Are you craving those fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes you get at your favorite breakfast spot? Stop dreaming and start making! This recipe closely replicates the legendary Original Pancake House pancakes, bringing that delicious restaurant experience right into your kitchen. Get ready for a weekend brunch upgrade or a weekday morning treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. This recipe offers a delightful blend of simple ingredients and foolproof techniques, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. Prepare for fluffy, golden-brown pancakes that will become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (granulated)
- 1 3/4 cups milk
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the pan)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Make sure there are no lumps and the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. This ensures a consistent texture in your final pancakes.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. Whisk vigorously to fully incorporate the ingredients. The melted butter adds richness and tenderness to the pancakes, enhancing the overall flavor.
Step 3: Gently Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the batter together until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough pancakes. Aim for a slightly lumpy batter.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
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 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 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings. Butter, syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream—the possibilities are endless!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pancakes:
- Don't overmix the batter: This is crucial for light and fluffy pancakes.
- Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking helps the gluten relax, resulting in even more tender pancakes.
- Adjust the heat as needed: 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 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Add 1/2 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: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This Original Pancake House inspired recipe is perfect for a quick and easy breakfast, brunch, or even a delightful dinner option. The fluffy texture and delicious taste will have everyone asking for more! Enjoy experimenting with different toppings and variations to create your own unique pancake masterpiece. Happy cooking!