Are you craving a delicious weekend breakfast but short on time? These fluffy pancakes, made with self-rising flour, are the perfect solution! This easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort, resulting in light, airy pancakes that are sure to become a family favorite. Forget complicated recipes; this one is all about simple, homemade goodness – perfect for quick dinner ideas or a delightful weekend brunch. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups self-rising flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar (granulated or caster)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional, adds extra fluffiness – only if your self-rising flour is very old)
- 1 ¼ cups milk (whole milk recommended for best results but any will work)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the pan)
Instructions:
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the self-rising flour and sugar. If using, add the baking powder now as well. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps in your batter.
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Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter until well combined.
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Gently Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough pancakes, so aim for a few gentle strokes until you have a smooth batter with just a few lumps remaining.
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Heat the Pan: 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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Cook the Pancakes: 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.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve your pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings! Think maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate chips – the possibilities are endless.
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 allows the gluten to relax, resulting in even more tender pancakes.
- Adjust the heat as needed: If your pancakes are browning too quickly, lower the heat. If they're cooking too slowly, increase the heat.
- Use a good quality self-rising flour: This will make a significant difference in the texture of your pancakes.
Delicious Variations:
- Blueberry Pancakes: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter before cooking.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter before cooking.
- 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 and type of milk used)
- Protein: 4-5g
- Fat: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This simple pancake recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend mornings. Enjoy these delicious homemade pancakes, and remember to share this recipe with your friends and family! They're sure to become a new favorite among your best recipes.