There’s nothing quite like a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes to start your day off right. Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or a special brunch gathering, easy pancake recipes are always a hit. This simple pancake recipe delivers light, airy, and perfectly golden pancakes every single time. It’s quick and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. With this easy breakfast recipe, you can enjoy homemade pancakes in no time. Let’s dive into how you can whip up the fluffiest pancakes you’ve ever tasted with minimal effort!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Pancakes
What makes this easy pancake recipe a winner is the fact that it uses just a handful of common ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour: The foundation of any good pancake recipe. The flour gives the pancakes structure.
- 2 tablespoons of sugar: A little sugar for sweetness goes a long way in this recipe.
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder: This is the secret ingredient to light, fluffy pancakes.
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt: Salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the pancakes.
- 1 cup of milk: Milk helps to create a smooth, pourable batter. You can use any type of milk (dairy or non-dairy) depending on your preferences.
- 1 large egg: Eggs help bind the ingredients together and add richness to the pancakes.
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter: For a rich, buttery flavor that makes the pancakes irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract: Adds a lovely, sweet aroma and flavor to your pancakes.
That’s all you need! This easy pancake recipe is as simple as it gets, but it yields delicious, fluffy pancakes that are perfect for any occasion.
How to Make Easy Pancakes
Making pancakes from scratch is incredibly easy, and with this recipe, you’ll have your pancakes on the table in no time. Just follow these steps:
- Preheat your griddle or pan: Start by heating your griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of butter to ensure the pancakes don’t stick.
- Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients will form the base of the batter.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir them together with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are okay. Over-mixing can lead to tough pancakes.
- Cook the pancakes: Pour about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle or skillet for each pancake. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until small bubbles form on the surface. Flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Stack the pancakes on a plate and serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as syrup, fresh fruit, butter, or whipped cream.
Tips for Perfect Pancakes
While this easy pancake recipe is simple, there are a few tips to ensure you get the fluffiest, most delicious pancakes every time:
- Don’t over-mix the batter: The key to light pancakes is not over-mixing the batter. Stir until the ingredients are just combined. Over-mixing will result in dense pancakes.
- Let the batter rest: If you have time, let the batter rest for a few minutes before cooking. This helps the gluten relax, leading to fluffier pancakes.
- Use a hot griddle: Ensure your griddle or skillet is properly heated before adding the batter. If it’s too cold, your pancakes will be soggy; too hot, and they’ll burn.
- Flip only once: Flip the pancakes only once to avoid losing all that air you’ve worked to incorporate into the batter.
- Keep the pancakes warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the cooked pancakes warm by placing them in an oven set to 200°F (93°C) while you finish cooking the rest.
Variations to Try with Your Pancake Recipe
One of the great things about pancakes is how customizable they are. You can easily modify this easy pancake recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Chocolate Chip Pancakes
For a sweet twist, add some chocolate chips to your pancake batter! Stir in a handful of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips before cooking for a delicious breakfast treat.
Blueberry Pancakes
Fresh or frozen blueberries make a wonderful addition to pancakes. Gently fold in about 1/2 cup of blueberries into your batter for an extra burst of flavor.
Banana Pancakes
Bananas and pancakes are a classic combination. Mash half a ripe banana and fold it into the batter for sweet, banana-flavored pancakes.
Cinnamon Pancakes
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients for warm, spiced pancakes. You can also drizzle a cinnamon sugar mixture on top of your pancakes for an extra touch of sweetness.
Vegan Pancakes
If you’re vegan, you can easily modify this recipe by using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and swapping the milk and butter for non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and coconut oil.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pancake Recipe
There are many reasons this easy pancake recipe will become your go-to breakfast recipe:
- Quick and simple: You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated steps to make these pancakes. It’s a straightforward recipe that anyone can follow.
- Fluffy and delicious: This recipe yields light, fluffy pancakes that are perfect for stacking and serving with your favorite toppings.
- Customizable: You can easily add mix-ins like fruit, chocolate chips, or spices to suit your taste.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a busy weekday morning, a weekend brunch, or a special occasion, pancakes are always a hit.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Pancakes
If you happen to have any leftover pancakes (which is rare, considering how delicious these are), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Store: Let the pancakes cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat the pancakes in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or on a skillet over low heat. You can also place them in a toaster to crisp them up.
Conclusion
This easy pancake recipe is your ticket to a delicious breakfast or brunch in no time. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make fluffy, golden pancakes that everyone will love. Whether you keep it classic or get creative with toppings and add-ins, these pancakes are always a crowd-pleaser. So, grab your griddle and start flipping—fluffy, homemade pancakes are just minutes away!
