Pancakes are a popular breakfast staple loved by people of all ages. They are easy to make and can be customized to suit different tastes. Making light and fluffy pancakes from scratch is easier than you think. With a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can whip up a batch of delicious pancakes in no time.
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp. granulated sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
1 cup milk
1 egg
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix the batter, as this can make the pancakes tough.
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, ladle about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
5. Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. You can tell it’s time to flip the pancake when bubbles form on the surface.
6. Serve the pancakes immediately with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, whipped cream, or maple syrup.
Tips for Making Perfect Pancakes:
1. Use fresh ingredients. Old flour, baking powder or milk may affect the consistency of your pancakes. Check expiration dates to ensure freshness.
2. Do not overmix the batter. Mixing the batter too much after adding the liquid ingredients can cause the gluten in the flour to become overworked, resulting in tough, rubbery pancakes.
3. Use a non-stick skillet or griddle. This will help prevent the pancakes from sticking to the surface and tearing when you try to flip them.
4. Use a ladle to measure the batter. This ensures that each pancake is roughly the same size and will cook evenly.
5. Add flavor to your pancake batter. You can add a variety of ingredients to your pancake batter to give it extra flavor, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or lemon zest.
In conclusion, making light and fluffy pancakes is simple when you follow these steps. With a bit of practice, you’ll soon be whipping up delicious pancakes that will leave your family and friends coming back for more. Don’t forget to experiment with different flavors and toppings to find your perfect pancake.