The BEST Pancake Recipe

The BEST Pancake Recipe brings both simplicity and perfection to your breakfast table. By following step-by-step guidance from Preppy Kitchen’s John Canel, you’ll achieve light and fluffy pancakes using common kitchen ingredients. Whether you are cooking for children or indulging yourself, these pancakes promise a delicious start to your day.

This article details every aspect of creating the ultimate pancake, from mixing dry and wet ingredients to achieving the perfect golden exterior. Packed with helpful tips and personal insights from John, it ensures even novice cooks can master this much-loved recipe.

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Ingredients Required

1 and 1/3 cups of All-purpose flour (160g)

To begin with, you will need 1 and 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour. This versatile flour forms the foundation of your pancake batter, providing it with structure and contributing to its tender crumb. Accurately measure the flour by scooping it into a measuring cup and leveling it off with a straight edge to ensure consistency in your pancakes.

1 tablespoon of baking powder

Next, a tablespoon of baking powder is essential. This leavening agent will help your pancakes rise, giving them that desirable light and fluffy texture. Be sure to use fresh baking powder, as its efficacy diminishes over time.

2 tablespoons of sugar

Adding 2 tablespoons of sugar is crucial as it not only sweetens the batter but also aids in caramelization. The sugar ensures your pancakes develop a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly crispy exterior, enhancing their overall appeal.

Half a teaspoon of salt

Incorporate half a teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness and heighten the other flavors. Salt is vital in baking, acting as a flavor enhancer and contributing to the overall taste experience of your pancakes.

1 cup of whole milk, warmed (240ml)

You’ll need 1 cup (240ml) of whole milk, which should be warmed slightly. Warm milk helps to incorporate the ingredients more smoothly and ensures the melted butter doesn’t harden upon contact, resulting in a more consistent batter.

4 tablespoons or 1/4 cup of melted butter (56g)

Melt 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup or 56g) of butter. The butter adds a rich flavor and excellent mouthfeel to your pancakes. Ensure it’s melted completely and cooled slightly to prevent cooking the egg when combined with other ingredients.

1 large, room temperature egg

One large, room temperature egg will provide structure and stability to the pancakes. The egg also contributes to the richness and helps bind the ingredients together.

2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Finally, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract are added to infuse the batter with a delightful aroma and complexity. The vanilla complements the sweetness from the sugar and enhances the overall flavor profile of your pancakes.

Preparation of Dry Ingredients

Mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl

Begin your preparation by taking a large mixing bowl. Add the 1 and 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and half a teaspoon of salt into the bowl. This step is crucial to ensure all dry ingredients are measured correctly and are ready to be combined.

Ensuring the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt are well combined

Using a whisk, thoroughly combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisking helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt throughout the flour, ensuring a uniform rise and consistent flavor in each pancake. It also breaks up any lumps in the flour mixture, making for a smoother batter later on.

Preparation of Wet Ingredients

Combining warm whole milk and melted butter in a medium bowl

In a medium-sized bowl, begin by combining the 1 cup of warmed whole milk and the 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Make sure the milk is just warm to avoid re-hardening the butter and ensure a more consistent mixture.

Adding the egg and vanilla extract

Next, break the room temperature egg into the milk and butter mixture. Add in the 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. This step incorporates the egg, which is essential for binding the ingredients together and adding moisture and richness to the batter.

Mixing until the mixture is smooth and butter is emulsified

Whisk the wet ingredients together until you achieve a smooth consistency and the butter is emulsified. This means the butter is fully blended with the milk and egg, avoiding separation. This creates a homogeneous mixture that will blend seamlessly with the dry ingredients, ensuring uniform pancakes.

Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients

Adding the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients

Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. This method helps in better control over the consistency of the batter and reduces the chances of overmixing.

Gently folding the mixture until just combined

Using a spatula, gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together. This folding technique incorporates the ingredients gently, ensuring the batter remains airy. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to make sure all the dry ingredients are moistened.

Avoiding overmixing to ensure a fluffy texture

Take care not to overmix the batter –stop as soon as the ingredients are combined and no dry flour is visible. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, resulting in dense and tough pancakes. The key to fluffy pancakes is a light hand during mixing.

