There's nothing like a stack of light, fluffy pancakes to start your morning. But achieving pancake perfection can seem elusive. We've got you covered with six essential tips that will have you flipping the fluffiest pancakes in no time.
Tip 1: Get your batter right
The key to fluffy pancakes is in the batter. Avoid over-mixing, which can make your pancakes tough. Instead, mix until your ingredients are just combined. Lumps are okay!
Here's a simple pancake recipe for you to try:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Combine the dry and wet ingredients separately, then mix them together until just combined.
Tip 2: Let the batter rest
Allow your pancake batter to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before you start cooking. This allows the gluten in the flour to relax, leading to a lighter, fluffier pancake.
Tip 3: Use the right amount of baking powder
Baking powder is what gives your pancakes their rise. Too little, and your pancakes will be flat. Too much, and they can taste bitter. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder per cup of flour in your recipe.
Tip 4: Don't press down on your pancakes
It's tempting to press down on your pancakes with your spatula as they cook, but resist the urge! This can push out the air bubbles that make your pancakes fluffy.
Tip 5: Flip at the right time
Wait until you see bubbles forming on the surface of your pancake before you flip it. Flipping too early can result in a less-than-fluffy pancake.
Tip 6: Keep your pancakes warm
There's nothing worse than a cold pancake. Keep your cooked pancakes warm in a low oven while you finish making the rest of the batch.
Bonus Tip: Serve with your favorite toppings
The best pancakes are served with your favorite toppings. Whether you prefer classic maple syrup, fresh fruit, or something more adventurous, the right toppings can take your pancakes from good to great.
With these tips in mind, you're on your way to perfect, fluffy pancakes every time.
