Old Fashioned Pancakes: A Classic Breakfast Recipe

Pancakes are one of the most beloved breakfast staples around the world. Whether you’re enjoying them with maple syrup, fresh fruit, or a dollop of whipped cream, pancakes provide a delicious, comforting start to the day. Today, we’re diving into a timeless recipe for Old Fashioned Pancakes—fluffy, golden, and incredibly satisfying. This simple, traditional recipe is easy to make and perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

Why Old Fashioned Pancakes Are a Favorite

What makes old fashioned pancakes different from modern variations? The answer lies in their simplicity. These pancakes rely on a few pantry staples like flour, eggs, and milk to create a light and airy texture without the need for any complex ingredients. Their versatility is a major reason for their popularity; you can top them with anything from sweet syrups to savory options like bacon or sausage.

If you’re looking for a breakfast that is easy to whip up but still full of flavor, you can’t go wrong with this recipe.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Pancakes

To make these fluffy pancakes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 ¼ cups milk (whole milk works best for richness)
1 large egg
3 tablespoons melted butter (plus extra for greasing the pan)

This recipe serves about four people, but you can easily double or halve it depending on how many people you are cooking for.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Whisk these together to ensure they are well-blended. The dry ingredients are the base for your pancake batter, and whisking them together first will ensure the pancakes rise evenly when cooked.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter. It’s essential to whisk the egg thoroughly, as it helps incorporate air into the batter, making the pancakes light and fluffy. The melted butter adds richness to the pancakes and ensures they stay moist.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently fold the two mixtures together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter—it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Overmixing can make the pancakes tough, which is the opposite of what we’re aiming for.

4. Let the Batter Rest

Allow the batter to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This rest period gives the gluten in the flour time to relax, leading to softer pancakes. Meanwhile, you can heat up your griddle or frying pan.

5. Heat Your Pan or Griddle

Set a large non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter to the surface, just enough to coat it lightly. The butter not only prevents sticking but also gives the pancakes a crisp, golden exterior.

6. Cook the Pancakes

Once the pan is heated, pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the surface for each pancake. You can make the pancakes larger or smaller depending on your preference, but ¼ cup is a good standard size. Cook the pancakes for about 2-3 minutes on the first side, or until you see bubbles forming on the surface. Once bubbles appear and the edges look set, flip the pancakes and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Stack the pancakes on a plate and serve hot. The best part? You can customize them however you like. Whether it’s with maple syrup, fresh berries, or a generous dollop of butter, the possibilities are endless.

Tips for the Perfect Old Fashioned Pancakes

Even though this recipe is simple, a few tricks can make your pancakes even better:

Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is probably the most important tip. Overmixing can result in pancakes that are chewy rather than fluffy. Stir just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined, and then stop.
Let the Batter Rest: Allowing the batter to sit for a few minutes after mixing ensures that the baking powder has time to activate, making the pancakes puff up perfectly on the griddle.
Control the Heat: Cooking the pancakes on medium heat is key. Too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside is cooked through. Too low, and the pancakes won’t develop that nice golden-brown color.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Baking powder and baking soda lose their effectiveness over time, so make sure yours are fresh. This will give your pancakes the best rise.

Customizing Your Old Fashioned Pancakes

One of the greatest things about this pancake recipe is how easily it can be customized. Here are a few variations to try:

Blueberry Pancakes: Add fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter right before cooking.
Banana Pancakes: Mash a ripe banana into the wet ingredients for a subtle sweetness and extra moisture.
Chocolate Chip Pancakes: Fold a handful of chocolate chips into the batter for a treat that kids and adults will love.
Whole Wheat Pancakes: Swap out half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier, healthier version.

You can also experiment with different toppings. A classic favorite is a pat of butter and a drizzle of pure maple syrup, but you can also try whipped cream, fresh fruit, or even a sprinkling of powdered sugar.

Nutrition Information

Here’s a general estimate of the nutrition information per serving (makes about 8 pancakes, 2 pancakes per serving):

Calories: 220
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 6g

Of course, the nutrition will vary depending on what toppings or mix-ins you choose to add.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Pancakes are the perfect breakfast for any day of the week. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, they’re a go-to for busy mornings or leisurely weekend brunches. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a stack of golden, fluffy pancakes that will impress your family and friends.

So, next time you’re in the mood for a classic breakfast, give this Old Fashioned Pancake recipe a try. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how delicious the results are!

By following this recipe, you’ll have a foolproof way to enjoy a batch of light and fluffy pancakes, no matter the occasion. Happy cooking!