Cooking Preparation

Heating a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat

Prepare your cooking surface by heating a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. This temperature allows the pancakes to cook evenly without burning the surface. If the skillet is too hot, the exterior will cook too quickly while the interior remains raw.

Adding butter to the skillet for a crispy edge

Add a small amount of butter to the skillet. The butter not only prevents the pancakes from sticking but also creates a deliciously crispy edge and adds additional flavor.

Ensuring the skillet is at the right temperature to avoid burning

Ensure that your skillet is at the right temperature by sprinkling a few drops of water onto the surface. The water should sizzle gently upon contact, indicating the skillet is ready. If the butter begins to brown too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.

Cooking the Pancakes

Pouring batter onto the skillet using a 1/3 to 1/4 cup for each pancake

Using a 1/3 to 1/4 cup measuring cup, pour the batter onto the skillet. This amount is ideal for making medium-sized pancakes, allowing them to cook evenly without running into each other.

Watching for bubbles forming on the surface

As the pancakes cook, watch for bubbles forming on the surface. These bubbles indicate that the batter is setting and cooking through. This is the key signal that the pancakes are ready to be flipped.

Flipping the pancakes when bubbles appear and edges are set

Once the bubbles have formed and the edges appear set and slightly dry, flip the pancakes carefully using a spatula. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side until golden brown and cooked through.

Batch Adjustments

Adjusting the heat as necessary to avoid burning

During the batch cooking process, you may need to adjust the heat. If the pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. If they are taking too long to cook and remain pale, increase the heat marginally.

Adding more butter between batches as needed

Add more butter between batches to maintain a non-stick surface and ensure each set of pancakes has that desirable crispy edge. This step replenishes the fat that ensures the pancakes do not stick and aids in browning.

Ensuring each batch cooks evenly and achieves a golden brown color

Maintain consistency by ensuring each batch is cooked evenly. Adjust the heat and butter as needed, and aim for a uniform golden-brown color on each pancake. This not only improves the visual appeal but ensures a consistent taste and texture.

Alternative Mix-ins and Variations

Adding chocolate chips, banana slices, or blueberries

To customize your pancakes, consider adding chocolate chips, banana slices, or blueberries. These mix-ins can be added directly to the batter or sprinkled onto the batter once on the skillet. Each option offers a unique flavor and texture.

Mixing in variations for different flavors

Experimenting with different mix-ins can create a variety of flavors. Adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella can elevate the standard pancake to a gourmet treat.

Adjusting proportion of mix-ins to the batter accordingly

When adding mix-ins, adjust the proportion to the batter to ensure even distribution without overwhelming the primary texture of the pancakes. Generally, add between 1/3 to 1/2 cup of mix-ins to the batter to maintain balance.

Serving Suggestions

Serving pancakes with lashings of butter and syrup

Serve your freshly cooked pancakes with generous lashings of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup. The combination of creamy butter and sweet syrup enhances the flavor and adds moisture.

Adding additional toppings like fresh fruit or whipped cream

Consider adding additional toppings such as fresh fruit – berries, bananas, or sliced apples are excellent choices. A dollop of whipped cream can also add a luxurious touch.

Pairing with breakfast sides such as bacon or eggs

For a complete breakfast, pair your pancakes with savory sides like crispy bacon or scrambled eggs. This combination provides a balance of sweet and savory flavors, making for a satisfying and hearty meal.

Conclusion

Summarizing the key points for successful pancake making

In conclusion, the success of your pancake-making lies in the accurate measurement of ingredients, careful mixing of wet and dry components, cooking them at the correct temperature, and making adjustments as necessary.

Encouraging readers to try and customize the recipe

Don’t hesitate to experiment with different mix-ins and toppings to create your own signature pancakes. The flexibility of this recipe allows you to innovate and find combinations that suit your taste preferences.

Inviting comments and feedback from the readers

We encourage you to share your results, modifications, and feedback. Your experiences and input are valuable and can provide inspiration and tips for others in the community.