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    Home » Articles

    Published: Mar 1, 2023 by Harriet · Leave a Comment

    What Is The Secret To Good Pancakes?

    Jump to recipe card

    If you have trouble making the perfect pancake, have you asked yourself what is the secret to good pancakes?

    Keep reading for our 13 tips and tricks for making the best pancakes ever!

    Pancakes with strawberries and cream on top.
    Jump to:
    • Cooking Tips For Making Light and Fluffy Pancakes
    • Cooking Techniques for Making Light and Fluffy Pancakes:
    • Making Your Pancakes Extra Special
    • Easy Pancake Recipes
    • International Pancake Recipes
    • Recipe

    Pancakes are a classic comfort food that many people love, but they don't always turn out light and fluffy.

    With these tips and tricks you will soon be improving your pancake game and on your way to making delicious, fluffy pancakes.

    Cooking Tips For Making Light and Fluffy Pancakes

    1. Use the Right Equipment

    Using a good non-stick pan or griddle is essential for making the perfect pancake.

    A non-stick pan or griddle will stop the pancakes from sticking and make flipping them easier.

    Also, make sure to preheat the pan before pouring the batter will prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

    2. Use the Right Amount of Batter

    Use a measuring cup to scoop out the batter this will ensure that the pancakes are the same size and that they cook evenly. Use about ¼ - ⅓ cup of batter for each pancake.

    3. Don't Overmix the Batter

    Avoid over-mixing the batter because this can make them tough and dense.

    Mix the batter until the dry ingredients only just combine with the wet.

    And don't mix the batter until smooth because it is okay to have a few lumpy bits in it.

    4. Use Low to Medium Heat

    Cook the pancakes over low/medium heat to ensure they are cooked and lightly golden in color.

    If the heat is too high, they will burn and be undercooked.

    5. Flip the Pancakes Once

    Flip the pancakes only once when bubbles appear on the top of the pancakes and the edges start to dry out.

    6. Serve Immediately

    Pancakes should be served hot and immediately after cooking. This is because the steam inside them keeps them light and moist.

    7. Add Toppings

    Top the pancakes with butter, maple syrup, fruit, or any other topping of your choice to make them even more delicious.

    Cooking Techniques for Making Light and Fluffy Pancakes:

    1. Use Buttermilk

    Buttermilk is slightly acidic and activates the baking powder or baking soda in the batter, which makes them light and fluffier in texture. 

    If you don't have buttermilk you can use one of these buttermilk alternatives. 

    2. Let the Batter Rest

    Letting the pancake batter rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking allows the baking powder or baking soda activates, creating air pockets that help the pancakes rise and become light and fluffy.

    3. Use the Right Amount of Leavening Agents

    Follow the recipe carefully and use measuring spoons to ensure accuracy when using leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda.

    If you add too much leavening to pancakes, they will rise too quickly, and although they will be light and fluffy they will have a coarse and crumbly texture. 

    If you don't add enough leavening, the pancakes will be dense and flat.

    Making Your Pancakes Extra Special

    Now that you know the answer to What is the secret to good pancakes, take them from ordinary to extraordinary by:

    1. Mix in Unexpected Ingredients

    Add unexpected ingredients like pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a fall twist, or ricotta and lemon zest for a burst of freshness like these lemon ricotta pancakes.

    2. Experiment with Different Flours 

    Incorporate different flours like buckwheat as in these little Dutch pancakes or use rice flour to make these rice flour pancakes for a unique taste and added nutrition.

    3. Get Creative with Toppings

    Experiment with homemade whipped flavored cream, sliced bananas, or even savory toppings like bacon and eggs to elevate your pancakes.

    4. Make Your Syrup

    Make homemade blueberry or strawberry syrup,and brown sugar syrup.

    Easy Pancake Recipes

    1. Pancakes Without Eggs

    Vegan pancakes with blueberries on top.
    image credit: savorthespoonful.com
    Pancakes without eggs

    2. Banana Okara Pancakes

    Banana okara pancakes.
    image credit: soya eats.com
    Banana okara pancakes

    3. Buttermilk Pancakes

    Pancakes with butter and syrup on top.
    image credit: ihearteating.com/
    Buttermilk pancakes

    4. Maple Cinnamon Pancakes

    Maple cinnamon pancakes with nuts on top.
    image credit: goodinthesimple.com
    Maple cinnamon pancakes

