Are you craving those fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes you get at Bob Evans? Forget the drive and the wait! This recipe brings the magic of those iconic pancakes right to your kitchen. It’s easier than you think to make restaurant-quality pancakes at home, and this recipe is perfect for weekend brunches, special occasions, or even a quick and delicious weeknight breakfast. Get ready to impress your family with these light and fluffy, Bob Evans-inspired pancakes!
Ingredients: A Simple Pantry Staple List
This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (granulated white sugar works best)
- 1 3/4 cups milk (whole milk recommended for fluffiest pancakes)
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the griddle)
Instructions: Making the Magic Happen
Making these pancakes is a breeze, even for beginner cooks! Follow these steps for perfectly fluffy results.
Step 1: Dry Ingredients First
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Make sure there are no lumps.
Step 2: Wet Ingredients Magic
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.
Step 3: Gentle Combining
Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined – don't overmix! A few lumps are okay; overmixing will lead to tough pancakes.
Step 4: Griddle Prep
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.
Step 5: Pancake Time!
Pour 1/4 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.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Serve your delicious pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings like butter, syrup, fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate chips.
Tips for Pancake Perfection
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough pancakes. Mix until just combined.
- 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 cooking too slowly, increase the heat.
- Use fresh baking powder: Baking powder is key to fluffy pancakes. Make sure yours is fresh for the best results.
Variations: Get Creative in the Kitchen!
- Blueberry Pancakes: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries before cooking.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips before cooking.
- Banana Pancakes: Mash 1 ripe banana into the batter before cooking.
- Buttermilk Pancakes: Substitute buttermilk for the milk for a tangier flavor.
Nutritional Information (per pancake, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion size.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 5-8g
- Protein: 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
These homemade Bob Evans-style pancakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They are a delicious and easy breakfast, brunch, or even dessert option that the whole family will love. Enjoy the process of making these fluffy, delightful pancakes from the comfort of your own kitchen!