Pancake Batter - Classic Recipe

Classic Pancake Batter Recipe

Pancakes are a symbol of culinary comfort, a versatile dish that blends tradition with creativity. Whether you serve them for breakfast, as a dessert, or as a snack, pancakes are always an inspired choice. In this recipe, I will present a classic pancake batter that is simple to make but promises a delicious result.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Rest Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 35 minutes
Number of Servings: 8-10 pancakes

Ingredients

- 2 fresh eggs
- 350 ml of milk (suggestion: use whole milk for a richer texture)
- 200 g of flour (you can experiment with whole grain or gluten-free flour)
- 2 tablespoons of sugar (adjust the amount according to your preferences)
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt (salt helps enhance the flavor)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (sunflower or olive oil is ideal)
- 50 ml of sparkling mineral water (for added fluffiness)
- 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract (or a vanilla pod for a more authentic taste)
- 1 pinch of baking powder (ensures a fluffy texture)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature, as this will help achieve a smooth emulsion.

2. Mixing the liquids: In a large bowl, whisk the two eggs until frothy. Add the milk, oil, vanilla extract, and sparkling mineral water. Continue mixing until everything is well combined.

3. Incorporating the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. This step not only removes any lumps from the flour but also aerates the ingredients, making the batter fluffier.

4. Combining the mixtures: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the liquid mixture and gently stir with a spatula or whisk. It is important not to overmix – just until a homogeneous composition forms. There may be a few small lumps left, but don’t worry, they will disappear during cooking.

5. Resting the batter: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the batter rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This step is essential to allow the gluten to relax, resulting in softer and finer pancakes.

6. Cooking the pancakes: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil. Use a ladle to pour the batter into the skillet, forming an even layer. Cook the pancake for 1-2 minutes until bubbles appear on the surface and the edges begin to lift. Look for a slightly golden edge to know when to flip the pancake.

7. Flipping the pancakes: Using a spatula, flip the pancake and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side until golden and fluffy. Continue this process until you finish the batter.

8. Serving: Pancakes can be served warm, filled with blueberry jam, chocolate, sweet or savory cheese, fresh fruit, or even sour cream. A delicious suggestion is to dress them in maple syrup or honey for an extra flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

- Fillings: Get creative with fillings! You can use various jams (like strawberry, raspberry, or peach), melted chocolate, or cottage cheese mixed with sugar and vanilla.
- Savory pancakes: Add herbs to the batter and fill them with feta cheese and spinach for a savory version.
- Decoration: Serve pancakes with fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts for added texture.

Nutritional Information

A serving of pancakes (2 pancakes) has approximately:

- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can use whole grain or gluten-free flour, but the final texture may vary. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid.
- Why should I add sparkling mineral water? Sparkling water helps create a fluffier and airier texture for the pancakes.
- Can I prepare the batter in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before and keep it in the refrigerator. Make sure to mix it well before using it.

Conclusion

Now that you have a classic pancake batter recipe at your disposal, I encourage you to experiment and put your personal touch on every meal. Whether you choose sweet or savory fillings, pancakes are always a suitable choice for any occasion. Enjoy your meal!