Golden, fluffy muffins swirled with cinnamon and topped with a crisp streusel, you’d never believe they’re made from pancake mix. These Cinnamon Pancake Mix Muffins are easy to prep ahead, they’re a cozy breakfast you’ll look forward to all week.

You’ll also love this Cake Mix Banana Bread, Berry Cobbler with Cake Mix and Cake Mix Banana Bread

Close up of a cinnamon streusel pancake mix muffins in a towel-lined basket.

Whenever I find myself with leftover pancake mix and a craving for something baked, I turn to these cinnamon pancake mix muffins. They are quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. I love how the mix gives them a soft, tender crumb, while the cinnamon sugar topping adds just the right amount of sweetness.

They are perfect for snacking on the go, packing in lunches, or just grabbing with a cup of coffee when the craving hits.

And it’s one of those recipes that looks like you spent way more time on it than you actually did which is always a win in my book.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • Uses pantry staples: No need to run to the store; most ingredients are already in your kitchen.
  • Saves time: They come together fast, making them perfect for busy mornings or last-minute baking.
  • Kid-approved: The sweet cinnamon swirl and soft texture make them a hit with kids.
  • No mixer needed: Everything can be whisked together by hand in one bowl.
An overhead view of cinnamon streusel muffins made with pancake mix in a muffin tin.

Ingredients in Pancake Mix Muffins 

For this recipe, I made simple cinnamon muffins and topped them with a streusel topping. The topping is technically optional, but I love the texture it adds! 

Here’s what you’ll need to make muffins with pancake mix: 

  • Milk (any kind) 
  • Eggs
  • Oil 
  • Pancake mix (any kind) 
  • Granulated sugar
  • All-purpose flour
  • Light brown sugar 
  • Unsalted butter 

How to Make Muffins with Pancake Mix

Making muffins from pancake mix is as simple as you’d expect. The streusel topping adds an extra few minutes to the prep time, but otherwise it’s a one-bowl affair. 

Here’s a look at how the pancake mix muffins are made: 

  1. Make the muffin batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla.
  2. Add the pancake mix, sugar, and cinnamon.
  3. Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. 
  4. Make the cinnamon streusel topping: In a medium bowl (feel free to use the same one you made the batter in), combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
  5. Cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse sand.
  6. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the tops of each muffin.
  7. Bake at 350ºF until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean.
A pancake mix muffin with a bite missing on a white plate.

Recipe Variations

This is a very flexible recipe that can be adjusted as you see fit. Here are some ways to make the muffins your own: 

  • Amp up the cinnamon: As written, the muffins have a mild cinnamon flavor. Use up to 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon if you love cinnamon. 
  • Add fresh fruit: Fresh blueberries, diced strawberries, raspberries, chopped peaches, or finely chopped pieces of apple can be stirred into the batter. 
  • Add dried fruit: Likewise, dried fruit can also be mixed into the batter. Be sure to chop up larger pieces of fruit into bite-sized chunks. 
  • Add nuts: Chopped nuts (any kind) can be added to the batter. 
  • Add chocolate chips: Dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips would all work. 
  • Make it gluten-free: There are so many gluten-free pancake mixes available. Buy your favorite if you need to keep this recipe gluten-free. 
  • Omit the streusel topping: I adore streusel topping, but if you’re short on time or simply don’t want it on your muffins, you may omit it entirely. 
  • Make mini muffins: Note that the baking time will need to be significantly reduced if making mini muffins. 

Storage Tips

Once the muffins have completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week, though they’re best enjoyed warm or at room temp.

To freeze, place the cooled muffins in a single layer in a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for a freshly baked feel.

A stack of muffins from pancake mix on a white plate.

Can You Make Muffins with Pancake Mix?

Absolutely! Pancake mix is a handy shortcut for more than just pancakes. It makes light, fluffy muffins with minimal effort. Just add a few basics like sugar, eggs, milk, and oil, and you’ve got a quick, delicious treat. Customize with your favorite mix-ins, and you’ll be hooked in no time!

What’s the Best Pancake Mix for Muffins? 

Any pancake mix will work for this recipe! Use your favorite, noting that you are NOT preparing the batter as it instructs on the side of the box. The pancake mix is added as a dry ingredient in this muffin recipe. 

Tips for Making Muffins Out of Pancake Mix

  • Add the pancake mix as a dry ingredient: Do NOT prepare the pancake mix as the box instructs. Simply scoop it straight from the box and into your mixing bowl. 
  • Add mix-ins, if desired: I kept this recipe simple, so feel free to add mix-ins as you see fit. You’ll likely wind up with more than 12 muffins if you add mix-ins, so be sure to not overfill the muffin tins. 
  • Make a big batch to freeze for later: These muffins freeze incredibly well. Let them cool to room temperature before freezing. To thaw, place on your countertop; they should thaw within an hour or so. 

Looking for More Easy Muffin Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered! 

muffins stacked on top of each other
4.80 from 5 ratings

Cinnamon Pancake Mix Muffins

Yield: 12 muffins
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Swirled with cinnamon and topped with a streusel topping, you'd never guess that these muffins are made out of pancake mix! Pancake Mix Muffins are quick and easy to prepare, and they make for wonderful breakfast meal prep. 

Ingredients
 

  • ¾ cups milk, any kind, (I used 2%)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste, (or vanilla extract)
  • 2 cups pancake mix, any kind
  • cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cinnamon Streusel Topping:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, (cut into small cubes)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners, if desired, or spray the pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Add the pancake mix, sugar, and cinnamon and whisk until combined. Fill each muffin cup about ¾ full. Set aside.
  • To make the cinnamon streusel topping: in a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut the butter into the mixture into it resembles coarse sand. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the tops of each muffin.
  • Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Notes

  • Muffins will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.
  • See my tips and tricks for making these Cinnamon Pancake Mix Muffins above the recipe box.
Serving: 1muffin, Calories: 135kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.03g, Cholesterol: 44mg, Sodium: 126mg, Potassium: 82mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 122IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 83mg, Iron: 1mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Author: Gayle
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @pumpkin_n_spice on Instagram or tag #pumpkin_n_spice.