Pancakes—who doesn’t love a stack of these fluffy, golden delights? Whether you’re starting your day with a cozy breakfast at home or preparing a treat for a special occasion, Old Fashioned Pancakes are a classic favorite that never goes out of style. With a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create a stack of pancakes that are tender, fluffy, and downright delicious.
In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to make perfect Old Fashioned Pancakes from scratch. No need for a store-bought pancake mix—this homemade version is just as quick and easy, and it’ll have your family and guests coming back for more. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to make these timeless pancakes.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Pancakes
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 teaspoons melted butter
- 1 egg
- 1 ¼ cups milk (adjust for desired consistency)
- Cooking spray (for greasing the skillet)
These simple ingredients combine to create the perfect batter that results in light, fluffy pancakes every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Old Fashioned Pancakes
Making pancakes from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these easy steps to create your own homemade pancakes that are fluffy on the inside and perfectly golden on the outside.
Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of white sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk or spoon to mix these dry ingredients together. This ensures that the baking soda and sugar are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, add the 1 egg, 1 ¼ cups of milk, and 3 teaspoons of melted butter to the dry ingredients. Whisk everything together until the batter is well combined. You’re looking for a smooth and slightly thick batter—if it feels too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 3: Rest the Batter
After mixing the ingredients, let the batter sit for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the ingredients to meld together and the batter to thicken slightly, resulting in fluffier pancakes when cooked.
Step 4: Heat the Skillet
While the batter is resting, place a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Allow the skillet to get hot. Once heated, lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent the pancakes from sticking and to give them a golden finish.
Step 5: Cook the Pancakes
Now it’s time to cook! Pour about ¼ cup of pancake batter onto the heated skillet for each pancake. Be sure to leave space between the pancakes, as they will spread slightly while cooking.
Let the pancakes cook for about 2-3 minutes until you see bubbles forming along the edges and in the center of each pancake. This is a sign that it’s time to flip them. Carefully flip the pancakes with a spatula and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until both sides are golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your pancakes are cooked, serve them immediately with your favorite toppings. Whether you enjoy them with a dollop of butter and syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream, Old Fashioned Pancakes make for a delicious breakfast or brunch option that’s sure to satisfy.
Tips for Perfect Old Fashioned Pancakes
To make sure your pancakes turn out perfectly every time, here are some useful tips:
1. Don’t Overmix the Batter
When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Stir until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can result in dense, flat pancakes instead of fluffy ones.
2. Keep the Heat Moderate
Cooking your pancakes over medium-high heat is key. If the heat is too high, your pancakes may brown too quickly on the outside while remaining raw inside. A moderate heat allows for an even cook and golden color.
3. Make Mini Pancakes for a Fun Twist
If you’re serving pancakes for kids or guests, consider making mini pancakes. Simply use less batter for each pancake and cook for a slightly shorter time. These bite-sized pancakes are perfect for stacking and topping with syrup or fresh berries.
4. Keep Pancakes Warm
If you’re making pancakes for a crowd, you can keep them warm by placing them in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F or 93°C) on a baking sheet until all the pancakes are ready. Cover them with foil to prevent them from drying out.
5. Experiment with Flavor Add-ins
If you want to add a twist to your pancakes, try mixing in blueberries, chocolate chips, or sliced bananas to the batter. You can also add a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Old Fashioned Pancakes
These Old Fashioned Pancakes are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few classic and creative ways to enjoy your pancakes:
- Classic Syrup and Butter: The timeless choice—serve your pancakes with maple syrup and a pat of butter.
- Berry Toppings: Fresh blueberries, strawberries, or a mix of berries add a refreshing and fruity contrast to the richness of the pancakes.
- Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
- Nut Butter: Spread peanut butter or almond butter on top for a protein-packed twist.
- Chopped Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for some crunch and texture.
- Fruit Compote: Make a quick fruit compote with berries, apples, or peaches cooked with a bit of sugar and lemon juice for a warm, saucy topping.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pancakes (though this rarely happens!), you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the toaster or microwave. For an extra crispy texture, you can reheat pancakes in a skillet over medium heat for a couple of minutes on each side.
For longer storage, freeze the pancakes by placing a layer of parchment paper between each pancake and storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, simply reheat from frozen in the microwave or on a griddle.
Final Thoughts on Old Fashioned Pancakes
There’s something incredibly satisfying about enjoying a stack of warm, Old Fashioned Pancakes in the morning. Whether you’re preparing a cozy breakfast for yourself or serving a crowd, these pancakes offer both comfort and deliciousness. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any time of day.
So, grab your ingredients, fire up that skillet, and treat yourself to a timeless classic that everyone will love!