How To Make Pancakes From Scratch

What You'll Need To Make Pancakes

All set to make pancakes? Here's a detailed ingredient listing you will want for the recipe.

Flour

First up, you’ll need 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour. If you want to try some extra, you can also use whole wheat, spelt, or even gluten-free flour blend. Try 50:50 combination of all-purpose and whole wheat flour. You will adore it!

Sugar

Just a tablespoon of white sugar is all you need to feature a subtle sweetness for your pancakes. You can regulate it on your liking—some opt for sweeter pancakes, even as others do not. Just be careful not to overdo it.

Salt

Add a pinch ( ¼ teaspoon) of salt and it will beautify the overall taste without making the batter too salty. While it’s a diffused addition, omitting it may leave pancakes tasting a bit bland. So, it’s vital not to pass it.

Baking Powder

3 ½ teaspoons of baking powder is enough for this recipe. It enables your pancakes rise beautifully—the secret to fluffy pancakes. Use these days purchased double-acting baking powder. It lasts approximately three months.

Butter

When melted and mixed into the batter, butter helps to create moist and flavorful pancakes. It also provides a slightly crispy edge. Salted or unsalted butter, both can be used. If using the salted one, omit the salt in the recipe. 3 tablespoons melted butter is sufficient.

Milk

It provides moisture and help create a smooth pancake batter. Dairy or non-dairy, both options will work, so use what you have or prefer. Those looking for dairy-free treats, opt for almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. You’ll need around 1 ¼ cups.

Egg

A whole egg adds structure and flavor. Plus, it helps bind the batter together and lends more moisture. Substitute includes flax eggs, mashed banana, or applesauce. When using substitutes, adjust the liquid content of the recipe accordingly.

Tools

• Mixing Bowls
• Whisk or Fork
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Spatula or Spoon
• Non-Stick Skillet or Griddle
• Ladle
• Butter Knife or Paper Towel

How To Make Pancake At Home

You can easily make pancakes by following these steps. So, roll up your sleeves, read carefully, and use these instructions to make your mornings start off with a treat.

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Take a large mixing bowl and combine flour, sugar, and baking powder. Use a whisk or fork and mix then together. The baking powder and sugar should distribute evenly throughout the flour. Then, make a well in the center.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

Next, grab the egg and crack it in a separate bowl. Beat it lightly, then add milk and whisk them together until well combined. It’s time to melt some butter now. After melting, let it cool slightly.

Stir it into the milk and egg mixture until it’s fully mixed.

3. Combine Both

Both your wet and dry ingredients are now ready. Pour the wet mixture into the well you created earlier in the first step. Use a spoon or spatula to stir gently.

It's okay if there are a few lumps, but avoid overmixing, as this can make the pancakes tough.

4. Preheat the Pan

Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. To check if it’s ready sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If they dance and sizzle, your pan is ready for further step.

5. Cook the Pancakes

Cooking time!! Lightly grease the pan with a bit of butter or cooking spray. Pour some batter onto the pan for each pancake. Use approximately 1/4 cup for each. Spread it into a round shape if necessary.

Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. This usually takes a few minutes. Then, flip the pancake carefully with a spatula and cook until the other side is golden brown. Repeat with remaining batter.

6. Serve

Time to dig in! Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and keep them warm in the oven if making a huge batch. Serve with your preferred toppings like syrup, your favorite fruit (imagine blueberries, bananas, apples, and cherries) or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Helpful Tips For The Best Pancakes

• Measuring Flour: This can be a tricky task. Lightly loosen the flour in its container, then carefully scoop it into your measuring cup until it’s slightly heaped. Use a knife to level off the top for an accurate measurement. For greater precision, weigh the flour using a scale (in grams).
• Best Baking Powder: Use aluminum-free baking powder, as they can prevent any metallic taste that might occur with regular baking powder when used in higher quantities.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the pancakes tough and dense. Nobody enjoys that? A few lumps in the batter are fine.
• Let the Batter Rest: Allow the batter to sit for a few minutes. This process lets the gluten relax and the baking powder activate, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
• Flip Once, Don’t Press: Only flip the pancake once bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Avoid pressing down on the pancakes with a spatula, as this can flatten them and make them less fluffy.

Variations To Try

You can without problems customize this recipe with diverse add-ins and variations to fit your taste. Don’t hesitate to test with new matters. It's really fun! Here are a few yummy thoughts:

• Chocolate Chips: Who doesn’t love them? Add a generous (obvio!) quantity to the batter for a candy treat. They melt slightly during cooking, creating pockets of chocolatey goodness.
• Berries: Pancakes and berries are the absolute combo. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries—the choice is yours. Mix them for a burst of fruity taste.
• Banana: Slice or mash bananas and blend them into the batter for introduced sweetness and a gentle texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon and it offers your pancake a subtle sweetness and intensity to the flavor.
• Cheese: This can never go wrong! Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella or feta cheese for a savory pancake variation.
• Bacon or Ham: Why not? Add cooked crumbled bacon or diced ham to the batter for a salty, savory pancake. A meaty twist!
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill can deliver your pancakes a savory flair, top notch for serving with eggs or smoked salmon.
• Whole Wheat Pancakes: Substitute 1/2 of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It gives a nuttier flavor and expanded fiber content.

What To Serve With Pancakes

Many people love fresh fruit with their pancakes. Try a simple fruit salad—it's not only delicious but also a healthy option. Craving something savory? Add bacon or sausage, a classic choice. Eggs are also a great pairing; think poached or scrambled eggs.

Looking for more ideas? Consider whipped cream or whipped coconut cream (mouthwatering!), nuts and seeds, apple butter, chocolate chips, or butter pecan syrup. Don’t forget honey, a great natural alternative to syrup for added sweetness.

You can also pair your pancakes with comforting drinks like coffee or espresso, fresh juice (orange or apple), or even a fruit smoothie. Herbal or breakfast teas also pair nicely. The options are endless, catering to every taste.

Can You Save Pancake Batter

The answer is simple: yes! Don’t let leftover pancake batter go to waste—you’ve spent your valuable time on it. The good news is, it can be stored. Place the batter in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two days.

If you don’t plan to use it within that time, freeze it for longer storage. It's that easy! Ladle the batter into serving-size portions in freezer bags. Next, wrap the bags in foil. Freeze flat for up to one month. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

How To Freeze Pancakes

First, allow the pancakes to chill absolutely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure the edges don’t touch. Freeze for about half-hour, then switch the pancakes to a freezer-secure bag. Place parchment paper between every pancake to prevent them from sticking.

You can freeze them for up to two months. For shorter storage, hold them in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to a week.

To reheat pancakes, you may use a microwave, which is straightforward and famous. Place the pancakes on a microwave-secure plate and cook for approximately 20 seconds per pancake. Add extra time for multiple pancakes. Alternatively, wrap them in foil and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.