Are you dreaming of a weekend morning filled with the warm, fluffy aroma of freshly made pancakes? Look no further! This recipe, inspired by the classic Better Homes and Gardens style, delivers perfectly light and fluffy pancakes every time. It's a simple recipe, perfect for beginner cooks, yet delicious enough to impress even the most seasoned pancake enthusiasts. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game with this easy recipe for a healthy and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the pan)
Instructions:
Get started:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents, leading to perfectly fluffy pancakes.
Combine wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. Make sure the butter is completely melted and incorporated for a smooth batter.
Make the batter:
- Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined – a few lumps are okay! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour and can result in tough pancakes.
Cook the pancakes:
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Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. You'll know it's ready when a drop of water sizzles on the surface.
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Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot griddle for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Flip when bubbles start to appear on the surface and the edges look set.
Serve and enjoy:
- Serve your fluffy pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings! Consider fresh berries, whipped cream, maple syrup, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Tips for Perfect Pancakes:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing leads to tough pancakes. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking allows the gluten to relax, resulting in lighter pancakes.
- Adjust the heat as needed: If the pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat. If they're taking too long to cook, increase the heat.
- Use fresh baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents lose their potency over time, affecting the rise of your pancakes.
Variations:
- Blueberry Pancakes: Stir in ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter before cooking.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Banana Pancakes: Mash one ripe banana and add it to the wet ingredients.
- Whole Wheat Pancakes: Substitute ½ cup of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
Nutritional Information (per pancake, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on toppings)
- Protein: 4-5g
- Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This delicious and easy pancake recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight breakfast or a delightful weekend brunch. Enjoy the homemade goodness and the satisfaction of creating a classic dish from scratch. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it one of the best recipes for any occasion. These pancakes are a simple, quick dinner idea that is sure to become a family favorite. This healthy meal is a great way to start the day, full of delicious flavors and simple homemade cooking techniques.