Description
Craving a stack of warm, fluffy pancakes that bring back memories of cozy breakfasts? Old-Fashioned Pancakes are a timeless morning treat, made with simple ingredients for a light, tender texture and classic flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Old-Fashioned Pancakes use pantry staples to create their signature fluffy texture and classic flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base for a tender pancake.
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Provides lift for fluffy pancakes.
- 1 tablespoon white sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances overall flavor.
- 1 ¼ cups milk: Creates a smooth, pourable batter.
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 egg: Binds the batter and adds structure.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking on the skillet.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Baking Powder: Ensures a light, airy texture by creating bubbles in the batter.
- Melted Butter: Adds rich flavor and keeps pancakes tender.
- Milk and Egg: Provide moisture and structure for a balanced batter.
- Sugar and Salt: Balance flavors for a classic, not-too-sweet pancake.
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour: Use whole wheat flour for a heartier pancake or a gluten-free all-purpose blend for gluten-free.
- Milk: Substitute with buttermilk for extra tang, or use plant-based milk (e.g., almond, oat) for a dairy-free option.
- Butter: Replace with vegetable oil or vegan butter for dairy-free pancakes.
- Vegan Option: Use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) and plant-based milk and butter.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and ensure baking powder is gluten-free.
- Blueberry Pancakes: Fold in ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries before cooking.
- Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Add ¼ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 tablespoon white sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 ¼ cups milk, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 egg, and cooking spray.
- Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat (about 350°F/175°C if using an electric griddle).
Tip: Ensure the butter is melted but not hot to avoid scrambling the egg.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a large bowl, sift together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder, 1 tablespoon white sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Whisk in 1 ¼ cups milk, 3 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 egg until just combined; some small lumps are okay.
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow the baking powder to activate.
Tip: Don’t overmix the batter to keep pancakes light and fluffy.
Step 3: Cook the Pancakes
- Spray the preheated skillet with cooking spray (or lightly grease with butter or oil).
- Pour ¼ cup batter for each pancake onto the skillet, spacing them apart.
- Cook until bubbles form on the sides and center of each pancake, 2-3 minutes.
- Flip and cook until the bottom is golden, 1-2 minutes more.
Tip: Adjust heat if pancakes brown too quickly or cook too slowly; medium-high is ideal for even cooking.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve pancakes hot with butter and maple syrup, or your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, or jam.
Tip: Keep cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F oven while preparing the rest.