Are you dreaming of those perfectly golden, fluffy pancakes you get at your favorite diner? Stop dreaming and start cooking! This recipe delivers that classic diner experience right to your kitchen, with a simple, easy-to-follow method. Forget boxed mixes; homemade pancakes are surprisingly quick, incredibly satisfying, and a fantastic way to kickstart your day with a delicious, healthy meal. This recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch, a weeknight quick dinner, or any time you crave a taste of pure comfort food. Get ready to enjoy the best pancakes you've ever made!
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 (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 Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. Don't overmix; a few gentle whisks are all you need.
Bringing it Together:
- Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened. A few lumps are okay; don't overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, 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. 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:
- Serve your golden diner pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings! Classic choices include butter, syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Tips for Perfect Pancakes:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing leads to 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 a good quality non-stick pan: This will prevent sticking and make flipping easier.
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.
Nutritional Information (per pancake, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on toppings)
- Protein: 4-5g
- Fat: 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
Enjoy your homemade Golden Diner Pancakes! They're a delicious and easy breakfast, brunch, or even a fun weeknight dinner option. This simple recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let us know in the comments how your pancakes turn out!