Easy Pancake Recipe

Who doesn’t love a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes in the morning? Whether it’s a lazy Sunday brunch or a quick weekday breakfast, pancakes are a versatile and beloved dish. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for easy pancakes that will have you flipping flapjacks like a pro in no time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk (whole, skim, or even a plant-based milk will work)
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for the pan)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which is key for those beautifully fluffy pancakes.

2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.

3. Create the Batter:
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. It’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy; overmixing can result in tough pancakes.

4. Preheat the Pan:
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, lightly grease with a bit of butter. A hot, well-greased pan is essential for that perfect golden brown color.

5. Cook the Pancakes:
Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown.

6. Serve and Enjoy:
Stack the pancakes on a plate and serve with your favorite toppings. Classic options include butter and maple syrup, but you can also get creative with fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate chips, or even a dollop of yogurt.

Tips for Perfect Pancakes

Don’t Overmix the Batter: A few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to dense, chewy pancakes.
Use Fresh Baking Powder: Baking powder is the key to fluffy pancakes. Make sure yours isn’t expired.
Keep the Pan at the Right Temperature: Too hot, and the pancakes will burn on the outside and be raw inside; too cool, and they won’t rise properly. Medium heat is usually perfect.

Variations to Try

Blueberry Pancakes: Gently fold in a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before cooking.
Banana Nut Pancakes: Add sliced bananas and chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) to the batter for a delicious twist.
Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Sprinkle chocolate chips onto the batter once it’s in the pan for a sweet treat.

Conclusion

With this easy pancake recipe, breakfast will never be the same again. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with fun variations, these pancakes are sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking, and enjoy your fluffy stacks of deliciousness!

Feel free to leave comments below if you try this recipe or have any other pancake tips and tricks to share!