When you’ve got a box of Krusteaz pancake mix in your pantry, you’re never far from an easy, comforting breakfast – or breakfast-for-dinner, if that’s your vibe. But if you’re looking to elevate your flapjack game just a little? You’re in the right place.
Whether you’re reaching for the classic Buttermilk, Heart Healthy Buttermilk, Gluten Free Buttermilk, or rich Sweet Cream mix, Krusteaz gives you a dependable base that’s ready for whatever you’re craving. With just a handful of easy mix-ins, like fresh fruit, chopped nuts, or even a swirl of yogurt, you can turn a basic stack into something bold, flavorful, and totally your own. No complicated recipes. Just stir, pour, and get ready to flip something special.
So what should you mix in first? Here are ten easy ingredients that take your pancakes from classic to crave-worthy, plus one bonus that brings the fun.
1. Chocolate Chips
Let’s start with a crowd-pleaser. Stir a handful of chocolate chips into your pancake batter – semisweet, milk, dark, or even white. They melt into gooey pockets of joy as the pancakes cook.
How To Add: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter right after you’ve poured it onto the griddle. This helps keep the chocolate chips evenly distributed throughout.
Pair It With: Top with sliced bananas and a drizzle of maple syrup for a chocolate-banana treat that tastes like dessert.
2. Fresh Or Frozen Fruit
From juicy blueberries to sliced bananas, fresh fruit brings flavor and a touch of natural sweetness. Frozen fruit works too, just rinse off any excess ice crystals to keep your batter from getting too watery. Want to get fancy? Try diced strawberries, chopped apples with cinnamon, or even a few tart raspberries.
How To Add: Gently fold in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of chopped fresh fruit or frozen berries (no need to thaw first if using frozen). For delicate fruits like raspberries, sprinkle them directly onto the pancakes once they’re on the griddle to prevent breakage.
Pair It With: Top with vanilla yogurt and a few more berries for extra wow.
3. Chopped Nuts
Want a little crunch with your fluff? Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for texture and a boost of nutty flavor. They pair perfectly with fruit, chocolate, or even maple syrup. Toast them beforehand for even more depth.
How To Add: Stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chopped toasted nuts to your batter. Or sprinkle a few on top of each pancake before flipping for maximum crunch.
Pair It With: Top with a dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt for added texture and richness.
4. Pumpkin Purée
This one’s a fall favorite, but it tastes great year-round. Add 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin purée to your batter along with a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice. The added moisture from the pumpkin makes your pancakes extra soft and flavorful, though it may mean they need a bit more time on the griddle to cook through evenly. (P.S. A dollop of whipped cream on top? Yes, please.)
How To Add: Mix 1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée into your batter. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of extra mix or reduce water slightly to keep the texture thick. Add cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to amp it up.
Pair It With: Serve with a pat of butter, maple syrup, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
5. Shredded Coconut
For tropical vibes in your kitchen, mix in a handful of shredded coconut. Sweetened or unsweetened both work, just depends on how indulgent you’re feeling. Bonus points if you top the finished stack with pineapple or mango slices.
How To Add: Stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut. Toasting it beforehand intensifies the flavor.
Pair It With: Serve with fresh pineapple chunks and a dollop of whipped cream for an instant island getaway.
6. Greek Yogurt Or Sour Cream
It might sound unexpected, but a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream added to your batter makes pancakes extra moist and tender, with a slight tang that balances sweet toppings beautifully. It’s also a sneaky way to add a little extra protein.
How To Add: Just swap out up to 1/3 of the water for full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream. Give it a good stir and you’re set.
Pair It With: Top with berries and a spoonful of jam or fruit preserves.
7. Citrus Zest
Brighten up your batter with a teaspoon or two of lemon, lime, or orange zest. It adds a fragrant zing that pairs well with blueberries, coconut, or a drizzle of honey. Just be sure to zest only the colorful outer layer, not the bitter white pith underneath.
How To Add: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of finely grated zest from lemons, limes, or oranges to your batter. Don’t go overboard, it’s potent!
Pair It With: Try lemon zest pancakes topped with ricotta and honey for a brunchy twist.
8. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter pancakes? Yes. Creamy peanut butter stirred into your batter creates a rich, nutty flavor and a hearty texture. Try pairing with sliced bananas or chocolate chips for a match made in breakfast heaven. If the batter feels too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
How To Add: Stir 2 to 3 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter into your batter. Warm it up slightly to make it easier to mix.
Pair It With: Top with banana slices and a little extra peanut butter for a power breakfast.
9. Protein Powder
Want to fuel up after a workout, or just keep hunger at bay a little longer? Stir a scoop of your favorite protein powder into the mix. Vanilla and chocolate flavors work best, but feel free to experiment. Start with a little and adjust as needed; you may need to add more liquid for the right consistency.
How To Add: Add 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder to the dry mix before adding water. You may need to increase the liquid slightly to get the right texture.
Pair It With: Serve with almond butter and fresh berries for a satisfying, muscle-friendly meal.
10. Mini Marshmallows And Crushed Graham Crackers
For a breakfast that doubles as dessert, go full s’mores mode. Fold in a handful of mini marshmallows and sprinkle crushed graham crackers on top while the pancakes cook. The marshmallows will get melty and toasty on the griddle, creating a treat no one can resist, especially with a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
How To Add: Fold in 1/3 cup mini marshmallows and 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers into the batter. Sprinkle a few extra on top before flipping.
Pair It With: Serve with a drizzle of chocolate syrup and an extra dusting of graham cracker crumbs. Campfire optional.
Bonus: Sprinkles!
Because pancakes should be fun. Stir a spoonful of rainbow sprinkles into your batter for instant joy. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or random Tuesdays that just need a little cheering up. Want them to stay bright and colorful? Use “jimmies” instead of nonpareils, they’re less likely to bleed into the batter.
How To Add: Stir 2 to 3 tablespoons of rainbow sprinkles into your batter right before cooking. Add more on top for extra fun.
Pair It With: Serve with whipped cream and maple syrup, or frosting if you’re really going for it.
Final Flip: Get Creative With Mix-Ins
There’s no wrong way to pancake, but with these simple mix-ins, you’re guaranteed to make breakfast more exciting. Try one at a time or mix and match, peanut butter + banana, anyone? Greek yogurt + berries? Coconut + citrus zest? The possibilities are endless.
So grab your favorite Krusteaz pancake mix, peek in your pantry, and start flipping your way to pancake fun. With a little creativity (and maybe some sprinkles), every stack can be something special!
