Pro Chefs Blind Taste Test Every Boxed Pancake Mix | The Taste Panel | Epicurious

Summary

This video script takes viewers through a detailed pancake mix taste test, evaluating various brands on flavor, texture, and ingredients. From Kodiak's protein-packed Power Cakes to Cracker Barrel's classic fluffy buttermilk pancakes, the experts dive into the pros and cons of each. They discuss the impact of ingredients like whole grain flour, oat flour, and palm oil, highlighting the nuances in texture—fluffy, gummy, or crumbly. The video concludes with tips for enhancing box mixes and a reminder that homemade pancakes often trump store-bought versions for flavor and freshness.

Takeaways

• 😀 Pancakes made from scratch tend to have the best flavor and texture, outperforming many boxed pancake mixes.
• 🍞 Over-mixing pancake batter or adding too many wet ingredients can make pancakes gummy and dense.
• 🥞 Whole grain and oat flour pancakes tend to have a richer flavor but may not be preferred by everyone due to their specific taste.
• 🍯 Adding protein powder to pancake mixes, like in Kodiak Power Cakes, increases the protein content but doesn’t necessarily make them groundbreaking in flavor.
• 🍽️ Bleached flour in commercial pancake mixes, like Cracker Barrel, results in a soft, tender texture, making them ideal for a diner-style pancake.
• 😋 Pancakes that are fluffy without being dry are generally considered the most enjoyable, and balance of salt and sweetness is key.
• 💡 Enhancing boxed pancake mixes with richer ingredients like milk, eggs, or sour cream can improve the flavor and texture significantly.
• 🥒 Some gluten-free pancake mixes, like Good Dee's, can be overly eggy, gritty, and flavorless, leading to a disappointing texture.
• 🧴 Palm oil in pancake mixes is controversial due to sustainability concerns, but it’s commonly used for its stability as a fat.
• 🏆 Chef favorites include Jiffy for its flavor and texture, while Cracker Barrel was praised for its balance of moisture and fluffiness.
• 🧇 Some pancake mixes, such as Bob’s Red Mill, may contain too many types of flours, resulting in a dense, heavy texture and lack of flavor.

Q & A

What makes a pancake gummy, and how can this be prevented?

A pancake becomes gummy when too many wet ingredients are used or when the ingredients aren't incorporated in the correct order. To prevent this, it's important to mix dry ingredients first and then gradually fold in the wet ingredients.

Why are Kodiak Power Cakes considered a high-protein option?

Kodiak Power Cakes are high in protein because they contain whey protein concentrate, along with whole grains, which contribute to the protein content of the pancakes.

What is the difference between a pancake and a flapjack, as mentioned in the script?

The term 'flapjack' is often used interchangeably with 'pancake.' While there is no significant difference, the term 'flapjack' might evoke images of a rustic or hearty meal, as suggested in the video, where it is associated with wearing flannel jackets and being in an Upstate New York setting.

What impact does bleaching flour have on pancakes?

Bleaching flour changes its structure, making it softer and more tender. This process leads to pancakes that are fluffier and more delicate, as seen in the Cracker Barrel pancakes.

Why are some pancakes described as having 'fossilized' bubbles?

The 'fossilized' bubbles refer to the air pockets trapped in the pancake batter, which contribute to the fluffy and airy texture. These bubbles form during cooking and are preserved in the pancake's structure.

What makes Cracker Barrel's pancakes stand out in the taste test?

Cracker Barrel's pancakes were praised for their well-balanced flavor, which wasn't overly sweet or salty. The texture was light and fluffy, and the use of bleached flour contributed to their softness.

Why were some pancake mixes, like Good Dee's, considered less favorable?

Good Dee's pancakes, which were gluten-free, were criticized for having an eggy, gritty texture with a strange aftertaste. They were also described as crumbly, which made them less appealing compared to other options.

What factors contributed to the Jiffy pancake mix being favored by some chefs?

The Jiffy pancake mix was favored for its natural flavor and texture, with minimal additives. It was considered to have the best overall balance and the least artificial taste among the mixes tested.

What ingredients are suggested for enhancing the flavor of pancake mixes?

To enhance the flavor of pancake mixes, it's recommended to use richer ingredients like milk, eggs, sour cream, and cooking them in a bit of fat, such as butter, to improve both the taste and texture.

What was the general opinion about using pancake mixes versus making pancakes from scratch?

While pancake mixes offer convenience, the general consensus was that homemade pancakes, made from scratch, tend to have better flavor and texture. Adjustments to box mixes can improve their outcome, but nothing beats a fresh, homemade pancake.