How to Make Pancakes from Scratch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pancakes are a staple breakfast item that everyone loves. They are easy to make, delicious, and can be topped with practically anything! Making pancakes from scratch may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite simple. In this article, we will break down step-by-step how to make the perfect pancake from scratch.

The first step to making perfect pancakes is gathering your ingredients. You will need flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, milk, eggs, and butter. Make sure that all of your ingredients are fresh and at room temperature. Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to get started!

Ingredients for Making Pancakes from Scratch

Making pancakes from scratch is a simple and fun process that involves the use of readily available ingredients in your pantry. You don’t need to go on an extensive shopping spree to get started on your pancake expedition. Here are the basic ingredients you’ll need:

1. Flour
Flour is the heart and soul of your pancake mix. You’ll need about two cups of all-purpose flour, which is enough for six to eight servings of pancakes.

2. Baking powder
Baking powder is essential in adding the fluffiness texture to pancakes. You’ll need two teaspoons of baking powder to make the perfect pancakes.

3. Salt
A pinch of salt brings out the flavor of your pancake mix. You can start by using a half-teaspoon of salt.

4. Eggs
Eggs bind together all the ingredients of your pancake mix. You’ll need to add two large eggs to get the batter for your pancakes.

5. Milk
Milk is the liquid ingredient that makes up the pancake batter. You’ll need a cup of milk, but you can adjust this quantity depending on how thick you prefer your pancakes.

6. Butter
Butter is essential to add flavor and a crispy texture to your pancake. You’ll need about three tablespoons of melted butter.

7. Vanilla extract
Vanilla adds a subtle flavor to pancake mix. You can add about two teaspoons of vanilla extract, but this step is optional.

8. Sugar
Sugar is essential to add sweetness to the pancake mix. You’ll need about three tablespoons of granulated sugar for your pancake mix.

9. Mixing bowl
You’ll need a large mixing bowl to mix all the ingredients to make a good pancake batter.

10. Whisk or fork
A fork or whisk is required to mix the ingredients together to form a smooth mixture.

Instructions for Making Pancakes from Scratch

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s get started on the pancake-making process.

1. Mix the dry ingredients
In your large mixing bowl, add the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Use a whisk or fork to mix these dry ingredients.

2. Add the wet ingredients
Add the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a whisk or fork to mix the ingredients together.

3. Mix the batter
Mix the ingredients together, but make sure not to over-mix. Whisk until the large lumps disappear, but leave the small lumps for a fluffier pancake.

4. Heat the skillet
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet to prevent the pancake from sticking.

5. Pumpkin pancake
If you want pumpkin pancakes, add a can of pumpkin puree to the batter.

6. Pour the batter
Using a ladle or a measuring cup, scoop the batter and pour it on to the skillet. Don’t pour too much as it will make it difficult to flip the pancake.

7. Cook the pancakes
Cook the pancake batter for about two minutes or until the edges start to brown. Flip the pancake and cook for another minute.

8. Repeat the process
Repeat the process until you finish the pancake batter. You can store the pancakes in a warm oven, wrapped in foil to keep them warm.

9. Serve the Pancakes
Serve the pancakes hot with your favorite toppings such as maple syrup, powdered sugar, blueberries, strawberries or chocolate chips.

10. Cleanup
Don’t forget to clean up and wash the utensils you used.

That’s it, making pancakes from scratch isn’t hard, and the results are always worth the effort. Try the recipe above, and you’ll never go back to pre-made pancake mixes!

Ingredients for Making Pancakes from Scratch

If you’re craving the perfect stacks of pancakes without any artificial flavors, making them from scratch is the way to go. But before you get started on your pancake-making journey, you’ll need to make sure you have the right ingredients. Here are the essential ingredients you’ll need to gather:

1. Flour

All-purpose flour is the standard choice for making pancakes. It has a medium protein content and provides the right amount of gluten to help the pancake batter hold its shape when poured onto the griddle.

2. Baking Powder

Baking powder is an essential ingredient in pancakes. Without it, the pancakes won’t rise and will instead be flat. Make sure your baking powder is fresh, or your pancakes will be flat as well.

3. Salt

A pinch of salt will balance the sweetness of your pancakes, making them taste more delicious. It’s a crucial ingredient that should not be skipped.

4. Sugar

A little bit of sugar will add sweetness to your pancake batter. You can use regular granulated sugar or brown sugar, depending on your preference.

5. Milk

Milk is required to make the pancake batter more liquid. For a richer and creamier taste, use whole milk. If you want to make a lighter version, you can use skim or low-fat milk.

6. Eggs

Eggs are used to bind the pancake batter together. You’ll need two large eggs for this recipe.

7. Butter or Oil

Butter or oil will prevent your pancakes from sticking to the griddle. You can use unsalted butter, vegetable oil, or even coconut oil depending on your preference.

8. Vanilla Extract

A teaspoon of vanilla extract will enhance the flavor of your pancakes, giving them a delicious aroma.

9. Lemon Zest

If you want to add a citrus twist to your pancakes, lemon zest is a great addition. It pairs exceptionally well with blueberries.

10. Blueberries or Chocolate Chips (optional)

Add-ins like blueberries or chocolate chips are entirely optional. However, they’ll add some flavor and texture to your pancakes. If you prefer plain pancakes, you can skip this ingredient.

Once you have all of your ingredients, you can move on to the next step of making your pancakes from scratch.

Choosing Your Ingredients

When it comes to making pancakes from scratch, choosing the right ingredients can make all the difference. From flour to milk, every ingredient will affect the taste and texture of your pancakes. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect pancake batter.

Choosing the Right Flour

The type of flour you use can greatly affect the texture of your pancakes. All-purpose flour is the most commonly used flour for pancakes since it has a moderate protein content that provides structure without making the pancakes tough. However, you can experiment with different types of flour such as whole wheat flour, buckwheat flour, or even almond flour to add unique flavors and textures to your pancakes.

Using the Right Baking Powder

Baking powder is what makes pancakes fluffy and light. Make sure you are using fresh baking powder that is less than 6 months old for the best results. It is also important to measure the baking powder accurately since too much can make the pancakes taste bitter and too little can make them flat.

Sweetening Your Pancakes

Adding sugar to your pancake batter is optional and depends on how sweet you want your pancakes to be. A good starting point is 1-2 tablespoons of sugar for every cup of flour. If you are looking for a healthier alternative, you can use honey or maple syrup instead.

Enhancing Flavor with Salt

Just a pinch of salt can enhance the flavor of your pancakes and balance out the sweetness. It is important to add the salt to the dry ingredients instead of the wet ingredients to ensure it is evenly distributed in the batter.

Choosing Your Dairy

Milk is an important ingredient in pancakes since it adds moisture and creates a tender crumb. You can use any type of milk you prefer, from whole milk to almond milk. If you want your pancakes to be extra fluffy, you can use buttermilk instead of regular milk. For a dairy-free alternative, you can use soy or oat milk.

Adding Fat

Butter or oil is essential for lubricating the pan and adding flavor to your pancakes. You can use any type of oil you prefer such as vegetable oil, coconut oil, or even bacon fat. If you are using butter, make sure it is melted and cooled before adding it to the batter.

Time to Flip!

And there you have it, how to make delicious pancakes from scratch! We hope you enjoyed this how-to article and found it useful. If you have any questions or want to share your pancake-making experience, please leave a comment below. Don’t forget to thank your cook, whether it’s you or someone else, for the hard work. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not make it fun? Keep an eye out for more recipes and cooking tips. Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you back here soon!