Everything You Need to Make The Best Pancakes at Home

There's something special about homemade pancakes that cannot be replicated by store-bought mixes. Making pancakes from scratch allows you to have control over the ingredients, ensuring that you are using high-quality and healthy ingredients. Additionally, making pancakes from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience that can be enjoyed with family and friends. In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know to make the best pancakes at home. From the basic recipe plus some exciting variations to the tools you'll need, to tips and tricks for perfect pancake making, we've got you covered.

Quick Links

• The Perfect Pancake Recipe
• Pancake Topping Ideas
• Making The Perfect Pancake Batter
• Classic Pancake Recipe: Popular Variations
• Everything You'll Need To Make Pancakes
• Making Perfect Pancakes: Tips, Tricks & FAQs

The Perfect Pancake Recipe

Looking for the ultimate pancake recipe? Look no further! This iteration of the classic pancake recipe includes a variation for creating mock buttermilk, in case you're missing it from your ingredients list.

The below recipe will make approximately 4 to 5 classically light and fluffy pancakes. Choose to serve with your toppings of choice (we have a few classic suggestions!), or go all out with our berry compote and lemon sour cream pancake topping recipe, as shown below.

Ingredients

Pancakes

• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup white vinegar (for mock buttermilk)
  OR 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 2 large free-range eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract OR essence
• 50ml melted unsalted butter
• 2 cups plain flour, sifted
• 3 teaspoons baking powder, sifted
• 1/4 cup caster sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1 - To make the mock buttermilk, combine the milk and vinegar in a 1L capacity jug. Allow to rest for a few seconds before whisking in the eggs, vanilla and melted butter.

Step 2 - In a medium - large mixing bowl combine all the dry ingredients. Add the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined.

Step 3 - Lightly grease a non-stick frypan with butter over medium heat.

Step 4 - When the pan is heated up, scoop 1/4 to 1/3 cups full of mixture into it and cook until deep golden before flipping onto the other side.

Step 5 - Repeat until all the mixture is used up.

Pancake Topping Ideas

Classic Pancake Toppings Ideas

Nothing beats classic pancake toppings that are simple yet delicious. Here are some ideas:

• Maple syrup or honey: A classic pancake topping that adds sweetness and moisture to the pancake. Use 100% pure maple syrup or a quality honey for the best flavour.
• Sugar & lemon: A classic combination that is the perfect combination of sweet and tangy. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top of the pancake and squeeze fresh lemon juice over it.
• Nutella & banana: A perfect combination of chocolatey and fruity flavours. Spread Nutella on top of the pancake and add sliced bananas on top.

Fancy Pancake Toppings Ideas

If you're feeling adventurous, try these fancy pancake toppings that are sure to impress:

• Berry Compote & Lemon Sour Cream: A mixture of sweet and tangy flavours that balances well with the pancakes.

Ingredients

Berry Compote

• 500g frozen mixed berries
• 1/3 cup caster sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water

Lemon Sour Cream

• 250ml sour cream OR créme fraîche
• 25g icing sugar, sifted
• Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

To make the compote, combine the berries and sugar in a medium non-stick saucepan and stir. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer while mixing the cornstarch with water. Pour it in stirring continuously until the mixture thickens slightly. Set aside. To make the lemon sour cream, combine the sour cream and icing sugar in a medium mixing bowl and whisk until very soft peaks form. Stir the zest in gently.

Paired with a no-fuss berry compote and refreshing sharpness of sour, rather than full cream, you'll find this a very satisfying but light pancake experience!

Other fancy pancake toppings you can try include caramelised apples, poached pears, and blueberries with whipped cream. Experiment with different toppings to find your perfect pancake combination.

Back to Basics: Making The Perfect Pancake Batter

Understanding the Ingredients

The basic pancake batter recipe typically consists of flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, eggs, milk, and butter. When measuring flour, it's important to use dry measuring cups and level off the top to ensure accuracy. Using too much flour could yield a dense and dry pancake. Sugar adds sweetness while salt is used to balance the flavors. Baking powder is the leavening agent responsible for making the pancake fluffy. Eggs act as a binder while milk and butter make the batter smooth and creamy.

How to Make The Fluffiest Pancakes

Making fluffy pancakes is all about technique and ingredients. One way to achieve the fluffy texture is to separate the egg whites from the yolk and beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Then, gently fold the egg whites into the batter just before cooking. This technique will add volume to your pancake and make it airy. Another way to achieve fluffy pancakes is to use buttermilk instead of regular milk, as the acid in buttermilk reacts with the baking powder for an extra lift. Lastly, don't overmix the batter as this can result in a tough pancake. Mix until the dry ingredients are incorporated but the batter is still slightly lumpy.

