Good Old-Fashioned Pancakes

Pancakes are a classic breakfast choice loved by many. They are fluffy, buttery, golden brown, and sweet. You can easily make them using ingredients that you most likely already have in your pantry.

Pancakes, the timeless breakfast delight! This recipe captures the essence of classic pancakes – fluffy, golden-brown, and delightfully sweet. The versatility of pancakes is a chef's dream – whether paired with traditional breakfast items like eggs and bacon or adorned with decadent toppings like butter, syrup, fresh berries, and vanilla whipped cream for a touch of elegance. A truly delightful canvas for culinary creativity! One key to pancake perfection is patience. Let the bubbles on the surface and the dry edges guide you – that's when you know it's time to flip. Two to three minutes per side, and you'll achieve that beautiful golden hue that makes each bite a blissful experience. Now, for those who savor leftovers, consider transforming them into a pancake casserole – a genius way to elevate day-old pancakes into a delicious new dish. And if you find yourself with extra batter, fear not! Store it in the fridge for up to two days or freeze it for future pancake cravings. Remember, pancakes are more than just a breakfast staple; they're a culinary canvas waiting for your artistic touch. Enjoy the process of making and savoring these delectable, homemade wonders!

Vadim Rachok

Chef

What are Pancakes?

Pancakes are enjoyed around the world and are known for their versatility often served for breakfast or as a dessert. This pancake recipe goes well with a mix of nuts and berries. You can also serve them on their own with butter and syrup. If you have guests, try adding vanilla whipped cream for a fancy touch.

You can pair the pancakes with a glass of cold orange juice or a steaming cup of coffee. They are perfect! If you have leftovers, you can make a pancake casserole the next day. However, it’s very likely that these pancakes will quickly disappear.

The origins of pancakes can be traced back thousands of years, with variations of the flatbread found in many cultures throughout history. The modern pancake as we know it today probably has its origins in ancient Greece and Rome, where they were made with wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and sour milk. Over time, the pancake has evolved and spread to other regions, each of which has adopted its own variations and cooking techniques.

Learn how to make delicious old-fashioned pancakes, and you’ll be flipping them out plate after plate in no time.

How to Make Pancakes

You can find a detailed list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below. Let’s review the basics:

Pancake Ingredients

You probably have all the ingredients for this pancake recipe. Add these items to your grocery list:

1. Flour: Flour provides the main structural component of pancakes, giving them their characteristic texture and helping them hold their shape during cooking.
2. Baking powder: Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps to make pancakes fluffy.
3. Maple Syrup: Often drizzled over pancakes as a topping, maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a distinctive rich flavor that complements the flavor of the pancakes.
4. Sugar: To add a hint of sweetness to your pancakes, all you need is a tablespoon of white sugar.
5. Vanilla Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and pleasant vanilla aroma to the pancake batter, enhancing the flavor profile of the batter.
6. Salt: A small amount of salt can enhance the flavor of pancakes without making them taste salty.
7. Milk and butter: Adding milk and butter to the pancake batter not only adds moisture but also enhances its richness.
8. Egg: Eggs add moisture and bind pancake batter.
9. Blueberries: Blueberries add moisture and texture to pancakes, as well as a sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color.
10. Mix nuts: Nuts provide a contrast in texture and flavor, making the pancakes more filling.
11. Raisins and dried cranberries: These dried fruits add natural sweetness and chewiness to the pancakes. They also provide a hint of tang that balances the overall flavor of the pancakes.

How to Make Pancakes From Scratch

1. First, separate yolks from whites. Add vanilla sugar, baking powder, sugar, and butter (melted and cooled) to the yolk. 
2. Mix well with a whisk, add sifted flour, and mix again.
3. Then, add milk and mix again until smooth. 
4. Whip the whites with a blender until fluffy (medium peaks). Add salt.
5. Combine the egg whites with the yolk mixture using a silicone spatula.
6. Then, heat a Teflon frying pan. Add 2 tablespoons of the mass and cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes on each side.
7. When the pancakes are cooked, place them on a napkin to remove excess fat.
8. Then, chop the nuts, raisins, cranberries, and blueberries.
9. Place pancakes on top of each other (4-6 pieces), pour syrup over them, and add berries and nuts. Enjoy!

Chef Recipe Tips:

• Try to mix the egg mixture with the whipped whites from the bottom up using a silicone spatula. It is important that the mass remains airy. 
• Try to use a nonstick pan. 
• If you don’t eat sugar, you can substitute stevia.

When to Flip Pancakes

Your pancake will tell you when it’s ready to flip. Wait until bubbles form on top and edges look dry, usually 2-3 mins per side.

How to Store Pancakes?

To store leftover pancakes: If you plan to eat leftover pancakes within a few days, store them in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze them. Whether you store them in the refrigerator or freeze them, store them in a zip-top freezer bag and separate them with wax paper or parchment paper so they don’t stick together. Be sure to remove all air from the freezer bag.

How To reheat leftover pancakes?

There are several ways to reheat leftover pancakes, but we recommend using the oven method if you have more than one pancake to reheat. If you only have a few pancakes to reheat, the toaster oven is your best bet. Do not use the microwave; the pancakes will tend to cool down and dry out more quickly with this method.

Reheat in the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the pancakes on a rimmed sheet pan and let them heat through. This will take between 6 and 10 minutes if you are starting with frozen pancakes; it will take less time if you have leftover pancakes from the refrigerator.

To reheat in the toaster: Set the toaster on medium toast and place a pancake in each slot. If the pancakes aren’t warm enough, toast them again on a lower setting.

Can You Save Pancake Batter?

Don’t let leftover pancake batter go to waste! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze it for later.

Can You Freeze Pancakes?

It is possible to freeze both pancakes and pancake batter for later use.

To freeze cooked pancakes, you need to allow them to cool down completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring that the edges do not touch each other. To quickly freeze something, place it in the freezer for a few hours or leave it there overnight. You can reheat them in an oven set to 350 degrees F until they are warmed through.

When it comes to freezing pancake batter, ladle the batter in serving size portions into freezer bags. Then, wrap the bags in foil and freeze them flat for up to one month. Make sure to thaw the batter in the refrigerator overnight before using it.

Pancakes FAQs

Can I make pancakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the pancakes ahead of time. We don’t recommend making them before a more formal weekend brunch because they taste the best hot off the grill. However, it is a good idea to make a batch for quick weekday breakfasts; reheat as many as you need each morning.

Can I use pancake butter to make waffles?

No, waffles require a batter with more fat to achieve their crispy exterior and fluffy interior. This is different from the lighter, more pourable pancake batter.