Introduction:
Nothing beats the smell of warm, fluffy pancakes in the morning! This classic homemade pancake recipe is easy to follow and delivers light, airy pancakes with a golden-brown finish. Whether you’re making breakfast for the family or treating yourself to a weekend brunch, these pancakes are sure to impress. With simple ingredients and a few pro tips, you'll be able to whip up the perfect batch every time. Serve with butter, syrup, or your favorite toppings for a delicious meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons (45g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra butter for cooking
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This helps ensure that the leavening agent (baking powder) is evenly distributed, so your pancakes rise well.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet ingredients into it. Stir gently until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the pancakes tough.
Step 4: Preheat the Pan
- Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter. Once the butter has melted and is sizzling, it's time to cook the pancakes.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
- Use a 1/4-cup measuring cup to pour the pancake batter onto the skillet. Spread the batter slightly with the back of the cup to form even circles.
- Cook the pancakes until bubbles start to form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Flip them carefully using a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown on the bottom.
- Transfer the pancakes to a plate and cover them with a clean towel to keep warm while you cook the rest of the batter.
Step 6: Serve
- Stack the pancakes on a plate and serve with butter, maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or any of your favorite toppings.
Tips for Perfect Pancakes:
- Don’t overmix the batter. Lumps are okay! Overmixing can result in dense, tough pancakes.
- Let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking. This allows the baking powder to activate, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
- Keep the heat at medium. Too high of a heat will burn the pancakes before they cook through, while too low will make them pale and dry.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make the pancake batter ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before using.
Q: What can I add to the pancakes?
A: Feel free to add chocolate chips, blueberries, bananas, or even a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for extra flavor.
Q: Can I freeze pancakes?
A: Absolutely! Cook the pancakes, let them cool, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be reheated in the toaster or microwave.