Fluffy pancakes are the ultimate breakfast comfort food, loved for their soft, airy texture and golden-brown perfection. This recipe ensures you achieve pancakes that are light and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you enjoy them with syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream, these pancakes are a delightful way to start your day. The batter is simple to prepare, and the cooking process is quick, making it ideal for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches.
Ingredients:
- All-Purpose Flour: 1½ cups
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Milk: 1¼ cups
- Large Egg: 1
- Unsalted Butter: 5 tablespoons, melted
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
- Optional Toppings: Maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents clumps.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. If the butter solidifies slightly, don’t worry—it will blend smoothly when combined with the dry ingredients.
- Combine the Batter:
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently with a fork or whisk until just combined. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to dense pancakes.
- Rest the Batter:
- Let the batter sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the baking powder to activate and creates a fluffier texture.
- Heat the Pan:
- Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Test the heat by sprinkling a few drops of water onto the surface—if they dance and evaporate, the pan is ready.
- Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of butter or cooking spray.
- Cook the Pancakes:
- Scoop the batter onto the skillet using a ¼-cup measure for evenly sized pancakes. Spread the batter into a round shape if needed.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until bubbles form and pop on the surface and the edges look dry. Flip the pancake with a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve:
- Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and keep them warm while you cook the remaining batter. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.
Tips and Variations:
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dry ingredients in advance and store them in an airtight container. When ready to cook, simply add the wet ingredients.
- Add-ins: Mix chocolate chips, blueberries, or chopped nuts into the batter for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Freezing: Freeze pancakes by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing for 30 minutes. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking.
Fluffy pancakes are a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you’re enjoying them plain or loaded with toppings, this recipe guarantees a stack of pancakes that are soft, golden, and irresistibly delicious. Happy cooking!