Kodiak pancakes are the ultimate protein-packed breakfast that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! Made with Kodiak Cakes mix—a whole grain and protein-enriched flour blend—these fluffy pancakes are not just delicious, they’re nutritious too. What makes them so special is their dense, satisfying texture and subtle nutty flavor that regular pancakes simply can’t match. Whether you’re fueling up for a busy morning or treating yourself to a leisurely weekend brunch, this kodiak pancake recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
I absolutely love making these pancakes because they’re foolproof and incredibly versatile. The batter comes together in minutes, and the cooking process is straightforward enough for beginners yet sophisticated enough for experienced cooks. Plus, Kodiak Cakes’ unique blend of whole grains and whey protein means you’re getting a more complete breakfast that actually keeps you full. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step to ensure your pancakes turn out perfectly golden and fluffy every single time.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it. Add fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of cream-based toppings for extra richness. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a special breakfast, these kodiak pancakes are sure to become a household favorite. Let me share all my tips and tricks for making the absolute best batch!
The beauty of Kodiak Cakes is that they’re formulated to cook beautifully without requiring any special techniques. However, there are definitely some insider secrets that take these pancakes from good to absolutely incredible. Temperature control, proper resting time for the batter, and the right griddle technique all play crucial roles in achieving that perfect golden exterior with a tender, fluffy interior.
I’ve tested this recipe dozens of times, and I’m thrilled to share my foolproof method with you. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned kitchen pro, you’ll find this kodiak pancake recipe approachable and rewarding. The key is following each step carefully and not rushing the process. Take your time, enjoy the aroma of fresh pancakes cooking, and get ready to impress your family with restaurant-quality results from your own home kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Kodiak Cakes pancake mix (all-purpose or buttermilk blend)
- 1½ cups whole milk or milk of choice
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for the griddle
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt (only if using unsalted mix)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon baking powder for extra fluffiness
- Optional toppings: fresh berries, chocolate chips, sliced bananas, maple syrup, whipped cream, Greek yogurt, cinnamon, or toasted nuts
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and preheat your griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. If using a griddle, preheat to 375°F. This ensures even cooking and that perfect golden-brown exterior on your pancakes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of Kodiak Cakes pancake mix with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Whisk together to combine and break up any lumps in the mix.
- In a separate medium bowl, crack 2 large eggs and beat them together. Add 1½ cups of whole milk, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to the eggs. Whisk until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined—the batter should be slightly lumpy. Do not overmix, as this creates tough pancakes. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and actually desirable.
- Let the batter rest for 3-5 minutes. This resting period allows the Kodiak Cakes mix to fully hydrate and helps create fluffier pancakes with better texture.
- Test your griddle temperature by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface. If the water sizzles and forms beads, it’s ready. Lightly butter the griddle to prevent sticking.
- Using a ¼ cup measuring cup or ladle, pour batter onto the hot griddle, spacing pancakes about 2 inches apart. You should hear a gentle sizzle when the batter hits the griddle.
- Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until the bottom is golden brown and the edges look set. You’ll notice bubbles forming on the surface—this is your signal that they’re ready to flip.
- Using a wide spatula, carefully flip each pancake. Cook for another 1-2 minutes on the second side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer cooked pancakes to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm while you finish cooking the remaining batter.
- Repeat steps 7-10 with the remaining batter, buttering the griddle between batches as needed to prevent sticking.
- Serve your perfect Kodiak pancakes immediately while they’re still warm and fluffy. Top with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Pro Tips
Temperature is Key: Medium-high heat is crucial. Too low and your pancakes won’t get that beautiful golden color; too high and they’ll burn on the outside while staying raw inside.
Don’t Overmix: This is the most common mistake. Mix just until combined. Lumps in the batter create tender pancakes; overmixing creates dense, tough ones.
Resting Time Matters: Letting the batter rest for 3-5 minutes allows the whole grains in Kodiak Cakes to absorb moisture, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
Flip Once: Only flip pancakes once. Flipping multiple times compresses them and ruins the fluffy texture.
Keep Them Warm: Stack finished pancakes on a plate and tent with foil to keep them warm while cooking the rest. Don’t pile them too high or they’ll get soggy.
Protein Boost: Kodiak Cakes already contain whey protein, but you can add 2-3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt to the wet ingredients for extra protein and richness.
Storage: Leftover pancakes keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat in a toaster or oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
Freezing: These pancakes freeze beautifully! Cool completely, stack with parchment between layers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from frozen.
Topping Ideas: Try pickled toppings for savory versions or stick with classic maple syrup, butter, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate.
Mix Variations: Kodiak offers several varieties including buttermilk, cinnamon, chocolate, and original. Each creates slightly different flavor profiles, so experiment to find your favorite.
Make-Ahead Tip: Mix the dry ingredients the night before in an airtight container. In the morning, simply combine with wet ingredients for a quicker breakfast preparation.
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