Are you craving fluffy, delicious pancakes but don't have buttermilk on hand? Don't worry! This recipe proves you don't need buttermilk to achieve perfectly tender and light pancakes. It's a quick, easy, and healthy meal – perfect for a weekend brunch or a weekday morning treat. Get ready to enjoy homemade cooking at its finest, even on busy days! This recipe is one of the best recipes for easy pancakes, ideal for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
Ingredients: You'll need these simple ingredients for this delicious dish.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free blend for a healthy twist)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups milk (any kind will do – whole milk, 2%, almond milk, etc.)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the pan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended!)
Instructions: Let's make some pancakes!
Get 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.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
Bring it Together:
- Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; don't overmix! A few lumps are okay – overmixing will result in tough pancakes. This is one of the most important tips for making light and fluffy pancakes.
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 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.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings! Consider fresh fruit, whipped cream, maple syrup, chocolate chips, or a dollop of yogurt.
Tips for Pancake Perfection: These tips will help you achieve the best results every time.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough pancakes.
- 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 as needed: If your pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat. If they're taking too long to cook, increase the heat slightly.
- Use a non-stick pan: A good quality non-stick pan will prevent sticking and make flipping easier.
Variations: Spice things up with these tasty variations!
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
- Blueberry Pancakes: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries.
- Banana Pancakes: Mash one ripe banana and add it to the batter.
Nutritional Information (per pancake, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used, but a general estimate is:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fat: 5-7g
This simple recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic breakfast favorite without the need for buttermilk. It’s a quick dinner idea, too! Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!