Struggling to make your first dish or teach students the basics of cooking?
I’ve got you covered with an easy-to-follow American Pancake Recipe.
Pancakes are perfect for beginners: they require basic ingredients you probably already have and just a few simple steps.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through each part of the process, from mixing your batter to flipping your pancakes, all in plain language.
Let’s get started and make cooking less of a chore and more of a joy.
What You Will Need
Before we dive into the batter and sizzle, let’s ensure you have everything needed to create this mouth-watering breakfast.
Ingredients
- Flour: 250 ml (1 cup) all-purpose flour is the base of our pancakes, providing structure.
- Sugar: 15 ml (1 tablespoon) to sweeten the batter just right.
- Baking Powder: 15 ml (1 tablespoon) for that quintessential fluffiness.
- Salt: A pinch (about 1 ml) to balance the flavours.
- Milk: 250 ml (1 cup) full-cream milk to bring the batter together.
- Egg: 1 large, to add richness and bind the ingredients.
- Butter: 30 ml (2 tablespoons) melted, plus extra for cooking, adds moisture and flavour.
- Vanilla Extract: 5 ml (1 teaspoon) for a hint of aromatic sweetness.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk/Fork: To mix everything to the right consistency.
- Non-stick Frying Pan or Griddle: For cooking your pancakes to golden perfection.
- Ladle or Cup: For pouring batter into the pan.
- Spatula: To flip the pancakes.
Instructions
Let’s break down the pancake-making process into simple, manageable steps.
Preparing the Batter
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Make a well in the centre of your dry ingredients and gradually pour in the wet mixture. Stir until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
Cooking the Pancakes
- Preheat Your Pan: Heat a non-stick frying pan or griddle over medium heat and brush with a little butter.
- Pour the Batter: Use a ladle or cup to pour batter onto the hot pan, forming circles about 10-15 cm in diameter.
- Cook Until Bubbles Form: Wait until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges start to look set, about 1-2 minutes.
- Flip and Cook: Gently flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serving
Serve hot with a dollop of butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, or your favourite pancake toppings like fresh berries, banana slices, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep your pancakes light and fluffy.
- Medium Heat: Keep your pan at a medium heat to avoid burning the pancakes.
- Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your baking powder is not expired, as it’s crucial for the rise.
- Rest the Batter: If time allows, let your batter rest for a few minutes before cooking to develop the flavours.
Serving Size
This recipe should serve 3 to 4 people, making about 6 to 8 pancakes, depending on the size.
Congratulations!
You’ve just taken a step into the delightful world of cooking with this simple yet delicious American pancake recipe.
Perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat, these pancakes are sure to bring smiles to your table.
Happy cooking!