easy pancake recipe

there’s something interesting about pancakes – they transform an ordinary morning into an outstanding one in just a few minutes. all you need is an easy pancake recipe and a few basic ingredients.

what you get from that combination are delicious pancakes with a golden-brown outside, a light and fluffy inside and a wonderful aroma that fills the dining area with warmth.

if that’s what you want to make, you’ve come to the right place. we'll share an easy pancake recipe that requires minimal ingredients and effort but still helps you make those irresistible golden stacks in no time.

so get ready to learn how to make pancakes that make mornings feel special!

what are pancakes?

pancakes are a popular breakfast item made from a batter of basic ingredients using some simple steps of a pancake recipe. they're flat, round and golden-brown on the outside with a soft and fluffy inside. 

pancakes are so common because they're easy to make and can be customised in countless ways. you can top them with classic maple syrup and fresh fruits like blueberries or bananas or even enjoy their savoury versions with cheese or bacon.

how to make pancakes?

learning how to make pancakes is so straightforward that you can master it in no time. just follow all the steps of our easy pancake recipe and watch these amazing treats take shape.

equipment

• bowl
• wide heavy-bottomed pan
• ladle
• measuring cups
  

ingredients

• 2 cups of plain flour
• 4 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• 1 egg
• 1½ cup of milk
• 1 tablespoon of melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• maple syrup, fresh berries or any other toppings (optional)

instructions

1. dry ingredient mixture:
add all the dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl – combine the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.

2. add wet ingredients to the dry mixture:
crack the fresh egg directly into the dry mixture, then pour the milk and pure vanilla extract. the vanilla adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the taste and fragrance. let the batter rest for about 10 minutes.

3. cooking surface preparation:
grab a pan, set it over medium heat and lightly layer the surface with butter – just a thin layer is enough. now let it warm gradually. 

once it’s warm enough, grab a ladle and pour a portion of the batter onto the heated pan. gently spread the batter into a circular shape with the back of your ladle. try to make uniformly sized pancakes – ours are about 5 inches in diameter.

4. time to flip the pancake:
cook the pancake for about a minute or two – that’s when you’ll notice small bubbles forming on the surface and the sides becoming dry. that’s a cue to flip it over gently. let the other side cook until it turns golden brown (1-2 minutes again). repeat the process with the remaining batter and add a bit more butter after a couple of pancakes.

5. serving:
transfer cooked pancakes to a warm plate. this easy pancake recipe should make around 12 to 14 pancakes. before serving, top it with your favourites – maple syrup, fresh berries or butter.

when is the right time to flip pancakes? 

even the best pancake recipe depends on flipping a pancake at the right time. the perfect time is when bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set. just grab a spatula, slide it underneath the pancake, and flip it over. it’s as simple as that!

pancake toppings

turning a stack of pancakes into a culinary masterpiece is an art form that takes shape with irresistible toppings. while the best pancake recipes guide you through the basics, the finishing touch is where your creativity makes the difference. let’s check out some of the toppings you can use to give a creative finish to your pancake recipe.

• banana slices: create banana pancakes with thin slices of the fruit. you can even sprinkle some cinnamon over them.
• berries: blueberries and blackberries go very well as toppings. even their syrup tastes amazing on pancakes. 
• mango chunks: dice fresh mango and spread it on pancakes for a tropical taste.

• cinnamon: dust on top or mix it into the batter for an outstanding fragrance and flavour. you can mix it with apples, pan-cook them and enjoy on the pancakes.
• dark chocolate gratings: add some dark chocolate pieces or shavings to your warm pancakes and let them melt into a delicious, chocolatey treat!

• crispy bacon: add crispy bacon on top of your pancakes for a savoury flavour. 

what to serve with pancakes

well, ask any pancake fan, and they’ll probably say "nothing!" – because pancakes are already amazing on their own. but if you're looking to balance the taste, there are plenty of options.

serve a fresh fruit salad with juicy berries and sweet melon. or scrambled eggs with crispy baked bacon for an outstanding contrast. and don’t forget the drink – a warm cup of english breakfast tea will complete your breakfast!

different types of pancakes

an easy pancake recipe is so easy to play around with – it lets you get creative and make different types of pancakes! here’s a line-up of some of the types of pancakes to try:

1. banana bread pancakes
these pancakes are soft, fluffy and packed with flavours similar to that of banana bread. make it even better with some maple syrup or cream.

2. chocolate and berry pancakes
an irresistible treat made with dark chocolate and fresh berries – it’s just right for those who enjoy a little pampering at breakfast.

3. blueberry pancakes with bacon and honeycomb butter
the classic pancake gets an upgrade with a honeycomb texture and savoury-sweet bacon for an irresistible mix of flavours.

4. ricotta hotcakes with blueberries
light and airy, these hotcakes are made with ricotta and blueberries. they’re ideal for a relaxed weekend brunch.

5. bacon, cheddar and chive pancakes
these savoury pancakes are loaded with smoky cheddar and fresh chives, paired perfectly with the sweet touch of maple-glazed bacon.

6. blueberry buckwheat pancakes
made with buckwheat flour, these pancakes are a healthier, nutty option topped with juicy blueberries.

7. anzac and coconut ice cream pancakes
inspired by anzac biscuits, these hotcakes are topped with creamy coconut ice cream for a uniquely aussie variety.

8. pikelets
smaller, thicker pancakes that go perfectly with jam or butter – a simple but popular treat.

9. crab and potato pancakes
a savoury treat loaded with tender crab and crispy potato – just what you need as a light meal or appetiser.

