Is there anything better than the aroma of freshly baked pancakes to start the day with a smile? This delicious breakfast, which has conquered cuisines around the world, has the power to bring the family together around the table and create unforgettable moments. And the best part is, you don't have to be a professional chef to prepare them. With a few basic ingredients and just a few minutes, you can surprise everyone with recipes for tender, fluffy, and flavorful pancakes.
In this article you will find a complete guide to preparing different homemade pancake recipes., from the most traditional American version to gluten-free or fruit-based options. Each one has been compiled and adapted from the best available sources, guaranteeing a delicious and easy-to-achieve result even if you cook occasionally. You can also explore delicious pancakes with banana and chocolate to vary your breakfast.
What are pancakes and why are they so popular?
The pancakes, also known as pancakes, panqueques or pancaques, are a sweet preparation based on flour, milk, eggs and yeast. Their fluffy texture and their neutral flavor makes them ideal to accompany with a wide variety of ingredients: from fresh fruit, whipped cream o maple syrup, to chocolate creams o artisan jamsHave you ever tried the banana and oatmeal pancakesThey are a great option.
In countries like the United States, they represent a classic breakfast weekend and have been immortalized in films and series. But the truth is that their origin dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, where similar preparations called tagenias. In the Middle Ages, they became popular during Lent, thanks to the fact that their ingredients did not violate religious restrictions such as meat consumption. How about starting the day with caramelized apple pancakes? Sounds great!
Classic Homemade Pancake Recipes
One of the best rated recipes on the internet is the traditional recipe for American pancakesIn just 25 minutes you can have them ready 15 to 18 units, ideal for a family breakfast or snack. If you like variations, don't forget to try the ham and cheese pancakes
Basic ingredients
- 200 g of common wheat flour
- 2 medium eggs
- 250 ml whole milk
- 50 g of white sugar
- 10 g of chemical yeast (Royal type)
Elaboration step by step
- Mix the eggs with the sugar and yeast in a bowl until you get a uniform dough.
- Add the milk little by little, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Slowly add the flour, stirring well until the mixture is homogeneous and smooth.
- Dejar stand 5 minutes to activate the yeast and make the mixture fluffier.
- Lightly grease a frying pan with butter or oil and heat over medium heat.
- Pour a small ladleful of batter into the center. When bubbles appear on top and the edges begin to brown, turn with a spatula. Cook for 30-40 seconds on the other side.
Express version for one or two people
You don't always cook for a large family. If you're alone or with a partner, you can make pancakes without any leftover batter. These quantities are ideal for 2 people:
- 75 g flour
- 1 medium egg
- 15 g of sugar
- 20 g butter, melted
- 100 ml of milk
- 6 g of chemical yeast
- A few drops of vanilla essence
- A pinch of salt
The preparation process is the same as in the previous recipe. You can store the dough in the refrigerator for 24 hours if you prefer to cook it at a later time.
Tips for fluffier pancakes
There are some tricks you can follow to achieve a seamless texture: when talking about pancakes.
- Beat egg whites until stiff and gently adding them to the dough will provide volume and lightness.
- Do not over-beat the mixture.Simply combine the ingredients. If you overmix, the pancakes may become dense or tough.
- Use yeast and butter in good conditionThe quality of the ingredients influences the final result.
- Leaves Rest the dough for 5 minutes so that the gluten relaxes before cooking.
Serving and accompanying ideas
Pancakes admit thousands of accompaniments, so you can adapt them to your tastes or what you have at home:
- American classicA little butter on top and pure maple syrup. Perfect for a special morning.
- Fresh fruit: banana, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blueberries or sliced apple.
- Chocolate or cocoa cream: Whether it's Nutella, Nocilla or a homemade version, it's always a good choice.
- Honey or caramel: very typical sweet alternatives.
- Walnuts or almonds: to add a crunchy and healthy touch.
Recipe for gluten-free and light pancakes
If you need a gluten-free alternative, you can opt for a recipe with gluten-friendly flours. The key is achieve the same fluffiness without resorting to conventional wheat:
Suggested ingredients according to some popular recipes:
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups gluten-free flour (certified rice, corn, or oat blend)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 1/4 cups of vegetable or animal milk
- 1 / 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
All are mixed liquid ingredients on one side and the dry ones on the other. They are then gently combined and the mixture is cooked as in the classic version. The result is Very tender and tasty gluten-free pancakes.
Anecdotes and everyday uses
Pancakes are not only a hit at the table, but they are also part of the emotional memory of many people. Some blogs highlight how in large familiesOn rainy days or during celebrations, pancakes became the perfect plan to cook with the little ones. There are also those who prepare them every Sunday as family ritual, especially if there are children in the house. For a fun alternative, try the broccoli and carrot pancakes, are a great way to include vegetables!
Also, being such a recipe versatile, you can constantly innovate. Add chocolate chips to the dough, change the milk to plant-based, incorporate liqueur for adults, add different toppings each time, or play with fun shapes for the little ones. You can also prepare pizza with pancake dough, a fun and delicious option.
You can even use metal cookie cutters in the pan. For making heart-, star-, or animal-shaped pancakes. Ideal for parties or birthdays!
As you have seen, Preparing homemade pancakes is within everyone's reach. It's a simple, flexible, and delicious recipe that can be adapted to your needs or circumstances. Whether it's a classic version, like the banana pancakes, gluten-free, with fruit or accompanied by cocoa cream, the important thing is to enjoy the process and share it with those you love the most. Don't forget to check out our fluffy pancake recipes for more ideas.