Introduction
Pancakes are a beloved breakfast staple that can be enjoyed in various styles and flavors. This easy-to-follow recipe yields light and fluffy pancakes that are perfect for a cozy morning at home or a weekend brunch with friends and family. Customize them with your favorite add-ins and toppings for an unforgettable meal!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1¼ cups milk
1 egg
3 tablespoons melted butter (plus more for the pan)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
Chocolate chips, blueberries, or sliced bananas
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
5–7 minutes
Total Time
15–17 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Directions
1. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir briefly to blend.
2. **Prepare Wet Mixture:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. **Combine Mixtures:** Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; the batter may be slightly lumpy. Avoid overmixing to maintain fluffiness.
4. **Rest the Batter:** Let the batter sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the baking powder to activate, enhancing the pancakes’ fluffiness.
5. **Heat the Pan:** Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter and let it melt, ensuring the surface is evenly coated.
6. **Cook Pancakes:** Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, pour batter onto the heated pan, spacing each pancake to allow for expansion. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges appear set, approximately 2–3 minutes.
7. **Flip and Finish Cooking:** Carefully flip each pancake and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. **Serve:** Remove pancakes from the pan and serve warm with your preferred toppings.
Topping Suggestions
– Maple syrup and whipped cream
– Fresh berries
– Peanut butter drizzle
– Powdered sugar
– Cinnamon sugar and butter
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir briefly to blend.
Prepare Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; the batter may be slightly lumpy. Avoid overmixing to maintain fluffiness.
Rest the Batter
Let the batter sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the baking powder to activate, enhancing the pancakes’ fluffiness.
Heat the Pan
Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter and let it melt, ensuring the surface is evenly coated.
Cook Pancakes
Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, pour batter onto the heated pan, spacing each pancake to allow for expansion. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges appear set, approximately 2–3 minutes.
Flip and Finish Cooking
Carefully flip each pancake and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve
Remove pancakes from the pan and serve warm with your preferred toppings.
Notes
Optional Add-ins
You can enhance the pancakes by adding chocolate chips, blueberries, or sliced bananas to the batter before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Consider serving pancakes with maple syrup and whipped cream, fresh berries, peanut butter drizzle, powdered sugar, or a mix of cinnamon sugar and butter for added flavor.
Cook techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In this step, you ensure that all the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt) are evenly distributed. Stir briefly to blend for an even texture.
Preparing Wet Mixture
Whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until you achieve a smooth consistency. This mixture adds moisture and flavor to the batter.
Combining Mixtures
When pouring the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense pancakes instead of fluffy ones.
Resting the Batter
Allowing the batter to rest for 5–10 minutes lets the baking powder activate, which helps in creating lighter and fluffier pancakes.
Heating the Pan
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat before cooking. Melt a small amount of butter in the pan to ensure a non-stick surface for the pancakes.
Cooking Pancakes
Pour the batter onto the heated pan using a ¼ cup measuring cup. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and edges set, indicating readiness for flipping.
Flipping and Finishing Cooking
Carefully flip the pancake after 2–3 minutes, cooking for an additional 1–2 minutes until they are golden brown. This ensures even cooking on both sides.
Serving
Serve the pancakes warm with your choice of toppings for a delicious breakfast or snack.
FAQ
What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?
You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may vary.
Can I use a milk alternative?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
How do I know when the pancakes are ready to flip?
Look for bubbles forming on the surface and edges that appear set. If they are still wet or jiggle, give them more time.
Can I use other add-ins with the batter?
Yes, feel free to add chocolate chips, blueberries, or sliced bananas to the batter for additional flavor.
How should I store leftover pancakes?
Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat in the toaster or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
With these simple pancake ingredients, you can create deliciously fluffy pancakes that are sure to please any breakfast lover. The recipe’s flexibility allows for various add-ins, making it easy to customize each batch to suit your taste. Whether enjoyed plain or with delightful toppings, these pancakes offer a satisfying start to your day.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet treat that is perfect for chocolate lovers.
Blueberry Pancakes
Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries before cooking for a burst of fruity flavor in every bite.
Banana Pancakes
Mash one ripe banana and mix it into the batter for a naturally sweet and banana-flavored pancake.
Cinnamon Sugar Pancakes
Mix a teaspoon of cinnamon into the dry ingredients and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
Peanut Butter Pancakes
Swirl in peanut butter to the batter or add a drizzle on top before serving for a rich and nutty flavor.
Nut and Fruit Pancakes
Incorporate chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) and dried fruits (like raisins or cranberries) for a hearty and wholesome pancake option.
