Simple Pancake Recipe (with Video)

Simple Pancake Recipe: Pancakes are one of the most loved breakfast dishes worldwide. Their soft, fluffy texture and endless topping possibilities make them a go-to option for any time of day. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this simple pancake recipe will help you create the perfect stack of pancakes.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process step-by-step, so you can master the art of pancake-making. Let’s dive in!

Why Pancakes Are So Popular?

Pancakes are popular for several reasons:

• Quick and Easy to Make – You can prepare pancakes in under 20 minutes with minimal ingredients.
• Versatility – They can be served as a sweet or savory dish.
• Budget-Friendly – Pancake ingredients are inexpensive and readily available.
• Kid-Friendly – Children love pancakes, especially when topped with fruits, syrup, or whipped cream.
• Perfect for Any Meal – While commonly eaten for breakfast, pancakes can also be enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

With their universal appeal, pancakes are a must-know recipe for every home cook.

Ingredients Needed for Pancakes

Basic Ingredients

To make fluffy pancakes, you’ll need:

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour – The base of the pancake batter.
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the batter.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the pancakes rise.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Adds fluffiness and softness.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor.
• 3/4 cup (180ml) milk – Provides moisture.
• 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients and adds structure.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) – Adds richness and prevents sticking.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Gives a hint of flavor (optional).

Optional Add-ons and Toppings

• Fruits – Bananas, blueberries, or strawberries.
• Chocolate Chips – For a sweet, indulgent flavor.
• Syrups – Maple syrup, honey, or fruit syrup.
• Whipped Cream – Adds creaminess and elegance.
• Nuts and Seeds – Almonds, walnuts, or chia seeds for crunch.

These ingredients allow you to customize pancakes to suit your taste.

Essential Tools for Making Pancakes

Before you start cooking, ensure you have these tools ready:

1. Mixing Bowls – For combining ingredients.
2. Whisk or Spoon – To mix the batter smoothly.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons – Ensures precise ingredient measurements.
4. Non-Stick Skillet or Griddle – For cooking pancakes evenly.
5. Spatula – To flip pancakes easily without breaking them.
6. Ladle or Measuring Cup – For pouring batter in uniform sizes.

Having the right tools will make the process easier and ensure better results.

Step 1: Preparing the Batter

The first step is preparing the pancake batter:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures – Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as it can make pancakes dense instead of fluffy. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.

Pro Tip: Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes to activate the baking powder and create air bubbles, resulting in fluffier pancakes.

Step 2: Preheating the Pan or Griddle

Once the batter is ready, it’s time to heat the pan:

1. Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Lightly grease the surface with butter or cooking spray.
3. Test the temperature by sprinkling a few drops of water on the pan. If they sizzle and evaporate quickly, the pan is ready.

Tip: Avoid overheating the pan, as it can burn pancakes before they cook through. Keep the heat medium-low for even cooking.

Step 3: Cooking the Pancakes

Now comes the fun part—cooking the pancakes:

1. Pour the Batter – Use a ladle or measuring cup to pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake.
2. Spread the Batter – If needed, gently spread the batter into a circular shape using the back of a spoon.
3. Watch for Bubbles – Cook until small bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look dry (about 2–3 minutes).
4. Flip Carefully – Slide a spatula under the pancake and flip it quickly. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown.

Tips for Perfect Flipping:

• Ensure the pancakes are set and bubbling before flipping.
• Use a thin, flat spatula for smooth flipping.
• Flip only once to maintain fluffiness.

Repeat this process until all the batter is used up.

Step 4: Serving the Pancakes

Freshly cooked pancakes taste best when served immediately. Here’s how you can serve them:

1. Stack Them High – Place the pancakes in a neat stack on a plate.
2. Drizzle Syrup – Pour maple syrup generously over the stack.
3. Add Toppings – Top with sliced fruits, nuts, whipped cream, or even chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat.

Creative Topping Ideas

• Berry Blast – Top with blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.
• Nutty Delight – Sprinkle crushed almonds or pecans.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Dream – Drizzle chocolate syrup and add chocolate chips.
• Tropical Paradise – Add pineapple slices, shredded coconut, and honey.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pancakes

Making pancakes may seem simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin their texture and flavor. Here are the most frequent errors and how to avoid them:

1. Over-Mixing the Batter – Over-stirring the batter develops gluten, resulting in dense and rubbery pancakes. Instead, stir gently until ingredients are just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
2. Skipping the Resting Time – Allowing the batter to rest for 5–10 minutes lets the gluten relax and improves fluffiness. Don’t rush this step.
3. Incorrect Pan Temperature – Cooking on a pan that’s too hot can burn the pancakes’ surface while leaving the inside raw. On the other hand, a pan that’s too cool won’t give you golden brown pancakes. Maintain medium heat throughout.
4. Not Greasing the Pan Properly – Too much butter can cause uneven cooking, while too little might make the pancakes stick. Lightly grease the pan and reapply if needed.
5. Flipping Too Early or Too Often – Flipping pancakes before bubbles appear or flipping them multiple times deflates their fluffiness. Be patient and flip only once.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll achieve light, fluffy, and delicious pancakes every time.

