The Best Pancake Recipe: Classic Choice for Breakfast

This is the best pancake recipe for soft and fluffy pancakes every time. It’s simple and perfect for beginners.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 2 tablespoons sugar

- 2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup milk

- 1 large egg

- 2 tablespoons melted butter

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir them together with a spoon.

2. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Add milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix them well with a whisk.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix the batter. Small lumps are okay.

4. Heat a pan or griddle over medium heat. Add a little butter or oil to prevent sticking.

5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, about 2-3 minutes.

6. Flip the pancake carefully with a spatula. Cook the other side for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

7. Serve immediately while hot. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy your homemade pancakes.

Sometimes you make too much batter and wonder if you can save it for later. This happens to many people, especially when cooking for a family. Nobody wants to waste good food or throw away ingredients.

Yes, you can store pancake batter in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Put the batter in a covered container or bowl with plastic wrap. The batter may get thicker in the fridge, so add a little milk before using it again. Stir gently before cooking your pancakes. Never leave batter at room temperature for more than 2 hours because it can spoil.

Here are some simple and helpful tips to make sure your pancakes turn out great every time:

- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Take your milk and eggs out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. This helps everything mix together better and makes fluffier pancakes.

- Do Not Overmix the Batter: Mix just until the ingredients come together. Lumpy batter is normal and will make tender pancakes. Too much mixing makes pancakes tough and chewy.

- Let the Batter Rest for 5 Minutes: This allows the flour to absorb the liquid completely. Your pancakes will be more tender and fluffy.

- Use the Right Pan Temperature: Medium heat works best for pancakes. If your pan is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. If it is too cool, pancakes will be pale and dense.

- Test Your Pan with a Drop of Water: The water should sizzle and evaporate quickly. This means your pan is ready for cooking.

- Keep Pancakes Warm in the Oven: Set your oven to 200°F (93°C) and place cooked pancakes on a baking sheet. This keeps them warm while you cook the rest.

- Use Fresh Baking Powder: Old baking powder will not make your pancakes rise properly. Replace it every 6 months for best results.

The right toppings can make your pancakes even more delicious. Here are some popular and tasty options to try.

- Classic Maple Syrup and Butter - This is the most popular pancake topping. Real maple syrup tastes better than artificial syrup. Add a pat of butter that melts into the warm pancakes.

- Fresh Berries - Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add natural sweetness and color. They also provide vitamins and make your breakfast healthier.

- Sliced Bananas and Honey - This combination is sweet and nutritious. The honey adds natural sweetness, and bananas provide potassium and fiber.

- Whipped Cream and Chocolate Chips - This turns your pancakes into a dessert-like treat. Perfect for special occasions or weekend breakfasts.

- Peanut Butter and Jelly - Spread peanut butter on warm pancakes and add your favorite jelly or jam. This creates a familiar and comforting flavor.

- Yogurt and Granola - Greek yogurt adds protein, while granola provides crunch. This topping makes your pancakes more filling and nutritious.

- Cinnamon Sugar - Mix 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture on hot pancakes for a sweet and spicy flavor.

- Apple Slices and Caramel Sauce - Cook thin apple slices in butter until soft. Add them to your pancakes with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an autumn-inspired breakfast.

- Cream Cheese and Jam - Spread softened cream cheese on your pancakes and add strawberry or raspberry jam. This creates a rich and tangy flavor combination.

- Powdered Sugar and Lemon Juice - This simple topping is light and refreshing. The lemon juice adds brightness, while powdered sugar provides sweetness.