Fluffy Pancakes

Fluffy Pancakes Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar)
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Make sure they are fully combined so that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients. This ensures that the pancakes rise evenly when cooked.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Be sure the melted butter has cooled slightly before adding it to avoid scrambling the egg.
3. Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. It’s important to not overmix the batter. The goal is to combine the ingredients until just incorporated. It’s okay if there are a few lumps in the batter—overmixing will result in dense pancakes.
4. Let the Batter Rest: Allow the batter to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This gives the flour time to hydrate and allows the baking powder to activate, which will give the pancakes their fluffy texture.
5. Heat the Pan: While the batter rests, heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. To test if it’s ready, sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface. If they sizzle and evaporate immediately, the pan is hot enough. Lightly grease the pan with butter or cooking spray.
6. Cook the Pancakes: For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot pan. Let the pancakes cook for 2-3 minutes until small bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set. Flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side, or until golden brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the pancakes from the skillet and serve immediately with your favorite toppings—maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. For an extra indulgence, try adding chocolate chips or sliced bananas to the batter before cooking.

Tips for Perfect Fluffy Pancakes:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: As mentioned, overmixing leads to dense pancakes. Stir the batter until just combined—lumps are okay!
• Use a Hot Pan: Make sure your pan or griddle is properly heated before cooking the pancakes. If it’s too cold, your pancakes will turn out flat and soggy. Too hot, and they’ll burn before they’re cooked through.
• Keep Pancakes Warm: If you’re making multiple pancakes, keep them warm in the oven. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and place a baking sheet lined with parchment paper inside. As each pancake finishes cooking, place it on the sheet in the oven to keep warm.
• Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with your pancakes! Add chocolate chips, fresh berries, or even a handful of nuts to the batter before cooking. Be sure not to add too many, as this could affect the fluffiness of the pancakes.
• Use Fresh Baking Powder: Make sure your baking powder is fresh and not expired. Old baking powder won’t give you the rise you need for fluffy pancakes.

Variations to Try:

• Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter just before cooking for a sweet, indulgent twist.
• Banana Pancakes: Mash one ripe banana into the batter for a naturally sweet and moist pancake.
• Blueberry Pancakes: Gently fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter for a burst of juicy flavor.
• Whole Wheat Pancakes: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, more nutritious version.

Why You’ll Love These Pancakes:

Fluffy pancakes are a timeless breakfast option because they’re comforting, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. The texture is light and airy, making them a perfect vehicle for all your favorite toppings. Whether you enjoy them plain with syrup or loaded with fruit and whipped cream, these pancakes are sure to satisfy your cravings and give you a delicious start to the day.

So, the next time you’re craving a breakfast treat, pull out this recipe and treat yourself to the fluffiest, most delicious pancakes you’ve ever had. Happy cooking—and even happier eating!