Are you ready to ditch the boxed mixes and experience the joy of making fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes from scratch? This recipe uses cake flour, a secret ingredient that elevates these pancakes to a whole new level of tenderness. Forget about tough, rubbery pancakes – these are light, airy, and perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick weeknight breakfast. This easy recipe is ideal for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs looking for a delightful twist on a classic. Let's dive into this delectable journey of homemade cooking!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Items
This recipe is designed for simplicity and uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- 1 ½ cups cake flour (approximately 180g)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups milk (whole milk is recommended for the best results)
- 1 large egg
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing the pan)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Perfect Pancakes
Let's get cooking! Follow these easy-to-follow steps for a delicious, healthy meal.
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Whisk the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure all the dry ingredients are well combined. This prevents clumps and ensures even baking.
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Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter until everything is thoroughly blended.
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Gently combine wet and dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking gently until just combined. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough pancakes. A few lumps are okay!
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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 fluffy pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings. Think maple syrup, fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate chips – the possibilities are endless!
Tips and Tricks for Pancake Perfection
- Don't overmix: As mentioned, overmixing leads to tough pancakes. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients are combined.
- Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking helps the gluten relax, resulting in even 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 slightly.
- Use a non-stick pan: This will prevent sticking and make flipping the pancakes easier.
Delicious Variations to Explore
- Blueberry Pancakes: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries into the batter before cooking.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent treat.
- Banana Pancakes: Mash one ripe banana and add it to the batter for added sweetness and moisture.
Nutritional Information (per pancake, approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 4-5g
- Fat: 6-8g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
These easy and delicious pancakes are a perfect addition to your breakfast repertoire. The cake flour gives them an incredibly light and fluffy texture that you won't find anywhere else. Enjoy!