Pancakes are a classic breakfast staple loved by many. There’s nothing quite like a stack of fluffy, light s topped with maple syrup and melted to start your day off right. Making the perfect pancake can be a bit of a challenge, though. The secret to achieving light and airy lies in the ingredients and the cooking technique. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make the lightest pancakes you’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients you will need:
– 1 cup All-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk (or mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for a few minutes)
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Cooking spray or additional butter for greasing the pan
Step 1: Sift the dry ingredients
Start by sifting the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Sifting will help remove any lumps and ensure a lighter texture in your pancakes.
Step 2: Prepare the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until well combined. Then add the melted butter and whisk again. Combining the wet ingredients separately allows for even distribution throughout the batter.
Step 3: Mix the wet and dry ingredients
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently fold the two together using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as this can result in tough pancakes.
Step 4: Rest the batter
Allow the batter to rest for approximately 10 minutes. Resting the batter allows the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in a lighter and more tender pancake.
Step 5: Preheat the griddle or pan
While the batter is resting, preheat a non-stick griddle or pan over medium-low heat. If using a pan, coat it lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Ladle the batter onto the griddle or pan
Once the griddle or pan is hot, use a 1/4 cup measuring cup or ladle to pour the batter onto the cooking surface. Leave space between each pancake to allow for spreading.
Step 7: Cook the pancakes
Cook the pancakes for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until bubbles start to form on the surface. Once the edges appear set and the bottom is golden brown, flip the pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Step 8: Keep warm and serve
As the pancakes finish cooking, transfer them to a warmed plate or baking sheet and keep them in a preheated oven at a low temperature to stay warm. This allows you to serve a full stack compromising their temperature.
Finally, serve your light and fluffy pancakes with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.
By following these steps, you can easily make light and pancakes at home. Remember, the key is to avoid overmixing the batter and to allow it to rest before cooking. With a little practice, you’ll soon be able to master the art of making the perfect stack of pancakes. Enjoy!