There’s something timeless about a stack of old-fashioned pancakes. Whether it’s the golden brown exterior, the fluffy interior, or the simple, comforting taste, pancakes are a beloved breakfast staple. This classic recipe, which yields about 12 pancakes, ensures you get perfect pancakes every time, ready to be smothered in butter and maple syrup.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and then mix in the milk and melted butter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. The batter will be slightly lumpy.
Step 2: Preheat the Griddle
- Heat the Griddle:
- Preheat a griddle or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease with cooking spray.
Step 3: Cook the Pancakes
- Pour the Batter:
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the griddle for each pancake.
- Cook Until Bubbly:
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancakes and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes.
- Flip and Cook:
- Flip the pancakes and cook until golden brown on the other side, about 1-2 minutes more.
- Repeat:
- Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more cooking spray to the griddle as needed.
Step 4: Serve
- Stack and Serve:
- Stack the pancakes on a plate and serve warm with your favorite toppings like butter, maple syrup, fresh berries, or whipped cream.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Don’t Overmix: For light and fluffy pancakes, avoid overmixing the batter. It’s okay if there are some lumps.
- Consistent Heat: Maintain a consistent medium-high heat to ensure even cooking.
- Customizable: Add-ins like blueberries, chocolate chips, or nuts can be mixed into the batter for variety.
Variations
Blueberry Pancakes
- Ingredients: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter.
- Instructions: Gently fold the blueberries into the batter before cooking.
Chocolate Chip Pancakes
- Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Instructions: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the batter before cooking.
Banana Pancakes
- Ingredients: Add 1 mashed banana to the wet ingredients.
- Instructions: Mix the mashed banana with the egg, milk, and melted butter before combining with the dry ingredients.
Keto Pancakes
- Ingredients: Substitute the flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol instead of sugar.
- Instructions: Follow the same steps, adjusting the amount of milk to achieve the desired batter consistency.
Low-Carb Pancakes
- Ingredients: Use almond flour or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Replace the sugar with a low-carb sweetener.
- Instructions: Combine as usual, ensuring the batter is thick but pourable.
FAQs
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before using.
Q: How do I keep the pancakes warm while cooking the rest? A: Keep the cooked pancakes warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 200°F (95°C).
Q: Can I freeze leftover pancakes? A: Yes, allow the pancakes to cool completely, then stack them with a piece of wax paper between each one and store them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the toaster or microwave.
Q: What can I use instead of milk? A: You can substitute milk with almond milk, soy milk, or any other milk alternative. You can also use water in a pinch, but the pancakes might be less rich.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour? A: Yes, you can substitute all or part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. The pancakes will be denser and have a nuttier flavor.
Old-fashioned pancakes are a breakfast classic that never goes out of style. With this simple recipe, you can create light and fluffy pancakes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick to the traditional version or try one of the variations, these pancakes are sure to delight your family and friends. Enjoy them with a variety of toppings and make every morning special!
