Classic Old-Fashioned Pancakes

Instructions:

1. Prepare Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients are the base of your pancake batter and will help provide the perfect texture when combined with the wet ingredients.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Make sure the butter is slightly cooled before adding it to prevent curdling the egg or milk mixture.

3. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Using a spatula or a whisk, gently stir until just combined. The key here is not to overmix. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine. Overmixing will result in dense, tough pancakes rather than light and fluffy ones.

4. Preheat the Pan:

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or oil. You can test the heat of the pan by sprinkling a few drops of water onto it; if the water sizzles, it’s ready for the batter.

5. Cook the Pancakes:

Spoon about ¼ cup of batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancake and the edges look set. Flip the pancake gently with a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side, or until golden brown.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the pancakes are cooked, transfer them to a warm plate. Continue cooking the remaining pancakes, greasing the skillet as needed between batches. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like butter, maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Why You’ll Love These Classic Pancakes:

• Simple and Quick: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, these pancakes come together in no time, making them perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekend breakfasts.
• Fluffy and Light: The combination of baking powder and butter ensures a delicate, airy texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
• Customizable: While the basic pancake recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, blueberries, or banana slices for an extra burst of flavor.
• Made from Scratch: Unlike boxed pancake mixes, these pancakes are made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, so you know exactly what goes into them.

Tips for the Perfect Pancakes:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Stir until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing will activate the gluten in the flour and make the pancakes tough.
• Temperature Control: If your pancakes are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. Conversely, if they’re taking too long to cook, increase the heat slightly. You want the pancakes to cook evenly, with a golden brown exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
• Keep Pancakes Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the pancakes warm in a 200°F (90°C) oven until ready to serve. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Use Fresh Baking Powder: Ensure that your baking powder is fresh for maximum fluffiness. Old or expired baking powder can result in flat, dense pancakes.

Serving Suggestions:

• Classic Maple Syrup: The classic choice for pancakes, maple syrup adds sweetness and depth of flavor. You can also drizzle some honey or agave syrup if you prefer a different sweetness.
• Fresh Fruit: Try adding a side of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a burst of color and freshness.
• Whipped Cream or Yogurt: For extra richness, top your pancakes with a dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of creamy Greek yogurt.
• Nut Butters: Spread peanut butter or almond butter on top for a nutty twist that pairs beautifully with pancakes.

Final Thoughts:

These Classic Old-Fashioned Pancakes are a delicious, satisfying way to start your day. With their simple ingredients and foolproof method, they are sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy them with traditional syrup, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, each bite will remind you of the simple joys of homemade breakfast treats. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a timeless favorite that everyone will love!