Why You’ll Love these Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes
Pancake mornings are about to get a whole lot better with this homemade buttermilk pancake mix. I’m talking about light, fluffy pancakes with that perfect tangy flavor you can whip up any day of the week.
What’s not to love? You’ll control exactly what goes into your mix—no preservatives or mystery ingredients. It’s incredibly economical, and who doesn’t appreciate saving a few dollars at checkout?
Plus, the convenience is unbeatable. Just store the mix in your pantry, add an egg and water when the craving hits, and you’re minutes away from pancake heaven.
What Ingredients are in Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes?
Making your own buttermilk pancake mix at home is surprisingly simple and requires just a handful of pantry staples you might already have on hand.
This mix creates the foundation for those perfect weekend pancakes—the kind with crispy edges and cloud-like centers that soak up maple syrup in all the right ways. With this homemade version, you’ll get that distinctive tangy buttermilk flavor without having to keep fresh buttermilk in your fridge.
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup buttermilk baking blend (dry buttermilk)
- 1/2 cup nonfat dry milk powder
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup shortening
- For cooking: 1 egg and water (as needed)
The key ingredient here is the dry buttermilk powder, which gives you that classic buttermilk taste without worrying about fresh buttermilk going bad in your fridge.
If you can’t find it in your local store, check the baking aisle or online retailers. As for the shortening, it helps create those perfectly tender pancakes, but you could substitute unsalted butter in a pinch—just know that the shelf life might be slightly shorter.
How to Make these Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes
Making this pancake mix couldn’t be simpler, and your future self will thank you for the breakfast shortcut. Start by grabbing a large bowl and combining 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of buttermilk baking blend (that’s your dry buttermilk), 1/2 cup of nonfat dry milk powder, 2 tablespoons of baking powder, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Give everything a good whisk to guarantee all those dry ingredients are evenly distributed—nobody wants to bite into a pocket of salt or baking powder, right?
Now comes the slightly messy part that’s totally worth it. Take 1 cup of shortening and cut it into your dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. A potato masher works wonderfully for this job, though you could also use a pastry cutter or even pulse it in a food processor if you’re feeling fancy. This step is important because the little pockets of fat will create those tender, flaky pancakes we’re all dreaming about.
Once your mix looks like coarse sand, transfer it to an airtight container where it’ll happily wait at room temperature until pancake cravings strike. Consider upgrading your breakfast preparation with luxury breakfast appliances that can make your morning routine more enjoyable.
When you’re ready for breakfast magic, simply measure out 2 cups of your homemade mix into a bowl, add 1 egg, and then slowly pour in water while stirring until you reach your desired consistency. For thinner, more delicate pancakes, about 1 1/2 cups of water creates a nice, pourable batter.
Heat your griddle to 325°F—the perfect temperature for achieving that golden-brown exterior while making sure the inside cooks through completely. Pour your batter onto the hot surface and watch for those tiny bubbles to form before flipping. You might consider investing in premium cooking equipment for more consistent results with your pancake-making adventures. When both sides are beautifully golden, your pancakes are ready for whatever toppings your heart desires.
Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes Substitutions and Variations
While our basic buttermilk pancake mix is already delicious, the beauty of making your own mix lies in the freedom to customize it exactly how you like.
Want a heartier flavor? Try substituting whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour. Craving something nutty? Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or ground flaxseed to the dry mix.
You can also switch up the shortening with coconut oil for a subtle tropical note.
Don’t have buttermilk powder? Regular milk powder works in a pinch, though you might want to add a teaspoon of lemon juice to each batch for that tangy flavor.
What to Serve with Homemade Buttermilk Pancakes
A perfectly prepared stack of homemade buttermilk pancakes deserves equally thoughtful accompaniments to create that unforgettable breakfast experience.
I’m talking about real maple syrup (none of that artificial stuff), fresh berries, and a dollop of whipped butter that slowly melts into every nook and cranny.
Want something more indulgent? Try chocolate chips, banana slices, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
Savory more your style? Serve alongside crispy bacon or breakfast sausage for that sweet-salty contrast that makes taste buds dance.
Don’t forget a frothy cappuccino or fresh-squeezed orange juice to wash it all down.
Final Thoughts
Every home baker needs a reliable buttermilk pancake mix recipe in their arsenal—it’s simply one of those breakfast fundamentals that transforms ordinary mornings into something special.
This mix strikes the perfect balance between convenience and homemade goodness, don’t you think?
The beauty of having this ready-to-go mixture is that pancakes are never more than minutes away. Just add an egg and water, and you’re set.
No measuring multiple ingredients with sleepy eyes or flour-dusted countertops before your first cup of coffee.
The same basic ingredients work wonderfully for fluffy buttermilk waffles if you’re looking to diversify your breakfast options.
And when you’re craving something more substantial later in the day, these pancake ingredients share the same simplicity philosophy as a creamy mac and cheese that doesn’t even require draining the pasta.
Keep some in your pantry—your future self (and hungry family) will thank you.
