Simple Pancake Recipe: Fluffy, Delicious, and Easy to Make!

Are you craving a delicious breakfast but short on time? Look no further! This simple pancake recipe delivers fluffy, golden-brown pancakes that are incredibly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Whether you're whipping up a quick weekday breakfast or a fun weekend brunch, this recipe is your go-to for perfect pancakes every time.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe uses basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. No need for fancy ingredients or special trips to the store!

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your pancakes.
• 2 tablespoons sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder: The key ingredient for fluffy pancakes!
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder to create lift.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
• 1 ¼ cups milk: Provides moisture. You can use whole milk, 2%, or even almond milk for a dairy-free option.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
• 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds flavor and tenderness. You can substitute with vegetable oil if needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Follow these simple steps to create perfect pancakes every time:

1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.

2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter.

3. Gently Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking gently until just combined. Don't overmix! A few lumps are okay; overmixing will lead to tough pancakes.

4. Cook the Pancakes: Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium heat. Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the hot surface for each pancake.

5. Flip and Cook: 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.

6. Serve and Enjoy! Serve your pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings, such as butter, syrup, fruit, whipped cream, or chocolate chips.

Tips for Perfect Pancakes:

• 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: If your pancakes are browning too quickly, lower the heat. If they're not browning, increase the heat.
• Use a non-stick pan: This prevents sticking and makes flipping easier.

Variations and Toppings:

This basic recipe is a fantastic starting point for endless variations. Get creative with your toppings! Here are a few ideas:

• Blueberry Pancakes: Fold in ½ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter.
• Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
• Banana Pancakes: Mash a ripe banana and add it to the batter.
• Lemon Ricotta Pancakes: Add a zest of lemon and some ricotta cheese to the batter for a delicious twist.

Conclusion:

This simple pancake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can enjoy fluffy, delicious pancakes any day of the week. So, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delightful breakfast or brunch! What are your favorite pancake toppings? Share them in the comments below!