No breakfast beats the delicious taste and ease of making classic American pancakes with this delightful recipe for old-fashioned pancakes! They’re easy to make and taste amazing!
You will need flour, sugar, eggs, and milk (or a non-dairy alternative) for this recipe. We prefer whole milk for its unique flavor profile, but you can substitute it with whatever option suits you best.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until a thick batter forms, taking care not to over-mix as this could result in tough pancakes.
Flour
It pays off to strictly adhere to instructions when working with recipes requiring only minimal ingredients, such as pancakes. Even small changes in step can enormously affect the end product.
Essential pancake-making ingredients you likely already have on hand include a large mixing bowl, a medium mixing bowl for wet/dry ingredient separation, a whisk, a spatula, and measuring spoons/cups.
Start by sifting flour, baking powder, and sugar together in a large mixing bowl. Next, whisk egg, milk, and melted butter in another smaller bowl until thoroughly mixed. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix until combined- do not overdo this step, or the pancakes will become tough and chewy!
Use safflower or another high-heat vegetable oil to lightly grease a skillet, and pour 1/4 cup of batter onto it using an ice cream scoop or measuring cup. Allow plenty of space between each pancake as you cook until bubbles appear on its surface and the bottom browns before flipping and cooking until both sides have done the same. When finished, enjoy warm with your favorite toppings and syrup, or store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they should stay fresh for up to four days and can easily be reheated using the microwave.
Sugar
Homemade old-fashioned pancakes offer the ideal way to regulate how much sugar goes into this classic breakfast item. Though sugar is essential for creating fluffy pancakes, too much can lead to overeating and becoming unhealthy. If weight management is your priority, consider replacing sugar with something low-cal such as Stevia, for better weight management.
Pancakes should be cooked on a large griddle or pan to achieve that old-fashioned appearance and crisp texture, although nonstick pans also work fine. When pressing down, avoid pressing too heavily as this may flatten it and make them less tasty; using a spatula when flipping is better as this helps preserve their shape and maintain their original form.
When making pancake batter, begin by sifting together all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl before mixing in any wet ingredients – milk melted butter, and egg should go into their respective wells before you combine everything until everything is uniformly mixed. If lumpy areas appear, this may indicate overmixing. Scoop the pancakes onto a hot griddle and continue cooking until bubbles appear on their surfaces with dry edges – then flip and continue.
Eggs
The batter must have the ideal consistency when making traditional pancakes – thick enough to drop slowly off a spoon but not too runny. Stir gently, as overmixing will lead to flat and tough pancakes.
Eggs are essential in pancakes, helping create air pockets that make the final product light and fluffy while adding moisture. If you are allergic to eggs, egg substitutes may work just as well or even better; banana mash works very well! Nut butter like peanuts, almonds, and cashew also work very well as they help hold together the batter and add rich flavors to its flavor profile.
Explore adding different ingredients to your pancakes to increase both flavors and textures. Try layering fresh fruit on top or drizzling chocolate chips for an irresistibly sweet treat; lemon zest and cinnamon add subtle hints of flavor without added sugar, while peanut or Nutella adds an indulgent twist – or opt for healthier vegan pancakes using vegetable oil instead of butter and non-dairy milk as alternatives!
Butter
Nothing beats a delicious stack of fresh old-fashioned pancakes drizzled in butter and maple syrup! These tried-and-true classics are easy to prepare and always satisfy a crowd; they are perfect for breakfast or brunch with family or friends or can even be prepared and stored in the fridge to reheat later.
Add chocolate chips for an eye-catching twist when crafting pancakes – they pair exceptionally well with Nutella drizzles or strips of bacon! For even more satisfying breakfast meals, add slices of these breakfast favorites!
For these delicious pancakes, start by sifting together two cups of flour blend (or all-purpose), one tablespoon of sugar, and four teaspoons of baking powder in one bowl. In another, whisk the eggs, milk, and melted butter before mixing these wet ingredients with the dry until well combined, but be mindful not to over-mix. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and pour or scoop the batter onto it; cook until bubbles appear and the underside has turned golden-brown before flipping to cook another side until golden before finishing. Serve immediately alongside butter pats and maple syrup.
Milk
Pancakes are an excellent source of calcium. Consuming enough of this essential nutrient can support strong bones and muscles, so consuming an ample supply is critical for good health. Pancakes can also be a practical introduction for children to solid foods – serve them with fruit or whipped butter as toppings! However, please remember that this recipe may not be suitable for diabetics due to the sugar contained within its batter, which can increase blood sugar levels or heart patients as it can raise their heart rates significantly.
These pancakes are thicker and softer than conventional pancakes, absorbing butter and syrup quickly. To avoid sticking, they work best when prepared on a large griddle or cast-iron skillet heated on medium heat – though nonstick pans can also work just as well. Wiping down each batch after preparation helps prevent sticking as well.
Use room-temperature eggs and milk when creating pancake batter to ensure more fluffy, light pancakes. Melted butter adds flavor and moisture for added juiciness in the mix, but be wary not to over-mix as that could result in tough pancakes.
Baking Powder
Buttermilk will create the thick texture that characterizes classic old-fashioned pancakes, while vegetable oil should be used to grease your griddle or skillet. This recipe works best for optimal results when prepared on a cast iron skillet or large griddle, giving them that “homemade” appearance and crisp edges.
Baking powder is an indispensable component to ensure fluffy pancakes. As a dual-acting leavening agent, baking powder releases carbon dioxide when mixed into a batter and further when exposed to heat – providing your pancakes with ample lift without being overly dense (via Bon Appetit).
Some believe separating eggs and whipping them to stiff peaks helps pancakes rise higher, but the baking powder may be easier and quicker to use for weeknight breakfasts. If you do opt for using egg whites as well, make sure that you fold them gently into the batter to prevent overmixing!
Serve these classic pancakes with butter and maple syrup for an indulgent brunch that will leave everyone asking for seconds (or thirds!). Or add toppings like fresh berries, bananas, chocolate chips, or Nutella for even more indulgent flavors.
Salt
Salt enhances pancakes’ rise while heightening their sweetness without adding additional sugar. Furthermore, adding texture and helping balance flavors adds depth. In addition, its inclusion prevents them from becoming sticky while removing any bitter flour flavors, making them more palatable for consumers.
Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl before creating a well in the center to pour in room temperature milk, egg, and melted butter as your wet ingredients (this mixture must remain cool while mixing); small lumps should remain unaffected during this process. Allow to rest for five minutes.
Pour the batter onto a lightly oiled griddle or skillet and cook each pancake until bubbles appear on top and the edges brown before flipping and cooking the other side until golden brown. Serve these old-fashioned pancakes with maple syrup for maximum enjoyment!