There’s nothing quite like a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes to start your day. This recipe yields pancakes that are soft, airy, and delicious, making your weekends (or any day) special.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 12 pancakes
Calories: 156 kcal per pancake
Ingredients
- 2 cups (290 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (60 g) granulated sugar or sweetener of choice
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1¾ cups (440 ml) milk
- ¼ cup (60 g) butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Instructions
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Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
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Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and egg until thoroughly mixed.
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Create Batter:
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the wet mixture. Using a wire whisk, gently stir the wet ingredients, gradually incorporating the dry ingredients until just combined. The batter should be thick and creamy with a few lumps; avoid overmixing.
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Rest the Batter:
- Let the batter rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the baking powder to activate and results in fluffier pancakes.
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Preheat Pan:
- Heat a nonstick pan or griddle over low-medium heat. Lightly grease with a small amount of butter or oil.
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Cook Pancakes:
- Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the preheated pan for each pancake. Gently spread into a round shape if needed.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges appear set, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Flip the pancake and cook the other side until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes more.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the pan as necessary.
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Serve:
- Stack the pancakes on a plate and serve warm with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, honey, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips & Tricks
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Measuring Flour: For accurate measurement, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing too much flour, which can lead to dense pancakes.
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Batter Consistency: If the batter is too thick and doesn’t pour easily, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Conversely, if it’s too runny, sprinkle in a bit more flour.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mixing the batter until just combined ensures tender pancakes. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in tougher pancakes.
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Temperature Control: Cooking over medium-low heat allows the pancakes to cook through without burning the exterior. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent temperature.
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Keeping Pancakes Warm: Place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 200°F (95°C) to keep them warm while you finish cooking the rest.
Notes
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Sweeteners: You can substitute granulated sugar with alternatives like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free sweetener to suit your preference.
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Milk Alternatives: Feel free to use dairy-free milk options such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk if desired.
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Add-Ins: Enhance your pancakes by folding in blueberries, chocolate chips, or nuts into the batter before cooking.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: It’s best to cook the batter immediately after mixing to take advantage of the leavening action of the baking powder. However, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately and combine them just before cooking.
Q: Why are my pancakes not fluffy?
A: Ensure your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents can result in flat pancakes. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, which can make pancakes dense.
Q: Can I freeze leftover pancakes?
A: Yes! Let the pancakes cool completely, then layer them with parchment paper and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the toaster or microwave until warmed through.
Q: How can I make my pancakes more flavorful?
A: Adding a pinch of cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, or a splash of almond extract can elevate the flavor profile of your pancakes.