The Best Homemade Pancakes: Fluffy, Light, and Delicious
Homemade pancakes are a breakfast classic that everyone loves. They’re soft, fluffy, and can be topped with anything from syrup and butter to fresh fruits, whipped cream, or even chocolate chips. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe to make the best homemade pancakes that will become your go-to for weekend breakfasts or brunches.
Ingredients:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for greasing the pan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but recommended for flavor)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Batter:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. The batter should be a little lumpy—do not overmix, as this can result in tough pancakes.
2. Cook the Pancakes:
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with a bit of butter or cooking spray.
- Pour the Batter: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot skillet for each pancake. You can adjust the size to your preference.
- Cook Until Bubbly: Cook for about 2-3 minutes or until bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set.
- Flip and Cook: Carefully flip the pancake using a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat: Remove the pancake from the skillet and repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the skillet as needed.
3. Serve:
- Serve Warm: Stack the pancakes on a plate and serve warm with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, nuts, or chocolate chips.
Tips for Perfect Pancakes:
- Use Fresh Baking Powder: Make sure your baking powder is fresh to ensure the pancakes are fluffy.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can cause the pancakes to be dense and tough.
- Adjust Heat as Needed: If the pancakes are browning too quickly, lower the heat. If they’re too pale, increase the heat slightly.
- Rest the Batter (Optional): Letting the batter rest for about 5-10 minutes before cooking allows the flour to fully hydrate, leading to fluffier pancakes.
Alternative Ingredients:
- Dairy-Free: Substitute milk with almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Use coconut oil or margarine instead of butter.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
- Whole Wheat: Replace half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Add-Ins: Mix in blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, nuts, or spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.
Calories:
Each pancake (assuming the recipe makes about 8 pancakes) contains approximately 100-120 calories, depending on the size and any additional toppings.
Why Make Homemade Pancakes?
- Healthier: You control the ingredients, avoiding unnecessary additives found in store-bought mixes.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins or toppings to make the pancakes your own.
- Fresh and Delicious: Homemade pancakes have a fluffy texture and fresh taste that store-bought mixes can’t match.
Enjoy Your Fluffy Homemade Pancakes!
This simple and delicious pancake recipe is perfect for a leisurely breakfast or a quick weekday treat. They’re easy to make and sure to delight everyone at the table!