Let’s be honest. That box of pancake mix in the pantry is not doing you any favors.
I get why people buy it. Mornings are loud. Kids need breakfast now. You want the easy option, so you grab the box.
But the shortcut is not that great. It costs more than it should. It is full of stuff I do necessarily want to be eating.
A jar of baking mix in the pantry does the same job with better ingredients and less waste. And fun fact it's cheaper! It turns into pancakes, biscuits, or cobbler fast. No big system. No perfect kitchen. Just one practical thing that makes breakfast easier.
Why This Works
When you make your own mix, you know what is in it. Real flour. Real salt. Real ingredients.
- It costs less: Usually cheaper than the name-brand box.
- It is simpler: No extra fillers or weird oils.
- It tastes better: It tastes like real food because it is real food.
If you are trying to keep better pantry staples on hand, this is an easy place to start.
The Recipe: Universal Baking Mix (Half-Gallon Batch)
This makes a big batch. Store it in a half-gallon mason jar or another airtight container.
Ingredients:
- 7 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 5 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar (optional, but it helps with browning)
Instructions:
- Add everything to the jar.
- Shake well to combine.
- Label it.
- Storage: Keep it in a cool, dry place. If it gets clumpy, shake before using.
How to Use It
Boxed mix works with water because the fat is already processed into it.
With this mix, you add the fat fresh. For every 1 cup of mix, cut in 1–2 tbsp of cold fat.
Tallow works. Butter works. Lard works. Just keep it cold. Little pea-sized bits give you the best texture.
The "Make It" Cheat Sheet
Keep this where you can find it.
1. Pancakes
- 2 cups Universal Mix
- 1 egg
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tbsp melted fat aka butter
Whisk. Add a little more milk if needed. Cook on a hot griddle.
2. Biscuits
- 2 cups Universal Mix
- 1/2 cup cold fat aka butter
- 3/4 cup milk or buttermilk
Cut in the fat until crumbly. Add milk and mix just until combined. Pat out the dough, cut biscuits, and bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes.
Real-Life Version
I know the pushback. I do not have time for this in the morning.
Fair. But this part is fast. Cutting in butter or tallow takes about 30 seconds. And if the mix is already made, most of the work is done.
This is not about a perfect kitchen. It is about having one useful thing ready before the week gets busy.
Shop Small, Live Simple
If you want to keep pantry staples organized, our Printable Recipe Cards are a simple way to keep these mix recipes and others handy.
Stop buying the box when a home made option is this simple.
Want more pantry and low-tox kitchen ideas? Check back every Tuesday for Low-Tox tips, or grab our Tallow Skincare if you want a simple swap outside the pantry.
Life is messy. Keep it simple.
3113studios.com