Pancakes Recipe

When it comes to classic breakfast dishes, pancakes are a universal favorite. They’re simple to make, deliciously satisfying, and offer endless customization options. Whether you prefer them plain, with a drizzle of maple syrup, or loaded with berries and whipped cream, a perfect pancake is all about getting that fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Here’s a foolproof recipe to make the fluffiest pancakes that will brighten up your morning.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter:

• In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are well combined and helps in making the pancakes light and airy.

1. Mix Wet Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. The key to fluffy pancakes is not to overmix the batter, so mix until just combined.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture with a spatula until just combined. A few lumps are okay; overmixing can result in dense pancakes.

1. Preheat and Grease the Pan:

• Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with a bit of butter or oil.

1. Cook the Pancakes:

• Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

1. Serve Hot:

• Serve your pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings. Classic choices include maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a pat of butter. For a decadent treat, try adding chocolate chips, bananas, or nuts to the batter before cooking.

Tips for Perfect Pancakes

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for maximum rise and fluffiness.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Consistent Heat: Maintain a consistent medium heat to cook the pancakes evenly without burning them.
• Rest the Batter: Letting the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking can result in lighter pancakes.
• Test Pancake: Make a small test pancake to ensure your griddle is at the right temperature.

Variations to Try

• Blueberry Pancakes: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter.
• Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Sprinkle chocolate chips onto the batter once poured on the griddle.
• Banana Pancakes: Fold in mashed bananas for a sweet, fruity flavor.
• Buttermilk Pancakes: Replace milk with buttermilk for a tangy, tender texture.

Making pancakes from scratch is a wonderful way to start your day or impress your family and friends. With this recipe, you’ll be able to whip up a stack of delicious, fluffy pancakes that everyone will love. Enjoy!

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Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Happy cooking!