10. smoked salmon, potato and crème fraîche
potato pancakes topped with smoked salmon and creamy crème fraîche make for a classy dish. you can even add some salmon roe.

11. banana and maple syrup pancakes
one of the most popular varieties of classic pancakes, these are loaded with banana and maple syrup.

12. ricotta pancakes
the ricotta cheese adds a subtle creamy texture to the classic pancakes and makes them extra delicious. 

secret tips and tricks to make the best pancake recipe

making the best pancakes isn’t hard when you know a few tips and tricks! these little secrets will help you upgrade to the best pancake recipe.

use fresh baking powder
always use fresh baking powder – it’s what makes your pancakes rise. even if it’s not expired, old baking powder can lose effectiveness. and that means your pancakes might turn out flat. 

to be sure that your baking powder is still good, just add some of it to hot water. if it fizzles, it’s still fine to use. if not, it’s time to get a fresh one.

sift the dry ingredients
sifting your dry ingredients like flour and baking powder gets rid of lumps and makes sure everything mixes evenly. it helps create a lighter and fluffier pancake batter. this goes a long way in the success of your pancake recipe.

let the batter rest
give your batter a little rest before cooking – just 5-10 minutes are enough. the break gives enough time for the gluten to relax, and you get fluffier and more tender pancakes that make for the ultimate breakfast dish!

preheat the pan
make sure your frying pan is hot before you pour the batter. however, don’t turn up the heat too high – a medium heat is perfect for the success of your best pancake recipe. if it’s too cool, the pancakes won’t cook evenly. it’s best to test by sprinkling a little water on the pan – if it sizzles, you’re good to go. 

grease the pan lightly
only a small amount of butter is required in the easy pancake recipe. if you apply too much, your pancakes won’t cook evenly. so, spread a thin layer on the frying pan. if there’s excess, wipe it off with a paper towel.

use a measuring scoop
to get evenly sized pancakes, use a ladle or measuring cup to pour the batter. it’s an easy way to make your stack look picture-perfect!

wait for the bubbles
don’t flip the pancake too soon. wait until you see bubbles forming on the surface and the edges look dry. if you flip too early, the pancake won’t fully rise and its structure won’t set properly.

common mistakes to avoid when making pancakes

here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best result from your pancake recipe:

inaccurate measurement of ingredients: correct ratios ensure pancakes rise properly, so avoid inaccurate measurements.

overmixing the batter: overmixing can make your pancakes tough instead of soft and fluffy. gently stir until the ingredients are just combined, even if you have to leave a few lumps in the batter.

over-greasing the pan: avoid over-greasing the pan, just make a thin layer of butter.

incorrect heat: cooking on too high or too low heat can ruin the result of even the best pancake recipe. use medium heat for an even finish.

how to reheat the pancakes?

whenever you’re ready to consume the leftover pancakes, just reheat them. to reheat pancakes, place them on a microwave-safe plate. microwave each pancake for 20-25 seconds. continue for longer if required. for a crispier texture, wrap them in foil and reheat them in the oven at 160°c for 8-10 minutes.

how to store the leftover pancakes?

there's a good chance the treat from your pancake recipe gets totally consumed and there’s nothing left to store. but if you do need to save some, here’s an easy way. 

before you stack them to store, let them cool completely. place a sheet of parchment paper between each pancake to prevent sticking. then, store them in an airtight container. 

if you want to store the pancakes for longer, freeze them for 30-35 minutes by laying them flat on a baking sheet. then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once frozen. if stored properly, pancakes can last in the fridge for up to 3 days.

conclusion

pancakes are a fantastic breakfast choice, and let’s be honest – we all love them, don’t we? but it takes more than a pancake recipe to make the perfect breakfast dish. it’s all about the little details and your creative input – whether it’s your first time flipping those pancakes or you’ve been at it for years.

if you’re a newbie, this easy pancake recipe will get you started. once you've understood how to make pancakes, use the tips and tricks to improve your skills and make the best pancake recipe. 

so, gather your ingredients and get ready to make some pancakes that are sure to make a perfect breakfast!

faqs on pancakes recipe

q. what are the ingredients for pancakes made from scratch?

a. you’ll need basic ingredients to make pancakes from scratch. that includes flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, eggs, milk and melted butter. some pancake recipes (like ours) may also include vanilla extract for better flavour. these simple ingredients are mixed to form the batter that gives you fluffy and fantastic pancakes. for the toppings, there are plenty of choices like maple syrup, butter or fresh fruits.

q. what do you need to make pancakes?

a. to make pancakes, you’ll need a measuring cup for accurate measurement of ingredients, a mixing bowl to combine the ingredients and a whisk or spoon to stir the ingredients and make the batter. additionally, you’ll need a wide pan or griddle and
a ladle to pour the batter onto the pan. and don’t forget a spatula for flipping!

q. what is the secret to making the best pancakes?

a. the secret to the best pancake recipe lies in the little details. use fresh ingredients, especially baking powder, for a perfect rise. don’t over-mix the batter – or you’ll miss out on the fluffiness. let the batter rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten. cook on medium heat to get evenly cooked pancakes. finally, serve them warm with irresistible toppings.

q. is self-raising flour ok for pancakes?

a. you can use self-raising flour to make pancakes, it’s a perfectly fine choice. it already contains baking powder, so you won’t need to add any separately. using self-raising flour makes the pancakes fluffy and light. just remember to adjust the amount of salt and other ingredients in your recipe to maintain the right balance of flavour and texture.