Tips for Fluffy and Delicious Pancakes

Want restaurant-quality pancakes? Follow these tips for extra fluffiness and flavor:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients – Baking powder and baking soda lose potency over time. Always use fresh leavening agents to ensure proper rising.
2. Separate and Whisk Egg Whites – For extra fluffiness, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the whites until stiff peaks form and fold them into the batter.
3. Don’t Overheat the Pan – A medium-low temperature ensures even cooking and a golden brown surface without burning.
4. Add a Dash of Buttermilk – Buttermilk reacts with baking soda, adding tanginess and fluff to the pancakes.
5. Experiment with Add-ins – Add blueberries, chocolate chips, or mashed bananas for flavor-packed pancakes.
6. Cover Cooked Pancakes with a Towel – Keep pancakes warm and soft by covering them with a clean kitchen towel until serving.

With these tips, your pancakes will always turn out soft, fluffy, and irresistible.

How to Make Pancakes Healthier

If you’re looking for healthier pancakes, here are some simple swaps and additions:

1. Use Whole Wheat Flour – Replace half or all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
2. Reduce Sugar – Cut down on sugar or replace it with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
3. Add Protein – Mix in protein powder or Greek yogurt to boost protein content.
4. Include Fruits and Vegetables – Add grated zucchini, carrots, or mashed bananas to increase nutrients.
5. Opt for Plant-Based Milk – Almond, oat, or soy milk are great alternatives for reducing calories.
6. Use Coconut Oil Instead of Butter – It’s a healthier fat source.
7. Top with Fresh Fruits Instead of Syrup – Reduce sugar intake by choosing natural fruits as toppings.

These small changes can make pancakes a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.

Variations of Pancakes Around the World

Pancakes come in many forms globally, each offering unique flavors and styles:

1. American Pancakes – Thick, fluffy, and served with syrup or butter.
2. French Crêpes – Thin, delicate pancakes often filled with fruits, jams, or savory ingredients.
3. Japanese Soufflé Pancakes – Ultra-fluffy and jiggly, made with whipped egg whites.
4. Russian Blinis – Small, thin pancakes served with sour cream or caviar.
5. Indian Dosa – Savory, thin pancakes made from rice and lentil batter, served with chutneys.
6. Dutch Poffertjes – Mini pancakes made with yeast, served with powdered sugar.
7. Scotch Pancakes – Also known as drop scones, thicker than crêpes but smaller than American pancakes.

Trying these variations can add excitement to your pancake-making journey!

Vegan and Gluten-Free Pancake Alternatives

For those with dietary restrictions, pancakes can easily be adapted:

Vegan Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup almond or oat milk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another.
2. Combine the two mixtures and stir until smooth.
3. Cook as directed earlier, using a non-stick pan.

Gluten-Free Pancakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gluten-free flour blend
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk (or plant-based milk with lemon juice)
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Steps:

1. Follow the same process as the basic pancake recipe, ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
2. Cook and enjoy with gluten-free toppings.

Both versions taste delicious and cater to specific dietary needs!

Storing and Reheating Pancakes

How to Store Leftover Pancakes?

• Refrigerate: Store pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Place parchment paper between pancakes and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Methods:

1. Microwave – Heat pancakes for 20–30 seconds.
2. Oven – Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
3. Toaster – Toast frozen pancakes for a crispy exterior.

These methods preserve the pancakes’ texture and taste for later enjoyment.

FAQs about Simple Pancake Recipe

What ingredients do I need for a simple pancake recipe?

For a basic pancake recipe, you’ll need all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, milk, an egg, and melted butter or oil. These ingredients combine to create fluffy, delicious pancakes perfect for any breakfast table.

How do I make my pancakes fluffy?

To ensure your pancakes are fluffy, use fresh baking powder. The key is the reaction between the baking powder and the wet ingredients, which produces bubbles in the batter, making the pancakes light and airy.

Can I make pancakes without eggs?

Yes, you can make pancakes without eggs by substituting bananas, applesauce, or a commercial egg replacer. These alternatives help bind the pancakes similarly to eggs while also adding a unique flavor.

Is it possible to make pancakes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Alternatively, cook the pancakes and store them in the refrigerator for several days or freeze them for up to two months, reheating them when ready to serve.

What are some simple toppings for pancakes?

Classic toppings include maple syrup, honey, fresh berries, sliced bananas, or a dollop of whipped cream. For something different, try almond butter, Greek yogurt, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.

Conclusion

Making pancakes at home is simple, fun, and rewarding. Whether you enjoy classic fluffy pancakes, healthier versions, or international varieties, this recipe and guide have you covered. With just a few ingredients and basic techniques, you can whip up delicious pancakes that everyone will love.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your skillet, and start flipping! Perfect pancakes are just minutes away.