Forget overpriced store mixes. With just a few ingredients, you can prep your own versatile and preservative-free homemade mixes. Whether you’re a weekend baker or prepping for busy weekdays, these blends will keep your pantry stocked and ready.
1. Pancake Mix
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp sugar
To Use:
Mix 1 cup of pancake mix with:
- 1 egg
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Cook on a hot, greased skillet until bubbles form.
2. Waffle Mix
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
To Use:
Combine 1 cup mix with:
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Pour into a hot waffle iron and cook until golden.
3. Cookie Dough Mix
Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup white sugar
To Use:
Mix with:
- 1 cup softened butter
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
Add 1–2 cups chocolate chips or mix-ins. Scoop and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
4. Muffin Mix
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
To Use:
For 12 muffins, mix:
- 2 cups muffin mix
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
Fold in fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips. Bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes.
5. Brown Sugar Substitute
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tbsp molasses (light for golden brown, dark for dark brown)
Instructions:
Mix well using a fork or food processor. Store in an airtight container.
6. Cupcake Mix
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups sugar
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
To Use:
Mix with:
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Bake at 350°F for 18–20 minutes (makes 12–15 cupcakes).
7. Taco Seasoning Mix
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp oregano
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- Pinch of cayenne (optional)
Instructions for Use:
Use 2 tablespoons per pound of ground meat. Add with ¼ cup of water after browning the meat and simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Ranch Dressing Seasoning
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp dried dill
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried chives (optional)
Instructions for Use:
Mix 2 tablespoons with ½ cup mayo, ½ cup sour cream, and a splash of milk for creamy ranch dip or dressing.
9. Italian Seasoning
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp thyme
- 1 tbsp rosemary
- 1 tbsp marjoram
- 1 tsp sage (optional)
Instructions for Use:
Use 1 tablespoon in pasta sauces, marinades, or sprinkle over roasted vegetables.
10. Cajun Seasoning
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp oregano
Instructions for Use:
Use 1–2 tsp per chicken breast or fish filet before cooking or grilling.
11. Hot Cocoa Mix
Ingredients:
- 2 cups powdered milk
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cornstarch (to prevent clumping)
Instructions for Use:
Mix ¼ cup with ¾ cup hot water or milk for instant cocoa.
12. Chili Seasoning
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)
Instructions for Use:
Add 3 tablespoons per batch of chili (about 1 pound meat + 2 cans beans + 1 can tomatoes).
13. DIY Brownie Mix
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions for Use:
Add 2 eggs, ½ cup melted butter, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the dry mix. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes in a greased 8×8-inch pan.
14. Sloppy Joe Seasoning
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions for Use:
Add 2 tbsp to browned ground beef with ½ cup ketchup and ⅓ cup water. Simmer until thickened.
15. Pumpkin Pie Spice
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp ginger
- 2 tsp nutmeg
- 1 ½ tsp allspice
- 1 ½ tsp cloves
Instructions for Use:
Use 1–2 teaspoons in baked goods, oatmeal, or coffee drinks.
Storage Tips:
- Label your containers with the name and date.
- Use airtight jars or zip-top bags.
- Keep in a cool, dry pantry (or fridge for mixes containing fat or dairy powder).
These DIY mixes make cooking and baking faster, cleaner, and more satisfying. Best of all, you control what goes into your food. Keep a few jars on hand and you’ll always be ready to whip up something delicious—even on your busiest days.Making your own mixes is a small kitchen habit that pays off big-time. You save money, reduce waste, and avoid unnecessary additives. Store each mix in a labeled airtight container or jar and enjoy homemade convenience whenever you need it.
