Fluffy Pancakes: the Best Recipe for Bubbly and Perfect Pancakes Ready in Just 5 Minutes!

Hey! Are you a breakfast lover? Are you looking for the best recipe to always get perfect pancakes? Look no further: our Perfect Fluffy Pancakes are exactly what you need! Typical of American and Canadian breakfasts, perfect to serve every morning alongside a creamy cappuccino, at brunch or for an ultra-delicious snack, they will win everyone over with their soft and spongy consistency.

Replicating the basic recipe at home is very simple and you can also have fun while doing it, even with your kids: just mix the egg with the granulated sugar, milk, vegetable oil, sifted flour with baking powder in a bowl and a pinch of salt. The prepared smooth and lump-free batter, poured by spoonfuls onto a well-buttered non-stick pan, is then cooked for about 3 minutes on each side or until many soft disks are obtained, which are then stacked on a serving plate.

What Are Pancakes?

Pancakes have a rich and ancient history, dating back to prehistoric times. Early versions were made from ground grains mixed with water or milk, cooked on hot stones. In ancient Greece and Rome, pancakes were sweetened with honey. By the Middle Ages, they evolved into a staple across Europe, often made with ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter. Pancakes took on cultural significance, with variations like French crêpes and Russian blini. Today, they are enjoyed worldwide in countless forms, reflecting local ingredients and traditions.

Tips for The Best Fluffy Pancakes

• Ensure your baking powder is fresh. Old baking powder can result in flat pancakes. Fresh eggs and milk also contribute to better texture and flavor.
• To obtain a perfect batter, mix the dry ingredients (flour, yeast, sugar and salt) on one side and the wet ingredients (eggs, milk and melted butter) on the other. Gradually add the former to the latter , stirring constantly, until to obtain an elastic and generally smooth dough.
• Don't worry if you still see some lumps: just let the dough rest and they will no longer be a problem. If you want to take advantage of the timing, you can also make the dough the evening before and then let it rest in the fridge overnight: simply take it out 15 minutes before cooking and then proceed as per our instructions. Or you can keep a ready-to-use preparation in your pantry and only add the liquid ingredients at the moment.
• The term "pancake" comes from two English words: cake and pan. The pancake pan must be strictly non-stick and large enough, so you can cook more than one at a time. It must not be greasy (the butter is already in the batter, that's enough) and it must be hot enough. Alternatively, you can also choose a pancake machine and forget about the stove.
• To avoid burning the pancakes or, worse, bringing them to the table cooked on the outside and raw on the inside, pay attention to the temperature of the pan. Heat the pan over a low heat for a few minutes, then remove it from the heat and add two or three ladles of dough: return to the heat which should now be a little more lively and cook the pancakes for 1-2 minutes , turning them when the edge starts to firm up. Warning: pancakes should only be turned once.

What Is The Best Flour To Make Fluffy Pancakes?

The best type of flour to use for these pancakes is all-purpose flour. All-purpose flour provides the right balance of protein and starch to create a smooth, thick batter, resulting in fluffy and tender pancakes. Make sure to sift the flour before mixing it with other ingredients to avoid lumps and ensure even distribution of the baking powder. This will help achieve the perfect texture for your pancakes.

Can I Use Butter Instead of Vegetable Oil?

Yes, you can! Melt the butter before mixing it with the other wet ingredients. Butter will add a rich flavor to the pancakes, but keep in mind that it can also make the pancakes slightly denser compared to using vegetable oil. Adjusting the quantity to 1:1, use one tablespoon of melted butter in place of one tablespoon of vegetable oil (about 25 grams).

What Type of Vegetable Oil is The Best One For This Recipe?

The best type of vegetable oil for the pancake recipe is a neutral-flavored oil like canola or sunflower oil. These oils won't overpower the taste of the pancakes and provide the necessary fat for a tender texture.

Does the Batter Need to Rest?

Yes, letting the pancake batter rest for about 10-15 minutes before cooking can improve the texture. Resting allows the flour to fully hydrate and the baking powder to activate, resulting in fluffier pancakes. While it's not strictly necessary, this step can make a noticeable difference in achieving the perfect fluffy texture.

How Can I Enrich and Serve These Pancakes With?

If you like, you can flavor the preparation with spices, such as cinnamon, vanilla and cardamom, you can add the grated zest of an orange or a lemon, some raisins soaked in rum or a handful of dark chocolate chips or, for a gluten free, you can use oat, rice or buckwheat flour instead of soft wheat flour. For a lighter variant, instead, you can use granulated sugar, ripe banana pulp, apple puree or erythritol instead: a naturally derived sweetener with index glycemic level of zero.

Once ready, you can drizzle the pancakes with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and fresh raspberries, as tradition dictates, or you can indulge your imagination and spread them with a cocoa and hazelnut cream, or with peanut butter and chopped peanuts, almonds, or you can finish them with a dollop of whipped cream , Greek yogurt or, more simply, with a light layer of icing sugar.

Why Are the Pancakes Rubbery and Chewy?

Rubbery and chewy pancakes are usually the result of overmixing the batter. Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, leading to a dense and chewy texture. To avoid this, mix the batter until the ingredients are just combined, and let it rest for a few minutes before cooking.

How Do I Know When It's Time to Flip The Pancakes?

It's time to flip the pancakes when bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes on the first side. The bubbles should remain open and not fill back in, indicating the batter is cooked enough to hold together when flipped.

Why Did My Pancakes Turn Out Flat and Not Fluffy?

Pancakes turn out flat and not fluffy if the batter is overmixed, which can develop too much gluten. Additionally, insufficient baking powder or using expired baking powder can result in a lack of rise. Lastly, cooking the pancakes at too low a temperature can prevent proper rising.

Can I Make These in Advance?

Absolutely! Cook them as usual, let them cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a toaster, oven, or microwave until heated through. This way, you can enjoy homemade pancakes with minimal effort on busy mornings.

Can I Freeze Fluffy Pancakes?

Yes, you can! After cooking and cooling them completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them directly from the freezer using a toaster, oven, or microwave until warmed through.

More Pancakes Recipes For Your Breakfast

Queen Elizabeth's Pancakes

Silver Dollar Pancakes

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Easy Pancake Tacos

Apple Pancakes

Japanese Soufflé Pancakes

How to Store Fluffy Pancakes

Store leftover pancakes by letting them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

How to Make Fluffy Pancakes

In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar.

Add the milk and the oil, slowly, continuing to stir them with the hand whisk.

Add the sifted flour and the baking powder.

Keep mixing until you obtain a smooth and thick batter. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before cooking.

Lightly butter a pan and start creating your pancakes by pouring the batter and giving it a circular shape.

When the pancake batter starts to form bubbles, then you can flip them. Cook on low heat to avoid browning them too much.

Once the edges look set, you can get the pancake off the pan. It should take about 2-3 minutes per side.

Place them next to each other and let them cool down a bit before serving.

Your pancakes are ready! Fluffy and perfect to enjoy with maple syrup and butter or hazelnut cream and powdered sugar. Enjoy!