    5. Rice Flour Pancakes

    Rice flour pancakes.
    image credit: thericechick.com
    Rice flour pancakes

    6. Gluten Free American Pancakes

    Gluten free pancakes on a board with banana slices, strawberries, suryp and jam.
    image credit: glutenfreetranquility.com
    Gluten free American Pancakes

    International Pancake Recipes

    1. French Crepes

    French crepes in a pan.
    image credit: abakingjourney.com
    French crepes

    2. Russian Blinis

    Blinis with smoked salmon.
    image credit: yourguardianchef.com
    Blinis with smoked salmon

    3. Japanese Okonomiyaki

    Japanese okonomiyaki

    4. Chinese Scallion Pancakes

    Chinese scallion pancakes.
    image credit: ohmyfoodrecipes.com
    Chinese scallion pancakes

    5. Korean Bindae-tteok (Mung Bean Pancakes)

    Korean mung bean pancakes.
    image credit: christinascucina.com
    Mung bean pancakes

    6. Moong Dal Chilla (Indian)

    Indian pancakes with curry on the side.
    image credit: pipingpotcurry.com
    Moong Dal Chilla

    7. Indian Dosa

    Dosa with filling inside on a blue plate.
    image credit: easyindiancookbook.com
    Mysore masala dosa

    8. American Pancakes

    American pancakes with berries and syrup.
    image credit: jackslobodian.com
    American pancakes

    To sum up, making light and fluffy pancakes is all about using the right techniques and ingredients.

    By following these tips and techniques, you can make delicious pancakes that will impress your family and friends.

    Have we missed any tips, or do you have a tip or two to share, please let us know in the comments below.


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    Recipe

    Oatmilk pancakes on a white plate dusted with powdered sugar.

    What Is The Secret To Good Pancakes?

    If you have trouble making the perfect pancake, have you asked yourself what is the secret to good pancakes? Keep reading for our 13 tips and tricks for making the best pancakes ever!
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe Share on Facebook Share on Twitter
    Prep Time : 5 mins
    Cook Time : 15 mins
    Total Time : 20 mins
    Cuisine: : Multicultural
    Course : Breakfast, Main Course
    Servings : 10 pancakes
    Calories : 106 : kcal

    INGREDIENTS

    Pancake recipe ideas

    • Pancakes Without Eggs
    • Banana Okara Pancakes
    • Buttermilk Pancakes
    • Maple Cinnamon Pancakes
    • Rice Flour Pancakes
    • Gluten Free American Pancakes
    • French Crepes
    • Russian Blinis
    • Japanese Okonomiyaki
    • Chinese Scallion Pancakes
    • Korean Bindae-tteok (Mung Bean Pancakes)
    • Moong Dal Chilla (Indian)
    • Indian Dosa
    • American Pancakes
    Tap button to prevent your screen from going dark while cooking.

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Choose your favorite recipe from the list above.
    • Gather all the ingredients.
    • Follow the recipe directions and use the tips below to cook up some delicious pancakes.

    Tips for Making Pancakes

    • Use The Right Equipment
      Using a good non-stick pan or griddle is essential for making the perfect pancake.
      A non-stick pan or griddle will stop the pancakes from sticking and make flipping them easier.
      Also, make sure to preheat the pan before pouring the batter will prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
    • Use The The Right Amount Of Batter
      se a measuring cup to scoop out the batter this will ensure that the pancakes are the same size and that they cook evenly. Use about ¼ - ⅓ cup of batter for each pancake.
    • Don't Overmix The Batter
      void over-mixing the batter because this can make them tough and dense.
      Mix the batter until the dry ingredients only just combine with the wet.
      And don't mix the batter until smooth because it is okay to have a few lumpy bits in it.
    • Let the Batter Rest
      Letting the pancake batter rest for 10-15 minutes before cooking allows the baking powder or baking soda activates, creating air pockets that help the pancakes rise and become light and fluffy.
    • Use Low To Medium Heat
      Cook the pancakes over low/medium heat to ensure they are cooked and lightly golden in color.
      If the heat is too high, they will burn and be undercooked.
    • Flip The Pancakes Once
      lip the pancakes only once when bubbles appear on the top of the pancakes and the edges start to dry out.
    • Serve Immediately
      Pancakes should be served hot and immediately after cooking. This is because the steam inside them keeps them light and moist.
    Nutrition Facts
    What Is The Secret To Good Pancakes?
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    106
    % Daily Value*
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Nutrition Disclosure

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    Hi, I'm Harriet! The face and photographer behind Recipe Pocket. I am a mother of two who is a cook by day and blogger by night.

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