The Top-Rated Buttermilk Pancake Mixes Based on Our Taste Test

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Weekend mornings are perfect for indulging in a stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes. They are simple to prepare in batches, cook swiftly, and can satisfy a hungry group promptly. With numerous pancake mixes available, you may wonder which options deserve a spot on your breakfast table. We sampled a variety of buttermilk pancake mixes, ensuring you know which ones to reach for the next time you’re prepping for breakfast or brunch.

Testing Methodology

In our assessment, we gathered 11 distinct buttermilk pancake mixes from various grocery and kitchenware retailers, focusing on popular and accessible brands. Each mix was prepared and cooked strictly following the instructions on the packaging, incorporating water, whole milk, buttermilk, or eggs, depending on the specific mix’s guidelines. To ensure objectivity, the tasting was conducted blind, meaning testers were unaware of the brands they were sampling. We evaluated each pancake both plain and with syrup to see how well they maintained their structure.

An ideal buttermilk pancake should exhibit a mild sweetness coupled with a hint of vanilla and a subtle acidity. Its texture ought to be lighter and airier than conventional pancakes, attributed to the interaction between buttermilk’s acidity and the leavening agents. Each brand was assessed based on two primary factors: flavor and texture. Testers rated each pancake’s sweetness and tanginess while also considering its fluffiness, tenderness, and overall moisture.

Among the eleven brands evaluated, a few distinguished themselves markedly, while others barely made the cut—even when slathered in syrup. Here are the brands that excelled in our tasting:

Best overall: Dolly Parton’s Buttermilk Pancake Mix

Dolly Parton’s pancake mix, created in partnership with Duncan Hines, embodies both quality and charm. The pancakes showcased a beautiful golden-brown color, with a light, fluffy texture that offered a delightful bounce. Enhanced by malt flour, they presented a slight sweetness and a nutty undertone reminiscent of a classic diner breakfast. They are so delicious, we could enjoy them every day of the week.

$4 for one (26-ounce) box at walmart.com

Best tang: Robby’s

Drawing on a family recipe that has stood for five decades, Robby’s pancake mix comes in a sizable two-pound canister. Testers noted the enjoyable tang of these pancakes, applauding their moist and almost custard-like texture. Although thinner when cooked, they achieved crispy edges, resulting in an appealing toasted flavor.

$15 for one (two-pound) canister at williams-sonoma.com

Best grocery store brand: Good & Gather Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix

Impressed by the impressive height and fluffiness of Target’s in-house brand, Good & Gather outperformed other supermarket options during our evaluations. Unlike many mixes that require only water or milk, this mix can be prepared with a choice of water, milk, or buttermilk, allowing for an extra touch of flavor. Using whole milk resulted in pancakes with a delightful density that held up to toppings such as fresh fruit and hearty syrups without getting soggy. Flavor-wise, their taste leaned towards that of vanilla wafer cookies.

$4 for one (32-ounce) bag at target.com

Most versatile: Bob’s Red Mill Homestyle Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix

Bob’s Red Mill has established a reputation among both home cooks and culinary professionals for delivering reliable quality. This pancake mix achieved a perfect balance—tender yet sturdy, light yet satisfying, and sweet without being overpowering. Ideal for a varied breakfast crowd, these pancakes pair wonderfully with just butter, syrup, or your favorite fruit spread.

$7 for one (20-ounce) bag at amazon.com

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www.foodandwine.com