10 Easy Ingredients to Add to Pancake Mix

Not sure where to start?

Below we share our favorite ingredients to toss into pancake batter to help jumpstart your creativity.

For each ingredient on the list, add the suggested amount for every 1 cup of pancake mix you use. Then, simply follow the box directions for a delicious and easy twist on buttermilk pancakes. Enjoy making!

1. Chocolate Chip Pancakes

Chocolate chips just make buttermilk pancakes that much more special. Simply pour the batter onto the griddle, and then place the chocolate chips into the pancake as it cooks. Which kind of chocolate you choose is up to you. Milk Chocolate. Semi-sweet chocolate. Dark chocolate. Maybe all three!

2. Banana Pancakes

Bananas add a subtle sweetness to our buttermilk pancakes. Plus they have vitamins and minerals like potassium. Mash up one medium-sized banana and toss into your mixing bowl. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy. If you prefer a smoother batter, you can use an overripe banana, which will be easier to mash and blend into the batter.

3. Cottage Cheese Pancakes

For a fluffy and protein-packed twist, incorporate cottage cheese into your pancake mix. Blend about 1/4 cup of cottage cheese until smooth, and gently fold into the batter. The result? Fluffy, pancakes with a touch of tanginess that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

If you prefer a more pronounced cottage cheese flavor and a creamier texture, you can increase the amount up to 1/2 cup. Adjust the quantity according to your taste and enjoy the enhanced richness that cottage cheese brings to your pancakes.

4. Peanut Butter Pancakes

Go a little nutty by adding 3 tablespoons of smooth or chunky peanut butter into your mixing bowl. Or add 1/3 cup of powdered peanut butter. If the batter gets a little too thick, simply add a splash of water to even out the consistency.

5. Protein Pancakes

Fuel up your day with protein-packed pancakes by adding your favorite protein powder to the pancake batter. Simply prepare the pancake mix as usual, and then stir in a scoop of protein powder. Mix well to ensure the protein powder is fully incorporated.

For more protein power, try Krusteaz Buttermilk Protein Pancake Mix.

6. Ube Pancakes

Introduce a vibrant and unique twist to your buttermilk pancakes with addition of ube, a purple yam commonly used in Filipino cuisine. Begin by preparing the pancake mix as directed, and then stir in some ube halaya or ube jam to infuse the batter with its distinct flavor and beautiful purple hue.

7. Zucchini Pancakes

Whoa, hold the spatula! Zucchini pancakes? Yep, that’s right: zucchini pancakes! To make this slightly savory twist on buttermilk pancakes, start by grating a medium-sized zucchini and squeezing out any extra moisture. Add the grated zucchini to the pancake batter and stir until well combined. Try adding chopped parsley or dill and top with feta cheese for a dish that’s sure to delight.

8. Applesauce Pancakes

Just 1/4 cup of applesauce adds a subtle layer of sweetness to our buttermilk pancakes. If the batter gets a little thin, you can add an extra spoonful or two of pancake mix to thicken for consistency. Craving fall flavors? Try using cinnamon applesauce or even apple butter.

9. Cinnamon Roll Pancakes

There are two ways to make this delightful twist on pancakes. You can add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and about 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon directly to the batter and cook as directed. Or you can make a cinnamon filling to swirl into your pancake as it cooks. For this method, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter together. Spoon this mixture into an icing bag. Once you start to see bubbles form on the pancake on the griddle, add the cinnamon filling in a spiral pattern.

For even more fun, mix milk, powdered sugar, and a dash of vanilla extract to make a quick icing you can drizzle onto the pancakes.

10. Bacon Pancakes

Cook 4-5 slices of bacon, chop into pieces, and toss into your pancake batter for a savory crunch. Or pour your pancake batter over whole slices of bacon to make bacon pancake dippers!

Get Creative with Pancake Add-Ins

Mix and match any of the ingredients in the above list for even more pancake fun. Try peanut butter and chocolate chip pancakes for a tasty treat. Combine applesauce with cinnamon and brown sugar in the pancake batter for a delicious taste of autumn.

You can even use our list as inspiration for experimenting with your own ingredients. Imagine combining lemon zest and blueberries to the cottage cheese pancakes. Or add espresso powder to the chocolate chip pancakes to create mocha latte pancakes (topped with whipped cream, of course). Experiment with chia seeds, molasses, raspberries, dried cranberries, or even pineapple. Go for savory pancakes by adding squash, carrots or cheddar cheese. When you start with Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix, the possibilities are endless!