Popular Variations of Our Classic Pancake Recipe

Making Pancakes without Eggs

If you're allergic to eggs or just don't have any on hand, you can still make delicious pancakes without them. A common egg substitute for pancakes is using mashed bananas. A 1/4 cup of mashed banana can replace one egg in the recipe and add natural sweetness. Another substitute is applesauce, which works similarly to bananas but does not add as much sweetness. You can also use flax eggs by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and letting it sit for a few minutes to thicken.

How To Make Protein Pancakes

If you're looking to add more protein to your pancakes, you can easily do so by adding protein powder. Simply whisk in a scoop of protein powder into your pancake batter before cooking. Opt for a flavourless protein powder like whey or casein, or choose a flavoured one that complements the pancakes such as vanilla or chocolate. Just be aware that adding too much protein powder can change the texture of the pancake, making it denser.

How To Make Chocolate Pancakes

For all the chocoholics out there, you can easily make chocolate pancakes by adding cocoa powder to the batter. Use unsweetened cocoa powder to maintain control over the sweetness of the pancakes. Mix 1/4 cup of cocoa powder with the dry ingredients before incorporating the wet ingredients. To enhance the chocolate flavour, add chocolate chips to the batter just before cooking. You can also top the pancakes with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and berries for a decadent treat.

Everything You'll Need To Make Pancakes

To make pancakes from scratch, you need a few key tools and accessories on hand in your kitchen:

• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are essential for accurate measurements when baking. Use a set of dry measuring cups to measure flour, sugar, and other dry ingredients. A set of wet measuring cups is used for measuring liquids like milk and water. Measuring spoons are also crucial for smaller measurements of ingredients like baking powder and salt.
• Mixing Bowls & Spoons: Mixing bowls come in various sizes and materials like glass, stainless steel, or plastic. Choose a set of mixing bowls in different sizes to accommodate various recipes. They should be sturdy enough to withstand vigorous mixing and easy to clean. Stainless steel bowls are the best option as they are durable, non-reactive, and can be used for both hot and cold ingredients. Ensure to complement your mixing bowl with a classic wooden mixing spoon for combining the batter.
• Whisk or Blender: A whisk or blender is used to combine the ingredients together and to make the batter smooth and lump-free. A whisk is a low-tech tool that can be used to mix pancake batter, whereas a blender can be used to create a smooth batter. A blender is especially useful when making pancake batter in larger batches.
• Griddle or Pan: A griddle or a non-stick frying pan is an essential tool when cooking pancakes. Choose one that's flat with slanted sides and a non-stick surface that makes flipping the pancakes easier. Make sure the frying pan is hot enough before adding the batter to ensure the pancake does not stick.
• Spatula: A spatula is crucial when flipping the pancakes, and choosing the right one can make it easier. Silicone spatulas are perfect as they are flexible, heat-resistant, and gentle on non-stick surfaces. Choose a spatula that is wide and sturdy enough to support the pancake when flipping.

Equipping your kitchen with all of these baking tools will make your pancake-making process easier and more efficient.

Making Perfect Pancakes: Tips, Tricks & FAQs

How to Keep Pancakes Warm?

To keep the pancakes warm without overcooking them, you can place them in a preheated oven at a low temperature of around 90 to 100°C. Alternatively, you can stack them on a plate and cover them with a clean towel, which will retain their warmth until you are ready to serve them.

How to Make Thin Pancakes?

If you want to make thin pancakes (also known as a crêpe in France!), start by using a thinner batter than you would typically use for regular pancakes. Add more liquid, preferably milk, to the batter to get a thin and pourable consistency.

When to Flip Pancakes?

Knowing when to flip pancakes is crucial to achieving the perfect golden brown colour. Once the batter is in the pan, it will begin to form bubbles on the surface, and the edges will start to lighten. When you notice this happening, it's a sign that the pancake is almost ready to flip. Slide the spatula under the pancake and flip it over.

How Long to Cook Pancakes?

The amount of time to cook pancakes usually depends on the size and thickness of the pancake. On average, it takes about 2 minutes on each side over medium heat. Check the pancake by gently lifting the edge to see if it's browned the way you like. If it's not and the batter is still wet, cook for another minute on the other side.

How to Reheat Leftover Pancakes?

If you have leftover pancakes, you can reheat them easily without compromising their texture and flavour. One of the simplest ways to reheat pancakes is to use a microwave. Wrap the pancakes in a moist paper towel or napkin and microwave on high for 30 seconds.

Say Goodbye To Boring Breakfasts with The BEST Pancakes Ever

Pancakes are a timeless breakfast dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. By following the basic recipe and incorporating some tips and tricks, you can make delicious and fluffy pancakes without much effort. Get inspired by different toppings and variations to take your pancakes to the next level. With endless possibilities, your breakfast will never be boring again.