Fluffy Pancake Recipe from Scratch
Want to start your day with a stack of perfectly fluffy pancakes? This recipe guarantees light, airy pancakes that are delicious and easy to make from scratch. Forget the boxed mixes, this is all you need!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 egg
- 3 tablespoons melted butter, plus more for greasing the griddle
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed for maximum fluffiness.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using). Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it might cook the egg!
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a whisk or spatula to mix until just combined. Do not overmix! A few lumps are okay; overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough pancakes.
- Rest the Batter: Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the baking powder to activate and the gluten to relax, creating a more tender pancake.
- Heat the Griddle: Preheat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick pan over medium heat. A good test is to flick a few drops of water onto the surface; they should sizzle and evaporate quickly.
- Pour and Cook: Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake.
- Flip and Finish: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know it’s time to flip when bubbles start to form on the surface and the edges look set. Flip gently and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your fluffy pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, berries, whipped cream, or chocolate chips.
Tips for Extra Fluffy Pancakes:
- Don’t Overmix: This is the golden rule for fluffy pancakes.
- Use Buttermilk (Optional): Substitute buttermilk for the milk for even more tangy, fluffy pancakes. You may need to add a bit more liquid to achieve the right consistency.
- Whip Egg Whites (Optional): For incredibly fluffy pancakes, separate the egg and whip the egg white until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped egg white into the batter at the end.
- Keep Pancakes Warm: Place cooked pancakes in a warm oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.
Enjoy your delicious and fluffy homemade pancakes! This simple recipe is sure to become a weekend breakfast staple.