Are you craving those unbelievably fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes you've heard so much about from Clinton St. Bakery? Forget the long lines and the early morning rush! This recipe brings the magic of those famous pancakes right to your kitchen. Get ready to experience homemade happiness with this easy recipe, perfect for weekend brunches or a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. These healthy and delicious pancakes are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, no matter your skill level in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups milk (whole milk recommended for best results)
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the pan)
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for perfectly fluffy pancakes.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. Make sure the butter is completely melted before adding to prevent lumps.
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Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; don't overmix! A few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops the gluten, resulting in tough pancakes.
Cooking 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. Adjust the amount of batter depending on your desired pancake size.
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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.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings! Classic options include butter, syrup (maple syrup is always a winner!), fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Tips for Pancake Perfection:
- 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, lower the heat. If they're taking too long to cook, increase the heat.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh baking powder and baking soda are crucial for achieving light and fluffy pancakes.
Variations:
- Blueberry Pancakes: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the blueberries.
- Banana Pancakes: Mash one ripe banana and add it to the wet ingredients.
- Lemon Ricotta Pancakes: Add ½ cup of ricotta cheese and the zest of one lemon to the batter.
Nutritional Information (per pancake, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on toppings)
- Fat: 5-8g
- Protein: 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Clinton St. Bakery-inspired pancake recipe is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy a homemade breakfast or brunch. It's a perfect recipe for beginners and experienced cooks alike. Try it today and experience the fluffy pancake perfection!