Introduction
If you’re looking for a delightful and fluffy breakfast treat, vanilla pancakes are the way to go. They are simple to make and can be customized with your favorite add-ins such as chocolate chips or fresh fruit. Here’s a comprehensive recipe to guide you in creating these delicious pancakes from scratch.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cups milk (whole milk preferred for richness)
1 egg
3 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for cooking)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
*Optional Add-ins:*
Chocolate chips, blueberries, or sliced bananas
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 4 servings
Instructions
1. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir to mix evenly.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined; the batter may be slightly lumpy. Avoid overmixing to ensure fluffiness.
4. Rest the Batter: Let the batter sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the baking powder to activate, contributing to a fluffier texture.
5. Heat the Pan: Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter and let it melt, coating the surface.
6. Cook Pancakes: Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. If adding optional ingredients like chocolate chips or fruit, sprinkle them onto the batter at this stage. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges appear set, approximately 2–3 minutes. Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
7. Serve: Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate. Serve warm with your choice of toppings such as maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Enjoy your homemade fluffy vanilla pancakes!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir to mix evenly.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined; the batter may be slightly lumpy. Avoid overmixing to ensure fluffiness.
Rest the Batter
Let the batter sit for 5–10 minutes to allow the baking powder to activate, contributing to a fluffier texture.
Heat the Pan
Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter and let it melt, coating the surface.
Cook Pancakes
Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. If adding optional ingredients like chocolate chips or fruit, sprinkle them onto the batter at this stage. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges appear set, approximately 2–3 minutes. Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
Serve
Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate. Serve warm with your choice of toppings such as maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
Storage
Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.
Fluffy Texture
For extra fluffy pancakes, do not overmix the batter. A few lumps are okay.
Serving Suggestions
Experiment with a variety of toppings, such as honey, peanut butter, or yogurt, to enhance the flavor.
Cooking Tips
Ensure your skillet is at the right temperature to avoid burning; if the batter sizzles immediately upon pouring, your pan is ready.
Cook Techniques
Mixing Ingredients
Gently combine wet and dry ingredients to avoid overmixing. A slightly lumpy batter results in fluffier pancakes.
Resting the Batter
Allow the batter to rest for 5–10 minutes before cooking. This steps ensures the baking powder activates fully.
Cooking Temperature
Maintain a medium heat on your skillet or griddle to ensure even cooking without burning.
Flipping Pancakes
Only flip the pancakes when bubbles form on the surface and edges appear set for optimal fluffiness.
Serving Suggestions
Top with maple syrup, fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for enhanced flavor.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but it may result in denser pancakes; consider a mix for lighter texture.
How can I make pancakes dairy-free?
Substitute milk with almond milk or another non-dairy milk and use a dairy-free butter.
How do I store leftover pancakes?
Cool them completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What can I add to the pancake batter?
You can add chocolate chips, blueberries, or sliced bananas to enhance flavor.
Can I freeze pancakes?
Yes, freeze cooked pancakes with parchment paper between each and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
The fluffy vanilla pancakes you have made are not only simple to prepare but also a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. With their light and airy texture and the sweetness of vanilla, they serve as the perfect canvas for a variety of toppings. Whether you choose to stick with the classic maple syrup or get creative with fruits and creams, your pancakes are sure to impress!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist on the classic recipe. Serve them warm with chocolate syrup drizzled on top.
Blueberry Pancakes
Fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a burst of fruity flavor. Top with whipped cream and additional berries.
Banana Pancakes
Mash a ripe banana and mix it into your batter for a deliciously sweet and moist pancake. Sliced bananas on top make a perfect finishing touch.
Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter and create a swirl of cinnamon sugar on top of each pancake as it cooks for a delightful spiced flavor.
Pineapple Coconut Pancakes
Incorporate crushed pineapple and shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical flair. Serve with a coconut syrup for an island-inspired breakfast.
Nutella-Stuffed Pancakes
Add a spoonful of Nutella into the center of the pancake before flipping for a delicious gooey surprise. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
