Making pancakes is relatively simple and doesn't require a lot of ingredients or effort. Here's an easy pancake recipe along with step-by-step instructions:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Cooking spray or extra butter for greasing the pan
Instructions:
Preheat the Pan: Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. You want the pan to be hot but not too hot; you can test it by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface. If the drops sizzle and evaporate quickly, it's ready.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar (if using), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until the dry ingredients are well combined.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter until well blended.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. It's okay if there are a few lumps; over-mixing can make the pancakes tough.
Rest the Batter (Optional): Let the batter rest for a few minutes. This allows the baking powder and baking soda to activate, resulting in fluffier pancakes.
Grease the Pan: Lightly grease the preheated pan with cooking spray or a small amount of butter, spreading it evenly.
Cooking the Pancakes: For each pancake, pour about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the hot pan. You can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set, which usually takes 1-2 minutes.
Flip the Pancakes: Carefully flip the pancakes using a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, or until both sides are golden brown.
Repeat: Continue making pancakes with the remaining batter, greasing the pan as needed between each batch.
Keep Warm: If you're making a large batch of pancakes, you can keep them warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 200°F (93°C) until you're ready to serve.
Serve: Serve your pancakes with your favorite toppings, such as maple syrup, fresh fruits, chocolate chips, or whipped cream.
Enjoy your homemade pancakes, and feel free to get creative with toppings and mix-ins to customize them according to your taste preferences!