Are you craving a weekend breakfast that's both comforting and delicious? Look no further! This recipe delivers fluffy, golden-brown pancakes that are perfect for a lazy Sunday morning or a quick weeknight dinner. Forget those bland, flat pancakes – this Betty Crocker-inspired recipe is guaranteed to be a family favorite. It's one of the best recipes for easy, healthy, and homemade breakfast goodness, and it's quicker than you think! Let's get started on this quick dinner idea or delightful breakfast treat!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 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, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for perfectly fluffy pancakes.
Combine wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. Make sure the butter is fully melted and slightly cooled to avoid cooking the egg prematurely.
Gentle mixing is key:
- Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough pancakes. A few lumps are okay!
Cooking time:
-
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.
-
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 form on the surface and the edges look set.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings! Classic choices include butter, syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, 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 dry ingredients are moistened.
- Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking allows the gluten to relax, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
- Adjust the heat: If your pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat. If they're not cooking through, increase the heat slightly.
- Use fresh ingredients: Baking powder loses its effectiveness over time, so using fresh ingredients is crucial for fluffy pancakes.
Variations:
- Blueberry Pancakes: Fold 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 half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
Nutritional Information (per pancake, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on toppings)
- Fat: 5-8g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This easy recipe for delicious pancakes is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your homemade breakfast or dinner! These healthy meals are quick to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making them one of the best recipes for simple, satisfying goodness. From quick dinner ideas to delightful weekend brunches, these pancakes are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.