Homemade Pancakes

Fluffy and Delicious Every Time

There’s nothing quite like starting your day with a stack of fluffy, homemade pancakes. Whether you enjoy them with a drizzle of syrup, a dollop of butter, or topped with fresh fruit, pancakes are a breakfast classic that’s both easy to make and utterly satisfying. Here’s a simple recipe to help you whip up the perfect pancakes at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup buttermilk (or milk)
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Butter or oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and ensures your pancakes are light and fluffy.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, yogurt, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract (if using). The yogurt adds a slight tang and extra moisture to the pancakes, making them soft and tender.

3. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy. Overmixing can result in dense pancakes.

4. Heat the Pan:

• Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with butter or oil. You’ll know the pan is ready when a few drops of water sizzle and evaporate immediately.

5. Cook the Pancakes:

• Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot pan for each pancake. Spread the batter slightly with the back of a spoon to form a circle.
• Cook until bubbles form on the surface of the pancake and the edges start to look set, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancake and cook the other side until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes more.
• Transfer the cooked pancakes to a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter.

6. Serve:

• Serve your pancakes warm, stacked high, and topped with your favorite ingredients. Classic options include maple syrup, butter, fresh berries, sliced bananas, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Tips for Perfect Pancakes:

1. Don’t Overmix: Keep the batter lumpy for fluffier pancakes.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh baking powder and soda ensure your pancakes rise well.
3. Low and Slow: Cook the pancakes on medium heat to ensure they cook through without burning.

Variations:

• Blueberry Pancakes: Add a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter before cooking.
• Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Stir in chocolate chips for a sweet treat.
• Banana Nut Pancakes: Add sliced bananas and chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra flavor and texture.

Making homemade pancakes is a simple way to bring a touch of joy to your breakfast table. With this easy recipe, you’ll have fluffy, delicious pancakes ready in no time, perfect for a lazy weekend morning or a special weekday treat. Customize them with your favorite toppings, and enjoy every bite!