipe would look something like this:
- 2 cups of cake mix
- 1 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla
Mix all these ingredients together until you reach a smooth, lump-free consistency. Make sure not to overmix, as overmixing can result in tough pancakes.
A non-stick skillet or frying pan is the best choice for cooking pancakes. Avoid using cast-iron pans, as they don’t distribute heat evenly and can cause uneven browning. Make sure your skillet is heated to medium heat before you begin.
Once the skillet is appropriately heated, lightly grease it with cooking oil or cooking spray. To make the pancakes, pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot skillet for each pancake. Let it cook for approximately 2 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface.
When you see the bubbles, flip the pancake using a flat spatula and cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Remember to reapply cooking oil or spray as needed between batches.
Variations and Flavors
Funfetti Pancakes
Want to start your day with a party in your mouth? Try the Funfetti Pancakes! Start with a yellow cake mix or Funfetti cake mix for the base, and mix in a few sprinkles for a burst of fun. Make sure to have these ingredients handy:
- 2 cups cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sprinkles
Cook these sweet treats on a griddle and serve with powdered sugar glaze and even more sprinkles for the perfect birthday cake pancakes!
Velvet Pancakes
For those craving a rich and velvety experience, your go-to must be the Velvet Pancakes. Choose the classic red or opt for a twist by going with a white cake mix, then add in your chosen velvet flavoring. Here’s a simple recipe:
Mix together the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cake mix (red or white velvet)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
Cook the pancakes on a greased griddle and top with cream cheese frosting, and fruit.
Lemon Pancakes
For fans of tangy delights, Lemon Pancakes are your answer. Just take a lemon cake mix and combine it with eggs, milk, and lemon zest! In a nutshell, you need:
- 2 cups lemon cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp. lemon zest
Once your batter is ready, pour onto the griddle and cook until the edges are set. Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an enhanced flavor.
Chocolate Pancakes
Last but not least, the ultimate indulgence – Chocolate Pancakes! Simply swap your regular cake mix for a chocolate one, and throw in chocolate chips for good measure. Follow the steps below:
- Combine the following ingredients in a large mixing bowl:
- 2 cups chocolate cake mix
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Cook on a hot griddle and top your fluffy pancakes with maple syrup and peanut butter for an irresistible breakfast treat.
Special Occasions Pancakes
Birthday Brunch pancakes are a fun way to celebrate a special day. Using cake mix in your pancake recipe will make your Saturday morning breakfast feel extra festive. You’ll have light and fluffy pancakes with a hint of your favorite cake flavor. Try adding colorful sprinkles to the batter to create a confetti effect to brighten up your morning.
For those holiday mornings, like Christmas and Mother’s Day, you can make the celebration extra special by whipping up a batch of festive cake batter pancakes. Choose a cake mix that corresponds with the holiday, like a red velvet mix for Christmas or a strawberry mix for Mother’s Day. Remember to coordinate your pancake toppings accordingly – try whipped cream and fresh strawberries for Mother’s Day or a dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy Christmas effect.
| Holiday | Cake Mix | Topping Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas | Red Velvet | Powdered Sugar |
| Mother’s Day | Strawberry | Whipped Cream & Strawberries |
| Birthday | Funfetti or Vanilla | Sprinkles & Chocolate Chips |