Classic American Breakfast Recipe: Fluffy Pancakes
A classic American breakfast isn’t complete without a stack of fluffy pancakes. Perfectly golden brown on the outside, tender and airy on the inside, these pancakes are a breakfast staple loved by many. Whether enjoyed with a drizzle of maple syrup, a dollop of butter, or a handful of fresh berries, pancakes are both versatile and comforting. Here’s how you can make them at home, ensuring a delightful start to your day.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cups milk (whole milk is preferred for richness)
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (plus more for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. If you’re using an electric griddle, set it to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the cooking surface with a bit of butter or oil, and then wipe away any excess with a paper towel to ensure a non-stick surface.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This combination creates a light, airy texture in the pancakes and balances the sweetness.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the egg and then add the milk and melted butter. If you’re using vanilla extract, stir it in as well. This mixture adds flavor and moisture to the pancakes.
- Make the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. The batter should be a bit lumpy, and it’s important not to overmix, as this can result in tough pancakes. Some small lumps are perfectly fine and actually contribute to the fluffiness.
- Cook the Pancakes: For each pancake, ladle about ¼ cup of batter onto the preheated griddle or skillet. Cook until you see bubbles forming on the surface of the pancake and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancake and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more butter or oil to the pan as needed.
- Serve Hot: Serve the pancakes immediately while they’re hot and fluffy. You can stack them high or spread them out on a plate. Top with your favorite accompaniments, such as maple syrup, butter, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Tips for Perfect Pancakes:
- Ingredient Temperature: Using room-temperature milk and eggs helps in achieving a better batter consistency. Cold ingredients can cause the melted butter to solidify, resulting in a lumpy batter.
- Rest the Batter: If you have time, let the batter rest for about 5-10 minutes before cooking. This allows the flour to fully absorb the liquid, resulting in a smoother batter.
- Heat Management: If your griddle or skillet is too hot, the pancakes may brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw on the inside. Conversely, if it’s too cool, the pancakes will cook unevenly and might turn out tough. Medium heat is typically ideal.
- Keep Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked pancakes warm in a low oven (about 200°F or 90°C) while you finish cooking the rest. This keeps them warm without overcooking.
Enjoy your classic American pancakes with a variety of toppings and sides. Whether it’s a special weekend breakfast or a simple weekday treat, these pancakes are sure to satisfy and bring a smile to your face.
