Cake Mix Pancakes [Birthday Pancakes]
We have a tradition at our house with our oldest child, Josh. Ever since he was 8, he has loved red velvet cake. When he was a toddler, he became obsessed with the color red. When he found out there was a red cake, that tasted like chocolate, it became his absolute favorite dessert. It came as no surprise that at every celebration, he’d ask for red velvet cake.
It was during those years that I came up with his special birthday breakfast, red velvet pancakes. He only has them once a year, and will refuse them if it’s not his birthday. Now I know what you’re thinking, “a kid giving up red velvet pancakes on 364 days a year?”…but yes. He only wants them on his birthday because it makes his birthday special. The older he gets, the more he’s like this. He enjoys traditions.
I decided to share our family recipe for cake batter pancakes, because these are such a special, delectable treat for any occasion. Christmas, Easter, birthdays, a Tuesday in the middle of June…there is never a day that isn’t right for these cake batter pancakes.
How to Make Cake Mix Pancakes
First, you can use ANY cake mix you want to make these pancakes. We’re using red velvet cake mix, but you can use any you want. Funfetti cake mix pancakes are a lot of fun for birthdays! My son’s favorite just happens to be red velvet cake mix pancakes.
Pancake Ingredients
1 Cup Cake Mix (any)
1 Cup Flour or Bisquick
2 Eggs
1 Cup Milk
Butter (for the griddle)
Topping
2 Cups Powdered Sugar
2 TBLSP Whipped Cream Cheese
Vanilla (measure with your heart)
2-3 TBLSP Milk
Step By Step Directions
First, the pancakes! In a mixing bowl, combine the flour or bisquick, and cake mix.
Crack the eggs into another bowl and add the milk. Wisk to combine.
Put the wet ingredients into the dry and mix.
If the batter is too thick for your liking, add a little more milk or water to thin it out. My family likes thinner pancakes, so we like to use a little more milk. Add as needed.
Once the batter is all mixed together, heat your griddle or skillet. I’m using a cast iron griddle.
Smear butter along the surface of your griddle or skillet so that your pancakes won’t stick to the surface.
Using a 1/4 cup measure (or whatever you have on hand), drop the batter onto the griddle and cook like regular pancakes.
For the Topping…
In a bowl or stand mixer, combine the sugar, cream cheese, milk, and vanilla.
Beat or mix until blended.
We like to use a thinner icing for these pancakes because the pancakes are already really sweet.
To top the pancakes, use a small spoon to add the glaze.
Top with sprinkles, whipped cream, or whatever your heart desires!
Tips
If the batter is too thick, add water or milk by tablespoons and whisk until you have a consistency you like.
Don’t want cake mix pancakes? Use a waffle iron and have cake mix waffles!
For birthdays, use sprinkles and a candle to make it special.
If the icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar to thicken it up. Too thin, add more milk.
Use a metal brownie spatula to turn the pancakes, it makes the process much easier.
Enjoy, friends!
Until next time,
Soli Deo Gloria,
Mandy
