Why Pancakes are the Ultimate Comfort Food (Plus a Homemade Pancake Mix Recipe)

Let’s be real—there’s nothing quite like a warm stack of pancakes to kick off the day (or to end it, because hey, pancakes are versatile like that).

Whether you’re a fan of classic maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or even something a little more unconventional like fresh fruit or peanut butter, pancakes have this magical way of making everything feel a little bit better. And the best part? You don’t need to go to a diner or break the bank to enjoy them. You can whip up a batch from scratch at home—no fancy ingredients required.  In our house, pancakes are Brooklynn’s favourite birthday morning tradition.  We love to make pancakes of different sizes, colours and shapes.

So, let’s dive into why pancakes are basically the MVP of breakfast foods (and sometimes dinner, but we’ll save that for another day), and I’ll share a super simple homemade pancake mix recipe that’ll make you ditch the store-bought boxes forever.

The Pancake Love Story

Pancakes are one of those universal foods that seem to transcend borders. Every culture has their own version: from French crêpes to American fluffy stacks, to Dutch babies and Chinese scallion pancakes, there’s a pancake for every palate. But the real magic of pancakes lies in how easy they are to make and how good they taste—especially when they’re fresh off the griddle.

And let’s not forget that pancakes have this cozy, nostalgic vibe. Maybe it's the smell of batter sizzling on the stove or the sound of syrup pouring onto your plate. Pancakes bring out the best mornings, and if you're anything like me, they make you want to slow down, savor the moment, and forget about the rest of the world for a bit.

Now, instead of grabbing a box of pancake mix off the shelf, why not make your own from scratch? It’s simple, cost-effective, and gives you the freedom to tweak things to your liking. Plus, you can make a big batch, store it, and be ready for pancake mornings all week long.

Homemade Pancake Mix Recipe

Making your own pancake mix is ridiculously easy. All you need are a few basic pantry ingredients—things you likely already have on hand. Here’s the recipe:

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Homemade Pancake Mix

Yield: 12

Author: Jennifer Cartier

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 5 MinTotal time: 10 Min

Making your own pancake mix is ridiculously easy. All you need are a few basic pantry ingredients—things you likely already have on hand. Here’s the recipe:

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Ingredients

Ingredients for Healthy Dog Cake

• 4 cups of flour
• 1/2 cup of sugar
• 2 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp of salt

Instructions

1. Mix it up: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s well incorporated.
2. Store it: Transfer your homemade pancake mix to an airtight container. This will keep in your pantry for a few weeks, so it’s perfect for those lazy mornings when you don’t feel like measuring everything out from scratch.
3. Use it: When you’re ready to make pancakes, just scoop out the dry mix and follow these simple steps:
4. For every cup of pancake mix, add 1 egg, 3/4 cup of milk, and 2 tbsp melted butter (or oil, if that’s what you have on hand).
5. Mix until just combined—don’t overdo it, a few lumps are totally okay.
6. Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat, lightly greased. Pour about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the griddle, cook until bubbles form on the surface, and flip. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
7. Voilà! Pancakes that are light, fluffy, and absolutely delicious. You can always tweak the recipe by adding vanilla, cinnamon, or even chocolate chips to the batter if you're feeling fancy.

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Nutrition Facts

Calories

185

Fat

0 g

Sat. Fat

0 g

Carbs

41 g

Fiber

1 g

Net carbs

40 g

Sugar

8 g

Protein

4 g

Sodium

310 mg

Cholesterol

0 mg

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Tips for the Perfect Pancakes

• Don’t overmix: A few lumps are fine. Overmixing can make your pancakes dense, and nobody wants that.

• Let the batter rest: If you have the time, let your batter sit for about 5-10 minutes. It helps the gluten relax and creates fluffier pancakes.

• Keep your pan at medium heat: Too hot, and you’ll burn the pancakes before they cook through. Too low, and they’ll be flat and soggy. Aim for a steady, medium heat.

Pancake Variations to Try

Sure, plain pancakes are great, but why not have a little fun with it? Here are a few variations to try:

• Blueberry Pancakes: Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter before cooking.

• Banana Nut Pancakes: Toss in sliced bananas and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for a twist on the classic.

• Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes: Add a little cinnamon and sugar to the batter, then swirl some into the pancakes before flipping.

• Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Because why not?

• Coloured Pancakes: Green for St.Patty’s, Rainbow for Pride, etc. 

Why Make Homemade Pancake Mix?

You might be wondering, “Why bother making pancake mix when I can just buy a box?” Fair question! But here’s the thing: homemade pancake mix is so much better. You control the ingredients, there are no weird preservatives, and the flavour is infinitely more fresh. Plus, it’s a great way to save some money in the long run and avoid the processed stuff you find in store-bought mixes.

And hey, if you make a big batch and keep it on hand, you’ll always be ready for pancakes—whether it’s Sunday brunch or a random Tuesday morning craving.

So, the next time you're in the mood for a comforting breakfast (or dinner, no judgment), skip the pre-made mixes and try this homemade pancake mix instead. Trust me, your taste buds—and your stomach—will thank you. Happy flipping!