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Nothing beats waking up to a stack of fluffy, golden pancakes that melt in your mouth, and this Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe is just the ticket for that perfect morning treat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a simple, comforting breakfast, these pancakes come together quickly with basic pantry staples and deliver a wonderfully light texture and rich flavor that’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, economical, and work in harmony to create pancakes that are tender on the inside with that lovely, slightly crisp edge everyone loves. Each component plays a vital role, from the rising power of baking powder to the creamy richness of milk and butter.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body of the pancakes.
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Acts as the leavening agent, ensuring fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps browning.
- 1 ¼ cups milk (dairy or plant-based): Moisturizes the batter and tenderizes the crumb.
- 1 egg: Binds ingredients together and contributes to the fluffiness.
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (or vegetable oil): Gives moisture and a delicate richness.
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, fragrant note that elevates the flavor.
How to Make Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Dry Ingredients
Start by sifting together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar into a large bowl. Sifting is key here; it lightens the flour and evenly distributes the baking powder so your pancakes rise beautifully and stay tender.
Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and if you have it, vanilla extract until fully combined. This mixture forms the creamy base that will balance the dry ingredients and bring everything together.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry
Create a well in the center of your dry mix and gently pour in the wet ingredients. Stir carefully—don’t overmix! It’s perfectly fine and even preferable to have a few lumps left in the batter; this helps keep your pancakes light and airy.
Step 4: Heat the Skillet
Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat, lightly greasing it with butter or oil. The pan needs to be hot enough that your batter sizzles gently upon contact but not so hot that it burns on the outside before cooking through.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until you see bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. This is your cue to flip!
Step 6: Flip and Finish Cooking
Flip the pancakes carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the other side turns a gorgeous golden brown. Using a thin spatula helps keep them intact and fluffy.
Step 7: Repeat and Serve Warm
Continue this process with the rest of your batter, greasing the skillet between batches as needed. Serve your pancakes warm to enjoy that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture at its peak.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe
Garnishes
Pancakes are like a blank canvas begging for your favorite toppings. Classic options include fresh berries, sliced bananas, maple syrup, or a generous dollop of whipped cream. For a little extra indulgence, you could drizzle some melted chocolate or sprinkle chopped nuts on top.
Side Dishes
Pair your pancakes with crispy bacon, savory sausages, or a light fruit salad to create a balanced breakfast spread. If you prefer vegetarian options, a side of sautéed mushrooms or avocado slices complements these pancakes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your pancakes in a tall tower sprinkled with powdered sugar for a charming presentation, or arrange them in a fan shape on a large plate with drizzles of honey or yogurt artfully swirled around. Adding edible flowers or fresh herbs can give a lovely fresh twist that’s unexpected but delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover pancakes, no worries! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and ready for a quick breakfast or snack.
Freezing
To preserve pancakes for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. This helps avoid pancakes sticking together and makes it easy to grab just what you need.
Reheating
Reheat pancakes gently in a toaster or on a warm skillet until heated through. Microwaving works too, but to retain that lovely texture, a quick toss in the pan with a little butter is best.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour gives pancakes a nuttier flavor and higher fiber content. You might want to use slightly less flour or add a bit more milk to keep the batter the right consistency.
Do I have to add vanilla extract?
Vanilla extract is optional but highly recommended. It adds a subtle warmth and depth to the flavor that really makes these pancakes stand out, but skipping it won’t ruin your pancakes.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the egg for a flax or chia egg, and use a plant-based milk and oil instead of butter. The texture might be a little different but still pleasingly fluffy and delicious.
Why is my pancake batter lumpy?
That’s actually a good thing! Overmixing the batter develops gluten and leads to tough pancakes. Leaving some lumps ensures your pancakes stay tender and fluffy.
How do I know when to flip the pancakes?
Look for bubbles forming on the surface and edges that look set—it’s the perfect moment to flip. This signals that the underside is golden and cooked through enough to turn without breaking.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe is more than just a breakfast staple—it’s a warm hug on a plate that anyone can master. Once you get the steps down, you’ll find endless ways to personalize and enjoy these fluffy delights. Go ahead and bring a little joy to your mornings with this simple, satisfying recipe—it’s bound to become a beloved classic in your kitchen too!
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Easy Homemade Pancake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these easy homemade pancakes, a classic breakfast favorite that’s fluffy, tender, and quick to prepare. With simple pantry ingredients and a straightforward method using a stovetop skillet, this recipe yields light and golden pancakes perfect for any morning. Customize with your favorite toppings for a cozy, delicious start to your day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (or vegetable oil)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl to ensure an even distribution of leavening and flavor.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract, if using, to create a smooth liquid mixture.
- Make Batter: Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together just until combined, leaving some lumps to keep the pancakes tender.
- Preheat Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook Pancakes – Part 1: Pour approximately ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges look set.
- Cook Pancakes – Part 2: Flip the pancake carefully and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat Cooking: Continue cooking the remaining batter in batches, greasing the skillet as needed between batches to maintain non-stick quality.
- Serve: Serve the pancakes warm with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, butter, or whipped cream for a delicious breakfast treat.
Notes
- For fluffier pancakes, do not overmix the batter; some lumps are fine.
- You can substitute milk with plant-based milk alternatives like almond or oat milk.
- To keep pancakes warm while cooking the remaining batter, place them on a baking sheet in a warm oven set to 200°F (93°C).
- Adding cinnamon or blueberries to the batter can add a flavorful twist.
- Use a non-stick skillet for best results and easy flipping.
