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1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. These are your dry ingredients, and whisking them together first helps ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed, which will make your pancakes rise perfectly.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract together until well combined. The butter should be melted but not too hot; if it’s too hot, it could cook the egg when you mix the wet ingredients.
3. Make the Pancake Batter:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; it’s okay if it’s a little lumpy. Overmixing can make the pancakes tough, and you want them to be light and fluffy!
4. Preheat the Pan:
Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a small amount of butter to coat the surface. Allow the butter to melt and start to bubble. If you want to test if the pan is hot enough, sprinkle a drop of water onto the pan. If it sizzles, you’re ready to go!
5. Cook the Pancakes:
Pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the hot skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes until small bubbles form on the surface of the pancake and the edges look set. Flip the pancake gently with a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown on both sides. Repeat with the remaining batter.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Stack your pancakes on a plate, and serve with your favorite toppings. Whether you like to drizzle on maple syrup, add fresh fruit, or just top with a dollop of butter, these pancakes are the perfect canvas for all your favorite pancake toppings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes of cook time, this recipe is as simple as it gets. You don’t need to be a professional chef to make these pancakes!
- Fluffy & Light: Thanks to the baking powder and the careful mixing, these pancakes are perfectly fluffy and light, just like the ones you’d get at a diner, but made right at home.
- Customizable: You can easily customize your pancakes to suit your taste. Add chocolate chips, blueberries, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon into the batter for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe can be easily doubled if you need to feed a crowd, and the leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can even freeze the pancakes for a quick breakfast during the week. Simply reheat them in the microwave or toaster for a fast, delicious meal.
Tips for Perfect Pancakes Every Time:
- Don’t Overmix: As mentioned, overmixing the batter can make the pancakes dense. Gently stir the batter until the ingredients are just combined, leaving a few lumps. This will result in soft, airy pancakes.
- Use a Preheated Pan: Make sure your skillet or griddle is properly preheated before you pour in the batter. If it’s too cold, the pancakes will cook unevenly. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through.
- Use Fresh Baking Powder: For the fluffiest pancakes, make sure your baking powder is fresh. Old or expired baking powder won’t help the pancakes rise properly, resulting in flatter, denser pancakes.
- Adjust Heat as Needed: If the pancakes are browning too quickly, lower the heat. If they’re taking too long to cook, increase the heat slightly. You want a nice golden-brown exterior and a soft, fully-cooked interior.
- Perfect Pancake Size: If you prefer thicker pancakes, use 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. For thinner pancakes, you can use less batter. Adjust to your preferred thickness!
Creative Toppings Ideas:
- Classic Maple Syrup: You can never go wrong with the traditional option—drizzle some warm maple syrup over your pancakes for that perfect sweet finish.
- Fresh Fruit: Top your pancakes with fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even cooked apples or pears for a fresh, juicy contrast to the warm, fluffy pancakes.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an indulgent treat. You can also sprinkle some chocolate shavings or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Nut Butter & Honey: Spread almond or peanut butter on top, then drizzle with honey for a sweet and nutty topping that’s packed with flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: For a fun twist, add chocolate chips to the batter or sprinkle them on top. Chocolate pancakes make for a decadent breakfast or dessert.
Conclusion:
This Easy and Delicious Homemade Pancakes Recipe is a keeper for breakfast lovers everywhere. It’s quick, simple, and yields perfectly fluffy pancakes every time. Whether you’re serving them with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a scoop of whipped cream, these pancakes are sure to be a hit at your breakfast table. Try this recipe today and enjoy a warm, comforting start to your day that’ll leave you smiling all morning long!